Tracee Ellis Ross, recognized for her performances in series like “black-ish” and “Girlfriends,” is single and child-free, yet she doesn’t let that prevent her from leading a vibrant and joyful life, particularly when it involves traveling.
When her friends and family are unavailable or when she craves some solitude, Ross ventures alone and thoroughly enjoys her time. She aims for at least one solo holiday each year and, when traveling with others, sometimes extends her stay to savor some personal time.
In a recent three-part docuseries available on Roku Channel, titled “Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross,” viewers can accompany the actor on solo adventures to places like Marrakech in Morocco, Cancún in Mexico, and Marbella in Spain.
Ross recalls her initial solo trip took place in her 20s, and through the years, she has discovered that managing the awkwardness of solitude has equipped her with skills useful in daily life.
“I strengthen my ability to handle discomfort,” she explained in a recent discussion with The Associated Press. “Much like a baseball player who practices with two bats, facing life with just one bat seems easier. When faced with discomfort in my routine life, I draw on my experience to confidently navigate through it alone.”
Ross shared tips to traveling as a party of one:
Ease into it
“Begin by dining solo,” Ross advises. “If this feels daunting, start with dinner alone on a Tuesday evening at 6 PM, and gradually progress to dining solo on a Saturday or Friday night at 8 PM.
“Walk up to the host and say, ‘I need a table for one.’ See what it feels like to be in that experience because it will only be that times 10 on vacation.”
She suggests bringing something like a book or an iPad when you’re eating alone, and also for when you’re spending time in your room.
That way, “if you end up having to stay in your hotel room the whole time and only going to a restaurant in your hotel or somewhere just around the corner, you don’t feel like you have ruined your trip and done something stupid.”
Know why you’re taking the trip
Ross says there are different reasons for solo trips and you need to understand what yours is.
“Are you going on a solo trip because you’re single and want to meet other people? Are you going on a solo trip because your life is overwhelmed with your children, your dogs, your cats, your job, your life, your survival, all the things, and you’re going to have a moment to sort of recharge and get away by yourself? Or are you going for an adventure?” she asks.
Once you’ve decided what kind of experience you’re seeking, you can make plans to achieve it realistically and safely.
Safety, safety, safety
No matter how independent you are, certain kinds of travelers are more vulnerable than others, especially if they’re by themselves, Ross notes. Take safety seriously when mapping out your itinerary.
“You might not feel vulnerable, but depending on where you’re going, it might leave you vulnerable. That’s a very specific distinction and something to plan for in order to have a good experience,” she says.
“If you are a Black woman, if you are a woman, if you are LGBTQIA, if you are non-binary, if you are differently abled — that might leave you vulnerable in a foreign place. Make sure you do the best diligence you can to make sure you’re going somewhere that can create a sense of safety for you with whatever those vulnerabilities,” she says.
Ross prefers to travel to destinations with resorts where she can feel safe on her own. “It allows me to not have to adventure off property,” she said. And she returns to places where she’s found comfort “all the time.”
Research many other parts of the trip too
Ross says she’s a planner by nature and does a lot of research online. She also asks around for info about best navigating the experience from beginning to end.
She likes to know whether particular airports are busy and what to expect when she gets there. If it’s a big airport and there’s a lot of walking, she makes sure she has comfortable shoes. She also will pack a personal fan if it’s going to be hot.
Knowing what to expect won’t just lead to feeling prepared and comfortable in general but feeling prepared and comfortable by yourself.
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