A plus size travel influencer revealed she finds it more difficult to travel in certain countries as she gets awkward stares from locals who are not used to seeing larger bodies.
British-Maltese Emily Jones, who boasts more than 470,000 followers on her Instagram @miss___jones, opened up about the issues plus size travellers face while exploring different countries.
The blogger, who recently had gastric bypass surgery and lost weight was a size 20 at her largest. She says she has now seen ‘both sides of the coin’ and understands the ‘privilege’ that comes with travelling in a smaller body.
Despite her new smaller size, Emily explained that she is still an advocate for more inclusivity for travellers of all sizes and she is keen to share her experiences ‘to raise up the voices of the plus-size community’.
The beauty revealed that travel can present some specific issues for plus-size people, such as small plane seats, small bathrobes and towels in certain hotels and awkward stares and comments from local communities, in particular Southeast Asia.
Speaking exclusively to FEMAIL, Emily said: ‘The Maldives was definitely tricky and posed some particular issues as the seaplanes are really tiny!
‘Having recently returned from a trip to Thailand and Vietnam, I can say that Southeast Asia is not very accommodating for plus-size travellers in general – not due to any fault of their own and not really a criticism but more of an observation.
British-Maltese Emily Jones, who boasts over 470,000 followers on her Instagram @miss___jones, revealed she finds it more difficult to travel in certain countries as she gets awkward stares from locals who are not used to seeing larger bodies
‘It’s due to the smaller average body size over there, which was reflected in the sizes of hotel robes, towels and so on, not to mention the many curious stares from locals.’
Emily revealed that in some countries where larger bodies are less common she often gets ‘some awkward stares and curious reactions from locals.’
She recalled one very distressing experience during a massage in Thailand when the masseuse told her she should exercise.
The influencer revealed she suffers from Lipedema, which is a condition that results in painful fatty tissue buildup in the arms and legs.
She recalled: ‘I have had a massive transformation with my weight in the last year or so which has also left me with a lot of loose skin, particularly on my arms.
‘When I was most recently in Thailand and went for a massage, the masseuse started poking my arms and exclaiming that I had very big arms and that I needed to do some exercise.
‘As you can imagine this turned what was meant to be a very relaxing experience into quite a distressing one.
‘This hit home a little more for me as it was clear she couldn’t understand why my body was shaped the way that it was.
Despite her new smaller size, Emily explained that she is still an advocate for better inclusivity for travellers of all sizes and she is keen to share her experiences ‘to raise up the voices of the plus-size community’
The beauty revealed that travel can present some specific issues for plus-size people, such as small plane seats, small bathrobes and towels in certain hotels and awkward stares and comments from local communities, in particular Southeast Asia
‘I’m a really confident person so whilst this did sting a little in the moment, and I was keen to share the raw experience with my followers, I could understand that it was probably more from a curiosity point rather than one of judgement.
‘However you can see how that could be really upsetting to someone less secure in themselves and could trigger off a horrible emotional reaction which no one deserves to be subjected to, let alone on holiday or whilst travelling in a foreign country.’
After sharing her story on her TikTok account, which boasts over 20,000 followers, Emily said her experience resonated with a lot of other plus-size people.
The body positivity advocate also has some invisible disabilities such as rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness and she also suffered with fibromyalgia, which comes with widespread pain, fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues.
These health issues can also exacerbate the discomfort of travelling in small plane seats for the influencer.
She said: ‘My most challenging experiences have been with US airlines—not regarding my size, but related to my invisible disabilities.
‘I live with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, and there have been several occasions where I spotted empty seats that would have better accommodated my condition, but was denied permission to move to them despite explaining my medical needs.
‘These situations were particularly frustrating because my disability wasn’t being recognised or accommodated, even when solutions were readily available.’
Emily revealed there were easy adjustments that airlines and hotels could make to make travel more comfortable and inclusive for plus sized people.
