2 days ago
Plus-sized traveler says people 'constantly stare' as she journeys through Europe, particularly in Monaco
A plus-size travel influencer has her say on the 'dirty looks' and name-calling she encounters, especially during a recent trip to one of Europe's luxury destinations.
Alex Aspasia, a 30-year-old content creator from Miami's built a large following online for her unapologetic body-positive attitude and her adventures around the globe.
But the 6ft-tall, 385lb jet-setter admits she was almost left 'intimidated' by the constant stares and comments she got from wealthy tourists regarding her weight during her time in the high-end Mediterranean hotspot of Monaco.
In a video posted on TikTok and Instagram, Alex described the treatment she received during her stay in the sovereign city-state on the French Riviera.
She claimed 'rich' visitors in particular would stare at her figure, while others would approach her just to pass on unsolicited comments about her size.
Alex told What's The Jam?: 'The reactions were definitely a lot. I got constant stares, some shocked, some judgmental. One guy even ran into me and called me "big mama".
'A few people asked if I was a plus-size model, and some came up to take pictures. I think it was a mix of admiration and shock - because of my size.'
Alex added: 'I stood out and people weren't used to seeing someone like me confidently taking up space in an elite place like Monaco where being thin is the beauty standard.'
She noted that the negative reactions from other tourists would have potentially 'intimidated' individuals who might not have 'much confidence', but insisted she could 'handle it' and 'show up fully' as herself.
In the video, which was viewed over 255,000 times, Alex's seen in a figure-hugging gown as she confidently strutted through the lobby of a hotel.
Her caption said: 'The amount of dirty looks I got today while in Monaco is insane! A little girl said I looked like a princess, though, so it doesn't matter.'
Despite her unpleasant experiences in Monaco, the influencer remains undeterred in her desire to explore other new places.
Alex said: 'I still believe travel is such an important and valuable experience.'
