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Photo Source: Leila and Instagram
Meet Leila, our vivacious and full of life Travel Crush. She’s on a mission to show the world that curvy people can travel and look good doing it! No stranger to challenges as a plus-sized wander luster, read on as she shares some tips on how to live your best travel life, curves and all.
Tell us about yourself! Who are you? Where are you from? What do you do? What inspires you to travel?
My name is Leila Farquharson, I am from Nassau, Bahamas but I reside in Miami. I am a Black curvy travel blogger. I work in corporate America as an IT Operations Service Manager for a Travel Technology company. Traveling is therapeutic for me. It brings me so much joy and excitement when I travel to different places and experience new adventures, art, food, and culture.
How has being a Curvy Traveler affected your travel experiences?
Aw man, in so many ways that I can’t begin to list them all. For starters, before I book my flights, I check if the aircraft seats (via seat guru) are sized friendly for curvier women, and most times I ask the flight attendant for an extender. Before I book my accommodation, I always research the property to see if it’s plus size friendly; meaning are the beds big enough, are the pool chairs sturdy enough, etc. The most challenging experience as a curvy traveler is the “stare down” from strangers. Sometimes it’s annoying but there’s nothing I can do about it as it’s in people’s nature (especially in countries where plus size people are rare) to stare.
Out of all the places you've been what is your #1 destination for your fellow Curvy Travelers? What puts it above the rest?
Hmmm, I don’t have a #1, I have multiple lol. The best destinations for my fellow curvy travelers is most of the Caribbean islands and Mexico. They treat us curvies with the utmost respect and welcome us with open arms, especially curvy women. In these countries you can find a lot of curvy people so it’s nothing new for them seeing our body type. I believe this puts them above the rest.
What's your travel style? Are you a thrill-seeking adventurer, a see it all and do it all tourist, or a rest and relax traveler?
I’m somewhat in between. I have done ATV rides, snorkeling, and jet ski rides, but I have never crossed over to bungie jumping or ziplining due to my size. For me, I choose adventures that will be safe for me, yet still enjoyable. Above all else, I am more of a rest & relax traveler, but I am always up for a cultural experience. Learning about the country’s history, taking a cooking class, and visiting museums are a fe of the things I enjoy doing while traveling.
5. What is your most obscure travel hack that you think more people should know about?
I have so many, but most obscure one is to invest in a tripod with a Bluetooth remote. My tripod lives in my carryon and I do not go anywhere without it. I have taken so many dope pics on my own using my tripod. I would recommend everyone to invest in one.
Here are some more of our favorite travelers and their gorgeous shots.
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Let's dive into the great debate: silk pillowcases vs. bonnets.
We’ll break down the pros and cons, spill some tea on the public bonnet debate, and help you decide which is the best for your next adventure.
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