Tracee Joy Silberstein, known professionally as Tracee Ellis Ross, isn’t just an award-winning actress—she’s a fashion icon, producer, and the founder of PATTERN Beauty. Known for her unforgettable roles in Girlfriends and Black-ish, Tracee is now taking us on a journey like no other. From the colorful streets of Morocco to the sun-soaked beaches of Mexico and the charming corners of Spain, she’s showing how solo travel can be joyful, empowering, and full of discovery. In her new Roku series, Tracee invites us to pack our bags, embrace our own company, and experience the thrill of exploring the world on our own terms.
Tracee Ellis Ross’ Rules for Traveling Alone: Choosing Your Destination and Hotel
When it comes to planning her solo adventures, Tracee is thoughtful about every detail. “For the show, we made a list of places I wanted to go and then chose according to where cameras were accepted and what fit our budget,” she shares. But safety is always at the forefront: she’s mindful of which destinations are comfortable and secure for a Black woman traveling alone.
“Travel isn’t just about the kind of experience you want—it’s about your life circumstances and what could make you vulnerable in certain places. Doing your research first is key,” Tracee explains.
For her, true luxury isn’t about first-class seats or five-star hotels—it’s the freedom to go somewhere that feels safe and allows your nervous system to relax. “There are so many experiences now that are really special for solo travelers,” she adds, showing that mindful planning can make any journey feel effortless and empowering.
Solo Travel Plane Essentials, According to Tracee Ellis Ross
Tracee has a few must-haves that make flying solo feel effortless. She swears by her Air Tamer air purifier—worn around the neck like a chic accessory—and keeps an atomizer and another purifier for longer flights. Staying hydrated and comfy is key, so compression socks are always part of her kit.
Entertainment is equally important. Tracee packs her iPad and Apple Air Max headphones, downloading audiobooks or her favorite series for longer trips. While she still loves flipping through physical books, having digital options ensures every journey is both relaxing and inspiring.
With these thoughtful little rituals, Tracee turns every flight into more than just a journey from point A to B—it becomes a moment of calm, inspiration, and self-care. Solo travel isn’t just about the destination; it’s about embracing your own company, creating comfort wherever you go, and savoring the joy of moving through the world on your own terms.
We love our summer trips andfall vacations, but let’s be honest: The winter months are when you truly need an escape. Now is the perfect time for a pre-holiday weekend getaway, and once January and February hit, we’ll be itching for a little change in scenery. The best part about winter travel is that costs are typically lower, so you can indulge a bit more than you normally would during the peak seasons. Whether you want to embrace the winter weather and après ski, or you’d rather escape to someplace warm, we’ve got you covered with the best winter getaways in the U.S.
Take it from someone who’s pretty much always planning her next vacation: The coming months are going to be *so* much better if you have one of these winter getaways to look forward to. Keep scrolling for our top picks for winter destinations in the U.S., including warm-weather hot spots, snow bunny favorites, and iconic cities that go all out for the holidays.
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Best City Vacations
You’ll want to pack your warmer clothes and comfortable shoes for these winter getaways, but you’ll find no shortage of restaurants, bars, and shops to pop into while you’re out and- about exploring. Plus, few things beat the hustle and bustle of these cities during the holiday season.
There’s never a bad time to visit New York City, but the winter months are truly magical. Braving the (even denser than usual) holiday crowds is worth it once you see the city all dressed up in holiday lights, window displays, and festive decorations. Winter is the one time of year we would recommend doing the classic NYC tourist activities: ice skating in Central Park, Bryant Park & Union Square holiday markets, 5th Avenue window displays, The Rockettes at Radio City, and (of course) the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. If you have time, head up to Lincoln Center and see the NYC Ballet’s Nutcrackerperformance or grab a hot chocolate and stroll through the West Village—the holiday energy cannot be replicated anywhere else.
Don’t think you’ll make it to New York before the holidays? January and February bring lower hotel costs, fewer crowds, and a beautiful (potentially snow-covered) backdrop for a city vacation.
Does the winter make you want to pack up and head to a cottage, à la Cameron Diaz in The Holiday? We can’t promise you’ll find your Jude Law, but we can promise all the small-town charm you’d hope for and more with these picturesque winter getaways.
