Tracee Ellis Ross Packs Just Two Pairs of Underwear When Traveling
Tracee Ellis Ross Packs Just Two Pairs of Underwear When Traveling
Tracee Ellis Ross, best known for her standout roles in Girlfriends and Black-ish, surprised audiences at Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Summit in New York City on July 15, 2025, with an unexpected confession: she only packs two pairs of underwear when she travels.
Known for her glamorous red carpet looks and her iconic fashion sense, Ross revealed that she prefers to travel light, washing her undies in the hotel sink rather than over-packing. The moment drew laughter and admiration, offering a surprisingly relatable take on celebrity travel habits.
In this article, we explore Ross’ minimalist travel philosophy, how her lifestyle aligns with growing industry trends, and how other celebrities pack with eccentric flair. We’ll also share tips on how you can adopt Tracee’s minimalist mindset for your next adventure.
Tracee Ellis Ross: A Legacy of Style, Humor, and Substance
Born to music royalty — Diana Ross and music executive Robert Ellis Silberstein — Tracee Ellis Ross was destined for the spotlight.
She first gained major fame as Joan Clayton in the cult-favorite series Girlfriends (2000–2008), then catapulted to mainstream success with her Emmy-nominated role as Dr. Rainbow Johnson in Black-ish (2014–2022).
She’s a Golden Globe winner, six-time NAACP Image Award recipient, and also a successful entrepreneur. She executive produced Mixed-ish and even starred in The High Note, showing off her impressive vocal talent.
But her enduring appeal lies in her authenticity — whether she’s sharing deep life reflections or packing only two pairs of underwear, Ross stays true to herself.
Why Tracee Ellis Ross Packs Just Two Pairs of Underwear
When it comes to travel, Tracee Ellis Ross isn’t one to overthink her suitcase. Speaking candidly at the World’s Best Summit, she explained,
“There’s always one bathing suit, a flip flop, and one little dress I can roll up. And there’s always two undies.”
It’s simple, efficient, and deeply practical. She washes her underwear in the sink and reuses them — a travel hack many seasoned backpackers swear by.
For Ross, it’s not about deprivation, but freedom. With fewer items, she has more flexibility and less to worry about, especially when hopping between cities or events.
Embracing the Minimalist Travel Trend
Minimalist travel has emerged as one of the most impactful travel trends of the last decade. In a world where convenience, cost savings, and sustainability matter more than ever, packing light is no longer just a backpacker’s strategy — it’s a lifestyle choice.
Ross’ habit exemplifies this trend: she packs only what she needs and leaves the rest behind. From avoiding checked luggage fees to reducing carbon footprints, minimalist travelers are finding joy in simplicity.
Even celebrities — with access to stylists, glam squads, and assistants — are downsizing their suitcases in favor of efficiency and practicality.
What Is the World’s Best Summit?
Tracee shared her secret at the inaugural Travel + Leisure World’s Best Summit, held July 15–16, 2025, in New York City. The event brought together leaders in hospitality, travel innovation, wellness tourism, and more to shape the future of how we move around the world.
Curated by Editor-in-Chief Jacqueline Gifford, the summit featured keynote speakers like beauty mogul Bobbi Brown, tech developers, hoteliers, and, of course, Ross — whose speech combined humor, honesty, and a hint of shock value.
Her two-underwear tip may have been the biggest surprise, but it also perfectly aligned with the summit’s core message: the future of travel is intentional, efficient, and personal.
Public Reactions: Fans Are Divided
Social media erupted with reactions after Ross’ travel confession. Many fans praised her for her down-to-earth mindset:
“Tracee Ellis Ross washing her underwear in a hotel sink? That’s real and I respect it!” wrote one fan on X.
Others were more skeptical:
“Two pairs of underwear for a trip? That’s wild, even for a minimalist!”
These mixed reactions highlight something important: fans crave authenticity but still hold certain expectations of celebrity luxury. Ross continues to challenge those expectations in refreshing ways.
Other Celebrity Travel Habits You Won’t Believe
Ross isn’t alone in her quirky travel rituals. Here are some of the most surprising — and sometimes downright weird — travel habits of other A-listers:
- Gwyneth Paltrow travels with a portable sauna for detoxing.
- Rihanna reportedly carries hot sauce everywhere she goes — even through airport security.
- Johnny Depp packs a collection of scarves, using them as comfort items.
- David Beckham requests rooms with odd-numbered doors for balance and good energy.
These eccentric habits, like Ross’ minimalist packing, humanize celebrities — revealing preferences, routines, and rituals that mirror (or defy) everyday travel decisions.
How to Pack Like Tracee Ellis Ross: 5 Tips
Inspired to lighten your load? Here’s how to pack like a minimalist — without sacrificing comfort or style:
- Prioritize Multi-Use Items
- Choose clothing that works for day and night, like a dress that doubles as beachwear and dinner attire.
- Go for Quick-Dry Undergarments
- Pack two to three pairs of high-quality, fast-drying underwear you can rinse in the sink.
- Skip the “Just in Case” Mindset
- Only pack what you know you’ll wear. Don’t bring things “just in case.”
- Use Packing Cubes or Compression Bags
- Save space and keep your items organized.
- Stick to Carry-On Only
- Save money, skip baggage claim, and travel stress-free.
Why Ross’ Minimalist Approach Resonates
What makes Ross’ story stand out isn’t just the number of underwear she brings — it’s what it symbolizes. In an industry obsessed with excess, she chooses ease over extravagance, and authenticity over image. With a carefree spirit, Tracee’s honesty makes fans love her more.
Her mindset aligns with today’s most relevant travel priorities:
- Sustainability
- Intentional spending
- Freedom from baggage (literal and figurative)
In sharing her travel hack at the World’s Best Summit, Ross offered more than just a viral soundbite — she provided a thoughtful example of how we can all rethink the way we pack, move, and explore.
So next time you prepare for a trip, consider Tracee Ellis Ross’ two-underwear rule. It just might change how you travel — or at least, how much you carry.