If you’ve ever been bitten with wanderlust and just had to get up and go? That’s what my fellow content creator aka blogger boo Brianne Huntsman is focused on now and in the future! It took me a while to sum up Brianne Huntsman because she’s literally a Jackie of All Trades! Brianne is a fashion designer that’s working on her first plus size collection. She often shares the journey, joys, and challenges of designing women of across the plus size spectrum.
Brianne has a bird’s eye view of the influencer space not only as plus size influencer herself, but also as an influencer marketing representative for many brands. So she has a unique perspective of the ins and outs of both sides.
As a queer – plus size millenial, Brianne creates content on travel, career/business, LGBTQ issues and of course plus size fashion on her blog, The Huntswoman. In this interview we dive into Brianne’s travel tips, essentials, and her perspective as an LGBT traveler.
Let’s Talk Plus Size & LGBT Travel
Shamika: It’s unfortunate that we have to think or be worried about how others will respond to us literally existing as we are! As a queer traveler, what distinct travel research do you include before your trips?
Brianne: Wow, this is such a good question! The first place I go is honestly my Facebook page. I’ll post there and ask if LGBTQ+ folks have visited where I’m going. I mostly look for where the “gayborhoods” are and the best queer clubs or resorts. For example, I know that The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas is explicitly welcoming of LGBTQ+ folks, Kimpton Hotels and the Trevor Project, etc.
Also, I haven’t planned trips to countries I haven’t already KNOWN were accepting of LGBTQ+ folks, ya know? I have plans to do so, and I’m honestly not looking forward to having that extra level of awareness. I definitely can “pass” as straight, so there’s a good amount of privilege there.
Shamika: Inclusivity is so important and there’s always room for improvement. Tell me what can businesses do to attract LGBT travelers and make it clear they’re welcome?
Brianne: A lot of it comes down to their imagery, to be honest. As I’ve been looking at wineries, I’ve bookmarked the ones that have pictures on their website and social media of LGBT couples (either on tours or getting married at the vineyard). I think it’ also smart to partner with a few LGBT bloggers (not just during Pride!) is also helpful, because they can make authentic content and share their experience.
Finally, we love a rainbow flag! Restaurants can have themed drinks that reference the LGBT community, or have a rainbow flag hung outside or have a smaller rainbow sticker on their exterior doors.
Shamika: That’s awesome! Truly nothing like vacationing with friends and family you know have your back 100%. What are your favorite apps, platforms, or tools you use to make travel arrangements with or without family?
Brianne: Okay, I have been DYING to try “Pack Up + Go” a travel company that plans a surprise trip for you based on a quiz you take. They focus on domestic travel within the USA, and I’ve been wanting to go to a new city in the south (hello, New Orleans!). I used to be one of those people who wanted to “play it by ear” when traveling and had NO itinerary, but now I’m very much into itineraries – even if it’s just “Get drinks delivered poolside” all day, lol.
Following Airlines & Hotels on Social Media
Besides that travel platform, I’ve found that often the best flights and info comes directly from the airlines. I have a specific email set-up for what I call “travel watch,” staying up-to-date on resorts planning pride events, new destinations my fave airlines have added, etc. I also follow my favorite travel companies on social media, so I get this info as I’m bopping around the internet.
Maximizing Travel Write-Offs
I like to tack on a vacation on business travel, staying through the weekend. I used to stuff receipts into my wallet to file later, but now Ijust take a picture with the QuickBook app. Boom. Makes tracking travel receipts WAY easier.
Being able to combine business and pleasure allows me to travel more, and I often send pitches to companies I want to work with that are based in cities I want to visit!
Shamika: Before we jump into where you wanna go, let’s learn about where you’ve been! What are 3 of your favorite places you’ve visited in the past few years?
Brianne: Recently, I visited Austin, Texas, for the first time which was a BLAST. Austin has a unique vibe and amazing food, and I went with a bunch of friends who are also LGBT. It was like a (chosen) family vacation.
I had a fabulous time in Playa Del Carmen in Mexico, staying at my first all-inclusive resort, Hotel Riu Playacar. It was a blast, and I loved how the hotel staff helped us coordinate our excursions.
Finally, I’d say my trip to Rhode Island was very eye opening! I went for a business trip, and the design scene over there is amazing!
Shamika: Looking ahead, what are your travel goals in the next few years?
Brianne: Oh man, where don’t I want to go? I’m always down to buy a plane ticket, which my friends love. I’m planning a trip to Greece/Croatia with a best friend, and I’m keeping an eye on flights to Iceland and Asia. I’d also love to spend Christmas in London with my family!
Stateside, I have been researching LGBT owned and friendly wineries for a tour. I’d also like to visit cities that are looking to change their reputations and show how they are LGBT-friendly. My hometown of Salt Lake City can get a bad wrap, but it’s actually a great destination for LGBT travelers.
I’ll stop there, lol!
Shamika: I definitely hear you on making the most out of travels by mixing in business and pleasure. I’m this haus we’re all about saving coins where we can! Once you’ve secured travel arrangements, what products make traveling more enjoyable for you?
