When making travel arrangements as plus-size and supersize women, it can be tempting to avoid uncertainty and potential embarrassment and instead put on the brakes. Before you do, remember that there are two keys to a successful journey: the knowledge that you deserve to be treated well, and a bit of research. Here are some tips I’ve learned along the way.

Clothing: Regardless of your destination, it’s important that you have the clothing that fits your needs. Comfortable, breathable cotton is perfect for air travel, while a cruise gives you the freedom to wear crop pants or breezy dresses during the day and a wonderful excuse to dress up for dinner each evening. Even if you don’t think you’ll have the courage to take a dip in the pool, go ahead and pack a swimsuit and cover-up. You just may be inspired to take the plunge. Versatile layers work best in cooler climes, and a good pair of walking shoes are a must-have. The only consistent thing about the weather is its unpredictability, so pack a sweater if you’re going to the tropics and a short-sleeved tee or tank if you’ll be in Alaska. Unlike our thinner sisters, we don’t have the luxury of being able to run out and buy an item we need, so it’s best to be prepared. Speaking of which, if you’re traveling by air, remember to pack a change of clothes in your carry-on. That way, you’ll be covered if your luggage arrives after you do, or if your flight is delayed and you have to spend a night - without your suitcase - at an airport hotel. (Been there. Done that. Not fun.)

Airplanes: There’s no arguing that, when it comes to size, airline policies are discriminatory. Southwest, for example, makes supersize people buy two seats, but will refund the cost of the second seat if there’s an empty seat on the flight. My experience is that, if I’m flying with an average-sized person on an airline that uses pre-assigned seating, I can get away with one seat. A good site to go to is www.seatguru.com to get an in-depth idea of seat capacities prior to booking your seats. When flying, I always ask for a seat belt extender and a pre-boarding pass; that way, I don’t have to squeeze past rows filled with passengers and luggage. I also make sure that I’m not assigned a bulkhead seat (the armrests don’t go up).

Cruise Ships: Accommodations on cruise ships vary wildly, so it’s important to get the 411 on the exact ship you’re considering booking. Two critical factors are the width of the bathroom door, and the cabin’s shower size and type of enclosure (shower curtains are best). Ensure that you’ll be seated at a table (rather than a booth) for meals, and that you’ll have an armless chair. It’s also a good idea to request a cabin near the elevator. As the ship sets sail, you’ll be required to participate in a lifeboat safety drill. The lifejackets are laughably small, so it’s important to ask ahead of time for a lifejacket that will fit – and where you can find it should there be an emergency evacuation.

When it comes to cruise excursions, participation is often a function of mobility level and the type of tour. You may need to pass on those that involve getting into a dinghy, but you may find that tour operators will happily accommodate special needs. For example, I was able to ride in a helicopter that landed on an Alaskan glacier without paying extra (helicopters have weight limits) because I was willing to be flexible and go at the end of the day, when the pilot didn’t have a full passenger load.

Hotels: In booking a hotel room, it’s important that you communicate any accommodations you will need. For supersize women, it’s often advantageous to book a wheelchair accessible room, as the bathroom tends to be more spacious and the shower more accessible. Yet it’s important to ask before you make your reservation, because some wheelchair accessible rooms aren’t size-friendly.

There are three parts to my hotel regimen. I always ask for a room near the elevator, I always ask for more pillows, and, if I’m staying for more than two nights, I always bring along a handheld showerhead and hose and ask engineering to install it in the shower. I also remember to tip generously!

Wherever you choose to vacation, you’ll have a much better time if you acknowledge any special needs you have, let go of any shame you feel, and ask to be accommodated. Because we don’t yet live in a society that routinely accommodates our needs, we sometimes have to educate the people from whom we seek help. But, with bit of patience and a friendly smile, you’ll soon be enjoying those sunny beaches, bustling city streets, mountain vistas, or whatever other destination beckons you.

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