From an early age, I was bitten by the travel bug. At 12, my mother sent my brother and me to Kenya to stay with our aunt, immersing us in our African heritage. The trip ignited a passion for travel that would stay with me throughout my life. But the freedom to travel as an adult also came with an unexpected challenge—being a 300-pound traveler in a world that wasn’t always designed for larger bodies.
My first adult flight at 19, from Milwaukee to New York, quickly turned into a nightmare. When I tried to fasten the seatbelt, it wouldn’t fit. No matter how I adjusted, sucked in, or shifted, the belt wouldn’t close. Embarrassed, I asked the flight attendant for a seatbelt extender, but she responded loudly, ensuring the whole plane knew about my discomfort. The delay caused by the extender had everyone waiting, and it felt like eyes of judgment were on me. It was a moment of deep humiliation.
This wasn’t a one-off incident. Similar episodes occurred on flights to Sydney and London, where I faced the same uncomfortable situation. The experience left me feeling defeated, and I eventually told myself I was too fat to travel. I put my dreams of exploring the world on hold for 12 years, paralyzed by my self-image.
But everything changed when I turned 32. My business had grown, and a company in Paris booked me to train their team. The thought of returning to the skies stirred both excitement and dread. This time, I was prepared. I purchased my own seatbelt extender, booked first-class seats for more space, and ensured everything about my trip was “large-person proof.” Yet, despite the physical accommodations, I had neglected the most important aspect: my mental health.
At my heaviest, I weighed 425 pounds. Years of yo-yo dieting and self-loathing had eroded my confidence. I couldn’t look in a mirror without tears. It was clear that to travel again with comfort and confidence, I had to address the deep-rooted issues I had with my body.
I took the brave step of seeking therapy, which helped me tackle my poor self-image. My wife, who loved me through all my body sizes, supported me throughout this journey. Therapy allowed me to realize I was more than my weight and appearance. It was through these sessions—and the healing power of travel—that I learned to love myself and my body for what it was.
Travel became an essential part of my healing process. Whether it was hearing the waves of Maui, riding camels by the Giza pyramids, or sharing a kiss with my wife at the Eiffel Tower, every experience allowed me to reclaim my self-worth. Over time, I lost weight and gained confidence, but I no longer defined my worth by the number on a scale.
Today, my wife and I are full-time digital nomads, having traveled to 20 countries. I’m still a 300-pound traveler, but I’ve learned to embrace my body and travel comfortably. I’ve made practical adjustments—purchasing a seatbelt extender, booking wider seats, and finding accommodations that suit my size. But most importantly, I’ve stopped letting my weight prevent me from experiencing the world.
While I’m working toward becoming a lighter traveler, I want to encourage others who are larger to not let their size hold them back from exploring. Life is short, and the beauty, culture, and food that travel offers are worth embracing. No matter your size, the world is waiting.
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