Deep Dive: Designing the Future of Plus-Size Travel
Why Designing for Plus-Size Travelers Raises the Bar for Everyone
This is the final installment in our Deep Dive on how hospitality can better serve plus-size travelers. New to the series?
Start here: Our first post breaks down the four key challenges plus-size travelers face, based on insights from travelers, industry leaders, and advocates. [Read it here.]
In our second post, we interview Zoe Shapiro, founder of Stellavision Travel, which offers size-inclusive trips in Italy. [Read it here.]
In our last post, we interviewed Allison Fleece, co-founder of WOAH, who is challenging the notion that adventure travel isn't for everyone—regardless of size [Read it here.]
Over the past few weeks, we've explored the real challenges and breakthroughs in plus-size travel—unpacking everything from airline policies to itinerary design to the power of community. Now, we're turning our lens forward. What does the future look like, and how can the industry serve this growing group of travelers with the care, transparency, and respect they deserve?
Travel should be a joyful, empowering experience for everyone. But too often, it's anything but for travelers in larger bodies. As more people gain the means to travel in style, the industry needs to catch up. That means making space—deliberately and thoughtfully—for people who’ve long been left out.
And here’s the business case. According to McKinsey & Company, the “aspiring luxury traveler”—those with under $5M in assets—prioritizes cultural depth, authenticity, and values-based branding over traditional luxury signals. These travelers want to feel emotionally and ethically aligned with the companies they support. For plus-size travelers, that means choosing brands that don’t just tolerate them—but intentionally design with their needs in mind.