Despite being 20 before his first flight, Jeff Jenkins quickly made up for his late start in travel. Now 38, Jenkins, with more than 150,000 followers on social media, has become a travel industry leader.
Once the travel bug bit, Jenkins sought a unique angle to share his love. With help from his cousin, he found that angle in himself. Admittedly overweight, Jenkins noticed a lack of travel and leisure shows for larger folks. With that in mind, he started Chubby Diaries, an online community for plus-sized travelers.
For that same reason, I sought Jenkins for an interview. Through his platform, Jenkins reaches an under-represented audience.
His philosophy is there are plenty of weight-loss and self-help programs. Even when he lost weight, Jenkins still wasn’t satisfied with himself.
His goal was to redefine what travel looks like. He wanted more representation of chubby people, those in wheelchairs, people of color and others he felt didn’t fit the typically marketed traveler image. He wanted to prove anyone could (and should) travel.
Since founding Chubby Diaries, Jenkins has carved his own niche in the travel industry. Through his podcast and television show, along with other appearances, Jenkins achieved his goal. Travel + Leisure even named him one of the most notable people in travel in the past 50 years.
Jenkins discussed all of this in our interview. He also made it clear Chubby Diaries isn’t just for overweight folks. It’s inclusive. Jenkins is living his travel dreams and making it easier for others to live theirs.
Talking Travel is an interview series on Global Traveler. Subscribe to the GT YouTube channel to be notified of all future interviews and other travel-related videos.
— John Wroblewski, online writer

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Feb 7, 2025Shanghai’s New Bund Area Emerges as Global Destination
The New Bund area, in Shanghai’s Qiantan International Business District, is emerging as the city’s fastest growing cultural and business destination. Located within a cluster of shiny new corporate and residential skyscrapers, museums, galleries, cultural centers, and hotels located on the bank of the Huangpu River, The New Bund attracts art and design enthusiasts, financiers and entrepreneurs from across Shanghai, China and the world.
Sponsored Content
A Word with Nat Pieper, oneworld CEO
Name: Nat Pieper Title: CEO at oneworld City: Dallas, Texas First job: Stadium vendor
Press Releases
Feb 7, 2025Join Us to Celebrate the 13th Annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards
Sun, sea and sand beckon! Join us at this year’s Leisure Lifestyle Awards in Miami, Florida. Global Traveler invites you to celebrate the best in travel for the 13th annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards in this vibrant beach city. What better way to sit back and relax than at an event honoring those who have mastered the art of leisure?
Daily
Feb 7, 2025Celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Spoil your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day at The Peninsula Beverly Hills. This iconic hotel boasts an exciting lineup of special experiences celebrating all things love.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Egypt
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS
Daily
Feb 7, 2025London Marriott Hotel County Hall Reveals New Rooms, Suites
With unbeatable views of the River Thames, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and London Eye, London Marriott Hotel County Hall raises the bar even more with the debut of 35 new guestrooms and suites. From private balconies to interconnecting bedrooms to spacious dining rooms, this upscale hotel brings guests even closer to the splendor and elegance of London.
5 Romantic Hotels for Valentine’s Day in Europe
Daily
Feb 6, 2025eFlyer News
Feb 5, 2025Europe’s First Hell’s Kitchen to Open at The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel
Palladium Hotel Group and Gordon Ramsay Restaurants recently revealed an exclusive partnership to bring a Hell’s Kitchen to the newly launched The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel. The inaugural hotel of luxury brand, The Unexpected Hotels, The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel takes inspiration from Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
eFlyer Reviews
Feb 5, 2025“MSC World Europa” Review
A ship within a ship. That’s how I’d describe my stay in the Yacht Club on MSC World Europa. This private enclave — a luxury offering becoming more sought-after on cruise lines — includes amenities available only to passengers in this floating oasis. And, as I learned during my voyage, the Yacht Club lends a feeling of exclusivity to the onboard experience.
ShareThis