The Chubby Diaries creator is part of a community of larger-bodied travelers who are showing the world that they can do anything. Following them helps because you can be like, “Oh, this place works with larger bodies.” 【小题1】.

Southwest is one of the few airlines to offer plus-size passengers a free second seat. To ensure the extra space, Southwest recommends booking both seats beforehand, then making a request to get your money back. 【小题2】 Southwest states: “The armrest is the definitive gauge (测量仪) for a customer of size. If you’re unable to lower both armrests, you need a second seat.” Even if your frame fits between the lowered arms, you may still need a seat-belt extender. 【小题3】.

For Natalie Robinson, ziplining (压缩) in Costa Rica determined her bucket list. “Literally for the last 10 years, that’s all I talked about,” said the co-owner of Fat Girls Travel. 【小题4】. Her fortunes changed completely on an August trip to Costa Rica, when a friend found an outfitter without weight restrictions. The guide said Robinson could dash through the rainforest as long as she could reach the starting point high in the tree tops.

When researching a trip, ask about weight restrictions as well as the availability of equipment that can accommodate your size. If you have concerns, bring your own equipment. Plus-size travelers emphasize the importance of being self-sufficient. Finding special clothes and equipment can be challenging in unfamiliar destinations.

For things to see and do, visitors to London have endless options. Whether you’re visiting for several days or just wanting a taste of this great city, here’s how to make the most of your time.

The London’s Eye is a 135-metre-high observation wheel. Opened in 2000, it immediately became one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks（地标）. Thirty-two capsules, each holding up to 25 people, take a gentle half-hour round trip. On a clear day, the Eye affords a unique 40-kilometre view, which sweeps over the capital in all directions.

The British Museum was established in 1753 to house the collections of the physician Sir Hans Sloane (1660-1753), who also helped create the Chelsea Physic Garden. Sloane’s collections have been added to by gifts and purchases from all over the world. Robert Smirke designed the main part of the building, but the architectural highlight（亮点）is Norman Foster’s Great Court, with the world-famous Reading Room at its centre.

For over 500 years the Palace of Westminster has been the seat of the two Houses of Parliament. The building was designed by architect Sir Charles Barry. Westminster Hall is the only surviving part of the original Palace of Westminster, dating back to 1097.

In 1824 the British government was persuaded to buy 38 major paintings, and these became the start of a national collection. Today, it has a collection of some 2,300 Western European paintings. The mian gallery building was designed by William Wilkins and finally opened in 1838.

If you’re planning on travelling, there are a few simple rules about how to make life easier both before and after your journey.

First of all, always check and double­check departure(出发) time. It is amazing how few people really do this carefully. Once I arrived at the airport a few minutes after ten. My secretary had got the ticket for me and I thought she had said that the plane left at 10:50. When I arrived at the airport, the clerk at the departure desk told me that my flight was closed. Therefore, I had to wait three hours for the next one and missed an important meeting.

The second rule is to remember that even in this age of credit cards, it is still important to have at least a little of the local currency with you when you arrive in a country. This can be necessary if you are flying to a place few tourists normally visit. A few years ago I was sent to Tulsa, Oklahoma. I flew there from London via Dallas, with very little time to change planes in between. I arrived there at midnight and the bank at the airport was closed. The only way to get to my hotel was by taxi and because I had no dollars, I offered to pay in pounds instead.

“Listen! I only take real money!” the driver said angrily. Luckily I was able to borrow a few dollars from a clerk at the hotel, but it was very embarrassing.

The third and last rule is to find out as much as you can about the weather at your destination before you leave. I feel sorry for some of my workmates who travel in heavy suits and raincoats in May, when it is still fairly cool in London or Manchester, to places like Athens, Rome or Madrid, where it is already beginning to get quite warm during the day.