I’ve heard a thousand reasons why people are apprehensive of staying in hostels. It wasn’t until I started traveling with and getting to know more plus size travelers that I realized we have a different set of fears from straight size people. On top of my general list of hostel travel tips that probably also apply to plus size travel, I’m addressing general fears and how to get over them.

Here are my hostel tips for plus size travel!

Fear of being too big.

Let’s just start here. One of the main concerns I’ve heard from plus size travelers is their fear that they will be too big for things. Will the showers be tiny? Will the toilets (or stalls) be large enough? Like airplanes, beds, showers and toilet stalls are also getting smaller by the day. After all, the more people a hostel can fit into a room, the cheaper it is for you as a guest and the more money they can make, right?

How to get over it: Do your research. There is so much competition for decent budget accommodations these days that hostels are both upping their game and being way more informative online. You can find most of the specifics online either directly from the company or from reviewers, fellow travelers who have been in your shoes! There are also other groups online, such as different Facebook groups, specifically made of plus size travelers also asking questions and sharing information. We really do have a world of information at our fingertips.

Fear of bunk beds.

Raise your hand if you’ve had to sleep in the top bunk before and were terrified you’d fall through and crush your bunk mate. This is a huge concern for most of the plus size community. I mean, have you seen how flimsy some of these bunk beds are? It feels like one accidental move and the whole thing will come crashing down.

How to get over it: Do your research. You can see pictures and reviews of hostels online. If it looks like the shambliest place ever, then maybe try to find an alternative. No matter where you stay, try to request a bottom bunk. Some places will allow you to! That said, most places are first come first serve. I recommend calling or emailing the hostel about 24 hours after booking to try to reserve the bottom bunk. You won’t always get your way but you’d be surprised how compassionate and understanding people can be!

Fear of taking up too much space.

Ok, admittedly this is a general life thing most of us seem to suffer from. For the most part I’d say I’m over it and I generally allow myself to take up all the space I need, but sometimes I still get self conscious. Don’t. Don’t try to make yourself smaller. Take up the space you need or want. Nobody likes the person who cowers awkwardly in the corner.

How to get over it: Be confident in yourself. You’re paying as much as everyone else and deserve to be there. Also, be organized. No matter what size you are, having your stuff all over the place and strewn about in a mess is annoying.

Fear of being judged.

I think it’s safe to say we all have a certain degree of fear of being judged pretty much daily, but we’ve generally adapted to it. Traveling is a whole different story. Oftentimes, during travel, plus size people can be the subject of a lot of unwanted attention. Admittedly the more different you look, the more stares you’ll get. Sure, it’s not always negative but it definitely can be. So when you’re getting ‘home’ for the night you want a rest from that. Staying in a group room in a hostel may not provide the rest you were hoping for, because that fear exists there too.

How to get over it: Be friendly. Oftentimes when we feel afraid or like we’re being judged, we tend to get defensive or closed off, which can come off as rude. Nobody wins with that attitude. As in regular life, be personable and once people see who you are past the body you inhabit, you’ll feel more comfortable.

General hostel tips for plus size travelers:

• Typically plus size travelers get hot relatively easily, so if you’re traveling during hot months, make sure the hostel has A/C and be prepared with a travel fan if necessary.
• Most shared dorm-style hostel rooms use twin beds, so you should be comfortable sleeping on a twin. If you’re not, you may end up having to make other accommodations.
• Do your research! I really can’t say this enough. If you’re scared of a room being too cramped, look at pictures online, get information from people. There’s almost always answers to your questions!