Chubby Diaries Jeff Jenkins

Chubby Diaries Shows Plus Size People How to Travel the World

It’s a new edition of Chubstr Spotlight, our series introducing you to plus size people doing interesting things in the world. Read past Spotlight articles here.

Traveling isn’t always easy for bigger people. From fitting into airplane seats, to visiting destinations where everything is much smaller than you’re used to, the whole experience can be stressful. Enter Chubby Diaries, founded by Jeff Jenkins to help make the plus size travel experience a little easier. From tips and travel videos, to coordinating size-inclusive group tours, Jenkins is showing the world that people can explore the world at any size.

How do you describe Chubby Diaries?
The simple answer is Chubby Diaries helps chubby, curvy, fat, plus size, and big people travel the world. We are creating fire content and building an amazing community with the sole purpose of encouraging and motivating people to get out there and live life now.

Why did you start the site?
I saw a need for representation. We are a country filled with people of many shapes and sizes, and the only travel influencers I see on TV, in the magazines, and on my social media feeds were skinny and fit travelers. Even some of my favorite travel groups never featured people like me. The fashion world seems to be making strides to be more inclusive, so why not the travel Industry? 

Flying is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to
the emotions and fear of isolation or embarrassment I have dealt with when traveling. Weight limits and size restrictions also can keep me from really enjoying a place.

What is the most difficult part of traveling for you as a bigger person?
Who on the planet doesn’t think airplane seats are getting smaller? Well, they are and sometimes it is hard to get comfortable [because you worry] that you will be all on the person next to you. It can be stressful and uncomfortable.  

Flying is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the emotions and fear of isolation or embarrassment I have dealt with when traveling. Weight limits and size restrictions also can keep me from really enjoying a place. Through my 15 years of traveling to over 34 countries, I’ve learned multiple ways to enjoy [the experience]. 

Do you have a favorite destination?
Japan, hands down. I love that place as much as I love cake! [laughs] Japan is full of culture and traditions foreign to people from the States. I fell in love with their food. From way they prepare food, to how you enjoy it, the whole experience is pure art!

I’ve been mistaken for a sumo wrestler multiple times, since I was bigger than almost everyone in the entire city. At first the comparison offended me, then I realized how much they revere sumo wrestlers. Most of the time they thought I was some kind of celebrity. I would recommend Japan to anyone and tell them Jeff from Chubby Diaries sent ya! 

Where would you like to go that you haven’t been before?
Antarctica! It is that one continent that most people have never visited. I want to experience that! [It’s part of my] mission to visit every continent in the World! 


What do you hope people get out of Chubby Diaries?
I hope it entertains people and encourages them to get out of their comfort zones, and live life now. Travel the world, taste the amazing food, experience the culture and then share it with us and the world! We want people to redefine what it looks like to travel.

Learn about Chubby Diaries’ next inclusive group tour and how you can be part of it here.

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