Tracee Ellis Ross, the actress most recognized for her performances inshows like “black-ish” and “Girlfriends,”happens to be unmarried andwithout children,but she doesn’t allow either to prevent her from enjoying a satisfying and happy life, particularly when it comes to vacations.
When friends and family are unavailable, or when she simply needs to relax, Ross travels alone and enjoys herself immensely. She mentions that she goes on at least one solo trip each year, and if she’s vacationing with others, she might extend her stay to include some time by herself.
A three-part documentary series now available on The Roku Channel, titled “Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross,” features a film crew accompanying the actress on individual journeys to Marrakech, Morocco; Cancún, Mexico; and Marbella, Spain.
Ross mentions that her initial solo travel adventure took place in her 20s, and she has come to realize that the challenging times when she was alone have helped her develop essential skills for handling daily situations.
I’ve discovered that I develop a kind of strength from being uncomfortable,” she said in a recent interview with The Associated Press. “It’s similar to a baseball player using two bats, and then when they switch to one, it feels easier. When you return to your normal life and face challenging situations, you have the strength to handle them by yourself.
Ross offered advice for solo travelers:
Ease into it
Begin by having dinner alone,” Ross suggests. “If you feel anxious about it, start with having dinner alone on a Tuesday evening at 6 PM and gradually progress to having dinner alone on a Saturday or Friday night at 8 PM.
Approach the host and tell them, ‘I need a table for one.’ Experience what it’s like because it will be ten times more intense while on vacation.
She recommends carrying a book or an iPad when dining by yourself, as well as during times spent in your room.
In this way, “if you find yourself staying in your hotel room all day and only visiting a restaurant within the hotel or nearby, you won’t feel like you’ve messed up your vacation or made a foolish decision.”
Understand the purpose of your journey
Ross mentions that there are various motivations for traveling alone and it’s important to recognize what yours is.
“Are you taking a solo trip because you’re single and looking to meet new people? Are you going on a solo trip because your life is filled with your kids, your dogs, your cats, your job, your daily routine, your survival, all the responsibilities, and you need some time to refresh and take a break by yourself? Or are you going for an adventure?” she asks.
After determining the type of experience you want, you can create plans to attain it in a practical and secure manner.
Safety, safety, safety
Regardless of how self-reliant you may be, some types of travelers are more at risk than others, particularly if they’re traveling alone, Ross points out. Be serious about safety when planning your route.
“You may not feel exposed, but where you’re headed could make you susceptible. This is a precise difference and something to consider in order to ensure a positive experience,” she states.
“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 — this could put you at risk in an unfamiliar environment. Ensure you conduct the utmost research to find a place that can offer you a feeling of security despite those challenges,” she says.
Ross likes to visit locations that have resorts, where she can feel secure by herself. “It lets me avoid exploring outside the property,” she mentioned. She keeps going back to places where she has experienced comfort “all the time.”
Explore various other aspects of the journey as well
Ross mentions that she is naturally organized and conducts extensive online research. She also seeks information from others on how to best manage the process from start to finish.
She is interested in finding out if certain airports are crowded and what she can anticipate upon arrival. If it’s a large airport with extensive walking, she ensures she has comfortable footwear. Additionally, she brings a personal fan if the weather is expected to be hot.
Understanding what to anticipate will not only result in feeling ready and at ease overall, but also in feeling prepared and comfortable on your own.
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