Digital nomads need to be able to work remotely from just about anywhere, but that can be hard to do without the right tech gear. Some of it is downright essential when you’re seeing the world and bringing work with you. Here are six tech items that aspiring digital nomads should consider taking with them in their travels.
A Laptop – A good laptop for travel will be compact, lightweight, powerful, and reliable. Because it will be shlepped around to many different destinations, from airports and guesthouses to cafes and restaurants, it should also connect well to new Wi-Fi networks.
Travel enthusiasts can differ on what model of laptop best fits these requirements. The MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are very popular. Both made Travel & Leisure’s list of the “top 7 best laptops for travel.” The MacBook Air 13-inch, rated “best overall” by Travel & Leisure, reportedly has an “all-day battery life,” weighs less than three pounds, and can be purchased for $750-$999.
A Phone – Some features to look for: fast processing, a longer battery life, and a good camera for all those sightseeing pictures. It should also be easy to tote. Smartphone models like the Apple iPhone 11 and Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus get high marks.
Cable Organizer Bag – When you’re carrying a small remote office with you in the form of chargers, USB-C cables, and headphones, stuffing them in the side pockets of luggage bags can create disorganization or cause them to get lost. Instead of that hassle, get a cable organizer bag (also known as a tech pouch). It can keep you organized and serene at a small price.
Travel Adapter – A universal travel adapter is a requirement for world travel. Be sure to check it has the charging ports. A power surge protector is a plus.
Portable Light Therapy Lamp – Of course one of the hardest things about travel across time zones is the jet lag. The disruption in circadian rhythms can mess with sleep and mood and compromise the immune system, leading to illness; and there is a strong mental health link that may affect some people more than others.
Try a portable light therapy lamp. Just 20 minutes of morning exposure to ultra-bright artificial light—at least 10,000 lux for it to be therapeutic—can reduce the severity of jet lag symptoms like poor sleep and mood and can help the body acclimate more quickly to the new time zone.
Blue Light Glasses – Blue light glasses help reduce the glare from screens that too often keep people awake and interfere with sleep. If you’re needing to respond to emails or do other work on a phone or computer during the evening, wearing blue light classes can ease the adjustment to sleep. A better night’s sleep means more energy and motivation for tomorrow’s exploration.
Whether they’re self-employed contractors or W-2 employees, digital nomads are almost more dependent on technology working for them when they’re away from home and home’s added supports and options. The proper gadgets can help you keep moving toward that next adventure. The coast of Spain. African safari. Taj Mahal. Egyptian pyramids. With this basic equipment, you’ll be on your way.
