Jeff Jenkins is an award-winning content creator and travel journalist, also Founder of Chubby Diaries and Co-founder of Black Travel Alliance, and has sat on The Points Guy Advisory Panel. He has created a community that encourages and motivates plus-size people to travel the world.

Jeff is helping plus-size people and Black people feel represented in the travel industry. In this episode, we talk about his blog, Chubby Diaries, and his three pillars of inclusion including accessibility, comfort, and community. Jeff talks about how important it is to see people like himself traveling, in order to encourage other plus-size and Black people to feel welcome to explore the world.

We discussed tips for plus-size folks when traveling, how to prepare for a trip, and how to feel comfortable in the outdoors! We even discussed what airlines will give plus-size folks a free extra seat, and some essentials like bringing your own seatbelt extenders, plus-size wet suits, and what outdoor brands have plus-size backpacks.

Most importantly, Jeff talks to people “where they are right now,” as most of the content on the internet is focused on weight loss, rather than how bigger people should feel comfortable traveling now!

Jeff has been featured in several notable publications such as Forbes, New York Times, Washington Post, Google, Travel Noire, Essence, Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet, Texas Monthly, Outdoor Retailers, and The Point Guy. He helps people travel the world no matter their size through community, branded content, and motivational talks. You can expect 100% authenticity, transparency, and lots of fun. He has a skill of drawing out big dreams in people and every time you are around him you can expect to enjoy yourself! Jeff’s enthusiastic personality, charisma, and contagious big smile makes him one of a kind!

In this episode of The Millennial Travel Podcast I discuss with Jeff Jenkins: 

• Travel tips for plus-size people
• What destinations are doing a good job of being inclusive for plus-size travelers? 
• What are some challenges that black people face traveling? How can we be more sensitive? 
• Jeff’s role with the Black Travel Alliance
• Financial literacy when it comes to traveling and people can invest in themselves 

The Millennial Travel Podcast Rapid Fire Questions I ask Jeff Jenkins: 

• Favorite restaurant in the entire world? 
• Favorite country in the world?
• One thing you couldn’t travel without?

Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Soundcloud, Spotify, or Youtube.

You can find all the links and past show notes on millennialtravelpodcast.com

Direct support for The Millennial Travel Podcast comes from The Millennial Travel Guidebook: Escape More, Spend Less, & Make Travel a Priority in Your Life.

Looking for more great content? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel.

Mike Schibel was born and raised in Pacific Palisades, California, and was exposed to stunning travel destinations from my crib!  When he was five, his Grandparents gushed about a recent trip to Egypt and after seeing those Pyramids, he knew I had to travel!  

As a Junior at the University of Arizona, Mike was ready for something new.  He spent a semester abroad in London, exploring Europe, Scandinavia, and North Africa. Mike stepped way outside my comfort zone and tried new things.  

All roads led back to LA and the Entertainment industry post-college. For a decade, he rose the ranks as an agent and talent manager.  Which of course led to the search for a deeper meaning in my life.

In 2010 Schibel bought a one-way ticket to Australia.  Without a plan, he spent a year on the road, meeting interesting people, seeing incredible places, and having memorable inspiring conversations. 

Mike’s passion for traveling, storytelling, and community building led me to launch, “Travel With Meaning” in 2017. He created “Travel Talk Live” to bring travelers together to recreate the feelings he experienced on the road, build an authentic community to inspire and encourage others to travel.  

In the Spring of 2019, Mike launched the “Travel With Meaning” Podcast to continue to grow our community.

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In this episode of The Millennial Travel Podcast I discuss with Mike Schibel: 

• How did Mike get started with travel? 
• Has Mike ever tried to make others happy in other to find his own fulfillment? 
• Tell us about his experience at Cafe Gratitude in San Francisco. 
• How does Mike try to work gratitude into his life? 
• How can we be more “pura vida” in our life and live a more grateful life? 
• How can we be as present at home as we when we are traveling? 
• How did Mike start the Travel with Meaning Podcast?

The Millennial Travel Podcast Rapid Fire Questions I ask Mike Schibel: 

• If Mike could go anywhere for a life-changing retreat where would it be?
• • Peru! 
• If he could have one person on the Travel with Meaning podcast who would it be?
• Mike’s top place to have a meaningful conversation
• The country that has made the most impact on Mike 

Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Soundcloud, Spotify, or Youtube.

You can find all the links and past show notes on millennialtravelpodcast.com

Direct support for The Millennial Travel Podcast comes from The Millennial Travel Guidebook: Escape More, Spend Less, & Make Travel a Priority in Your Life.

Looking for more great content? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel.