Thinking of traveling solo? Tracee Ellis Ross has suggestions on how to do it well

By ALICIA RANCILIO Associated Press Tracee Ellis Ross the actor best-known for her roles in shows like black-ish and Girlfriends happens to be single and without children but she doesn t let either hold her back from experiencing a fulfilling joyful life especially when it comes to vacations When friends and family can t join her or if she just wants to decompress Ross will jet-set by herself and have a fabulous time doing it She says she takes at least one solo trip a year and if vacationing with others might stay a little longer to include alone time In a new three-part docuseries streaming on The Roku Channel Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross a camera crew follows the actor on solo trips to Marrakech Morocco Canc n Mexico and Marbella Spain This image issued by Roku shows promotional art for the Roku original series Traveling Solo with Tracee Ellis Ross Roku via AP Ross says her first solo movement experience was in her s and she s learned over the years that even the uncomfortable moments of being by herself have given her coping skills for everyday life What I find is that I gain a muscle strength around being uncomfortable she recounted The Associated Press in a newest interview It s like when a baseball sportsman swings with two bats and then by the time they get to the one bat it feels lighter When you get back into your regular day life and uncomfortable things happen I have muscle memory to know how to walk through this on my own Ross shared tips to traveling as a party of one Ease into it Start by going to dinner by yourself Ross says And if you feel nervous about doing that go to dinner by yourself on a Tuesday night at o clock and work your way up to going to dinner by yourself on a Saturday or Friday night at o clock 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 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 This mage distributed by Roku shows actor Tracee Ellis Ross in a scene from the Roku original series Traveling Solo with Tracee Ellis Ross Emily V Aragones Roku via AP 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 Related Articles Largest campground at Yosemite National Park to reopen after million renovation Virgin Voyages launches its first true crime-themed cruise Chicago foodie excursion The history and mystery of ice cream sundaes Clueless -inspired hotel suite features Cher-approved closet A bounty of summer events around N E lets you revel in the season 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 tour to destinations with resorts where she can feel safe on her own It allows me to not have to adventure off property she announced And she returns to places where she s uncovered comfort all the time Research several 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 calm 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 peaceful in general but feeling prepared and settled by yourself