You’ll feel like you stepped onto the set of a Hallmark movie when you arrive in this quaint community in central Washington. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the town is modeled after a traditional Bavarian village, which means it’s the closest you can get to the famed German Christmas markets without leaving the country. Leavenworth goes all out for the holidays with dazzling Christmas decorations and lights decking the entire downtown area from Thanksgiving through February.
With an average of nearly 100 inches of snowfall a year, this picturesque destination is also an ideal playground for all sorts of winter sports, including snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skiing, and good old-fashioned sledding. If you prefer more indoor activities, stroll through the local boutiques to shop for artisanal gifts and handmade crafts, then stop by the Nutcracker Museum to check out the collection of more than 9,000 nutcrackers crafted in over 50 countries. After a day full of activities, grab a beer and some authentic German schnitzel to warm you back up.
Particularly, if you live in New York City, New Paltz is an easy weekend escape that will give you the dose of fresh air and disconnection you’re craving. And for a small town, it’s got a lot to offer. Downtown Main Street has a large selection of shops, cafés, and restaurants, and there are a ton of hiking trails in the area—so pack your warm clothes. If you’re feeling adventurous, start your day with the Lemon Squeeze hike, and follow it with a meal at the Main Street Bistro (just be prepared to wait a bit for a table).
History buffs can take a tour of Huguenot Street for some colonial American history, and film fanatics will want to check out Mohonk Mountain House, a resort and national historical landmark, which is rumored to be the inspiration for The Shining and can be seen more recently in Showtime’s Billions. You could spend your whole trip at this all-inclusive hotel, which has a spa, a heated pool, delicious restaurants, and no shortage of indoor and outdoor activities (including winter weather activities such as ice skating, cross-country skiing, snow tubing, and snowshoeing).
Charleston embodies Southern charm at its finest, and winter is a great time to take it all in. If you visit during the holidays, you can take advantage of the many festivals and markets the city has to offer, including the annual Holiday Festival of Lights, which runs from November 10th through December 31st and features over three miles of sparkling lights, train rides, walking trails, refreshments, and more.
Temperatures can range from low 40s to high 60s during Charleston winters, so make sure you pack for a variety of weather conditions. You’ll want to be comfortable as you walk through the Historic District or shop along King Street. Charleston also has a lot of haunted history, so if you’re already bummed Halloween is over, you’ll be happy to know the city is famous for its ghost tours. For food, don’t skip Leon’s Oyster Shop, Husk, or Little Jack’s Tavern.
Is it the mountains or the après ski calling? Whichever you’re after, these snow-covered towns have something to offer for every type of cold-weather vacationer.
If you’retraveling in a group or with a partner who has different travel preferences, Park City is a perfect destination for compromise. Some can spend their days going up and down the slopes, while others can treat themselves to a little spa luxury and pampering. Afterward, meet up for brewery hopping, exploring, and delicious meals downtown. The public transportation here is great, too, with free trolleys, buses, and shuttles at many of the hotels.
If you plan to ski, you can choose between Deer Valley Resort orPark City Mountain—the first option is for skiing only (except, of course, in the summer when it offers mountain biking trails). Each of the mountains has hundreds of trails, so there’s something for every level of athlete. You might even run into some Olympic skiers on the slopes (or you can head over to the Olympic Park to check out where the athletes themselves train).
Downtown, you’ll find shops, bars, restaurants, and the well-knownHigh West Distillery, where you can book a tour and tasting and have brunch, lunch, or dinner. In terms of spas, Stein Eriksen is a tranquil, indulgent experience, which you can book whether or not you’re a guest.
Stowe is worthy of a spot on your vacation bucket list, even if you don’t ski. The town is packed with charm (and things to do), and it’s an excellent destination for the winter months. Spend your trip skiing (or hanging at the lodge), exploring downtown Stowe, and indulging in some delicious food and craft beer. Vermont has an excellent brewery scene, and Stowe is no exception. The town has a laid-back vibe, so if you’re looking for something glitzy, this isn’t for you.
You don’t necessarily need a car here, as Stowe has a very reliable shuttle service that will take you up to the mountain and down to the downtown area. Spruce Peak and Mt. Mansfield are your options for skiing, and there is a gondola that goes between the two. Restaurants and bars are situated at the bottom of each (as well as a few on top) with views that cannot be beaten.
