When I heard Tracee Ellis Ross had a new travel series on Roku, I made time to watch it with zero distractions. I’ve always admired her take on single life, aging, and independence. She doesn’t just talk about owning her choices, she lives them.
And she got a lot right about traveling alone.
She showed the thoughtfulness, the introspection, and the way travel can turn into a mirror for your soul. She didn’t gloss over the quiet moments. She leaned into them. That’s rare in travel content.
But there was something else I noticed.
If you haven’t seen the series yet, I won’t spoil it. And if you have watched, you may know what I mean when I say it sometimes felt heavier than expected. Not in a bad way. More in a “this reads like loneliness” way.
The thing is, when I travel solo, I don’t feel lonely. I feel full. Connected. Sometimes even more honest than when I travel with people I already know.
Later, I learned in an interview that Tracee made a conscious effort to share her internal dialogue throughout the trip to let the audience in. And here’s where I think most people (and a lot of travel shows) miss the mark:
- The best parts of solo travel are felt, not filmed.
- It’s not the café selfie. It’s the conversation you have with a stranger who makes you laugh until your cheeks hurt.
- It’s not the sweeping view. It’s the exact second you feel your shoulders drop and your mind quiet.
- It’s not the carefully staged moment. It’s the private joy of doing exactly what you want, without explaining it to anyone.
For me, solo travel is not a plan B. It’s a sacred, intentional choice. And because I’m not famous, I get to blend in. I can talk to anyone, accept invitations, wander without recognition, and open myself to connection without worrying about being watched.
That freedom changes everything.
So yes, Tracee got a lot right. She reminded us that traveling alone is powerful, reflective, and deeply personal. But what most people miss, including many who’ve never tried it, is that solo travel isn’t about being alone. It’s about being with yourself in the most complete, unfiltered way.
I am never truly alone, only deeply, beautifully with myself.
Marcia Hylton, aka MarciaUnbound
Remote Income Coach
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