Tips For Bigger Bodied Travel

Hello friend,

Imagine for just one second that all bodies were considered for every step of the travel experience.

What a world that would be…

But as we know, travel is rarely designed with bigger bodies in mind.

And still—this is important—that doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing experience traveling.

It just means we have to be a little more intentional about how we do it.

Traveling as a plus-size man isn’t about limitation. It’s about preparation, self-awareness, and honestly… having your own back in spaces that weren’t necessarily built with you in mind.

We think through all of these things when planning our retreats. I even visit all of the locations we take our groups to make sure they’re “bear-friendly” :) But whether you’re traveling with us or going on your own adventure, there are a few things that can make a huge difference.

Let’s start with the flight, because that’s usually the part people stress about the most.

Choosing your seat is not just a random click during booking—it’s strategy. An aisle seat can give you more freedom to move, stretch, and not feel “stuck.” A window can offer a bit of privacy and something to lean into. And the middle seat… well, we don’t do that to ourselves if we can help it. If it’s within your means, extra space or even a second seat can completely change your experience. Comfort here sets the tone for your whole trip.

And while we’re on flights—wear clothes that actually support you. This is not the moment for tight waistbands or anything that digs into your body after two hours. Think soft, breathable, easy layers. Planes have a personality of their own when it comes to temperature, so being able to adjust matters. And if you’ve never tried compression socks for long travel days, they can really help with swelling and overall comfort.

Another big one—and this is more mindset than logistics—is advocating for your needs. If you need a seatbelt extender, ask for it. Quietly, confidently, without apology. These things exist for a reason. The more we normalize taking care of ourselves, the less power that discomfort or embarrassment has over us.

Now let’s talk about something people don’t always mention, but every bigger guy knows: chafing and overheating. Travel often means more walking, more heat, and more friction than your everyday routine. Bringing something for chafing, staying hydrated, and giving yourself moments to cool down can be the difference between enjoying your day and counting the minutes until you can sit down again.

Packing is another place where a little intention goes a long way. Our clothes take up space—it’s just reality—so being smart about how you pack matters. Compression bags can help, and having a small essentials bag within reach during travel makes things easier. And always, always keep a backup outfit in your carry-on. Lost luggage hits different when your options are limited.

And if you’re traveling internationally, there’s one extra layer to think about: doing your homework ahead of time. Not in an overwhelming way, but in a supportive way. Look into airline policies, seat sizes, how walkable your destination is, and even cultural vibes around body size. The more you know before you go, the more relaxed you’ll feel when you get there.

At the end of the day, this isn’t about trying to control every detail.

It’s about setting yourself up so your body can actually enjoy the experience.

Because you deserve that.

You deserve to explore, to rest, to feel good in your body while you’re doing something as beautiful as seeing the world.

And whether you’re doing that on your own or with us on a retreat, that’s always the goal.