Thanks <b>Nikki</b>!

<b>suze</b>, I wanted to post it, as I recalled there being mostly helpful responses and even a bit of shopping info.

Mom and sister went to Amsterdam, Paris, Florence (and added Rome) - all places OP is going. My sis said she physically "fit in" best (pun intended) in Amsterdam, as she is about 6' tall as well as being plus sized.

I must mention something they noticed in Paris. All of the French plus size women they saw looked amazing. Fitted, well tailored clothing, great shoes/bags, chic hair cuts. My sister came home, cut her hair, and has been building a new, stylish wardrobe. Gone are all of her her sweats, baggy t-shirts, flip flops and ill fitting unflattering jeans. I've never seen her so confident and radiant. Even my mom got a new 'do!

Sis said Paris taught her how to dress, Rome taught her how to flirt, and Amsterdam taught her that being outdoors and biking was actually FUN!

That's something I love about travel - it can truly change a person for the better.

Doppio,

What a wonderful outcome for your mom and sister.

Sorry, but Marina Rinaldi shops are all over Europe.

I think there are 5 or 6 shops in Paris alone.

If I were the OP I would look into renting a Jazzy scooter in the major cities that are being visited. It could be an option if walking becomes a problem.

Thin

That is true but MR is very expensive, although that might not matter to the OP.

Doppio, good to hear that trip went so well.

My friend (5 ft.10 in., 260 lbs)and I walked into a sidewalk cafe in Málaga. As we were about to sit down, the proprietor took one look at my friend and pulled out a larger, sturdier chair for her.

We both cracked up!

We went on a cruise and we agreed with the other passengers on the trip that the stateroom showers were too tiny for real people of any size. We decided the best way to shower was to reach in and soap the walls then get in and turn around. I have been in hotel showers in Europe that were smaller than that.

You should do fine. The locals in Europe and most other places love to see tourists come and leave a mark on the economy. They will treat you with the respect you deserve. Enjoy your trip.

Just curious, but how do pregnant women fit into these tiny shower stalls?

When you fly, technically if you can't put the armrest down you are supposed to buy an extra seat. But if you are with a friend who doesn't mind I think you can get away with having it up. Certainly if they make a production of it you can put it down for take off and then raise it.

People have commented on the roominess of the trains. Sometimes first class tickets can be had for just a little more. I would suggest buying the first class tickets if they are reasonable. Otherwise the second class ones should do okay.

Well, now that obesity is considered a decease, does this mean you will have to have additional paperwork when traveling to other countries? Just a thought...

Uncalum when I was pregnant with my three kids two things, first of all I didn't need to travel in the last month or two, when one is at their largest.. most pregnant women who are 8 months pregnant aren't on holiday in Europe.

Second, I really did find a lot of things harder when I was bigger.. and I was glad that my size increase was temporary.. even using a public toilet was harder ,you have to shut the stall door but sometimes in small stalls your stomach got in the way, you step in, the toilet is at your knees, you have to turn around to close door, but when you turn around you can't close door, so I would have to stand sort of sideways with stomach sort of over the toilet and close door .. its not easy.

I stayed in a hotel in Paris, liked it very much, but even in my review I noted that the shower stall would be tight for many people, basically I thought anyone about 160 or more would have hated it.. I was about 130 and found it tight..

Being big in Paris isn't easy, its not the hostility , there are big people there too for goodness sake( my grandmother was born and lived all her life in Paris, she was 4"11 and basically was shaped like a ball.. in other words very fat!)
but things are just not made for larger people in many places. Cafes have tiny winding stairs to bathrooms, chairs in cafes are right beside each other etc. But if my grandmother managed her whole life there I am sure anyone could if they just take things step by step.

Uncalum when I was pregnant with my three kids two things, first of all I didn't need to travel in the last month or two, when one is at their largest.. most pregnant women who are 8 months pregnant aren't on holiday in Europe.

Second, I really did find a lot of things harder when I was bigger.. and I was glad that my size increase was temporary.. even using a public toilet was harder ,you have to shut the stall door but sometimes in small stalls your stomach got in the way, you step in, the toilet is at your knees, you have to turn around to close door, but when you turn around you can't close door, so I would have to stand sort of sideways with stomach sort of over the toilet and close door .. its not easy.

I stayed in a hotel in Paris, liked it very much, but even in my review I noted that the shower stall would be tight for many people, basically I thought anyone about 160 or more would have hated it.. I was about 130 and found it tight..

Being big in Paris isn't easy, its not the hostility , there are big people there too for goodness sake( my grandmother was born and lived all her life in Paris, she was 4"11 and basically was shaped like a ball.. in other words very fat!)
but things are just not made for larger people in many places. Cafes have tiny winding stairs to bathrooms, chairs in cafes are right beside each other etc. But if my grandmother managed her whole life there I am sure anyone could if they just take things step by step.

Being fat at 4'11" isn't remotely the same as being fat at average height or taller. Because even if you are fat, if you are that short, you aren't as big as someone taller. I have a relative who is overweight (although not technically obese, I don't think, not sure) and is below 5', yet she wears a size of clothing that if you didn't know how short she was, you'd think she was skinny. But she's not, she has rolls of fat around her middle, and has some problems getting around due to pains, joints, etc. So it isn't the same thing at all in terms of space you take up, being fat but very short, and doesn't reflect that it will be no problem for someone taller who weighs 300 pounds. That is extremely large for anyone who is only 5'6".

Christina,

I don't follow your logic.

Two people, one 5'6 and one 4'11, each weighing 300 lbs. and let's say average bone structure.

The shorter person, unless weight distribution is really unusual, is likely to be broader, therefore taking up much more space in airplane seats, café chairs, etc.

Neither person's height on its own would be a detriment to travel but the taller person would in most cases have the advantage of weight distribution over 7" more of height.

Are you back? How did it go? I am a big girl and planning a trip to Europe and am wondering if you could share some of your experiences.

Jebrik: The OP never posted again after June 17 - unlikely she will see your question . . .

Jebrik is one of those first time posters. It's more than likely they will not respond, but if they do, it will be interesting.

Some people get notified in their e-mail when someone posts a reply to an original comment. This could have been one of those times. Just thought I'd take a chance. Sheesh.

Jebrik
Did you see this post that Doppio found?
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-in-europe.cfm

"ome people get notified in their e-mail when someone posts a reply to an original comment. "

That doesn't happen here.