Tracee Ellis Ross Explains Why She Only Packs Two Pairs Of Underwear On Vaca

Tracee Ellis Ross is known for her style, charm, and effortless wit—but when it comes to travel, she’s also refreshingly practical.

During a candid conversation at theTravel + Leisure’s annual World’s Best Summit on July 15 in New York City, the Emmy-nominated actress revealed an unconventional packing strategy that left many in awe: she only brings two pairs of underwear on vacation.

“I pack one bathing suit, a flip flop, one little dress I can roll up—and there’s always two undies,” Ross shared while discussing her approach to solo travel. For most travelers, especially those embarking on extended trips, that may sound nearly impossible. But Ross insists it’s not just feasible—it’s freeing.

The Girlfriends and black-ish star went on to explain her system, which includes hand-washing her undergarments in the hotel bathroom sinks. “One sink is for soap and shower gel, the other’s for rinsing. You wring them out, hang them on the towel rack—and that’s that,” she said with a laugh.

This minimalist philosophy, Ross explained, allows her to travel lighter and more efficiently, especially when heading out for longer stretches. “If I’m gone for a month on this trip, you can’t pack a month’s worth of underwear. They take up a lot of space,” she noted.

Ross’s efficient travel habits align perfectly with her newest project, Solo Travel with Tracee Ellis Ross, a six-part docuseries debuting July 25 on Roku. The series follows the actress as she embarks on global adventures alone, exploring both the world and her inner self. It’s a love letter to independence and the joy of discovering new places without the need for constant companionship.

For Ross, solo travel isn’t just about escaping the routine—it’s about being resourceful, intentional, and a little adventurous. And if that means living with just two pairs of underwear? She’s more than ready.

“I love the quiet, the silence, the slowness. I love the choice being mine,” Ross said of her solo travel lifestyle. “And I love making it work—beautifully, simply, and on my own terms.”