Emily revealed that in some countries where larger bodies are less common she often gets ‘some awkward stares and curious reactions from locals’
The influencer said her health issues can also exacerbate the discomfort of travelling in small plane seats
The blogger, who recently had gastric bypass surgery and lost a lot of weight over the last year, says she has now seen ‘both sides of the coin’ and understands the ‘privilege’ that comes with travelling in a smaller body
She said: ‘One small adjustment that would make people feel more comfortable in hotels would be to offer larger towels and plus size bathrobes.
‘Bathrooms should be accessible too – we all know the discomfort of a pokey hotel bathroom!
‘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.
‘Airlines could also provide seat width and pitch measurements online during booking, this would make a lot of plus-size travellers more comfortable and confident with their upcoming journey, easing some of the unknown that can be such an anxiety for travellers.
‘Plane seats are notoriously uncomfortable for most plus-size travellers – and often for average sized people too! So it can be a really restrictive experience.
‘As a whole, it would also be impactful if plus-size passengers were included in comfort testing for new seating configurations too.
‘Ultimately, I’d say the way to really implement change would involve consulting plus-size travellers themselves during planning and implementation stages, rather than just making assumptions about their needs.’
Elsewhere Emily claimed being able to see more diversity and representation in travel adverts could also help with stigma.
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 I’d love to see a bit more representation, particularly in luxury travel.
She recalled one very distressing experience during a massage in Thailand when the masseuse told her she should exercise
The influencer revealed she suffers from Lipedema, which is a condition that results in painful fatty tissue buildup in the arms and legs
The body positivity advocate also has some invisible disabilities such as rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness and she also suffered with fibromyalgia, which comes with widespread pain, fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues
Elsewhere Emily claimed being able to see more diversity and representation in travel adverts could also help with stigma
Emily claimed the debate about weighing passengers reflected a wider issue between ‘operational concerns and passenger dignity’
Emily claimed the current narrative around plus-size travelers has become ‘increasingly complex and often contentious’
Emily, who was unable to travel for a few years due to her mother’s terminal illness, says she is embracing the opportunity to explore the world now and hasn’t let her weight limit her experiences
‘That’s another reason why I am so passionate about sharing my travel content – 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.’
Emily claimed the current narrative around plus-size travellers has become ‘increasingly complex and often contentious’.
She added: ‘I wish we’d approach things with more kindness, more understanding, and less cruel judgement.’
Last year Finnair, which services the UK with budget flights to and from Finland, revealed it will begin weighing passengers with their carry-on luggage in order to better estimate the plane’s weight before take-off.
Social media users were left ‘horrified by the announcement, which they argued would lead to embarrassment for overweight passengers, describing the plan as ‘cruel’.
Emily claimed the debate about weighing passengers reflected a wider issue between ‘operational concerns and passenger dignity.’
She said: ‘The idea of weighing travellers alongside luggage feels completely dehumanising and stigmatising.
‘I think it reduces people to numbers without considering the psychological impact or potential for public humiliation, which is rarely a route towards any kind of meaningful change!
‘What’s particularly concerning is how these discussions frequently devolve into judgement about individual bodies rather than focusing on systemic accommodation issues.
‘The narrative tends to place responsibility on passengers to conform to spaces, rather than questioning why spaces aren’t designed for diverse bodies in the first place.’
Emily, who was unable to travel for a few years due to her mother’s terminal illness, says she is embracing the opportunity to explore the world now and hasn’t let her weight limit her experiences.
She said: ‘My weight-loss journey was never really about my looks – I’ve truly always believed that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes – but more about my personal health journey, and I’ve been left with a lot of loose skin and stretch marks which cause new issues and possible ‘insecurities’ that could challenge self-confidence.
‘I will always continue to strive for ALL bodies to feel comfortable and confident in any situation, be it on home soil or whilst out exploring the world and taking on new adventures.’
‘Hopefully I can inspire people to be less judgmental, more confident, and accepting that people come in all shapes and sizes.’
