Emmy-winning actor Colman Domingo is perpetually on the move, maintaining a pace that would exhaust even the most seasoned globetrotter. Between filming high-profile television projects and jet-setting across continents, the Philadelphia native has transformed travel logistics into an exact science. Fresh off a cross-country turnaround from Santa Fe to Malibu, Domingo barely had time to catch his breath before catching a morning flight to Iceland. There, amid the crisp northern air, he joined the cast of his hit Netflix series The Four Seasons, working alongside Tina Fey, Will Forte, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Marco Calvani, and Erika Henningsen.
Despite a whirlwind itinerary that frequently leaves him navigating international time zones, Domingo has mastered the art of efficient travel. Even with only a few hours at home between demanding film shoots—arriving in Malibu late at night before immediately turning around for an international departure—he operates with military-grade precision. According to the actor, a brief window is more than enough time to reset. After touching down from New Mexico, he managed to do laundry, pack his belongings, and turn off the lights by midnight, ready for the next leg of his journey.
This methodical approach to travel is not accidental. It stems from the professional discipline Domingo developed during his early retail days working at J. Crew and Banana Republic. Decades later, the habits instilled during those formative years remain deeply ingrained in his daily routine. Every garment he packs is carefully folded, meticulously organized, and treated with the kind of meticulous attention to detail he once applied to retail merchandising displays.
A cornerstone of his packing strategy relies on a curated, all-black wardrobe. By leaning heavily into versatile staples like an Ami turtleneck and durable Double RL jeans, Domingo can effortlessly mix and match pieces to create the illusion of a much larger wardrobe. This monochromatic palette not only simplifies decision-making on the road but also aligns with his broader aesthetic philosophy regarding luggage. Partnering with luggage brand Away for the rollout of their comprehensive Series 3 core line refresh, the actor has found a kindred spirit in sophisticated, understated travel gear.
The updated Away collection introduces several functional enhancements designed to streamline the airport experience, including StopLock wheel brakes, hands-free handle hooks, smoother-gliding wheels, hidden Bluetooth tracker pockets, and adjustable trolley handles. Domingo has integrated Away’s The Bigger Carry-On Flex 3 into his travel routine, praising the effortless maneuverability of its wheels and the quick-locking mechanism of its multi-level handle heights. Rather than relying on a backpack—which he humorously associates with an obvious tourist aesthetic—Domingo pairs his hardside rollaboard with a sophisticated shoulder bag, such as the Signature Weekender or the Triple-Zip Duffle. Selecting a shoulder or cross-body bag helps him blend into his surroundings, allowing him to feel like a temporary local rather than a glaring outsider.
This desire to integrate seamlessly into local cultures extends far beyond his wardrobe choices. When it comes to discovering culinary hotspots during his travels, Domingo deliberately bypasses curated tourist recommendations and viral blog lists. Whether he is exploring Japan or Italy, his method is entirely organic. He prefers to stroll down unfamiliar streets, peer through restaurant windows, and gauge the atmosphere by observing how the patrons are enjoying themselves. Guided purely by instinct and intuition, this spontaneous approach to dining has rarely steered him wrong, reinforcing his belief that total immersion yields the most authentic cultural experiences.
Domingo’s penchant for spontaneous, unscripted travel is best exemplified by a remarkable holiday trip he and his husband, Raúl, undertook in December 2022. With their schedules defined by chronic uncertainty and holiday plans hanging in the balance, a late-season window opened up. When his husband suggested visiting Easter Island—a notoriously difficult destination to reach—Domingo accepted the challenge. Within six days of conceptualizing the trip, the couple executed a complex flight itinerary from Los Angeles to Atlanta, onward to Santiago, Chile, and finally deep into the Pacific Ocean, ultimately checking into the Nayara Hangaroa eco-hotel.
Upon arrival, true to form, Domingo eschewed a rigid itinerary. Armed with little more than a basic awareness of the iconic Moai statues, he and his husband stepped out of their hotel and immediately began exploring the rugged terrain. The welcoming nature of the island’s residents became apparent almost instantly. Recognizing the distinct presence of visitors in such an isolated community, locals quickly extended a warm welcome, even inviting the couple to an impromptu neighborhood barbecue. The trip yielded few conventional tourist purchases, but it did result in a treasured keepsake: a miniature Moai carved and gifted by a local hotel waiter, now proudly displayed in Domingo’s office as a testament to the genuine hospitality of the island’s inhabitants.
When packing for warmer climates like the South Pacific, Domingo’s wardrobe choices balance practicality with a touch of curated flair. His suitcase typically includes a selection of tailored and casual shorts alongside a rotation of swim trunks, ranging from classic Speedos to shorter-cut styles by Jacquemus. His collection of T-shirts spans high and low, mixing budget-friendly multipacks from Costco with luxury garments crafted from premium textiles, anchored by a reliable, heavy-duty J. Crew fleece zip-up hoodie.
To elevate basic outfits on the road, Domingo relies on a signature travel trick: neckerchiefs. Collected strategically from trendy hotel lobbies and hipster boutiques during his travels—with Austin, Texas, serving as a primary hunting ground—these small accessories allow him to completely alter the look of a repeated T-shirt. His headwear rotation follows a similar philosophy, featuring a mix of baseball caps and bucket hats bearing vintage motel and hotel logos, alongside cherished mementos like a yellow corduroy hat acquired at the Sundance Film Festival.
Despite traveling light, Domingo never sacrifices personal comforts or sentimental items. His packing list always includes a selection of fine jewelry, featuring elegant pieces from Boucheron such as interwoven circular necklaces in yellow and white gold, alongside his father’s vintage ring dating back to 1942. For digital documentation, he carries a high-end Leica Q3 camera slung around his neck, complemented by an iPad, AirPods, and essential charging peripherals. His snacking preferences remain refreshingly nostalgic, consisting primarily of classic Haribo gummy bears or Percy Pig treats procured from Marks & Spencer during stops in London.
Domingo’s organizational preferences extend to his choice of luggage color and interior packing accessories. Preferring sleek, elegant black luggage to maintain a low profile and command quiet respect from hotel bellhops, he relies sparingly on packing cubes. While he generally prefers to lay his clothes out visibly, he utilizes cubes for specific items, including fragrances like Valentino’s Born in Roma or Vendetta, alongside neckties, a tartan Ralph Lauren tie, and a Tom Ford belt. Upon entering any hotel room, Domingo’s first ritual is to immediately unpack his belongings, refusing to live out of a suitcase. To complete the transition of making a temporary space feel like home, he places a cherished, un-framed 1980s photograph of his parents and stepfather on the nightstand beside him, carrying their memory across the globe.
