How I Roll: Evita Robinson, Founder of Nomadness Travel Tribe

Welcome to How I Roll, TPG's series on airport routines, exploring everything from how jet-setters prepare for their journeys to their in-flight fashion choices.

We spoke with Evita Robinson, the founder of Nomadness Travel Tribe, just before her trip to Egypt. The Nomadness Travel Tribe is a vibrant community for travelers of color that organizes group trips and hosts an annual travel and cultural festival known as Nomadness Fest.

The travel itinerary

In December 2021, Evita traveled to Egypt. The Nomadness Travel Tribe has planned trips to Cartagena, Colombia, from February 23-28, March 2-7, and March 9-14.

Pre-departure preparations

TPG: What does your pre-travel checklist look like? Are there specific tasks you make sure to complete around the house before you leave?

ER: I rely on daily checklists because my mind can only handle so much while managing Nomadness. I need to ensure I don’t overlook anything. One of my key rituals is creating a checklist 48 to 24 hours before I depart. It’s often the last-minute items you forget, like chargers and your passport, that can cause issues on the road. Checklists are essential for me.

Several days prior to a trip, especially if I’ll be away for a while, I begin organizing my laundry by setting aside the clothes and accessories I plan to take. It’s like a pre-packing strategy. As I evaluate my closet for what I want to include in my suitcase, I designate a specific area for these items, which helps streamline the packing process.

I have two cats, so they are a key part of my pre-departure routine. I ensure someone is scheduled to take care of them, set up all their food for the duration of my absence, and finalize any other needs they might have.

I make it a point to leave my apartment spotless. If I return to a space that looks exactly as it did before my trip, that brings me joy. I prefer not to deal with any mess. I've developed systems to manage cat fur, such as using a blanket on my bed to catch their shedding while I’m away. When I return, I can simply remove the blanket, and everything feels clean and comfortable. You naturally create these systems over time.

Packing approach

TPG: Do you prefer to carry on your luggage or check it?

ER: I prefer to cube my packing whenever possible; I find it to be the most efficient method. I’m definitely on Team Carry-On. On my last trip, which lasted two weeks, I had to check a bag because of the equipment I was carrying. However, I do my best to fit everything I can into my carry-on, and I’m a big fan of using cubes.

TPG: Do you have a favorite carry-on bag or suitcase that you always use?

ER: I’m not particularly loyal to any luggage brand. I have an iFLY suitcase and ordered another one from Amazon, but I can't even recall the brand. I’m starting to like aluminum luggage for its sleek design; it makes me feel like I’m arriving at the airport with a briefcase full of money. A hard case is essential for me because it needs to be sturdy. Right now, I use my iFLY carry-on the most.

TPG: Do you generally pack light or do you tend to overpack?

ER: I strive to keep my packing minimal. It can be overwhelming to manage too much luggage, and I want to avoid that. My travel itineraries are usually quite packed, so I don’t want extra baggage complicating things.

TPG: What are your must-have items for your carry-on?

ER: My carry-on essentials include my journal, pens, laptop, essential oils, and if I’m flying domestically, some CBD. The key items for me are my journals and the current book I'm reading. I’m a huge book lover, so reading and writing are important to me while traveling.

TPG: What’s your preferred travel outfit and footwear?

ER: Right now, I’m all about Birkenstocks for footwear. My travel outfit really depends on my destination and the weather. I aim for a blend of style and comfort—comfort is my top priority. Recently, I mentioned in Nomadness that I’ve been gravitating toward rompers. They may not be the most practical, but I love how comfortable they are for flying, and they’ve become my go-to this year for some reason.

Before boarding

TPG: Do you arrive at the airport early or just in time?

ER: I come from a background of standby travel since most of my trips are on benefits. With standby travel, you’re literally the last one to board the plane, if you even get a seat at all. I’m known for checking standby flights frequently, so if I'm on standby, I tend to roll in a bit late, knowing I’ll be among the last to receive a ticket before they close the doors.

However, if it’s a paid ticket, I prefer to arrive with enough time to avoid stress. I’m not as early as my mom, who shows up three hours ahead, but I do cut it close. Fortunately, Clear has been a lifesaver for me every time. I need to be cautious, though, as I feel a bit too confident about it—there might come a day when I encounter a long Clear line. Having Clear lets me breeze through the security process, and with my United Explorer Credit Card, I also enjoy additional status perks. I’ve got a solid system with points and airline privileges, but Clear is definitely my secret weapon.

TPG: What do you do with any extra time at the airport?

ER: When I arrive early, it's primarily for lounge access. If I can't get into a United lounge—especially since most of their Newark lounges are closed—I also rely on a priority pass. I have Clear for security and a priority pass for lounges; that’s my way of navigating the system. If I'm at the airport early or heading to an international destination, I focus on finding a lounge, particularly during COVID-19, where I can settle in with minimal crowds.

TPG: What snacks or items do you bring for your flight?

ER: Since airlines have cut back on in-flight meals, staying hydrated is crucial for me. I’ve managed to avoid sugary snacks and instead opt for healthier choices like trail mix or pop chips. I do have a sweet tooth, so I also enjoy dried fruit for a little sugar boost. I really need to remember to pack my own snacks, as we often focus so much on the liquids rule at security that we overlook the fact that food is totally allowed in carry-ons—just as long as it's packed properly, whether it's from home or a restaurant.

Inflight routine

TPG: Do you prefer a window seat or an aisle seat on the plane?

ER: I prefer the aisle seat because I value my freedom. It may sound a bit dramatic, but it’s true.

TPG: During the flight, would you rather be working or relaxing?

ER: I choose to relax. I genuinely enjoy the fact that people can’t reach me on flights. It’s wonderful, and I’m not bothered about Wi-Fi at all.

TPG: Do you have any advice for making preboarding or the flight itself go more smoothly?

ER: We need to show each other some grace. After everything we’ve been through in the past year and a half, emotions are running high. Some people are even getting confrontational with airline staff. It’s essential to remember that everyone has their struggles. I wish we could all default to kindness and understanding, because we’d want that for ourselves, too.

Everything else

TPG: What message do you want to share with women of color regarding travel?

ER: Travel is within reach for all of us, even if you’re going solo. Being part of travel communities like Nomadness Travel Tribe means you have connections everywhere. Don’t let the fear of being a solo traveler or thinking you won’t see people who look like you hold you back from exploring the world.

TPG: What should others understand about the travel experiences unique to women of color?

It’s crucial to recognize that Black and brown travelers are not a homogeneous group. Our community is filled with nuances and remarkable diversity. There isn’t a single model that fits us all.