One of the biggest benefits of remote work is the ability to become a digital nomad. Doubling down on work and travel enables you to discover the top destinations—all without sacrificing those coveted PTO days. If you’re passionate about travel, working during the day and exploring at night (or vice versa, depending on your travel destination) is an enriching way to spend your time. There are some digital nomad packing tips everyone interested in this lifestyle should know.
I dipped my toes into the world of work and travel when I traveled to Europe for 5 weeks last year. Simon and I did it again earlier this year for about 2 months. Most recently, we traveled to/worked in New Jersey as part of my Destination Home blog series. Throughout these experiences, I’ve made mistakes that could have been avoided and learned strategies that helped me work more efficiently.
The truth is, you can always find a way to make work just as productive as it is at home; you just have to come prepared with the necessary tools. In doing so, you’ll save yourself the stress and anxiety that come with this lifestyle, enabling you to sign off with ease and begin your explorations.
5 digital nomad packing essentials:
1. Portable Monitor
If you’re used to working across several monitors in your home office, investing in a portable monitor will be a smart choice. This will prevent you from having to swipe to your second or third desktop on your laptop—saving you precious time and energy that can be put towards your work tasks. This one hooks directly into your laptop, providing up to 2 additional screens. Here is another popular choice. It doesn’t plug into your laptop, but it provides a lightweight, sleek design that makes it easy to travel with.
2. Ring Light
One of the unknowns when traveling to a new workspace is the lighting. If you find yourself in several video calls, you’ll want to ensure that you’re adequately lit. This not only helps your teammates or clients see you, but it also provides a sense of professionalism. Adhering to the same level of professionalism you emit in your home workspace ensures your manager and teammates don’t raise an eyebrow when you announce you’re working abroad in Spain for a month. I’ve been using this ring light for the past 4 years. It has a nifty brightness setting that allows you to achieve the perfect lighting in any workspace. At just about $20, it’s a must-have for any digital nomad.
3. Laptop Case Carry-On
One of the first struggles I encountered traveling as a digital nomad was storing my laptop. I felt uncomfortable squishing an expensive device in my carry-on. On the other hand, placing it in my checked bag would be a risky choice given that lost bags are all too common. It wasn’t until I found a carry-on with a built-in laptop holder that I felt completely assured that I could travel with my laptop safely. This is an affordable stylish option that includes a built-in lock. I use this exact carry-on from Samsonite. Alternatively, you could wear a backpack, but make sure it comes with a built-in laptop sleeve inside.
4. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
In addition to not knowing the lighting conditions, it’ll be hard to predict how noisy your temporary workspace will be. I learned this the hard way in New Jersey, where our Airbnb faced a busy road, creating a distraction anytime a loud truck roared by. Thankfully, I had these amazing noise-cancelling headphones from Bose to drown out the noise. It has several modes enabling you to choose how much outside noise you want to let in. This ensures you’ll be fully focused on your work tasks, getting out the door as soon as possible to start exploring.
5. Ergonomic Mouse
Using a trackpad for 8 hours straight will undoubtedly result in cramping fingers. It’s an unfamiliar position for your hands to be in for an extended period of time. That said, it is worth investing in a good ergonomic mouse. This one by Logitech puts your hand in the optimal position to relieve strain and navigate quickly and efficiently. It’s also good practice to use ergonomic office products in general, as sitting at a desk for 8 hours can put unnecessary strain on our joints and tissues.
Whether you’re gearing up for your first solo adventure or you’re a seasoned traveler looking to optimize your nomadic experiences, these digital nomad packing essentials ensure that wherever you go, your work—and play—can come too.