Brianne: So I wrote about these suitcases here, and I can’t tell you HOW IMPRESSED I am with them. I have schlepped these all over the world – and I am not a light packer! I love hardshell suitcases, because I think they look the best.
Besides that, I never travel without my Image Skincare. I use my Knack Pack as a carryon backpack, and I pack it with my top “Can’t Lose!!” items.
Also, I love the Security Door Stop Alarm from SABRE. As a woman traveling alone, I put this under my door to make sure I wake up if someone comes in my room.
Currently, I’m looking for a good brand of luggage packing cubes, as well as a good way to keep my jewelry organized while I travel. Also a power adapter for international travel that doesn’t look like a transformer would be nice!!
Shamika: Are you solo travelers taking notes?! Safety is an increasing concern in general so it’s nice to learn there are products out there that makes you a little safer! On the lighter side of things, what does your travel style look like?
Brianne: LOL, as a fashion blogger I really create ensembles. I think travel is a great time to use different fashion subscription boxes, because it’s sometimes easier to be bold in a totally new place than your hometown!
For business travel, I usually get my plus size suits from Lane Bryant – and I’ve had my eye on BACAAL and HENNING. I’m definitely going to do some damage over at 11 Honore and JIBRI for plus size resort wear. Swimsuit-wise, I usually check out for the GabiFresh x Swimsuits for All collection first.
Before a trip, I’ll often ship a bunch of stuff from CoEdition and ASOS, as I can shop multiple brands on the platform and keep track of one tracking number.
As for daily wear, I usually go with boots, dark skinny jeans and a higher end plus size motorcycle jacket. You can go a variety of places with an outfit like this!
Shamika: From one fashion blogger to another, I totally get the effort that goes into creating looks wherever you’re going. What inflight services or products do you highly recommend?
Brianne: My advice to all travelers is to travel without the expectation of inflight WiFi. It’s a gamble, and you don’t want to miss a deadline because the WiFi is down.
I recommend getting Bose Noise Canceling headphones to shut out the world, and I also travel with ear plugs. I’ll load up my Netflix or Hulu by downloading episodes I want to watch, or have my Nook ready with books I want to read.
I always travel with protein and water, because you don’t know what the in-flight meal will look like until it’s in front of you!! I usually get a Bloody Mary if the fight is longer than 4 hours, or a rum and coke.
Shamika: It seems like you’ve got traveling in style down pat! What’s one part of traveling that you find the most challenging and how do you overcome it or make it less challenging?
Brianne: Traveling while plus size, definitely! I always worry about people being upset they have to sit next to a plus-size person in close quarters. I’ve started flying first and business class more because of this anxiety. When it comes down to it, I’ve decided my size will never keep me from traveling. I can be fat and stay at home or fat and see the world. I’ll always opt for seeing the world!
Before international trips, I get REALLY anxious, and I’m always tempted to cancel. I never have, but now I know when I plan travel that I’m going to get zero sleep the night before. So I usually occupy myself with packing.
Shamika: Once you’ve touched down, what are some activities that you try to do wherever you travel?
Brianne: I always try to visit and patronize LGBT owned businesses. From distilleries and clubs to restaurants and coffee shops, I really make an effort to research and prioritize LGBTQ+ owned establishments.
I’m also a big ol’ museum nerd, so I’m definitely going to visit at least one in a new city.
You’d think as a fashion designer I would go fabric shopping more, but the trouble is getting my purchases home, lol. I have gone fabric shopping in cities like LA and Portland, and I’ve had to either buy an extra suitcase or ship the material home.
Shamika: Now let’s get into something I know most people struggle with figuring out! FUNDING! What tips or tools keep you on track with funding your travels?
Brianne: I wish I could put this on a billboard: “Travel isn’t as expensive as you think it is!!” If you did the research and really looked at the numbers, often you’ll find that trips you think are out of reach actually aren’t. Get out a spreadsheet and look up prices for everything you want to do and see. Once you have that number, you’ll be much better equipped to plan for it!
I’ve tried a few finance travel apps, that take money automatically and put it in a “travel fund,” which is pretty cool. I’ve also used travel agents who set up a monthly payment, and I’ve paid for big international trips this way!
Additionally, I think it’s important to note that you don’t need to relegate yourself to cheap and uncomfortable travel. Instead, focus on intentionally spending your money. What matters most to you when traveling?
I love boutique and luxury hotels, so I focus my spending there. Other people may decide to go with a regular hotel in favor of getting courtside seats at a basketball game!
Finally, something that I’m leveraging this year is using credit cards for everyday purchases to get travel points and perks. I did a whole lot of research on this topic, and I’m getting more out of my everyday spending thanks to being smart about credit cards. I’m not carrying a balance over month-to-month, but I am racking up my sky miles!!
Thanks so much for this gem-packed interview Brianne! To keep up with Brianne on her travels, journey through fashion design, or her adulting/business content follow her on Instagram , Twitter , and on her blog, The Huntswoman.
