Tracee Ellis Ross describes herself as a “child of the world”—and the description fits. She’s had a passport ever since she was born, traveled with her mom on work trips around the world, and lived in glamorous places like Rome. She’s now generously sharing some of her hard-earned tips on travel.
Ross said at the event that “travel is a part of my everyday life.” Travel + Leisure New York City, 2025 World’s Best Summit. “I am a regular on the plane.”
Ross says that she learned to “find home” in herself on her journeys around the world with her family. She lived in Paris for a while and then moved to Switzerland to study. Travel “allowed me see similarities among human beings wherever we were,” Ross added.
Tracee Ellis Ross’s travels around the world have been a great asset, and she is launching her new Roku Original Series, “Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross,” to celebrate. Ross, who is both the star and executive producer of the show, claims that it’s the culmination of years of solo travel. Her first solo trip, at 25, she said, changed her entire worldview.
“Something clicked. Ross said in an exclusive clip of the show, “I’m responsible for myself and my happiness.” “So much about solo travel is not waiting to do something before experiencing my life.”
Ross admits that she doesn’t travel in a random way. Ross’s main concern is her tight schedule.
“I am not a solo traveler or an adventurer. “I don’t travel to be adventurous,” she explained, adding that her preference is for calm, beauty, structure, and beauty. “Every day is filled with military precision in order for me to do the many things that I have on my plate … so the luxury of being is really what travel is about for me.”
Ross said that she is also well aware of her own capabilities and knows to never pack lightly. She always makes sure to be prepared for anything on the road. Ross confessed, “I pack both for beauty and disaster.” “I’ve got the medical kit and I have a variety of clothing depending on who I may encounter.”
She may have romantic fantasies and the perfect clothing to match but she also makes sure her bag has practical items. “Bring your wipes, guys … bring your own pillow, bring your medical kit,” she said. “Wipe down the bathroom sink, wipe that remote.”
Ross is more likely than not to be found on a plane, but she’ll never be seen eating at 35,000 ft. She said, “I don’t eat on a plane.” “You flush the commode, and it all goes everywhere. I was like during the pandemic that they prepared your food right next to the toilet. Get outta here.” Instead, she is packing her own food or saying, “I won’t starve on board.”
“I play a game with myself on the plane: how much water can I drink?” “I have a little game I play with myself: How much water can you drink?” She added, “You will not want to be seated next to me.”
As for jet lag? She has never heard of jet lag. “I don’t believe in jet lag,” Ross said. “My body is exactly where it is.” When I arrive at a location, I love a bath, it settles my body … and then I like to sit outside and allow this part of my body to face the sun.”
Ross’s message on travel goes beyond routines and hacks: It’s about choosing yourself. Ross said, “The program is all about not putting off living your life.” We only have to wait until July 25 for the premiere of the show.
