The black-ish star is her own favourite travel buddy — and she’s got plenty of wisdom for anyone ready to explore the world solo.
When Tracee Ellis Ross wants to truly unwind, she books a getaway with her favourite companion: herself.
“I’ve been travelling solo since I was about 24 or 25,” the vibrant star of black-ish and Girlfriends told the BBC. “My first solo trip went so well that it just stuck.”
Now, Ross makes sure to take herself on a solo holiday at least once a year. She believes there’s no single reason for travelling alone: “Some people do it for adventure. Some to meet new people. Some to escape their daily lives. I do it as a way to be with myself out in the world.”
For the busy actor, producer, and beauty brand CEO — whose life is “very regimented, full, hard, and working” — this means slowing down. “I decompress, I let the dust settle. I learn a lot about myself, but more importantly, I build this emotional muscle to hold space for myself when things don’t go as planned. I can do uncomfortable things and still find joy.”
Her passion for solo travel inspired her new Roku Channel docuseries Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross, premiering 25 July. Across three episodes, she explores Morocco, Mexico, and Spain, indulging in beauty, fashion, design, food, and culture. Along the way, she shares practical advice — from overpacking without guilt to finding calm on a long flight — and celebrates the joy of experiencing a new place entirely on your own.
“I’ve never been ashamed of travelling solo,” Ross says. “If anything, I’ve felt more self-conscious about how much I pack. But here’s my thing — my overpacking has never hurt anyone. It only brings joy. So do it. Pack it!”
Her biggest takeaway? “It’s okay to know yourself. It’s okay to understand what works best for you, to take care of yourself, and to lean into that.”
Here are Ross’ top tips for anyone ready to take the leap into solo travel.
What if you’re not sure you’re ready to travel alone?
If you feel the pull toward solo travel but feel nervous, start small. Try going out to dinner alone on a quiet Tuesday or Wednesday at 6 p.m. If that feels good, level up — head to a busy restaurant on a Friday or Saturday at 8 p.m. and see how you feel.
Ask yourself: Do you want to bring a book? Are you comfortable just sitting there? Do you feel self-conscious? What’s behind that discomfort? If the experience feels great, you’re ready to graduate to solo travel.
Choosing the right destination
These days, safety is a bigger priority for Ross than it was when she was younger. She looks for places where she’ll feel secure and comfortable — often resorts or hotels with natural light, bathtubs, and great French fries. She likes knowing that if she doesn’t feel like going out, she can stay in her room and still enjoy herself.
Planning for safety beyond the hotel
Ross encourages travellers to consider personal factors that might make them vulnerable — gender, race, sexuality, ability — and research destinations to avoid unnecessary risks. The goal is to feel as safe as possible so you can focus on enjoying the trip.
Balancing work and leisure
As a founder and CEO, work sometimes follows her on vacation. But she sets boundaries: replying to messages more slowly, keeping her phone out of reach, and occasionally enjoying a daytime cocktail — which she jokes makes working impossible.
First steps in a new place
Upon arrival, she unpacks right away, takes a bath to recover from the flight, and often books a lymphatic drainage massage to feel grounded.
Trip planning style
Ross does some research ahead of time, usually for standout restaurants, galleries, or museums, but prefers getting recommendations from locals rather than social media. Thanks to her time living and studying in Europe, she can often pull together a great itinerary through personal connections.
One travel rule she swears by
No overbooking. She keeps plans light so she can return home refreshed, not needing another vacation.
On celebrating local food culture
Ross keeps her dining choices simple, often ordering familiar favourites — but sometimes, curiosity takes over.
“In Morocco, my mouth was so happy and I had no idea what I was eating,” she recalls. “There were flavours my taste buds had never experienced — and it was all delicious! I was like, ‘I don’t even know what these things are!’ I love that part of travel. And then,” she adds with a laugh, “you just want some fries.”
On the best way to experience a city solo
For Ross, it’s all about tuning in.
“I listen to the sounds,” she says. “Everywhere has its own soundtrack — the wind, the birds, the traffic. They all sound different. One of my favourite sounds in the world is wind through trees. Truly, it’s just magic to me.”
