As summer vacation season approaches, you may be planning to pack your bags and jet off somewhere warm. But before you do, check out these plus size friendly destinations.
In these locations, voluptuous curves aren’t just welcome – they are celebrated! You can even find a resort in the Bahamas that was designed with hefty travelers in mind.
Albania
Albania is a unique country located in the Balkans, which attracts visitors thanks to its marvelous nature and rich history. It combines the Adriatic and Ionian seas, as well as magnificent mountains. It’s also a great destination for history buffs, with its many impressive castles and museums.
The country is safe for travelers and locals are incredibly hospitable to tourists. Although pickpocketing does occur (but no more than in any major European city), violent crime is rare. Visitors should exercise caution in large crowds and when using public transport.
One thing that’s a little worrying about the country is the high number of scams targeting backpackers, particularly women. Beware of over-excited guides who promise a trip of a lifetime for an exorbitant price. It’s worth checking out the reputation of an agency before booking, and asking for details of previous customers before parting with your cash.
If you’re planning on exploring the mountainous areas, you should pack warm clothing and be aware of weather conditions. Snowfall is common, and temperatures can drop significantly when traveling higher up in the mountains. If you’re planning to go hiking in remote areas, be sure to tell someone at your accommodation about your plans and to check the latest weather reports.
Another factor to consider when planning a trip to Albania is the fact that it’s a seismically active region. Large earthquakes can happen at any time, and it’s important to stay updated on current alerts. If you’re unsure, contact your accommodation and ask them for details of evacuation procedures.
It’s a good idea to fly into Tirana, the capital city of Albania, and explore it by taking a city walking tour. The capital is full of amazing museums and a great place to learn about the country’s history. It’s also home to some of the best restaurants in Europe, so make sure to try some of the local cuisine. It’s also worth visiting the historic district of Skanderbeg Square and checking out some of the other incredible buildings in the area.
Mauritania
In the West African country of Mauritania women are not encouraged to be plus size. In fact, fat really is all that. Girls as young as seven are sent away to ‘fat farms’ where they are brutally force fed so that they become obese as quickly as possible. It is seen as a rite of passage into adulthood. The silvery stretch marks on their skin are sexy and attract wealthy husbands.
Thankfully, this culture is changing thanks to global influences. Western clothing, Lebanese music and even TV is altering attitudes. But there’s still a long way to go for the women of Mauritania. The good news is that there are plus size designers making an effort to bring their clothes into this market. And hopefully, Mauritania will catch up with the rest of the world soon.
Philippines
Traveling as a plus size traveler isn’t always easy. Feeling ignored, hearing sly comments or simply feeling uncomfortable on vacation can keep people away from exploring the world.
In some places, a simple change in attitude can make the world of difference. The Philippines is a great example. This country has been hit hard by obesity, a condition that has wreaked havoc on the health and wellbeing of millions of citizens. But it’s also a place where fatness is not viewed as a ‘problem’. This makes it easier to be inclusive of fat people when they visit.
Karaoke is a big part of Filipino culture, and there’s no reason why a tourist can’t get up mic-in-hand and try to croon out a tune or two. If the results aren’t up to snuff, that’s no problem; it’s not considered impolite in the Philippines to arrive at dinner on time (in fact, showing up on time could be seen as rude).
It’s best to assume things will go wrong when traveling in the Philippines. Boat and bus schedules are notoriously unreliable, weather can scuttle plans, and typhoons affect vast swathes of the country (particularly outside the typhoon season of June to December). Being flexible and accepting that not everything will run smoothly can make the experience more enjoyable. Trying to impose Western standards can actually make things worse, as raising your voice and showing frustration will only lead to the locals losing face.
