I’ve been plus size for most of my life. There was about a 10 year period is was in great shape. I’d lost 100lbs, I was SKINNY. But then I fell in love and got fat and happy. Who wants to wake up at 5am and work out in the cold, in a parking lot, or run 20 miles, when I can snuggle in bed with the love of my life? Not me! This is not to say I condone being lazy. I really should be better, but in my defense, I’m a nurse and I’m on my feet all day running around. Do you know how much extra I have to do to burn even more calories than I already do? A lot. But I digress. Some people are just bigger. Not unhealthy. More muscular. Wear bigger clothes. Don’t fit just right in airplane seats, etc.
So how do you travel comfortably when you’re on the more to love size?
First off, get a seat belt extender. You won’t always need it, but sometimes you do and it’s far less embarrassing just pulling it out of your bag than having to struggle and the flight attendant saying, “here dear, let me get you an extender.” Yes, that has happened and yes, I got red faced from it. It is what it is, I did not dwell on it.
So seat belt extender. I got mine on Amazon.
Seat Belt Extender
I have also read that you can buy an extra seat next to you if you don’t think you can comfortably and safely fit in one seat. I suggest booking your reservations via phone because sometimes you can get that extra seat without charge. That is not always the case, but it never hurts to ask.
Next, you want to dress comfortably, but you also want to make sure you don’t get blood clots. I know, we’re all getting older and it’s a thing. Compression socks are your friends. They don’t have to be the ugly brown ones, there are all kinds of fun colors and patterns out there.
My favorites are Comrads, but they can be a little pricey. The ones from Amazon work great as well.
Compression socks 
Speaking of dressing comfortably, I read recently that we should not wear runners leggings on planes because of the material. It’s best to wear cotton because if something were to happen that involved fire, those leggings will melt. That is scary but good information because I always wear my runners leggings as they suck in everything so well. I appears I will be going for a more free flowing casual at the airport now.
My second favorite part about traveling, the first being the place I’m traveling to, is packing. I’m a very fly by the seat of my pants girl, but I also love a spreadsheet, like so much my work wife bought me a mug that expresses how much I love a good spreadsheet.
So for packing, I only take a carry-on and a personal item. How in the world, you ask? Larger size clothes become bulky, no matter how little you take. Compression packing cubes and a backpack as a personal item. I will link my current packing cubes, which have served me well, but I would like the ones that fully unzip. Mine are a 3/4 zip style. I would also like to try the vacuum compression bags as well. I feel like those would be a game changer. Once I bite the bullet and buy them, I’ll update everyone.
My current backpack is the kind that unzips fully, think of clam shell bag but the other direction, top to bottom. It fits so much stuff it’s unbelievable. I have flown all the major airlines, as well as RyanAir with it, without trouble.
Packing Cube 
Backpack
My current carry-on suitcase is from Macy’s. If you can feel my personality through this post, you’ll get the vibe that I like expressive things. The same goes for my luggage. Did I buy this suitcase solely on the fact it was bight and flowery? Yes. Yes, I did. Also, it was appropriately sized (21″H x 13″L x 10″W).
Betsy Johnson Suitcase 
I use my suitcase to pack my clothes, shoes, and hair accessories. Usually, I will put my makeup, skincare, other toiletries, and travel goodies in my backpack. Since those are the things I will likely use while on the plane, I would like for them to be conveniently at my feet.
What do I bring as my inflight goodies? Glad you asked, I have a picture right here!
Because the backpack has waterproof pouches, I tend to put my toiletries in those since the TSA rules have changed. I’ll put all my inflight essentials in a smaller, easily accessible bag. My makeup, skincare, and other toiletries will go in separate bags as needed. There is more than enough room in this backpack for all my things, as well as room to spare for souvenirs. Or you can be like me and sometimes bring a foldable bag that will then become your personal item for souvenirs and check your suitcase (because who really cares if it gets lost on the way home?!).
Speaking of foldable bags, I also bring a foldable backpack for my daily adventures. My current favorite is from Baggallini. It folds up for storage, it has water bottle holders on each side, a zipper front pocket, and a comfortable straps (imperative).
When I pack for a trip, I always bring enough socks and underwear for each day, and then an extra one or two, just in case, but for clothes, I do the capsule method. There is usually laundry available, whether you’re staying in a hotel or Airbnb (always look for ones with washers), and pants and sweaters can be worn more than once without washing. If you’re wearing tshirts or going in the summer time when you may sweat, that’s where the washing machines comes in.
As far as shoes go, I take a pair of comfortable walking shoes or tennis shoes and then a comfortable pair of boots. My personal favorite boots are Blundstones. They are pricey but well worth it. They are the most comfortable things I’ve ever put on my feet. I even wear them in the summer.
For tennis shoes, I like Altras, they have a wide toe box, which is my favorite. I also like Brooks and Hokas. Go to a running store and try them on first. If you buy them and end up hating them, you can always take them back. This usually only applies for running stores.
I’m not opposed to throwing a pair of sandals in if it’s summer time. I really like Archies. I have the slides but I intend on getting the flip flop version. I wear them everyday around the house because I need arch support. I do like Chacos, but make sure you try them on and break them in so you don’t get stuck with blisters like I did. After I wore them around more, they didn’t rub as much. I like Crocs but I have weird feet and the rubber straps rub on the top of my feet. I can only wear them when I’m not walking with purpose. But if you can, they are super cozy.
Regardless of what city or even country you’re visiting, you don’t want to be dragging a giant suitcase, unless of course you have a valet that will do it for you. Alas, I do not. I have also dragged a giant suitcase across cobblestones and up flights of stairs in a country I didn’t speak the language. It is not fun. I will never do it again. 
This is my most recent packing list for 2 weeks in Scotland and Ireland in late October/Early November.
If you’re traveling in the summer and you plan on wearing shorts and dresses, to avoid chub rub, I have two suggestions: Glide Anti-Chafe or Thigh Society . I used Glide when I was a runner and wore shorts, it just makes things slide and not stick. I have some shorts I can’t wear my “long” underwear with, so I stick to the glide. Whenever I wear dresses, I wear anti-chafing shorts. Thigh Society is a great brand, but there are less expensive options. I have also gotten some from Kohl’s House (as Lisa, my aforementioned work wife’s, children call it). Traveling is all about being comfortable, especially if it’s your first time visiting a city. Of course, you want to look cute, but you also want to enjoy yourself.
I hope this is helpful information for travelers of all sizes. Stick around for more adventures!