Tracee Ellis Ross Shares Her Tips With Those Experiencing Solo Travel for the First Time
The notion of venturing out on one’s own, once considered unusual or even daunting, is now captivating travelers around the globe. Solo travel is soaring in popularity, as more people seek freedom, adventure, and personal growth on their own terms. Among the most prominent champions of traveling alone is Tracee Ellis Ross, acclaimed actor and host of the new Roku Channel docuseries "Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross." Her candid insights and practical guidance are inspiring a new wave of independent explorers. This article delves into her approach, offering lessons and tips that anyone can use to make the most of a solo journey.
A Modern Trend of Solo Travel
Recent years have seen a dramatic uptick in people booking trips for one. According to a 2023 Booking.com survey, nearly 40% of global respondents had taken a solo trip in the past year, and online travel agencies report surges in single-occupancy bookings. What’s fueling this shift? Experts point to factors like flexible work schedules, the growing accessibility of digital resources, and a cultural emphasis on self-care and discovery. Social media, too, normalizes the image of solo travelers, making the idea more approachable and appealing. No longer just a niche pursuit, solo travel is widely accepted as a meaningful way to experience both the world and oneself.
Embracing Solo Adventures
Tracee Ellis Ross, best known for her roles in "black-ish" and "Girlfriends," has become a public face for the joys and challenges of traveling alone. In her three-part series, cameras follow her through Marrakech, Cancún, and Marbella, where she models curiosity, confidence, and openness. Ross began traveling solo in her 20s, and what started as a way to decompress has become, in her words, “a fabulous time” and a key to her personal fulfillment. As she shares in interviews, even when friends and family are unavailable, she finds joy and meaning by journeying alone and occasionally extending group trips to enjoy solitary time.
Key Lessons from Ross’s Journeys
Ross believes solo travel is more than a change of scenery—it’s an exercise in strengthening resilience. “It’s like when a baseball player swings with two bats, and then by the time they get to the one bat, it feels lighter,” she told the Associated Press. The discomforts that arise from being alone—navigating unfamiliar places, making decisions solo—become opportunities to build coping mechanisms. These “muscles” developed while traveling can be called upon when facing challenges in everyday life. In her view, every moment of uncertainty abroad becomes a lesson in self-reliance and composure.
Practical Tips for First-Time Solo Travelers
Beginning a solo travel journey can feel intimidating, but Ross breaks it down into manageable steps. Her advice includes:
- Start with small acts, like dining alone in your own city, to build comfort and confidence.
- Progressively increase the challenge by reserving a table for one during busier times, such as weekend evenings.
- Bring along a book, tablet, or similar comfort item to enjoy meals or downtime solo.
- Reflect on your personal reasons for the trip: Are you seeking adventure, rest, or social connections?
- Plan activities and travel style that align with your goals and needs, keeping expectations realistic and safety in mind.
Ross emphasizes that it’s natural to feel uneasy at first. Simple tools and gradual exposure can transform solo moments from awkward to empowering.
Some people also suggest playing various games to relax before a long trip. For example, you can place a few bets on game shows that are available online today. Funky Time is worth considering: its bright graphics will help you relax and have a good time. A list of platforms offering this game is published on special information websites, such as https://funkytimegame.org/.
Safety Considerations for Solo Explorers
Safety takes on added significance for solo travelers, especially those who are women, LGBTQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual), or differently abled. These identities may bring specific vulnerabilities, particularly in unfamiliar environments. Ross is proactive about choosing destinations where she feels secure, often opting for reputable resorts or familiar places. Her approach prioritizes comfort, allowing for relaxation without the pressure to explore unsafe areas.
For those planning a solo journey, consider this safety checklist:
- Research local customs, laws, and any safety advisories for your destination.
- Select accommodations known for their strong reputation and reliable security.
- Keep emergency contacts, copies of important documents, and contingency plans at hand.
- Trust your instincts—if a situation feels unsafe, seek help or remove yourself promptly.
By addressing these aspects early, travelers can better focus on discovery and enjoyment.
Planning and Preparation: Researching Your Trip
Thorough preparation can ease many anxieties. Ross, a self-described planner, does extensive research online and consults friends about logistics. She recommends:
- Checking the size and layout of airports, likely wait times, and transport options.
- Monitoring weather forecasts and packing accordingly—including comfortable shoes or personal fans if needed.
- Developing backup plans, such as identifying safe places to spend time if venturing out feels overwhelming.
- Exploring resources like guidebooks, travel forums, and dedicated solo traveler communities for personalized advice.
A well-prepared traveler is more likely to feel confident and comfortable navigating new experiences alone.
Personal Growth and the Broader Impact of Going Solo
Psychologists and travel experts agree that solo journeys often foster increased self-esteem, adaptability, and emotional well-being. The freedom to set your own pace, solve problems on the spot, and connect with new cultures can lead to profound personal insight. Tracee Ellis Ross’s own experiences highlight how independence abroad can translate into resilience at home. What new strengths might you discover about yourself on a solo adventure? As more people embrace the joys of traveling solo, stories like Ross’s offer both inspiration and a practical roadmap for anyone ready to take the leap.
