If you feel tired of working at an office and want to travel the world without time constraints, a digital nomad lifestyle will suit you. These people are keen on living their lives at their own pace and enjoying every moment of it! One day, you can be in the US, another day, you can be overseas surfing the waves.
However, it is crucial to be fully prepared before your first digital nomad trip. Without suitable physical and digital tools, you can get insufferable back pain, infect your computer with viruses, or even lose connection with your clients.
In this list, we will uncover the must-have items every digital nomad should have at their workplace.
Lightweight Laptop for Convenient Work On-the-Go
For most workers, their laptop or PC is the only necessity, regardless of what they actually do. Yet, not everyone knows how important it is for your laptop to be lightweight. When choosing one, make sure it doesn’t weigh much, is slim, and can easily slide into your backpack.
At the same time, it should be able to handle everything you do. So, content creators and editors should choose a gadget that doesn’t lag or lose half its battery life when editing 4K video footage. Many nomads recommend a stable 10+ hours battery life, at least 512 GB SSD storage, and upgraded RAM. Check that the laptop supports all the software you need before you make the purchase, as it will cost a lot and is a huge investment.
Laptop Stand for Neck and Back Comfort
Unfortunately, most hotel rooms don’t have proper desks, and you will most likely have to cope with low, uncomfortable tables in coffee shops. Staring down at your laptop for hours will eventually ruin your neck and back. Purchasing a good laptop stand is vital, as it will support your body anywhere you go.
While some pick a lightweight stand that doesn’t last long, others will prefer something a bit heavier and with a higher lift. The one you get will depend on your priorities. Having a smaller stand is better than nothing at all.
eSIMs for Reliable Connectivity Anywhere
Before, you had to buy a local SIM card without any proper knowledge of the carrier right when you arrived. Now, you don’t have to worry about that: eSIMs take care of everything for digital nomads. With this technology, you will have connectivity as soon as you land, no need to search for a Wi-Fi spot. It’s safe thanks to encryption and perfect for a hotspot when you have work to do.
And once you are done and flying to a different country, your eSIM delivers once again. There is no need to swap anything in your SIM card tray, as the plan changes to the one you find most convenient. Talk to your coworkers, reply to clients, and join meetings without any barriers.
Portable Charger for Keeping Your Gadgets Alive
Travelers and freelancers often rely on free charging in coffee shops and restaurants, but not all of them have plug-ins. Moreover, sometimes you are stuck in transit with no option to charge your phone or laptop and lots of work to finish. That’s where a portable charger proves itself helpful. With this device, you can truly work anywhere, even during a blackout.
Look at options with multiple charging ports so you can plug in all your devices. Also, invest in a powerful power bank that can easily support your laptop and phone simultaneously.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Disturbance-Free Time
Noise-cancelling headphones are a lifesaver. They have multiple uses:
- blocking the noise on busy flights;
- helping you sleep at the hotel peacefully;
- allowing you to focus during work hours;
- providing clear sound during meetings, and more.
So, whether the coworking space is too loud or you feel overstimulated and need a sensory break, there’s no investment like noise-cancelling headphones.
VPNs for Secure Browsing
As a digital nomad, what do you often use in hotels and coffee shops? If your answer was “Wi-Fi,” then you should install the best VPN for Mac on your devices. Unfortunately, connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks can be dangerous without one: hackers love infiltrating them for sensitive data and files. A VPN, however, encrypts everything that you send and receive, shielding it from bad actors.
Travel Adapter for International Journeys
There are 15 different plug and socket types worldwide. Carrying even five of these around is a waste of space, especially if you plan to travel internationally a lot. Travel adaptors are a quick fix. Most of them even have additional USB ports that can assist you in charging multiple devices at once. Consider how many gadgets you take for travel, and buy an adapter with that many ports.
Reusable Thermal Mug for Your Favorite Drinks
Working on the road can be stressful — and your favorite beverage can always put you back in a great mood. Whether hot or cold, a thermal mug will keep it at the perfect temperature. During long flights, just ask a stewardess for a refill, and skip paper or plastic cups at a coffee shop. Bringing a mug with you is both convenient and eco-friendly.
Project Management Board for Easy Task Tracking
Digital nomads’ main priority is scheduling smart. If you don’t, you will simply miss deadlines, fail projects, and ghost new clients. A good project management board is a perfect choice to plan and track tasks. You will receive reminders and notifications when the deadline is near, so you know what to focus on next. Some boards can be shared with co-workers, allowing instant collaboration and brainstorming.
Ready to Work!
Digital nomad life is not all sunshine and rainbows, but with the right tools, it can be! Keep your posture in check, enjoy noise-free working hours, protect your sensitive data, enjoy your favorite drinks, and more with must-have items on the list. Now, you are ready to travel — and work on the road.