Plus-sized traveller reveals locations that welcome curvier friends
A plus-sized travel blogger who holidays ‘at least once a month’ has shared the changes she wants to see in the travel industry to make it more inclusive for larger people, including steps airlines and hotels could take to accommodate curvier guests.
Emily Jones, who posts about her jet-set lifestyle to 332,000 Instagram followers as @miss___jones, said that when it comes to hotels, it’s the little things that make all the difference.
She commented: ‘One small adjustment that would make people feel more comfortable would be to offer larger towels and plus-sized bathrobes.
‘This would make the stay so much more comfortable and inclusive for plus-sized people.’
The size 20 Instagrammer, who splits her time between Malta, the UK and Helsinki, wants airlines to make things easier on passengers, too, starting with making the process of boarding a flight easier and clearer for those who need adjustments.
Emily Jones, who splits her time between Malta, the UK and Helsinki (above), posts about her jet-set lifestyle on Instagram
LEFT: Emily on board a seaplane, which she took in the Maldives. She warns that the aircraft can be difficult for larger passengers. RIGHT: Emily enjoys the pool at a hotel in the Seychelles, where she recently travelled for her Instagram page
Emily (pictured above in Malta) says the UK is great for plus-sized folk, but warns that some Asian countries may be more difficult to navigate
Emily travels somewhere every month. She’s pictured above in Dubai
She told MailOnline: ‘It would be great if airlines could announce during boarding that if anyone needs a seatbelt extension, that they are available.
‘From my experience and what people tell me in my messages online, asking for an extension is a big fear for plus-size people. I’d love to see this being de-stigmatised so people can travel comfortably and without the added anxiety.’
Seatbelt extensions are available from most airlines and comprise of a clip-on, adjustable section of seatbelt that lengthens the distance the belt can extend before fastening.
Earlier this year, curvy influencer Gracie Bon, 26, called for airlines to make plane seats bigger as she claims she can not fit her bum in them.
Emily wants to improve the amount of ‘representation’ bigger holidaymakers get in travel media
It seems Emily agrees.
When asked about the biggest challenge the curvy influencer faces while travelling, she said: ‘I think plane seats are notoriously uncomfortable for most plus-sized people.
‘Besides that, there are definitely some countries that aren’t used to seeing plus-sized people, so you can get some awkward stares.’
For any plus-sized travellers looking to book their next trip, Emily has some suggestions for which countries are the easiest to navigate in a larger body – and which are more of a challenge.
Emily commented: ‘The UK is really inclusive and makes things most comfortable in my opinion.
‘The Maldives was tricky as the seaplanes are really tiny. I haven’t explored much more of Asia as yet but understand some areas can be uncomfortable for plus-size people.’
Emily also recommended one destination in Africa that she claims was a good experience for her.
She noted: ‘I recently visited the Seychelles and had the most amazing trip.
‘The nature of the islands is incredible, but the friendly and welcoming people really made it one of the best places I’ve ever been! I would highly recommend it.’
As part of her encouragement to other plus-sized people, Emily shares video clips of herself enjoying glam hotels, luxury pools and sandy beaches on Instagram.
In one clip, where she wears a brightly coloured swimsuit, the influencer said: ‘This is your Sunday reminder that you and your stretch marks, loose skin, double chin and lil belly deserve to see the world and enjoy nice things just as much as anyone else does. You belong!’
And she told MailOnline: ‘I’d love to encourage people of all shapes and sizes not to let their insecurities hold them back, and to remind people that life is short and they deserve to be in these spaces just as much as those perfect-looking people on Instagram!’
On that subject, Emily also wants to improve the ‘representation’ of bigger holidaymakers in travel media.
She added: ‘More than anything, I would like to see some more diversity in travel media – we’re so used to seeing only one type of look in travel adverts and on Instagram, and as a plus-sized woman I’d love to see a bit more representation, particularly in luxury travel.’