Even in the dead of winter, daytime temperatures don’t drop far below 60 degrees in San Diego—which makes it the perfect place to defrost if you live in a cooler climate. The water might be on the colder side, but you’ll still have some solid weather for surfing, kayaking, and other activities you might typically save for the summer months. San Diego also boasts a ton of great museums and art galleries for culture-buffs, as well as your pick of bars and restaurants.
If you’re looking for a laidback, beachy vibe, you can’t go wrong with Pacific Beach (where you’ll find some of the best breakfast burritos you’ve ever tasted atKono’s Cafe).
We’ve been to Miami with family, with a partner, for bachelorette parties, and solo, and every time we’ve had a blast. For a true lay-by-the-pool or beach-lounging experience, Miami is it. Those hours in the sun feel even better when you know it’s frigid and snowy back where your home is. The city of Miami has developed a lot over the past few years, and it has a lot to offer outside of beaches and pools, too.
While most flock to South Beach, we also love the laid-back vibe of Coconut Grove, where you can find tons of great local bars, restaurants, shops, and cafés to explore. If you want more of a bustling city scene, Brickell is a solid choice. It has better hotel deals than South Beach and is still within close enough proximity to the ocean if you have a car.
Palm Springs is another destination that will make you wonder why you chose to live somewhere where the temps drop below freezing. This winter getaway is an ideal spot to relax, unwind, and set the tone for your year. Spend your days hiking and taking in the beautiful scenery or stroll through the downtown area where you’ll find great shops and restaurants. What lands Palm Springs on this list, though, is its standout resorts.
We have our eyes on a wellness retreat at the celebrity-favorite We Care Spa, but the city has plenty of resorts for every type of vacationer—including some great options for families with children.
If you are one of those who do not have good experiences on airplanes when traveling, hypnotherapymay be one of your solutions.
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Having anxiety when traveling is completely normal. What is not good is that you fearbeing on a plane and your intrusive thoughts torture you for the 2, 5, or 10 hours that your flight lasts. If you have already tried meditation, breathing exercises, and even some medication, and nothing has worked for you, the answer may lie in hypnotherapy. We tell you what it is.
What is hypnotherapy and how can it help you when traveling?
Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that uses hypnosis as a tool to help people overcome emotional, psychological, or physical problems.
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Yes, it sounds like something they would do in a Disney movie, and although it is something similar, it does not involve witchesor magical artifacts, and they will not force you to do something you do not want. This therapy consists of inducing a state of hypnotic trance in patients so that they relax deeply and generate greater concentration in their subconscious.
Therapists use verbal techniques (such as questions and reflections on important moments in patients’ lives) to help them solve their problems and leave their fears behind. The goal of this therapy is to explore the underlying causes of the problems. To leave a fear or experience behind, it is important to find memories and repressed emotions about a specific topic.
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Hypnotherapy and air travel
Your therapist can teach you to enter a state of hypnosis that will help you combat your anxiety when traveling. This practice can be a very good solution to your problems with airplanes since you will find a way to take control of your subconscious and not let it control you.
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Generally finding the real causes of why people are afraid of airplanes is not easy. You may think that they are superficial things however, many times it can go back to traumatic childhood experiences or even something they saw on television and do not remember.
If you think this may be the case for you, talk to your therapist about it and see if there is a chance to explore much more about this type of therapy.
Summer may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean your wanderlust has. Whether you’re headed on a long weekend vacation or a weeks-long sojourn across the world, some products always make the final cut on any packing list.
When the TSA line isn’t moving, or you need a quick jolt of energy during that all-day walking tour, these travel-sized inhaling salts are here to rescue you. With an invigorating blend of peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, and organic menthol, a few sniffs of these salts will clear your sinuses and refresh your mind.
The more you travel, the more you understand the importance (read: need) of in-flight comfort necessities like a neck pillow or face mask. This sleek set comes with both, along with a face mask that can transform a middle-seat economy ticket into your first-class paradise.
Whether traveling solo or with a partner, this discreet bullet vibrator is a must-pack. Available in three perky colors, it’s waterproof and has three intensity levels, making it ready to go whenever (or wherever) you are.
Packing liquid face wash can be a mess. Bette Green’s portable facial cleansing stick was made for a no-spill travel experience. In addition to being vegan and organic, it’s also formulated for all skin types. Better stock up now.
Few things are worse than boarding a flight and realizing you have a tickle in your throat, which is why you travel prepared. This packable throat spray full of antioxidants and vitamins is ready to nip any lingering travel bugs in the bud.
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