Digital Nomad Must Haves [Electronics, Apps, & more]
I feel grateful literally every single day to be living the life I am. Being able to work remotely and for myself is an absolute dream.
Before I was a nomad, I traveled quite a bit differently. For one, I travelled much lighter (I know that might be hard to believe, but it’s TRUE). I only took the most minimal of luggage. Now a days, I have to travel with quite a bit more. Because I need to ensure that I have all the tools necessary for a smooth trip and uninterrupted work process.
I realized a long time ago, that the only way this lifestyle is sustainable – and can be continued - is if I manage to be equally (or more productive) than when at home or in an office setting.
So I no longer worry about seeing and doing everything there is to do in a city. When you live a life of travel, it’s easy to remind yourself that you’ll be back. And that helps erase the disappointment of not checking off every item on my travel bucket list in that particular moment.
I put my work first and then take pleasure in knowing I have my weekends and at least a few hours here and there during the week to explore this new place I’m in. It’s a different mindset for sure, but one I don’t mind having if it means I get to live a life of travel and work at the same!
So in today’s post, I wanted to share a few items that I carry with me whenever I travel to ensure I can work as efficiently and effectively as possible, without worry!
So without further ado…
Xebec Double Monitor Screen
One of the [only] things I used to miss about going into an office was having access to multiple screens to work from. Having to switch back and forth between different windows working from a laptop screen only can reduce productivity and cause you to make mistakes you wouldn’t otherwise. And making all your windows tiny to fit your laptop screen can also be hard on your eyes lol.
But that’s where Xebec Tri-Screen comes in. It’s a laptop extension that adds TWO screens to your workstation – on either side of your laptop. You can use it to mirror or extend your laptop screen whatever suits your needs best.
It’s lightweight, packs up small (crucial for those of us living on the road), and simple to latch onto your computer.
Whenever I’m at a coworking space, people are always asking me WHAT this device is and how they can get one. So I think Xebec is onto something.
Items were gifted to me, but I only write about gifts that truly work for me. So all opinions are my own!
Phone with Dual Sim
This was another game changer for me – having an iPhone with a dual sim. This allows me to have my American plan activated on eSim and then use my physical sim card tray for a local sim card. Then I can toggle between whichever works best while traveling abroad.
For my service in the USA, I use Google Fi – which I wholeheartedly recommend to all Americans (unfortunately it has to be activated in the USA in order to work, so currently not available to everyone). But the service works great in Austin and LA (the two places I frequent the most) and my unlimited data plan also covers data in most other countries abroad as well. So there is basically no lull in my service.
But I feel a little more secure when traveling to ALSO get a local sim card as backup. This way, if one service isn’t working too well, I can switch to the other and make sure I can always get my work done. This also comes in handy if the wifi in my accommodations goes out. I have two sources of backup to still get work done.
Portable Battery
And speaking of always staying connected. A good portable battery is also a MUST for any digital nomad. Having a powerbank on hand has saved me in more instances than one! The last couple years, I’ve been using this one from INIU(it came highly recommended from multiple friends AND there are like almost 50K positive reviews on Amazon).
There is literally nothing more stressful than having your phone about to die and knowing you have work to do. So I always like to have backups, UPON BACKUPS.
Do yourself a favor and eliminate stress
Extra Chargers for ALL Your Electronics
With that in mind. I’d also recommend making sure you have extra chargers for all your crucial electronics (i.e. laptop and phone). The last thing you want to happen is to leave your charger in another city and be some place remote where you can’t drive to the apple store and get a replacement.
If it’s not a crucial item to your work, you can probably save yourself the luggage space, BUT if losing it will impede your work, definitely have a spare on hand!
Extension Cord with Multiple Outlets
I can’t tell you how many Airbnbs or hotels I’ve been in with super limited outlets (and also located in odd places). So now, I like to carry an extension cord with me that has multiple outlets for me to plug in my electronics and important items.
This saves me from having to move the bed frame every time I want to change my iPhone or getting into countless fights with my partner over who gets to charge their computer first….yah know how that goes
Quality Luggage
I think we’ve all skimped on shitty luggage at some point in our lives. But I swear, quality luggage makes ALL the difference. That’s why the next item on my list is my Away luggage. I absolutely love their products.
Having a suitcase with 4-wheel drive is a game changer, it makes moving around an airport or city a million times easier. And when you’re on the go constantly, you want to make it as seamless and painless as possible.
The suitcases come in all different sizes, but lately since my trips have been longer, I’ve opted for the large. It was a hard decision between medium and large, but in the end, I figured that if I HAD to check a bag, I’d rather have the extra space.
For trips less than a month – and those in warmer climates (so I don’t have to pack bulky coats and winter wear clothing) I opt for my Away bigger carry on. Which can actually fit a surprising amount of stuff for a suitcase that fits in the overhead compartment.
Reusable Bag
I also like to travel with a large foldable reusable bag whenever I travel. Not only is this better for the environment than choosing to accept plastic bags every time you make a purchase, BUT it takes up virtually no space in your luggage and comes in handy when your luggage ends up being overweight.
If you’re anything like me – you usually start the trip with limited luggage, but after a few shopping trips and souvenirs additions….your bag starts to feel awfully heavy….
Then you get to the airport and the budget airline you are flying wants to charge you….WHAT….
So that’s when your handy dandy reusable bag comes on out.
I’ll take my heaviest items (usually my platform Doc Marten combat boots, portable speaker, etc) out of my suitcase and put them into the large reusable bag.
And BOOM. Excessive baggage fees avoided.
Take that budget airline!
Time Zone Converter Extension
One of my must-have computer extension recommendations is a time zone converter! This is crucial for when you want to set meetings across different time zones. The last thing you want to do is miscalculate the time of a meeting and then miss it!
Because what is our goal at the end of the day?
To create a seamless work experience, where nothing suffers because you are traveling the world at the same time.
I have used a bunch of different time zone converter apps over the years – and I don’t swear by any one in particular. The only thing I specifically look for when choosing one is that I can quickly and easy view times across different cities that aren’t just NOW (i.e. if I’m suggesting a meeting time for later in the day, I can quickly swivel my mouse to figure out what time it will be across any time zone I need to check).
Apps & Forums to Connect with Other Nomads
We all know how important community is when we travel. Especially to digital nomads who are on the road a long time - finding human interaction and connecting with like-minded folks is so SO important.
Whenever I’m about to travel to a place, I always like to see if there are any WhatsApp groups or Slack channels devoted to that destination’s digital nomad communities. Often there are, and I like the small group nature of these avenues.
Facebook groups devoted to digital nomads and expats are also good – although can be a bit bigger and so a little they can feel a little less personal. Although that’s not to say they aren’t a great resource as well.
I definitely recommend all 3!
Another newer app that you can use is NomadaGo – which allows you to share your upcoming travel plans and view your friends as well. Maybe you are going to be in the same city on the same dates and can meet up!! Woo!!
Well these are just a few of my must-have tools, items, and recommendations for when you travel to ensure a smooth remote working experience. If you have any other suggestions for digital nomad success on the road – please feel free to share them in the comments. And happy traveling!