Jeff Jenkins is an award-winning content creator and travel journalist, also Founder of Chubby Diaries and Co-founder of Black Travel Alliance, and has sat on The Points Guy Advisory Panel. He has created a community that encourages and motivates plus-size people to travel the world.
Jeff is helping plus-size people and Black people feel represented in the travel industry. In this episode, we talk about his blog, Chubby Diaries, and his three pillars of inclusion including accessibility, comfort, and community. Jeff talks about how important it is to see people like himself traveling, in order to encourage other plus-size and Black people to feel welcome to explore the world.
We discussed tips for plus-size folks when traveling, how to prepare for a trip, and how to feel comfortable in the outdoors! We even discussed what airlines will give plus-size folks a free extra seat, and some essentials like bringing your own seatbelt extenders, plus-size wet suits, and what outdoor brands have plus-size backpacks.
Most importantly, Jeff talks to people “where they are right now,” as most of the content on the internet is focused on weight loss, rather than how bigger people should feel comfortable traveling now!
Jeff has been featured in several notable publications such as Forbes, New York Times, Washington Post, Google, Travel Noire, Essence, Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet, Texas Monthly, Outdoor Retailers, and The Point Guy. He helps people travel the world no matter their size through community, branded content, and motivational talks. You can expect 100% authenticity, transparency, and lots of fun. He has a skill of drawing out big dreams in people and every time you are around him you can expect to enjoy yourself! Jeff’s enthusiastic personality, charisma, and contagious big smile makes him one of a kind!
In this episode of The Millennial Travel Podcast I discuss with Jeff Jenkins:
- Travel tips for plus-size people
- What destinations are doing a good job of being inclusive for plus-size travelers?
- What are some challenges that black people face traveling? How can we be more sensitive?
- Jeff’s role with the Black Travel Alliance
- Financial literacy when it comes to traveling and people can invest in themselves
The Millennial Travel Podcast Rapid Fire Questions I ask Jeff Jenkins:
- Favorite restaurant in the entire world?
- Favorite country in the world?
- One thing you couldn’t travel without?
Resources from Chubby Diaries:
- Plus size hikers Group
- Plus-size Extended Backpacks
- FAA Approved Seatbelt extender
- Jeff’s Blog: ChubbyDiaries.com
- @ChubbyDiaries_ on Instagram
- Chubby Diaries Guide
- Chubby Diaries Facebook Community
Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Soundcloud, Spotify, or Youtube.
You can find all the links and past show notes on millennialtravelpodcast.com
Direct support for The Millennial Travel Podcast comes from The Millennial Travel Guidebook: Escape More, Spend Less, & Make Travel a Priority in Your Life.
Looking for more great content? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel.
