Becoming a digital nomad is oftentimes a leap of faith. For some people who pursue this path, quitting their non-remote day job is the first step. And for many, quitting a day job also means giving up some, if not all, of one’s job security. But in exchange, you get to travel the world, experience new cultures, meet new people, and still make a living from your trusty laptop.
However, is a laptop all a digital nomad needs to survive in this kind of lifestyle? Here are some of the best gadgets and technologies that every digital nomad needs in their luggage:
1. Laptop/computer
Of course, being a digital nomad means you’re working remotely from different parts of the globe, and this requires a computer that you can take anywhere with you. Hence, the first thing you need to become a digital nomad (other than deep-seated courage) is a trusty laptop. However, not all laptops are created equally. You’ll want a laptop that is durable, compact, and high-performing, depending on the nature of your work. In this way, you won’t have to worry too much about your source of livelihood getting banged up while you’re traipsing across the globe nor having to fit a bulky laptop in your limited luggage space.
Alternatively, you can also invest in a quiet or silent desktop PC, but this is a good option only for digital nomads who intend to stay in one place for more than a year or so. A desktop PC can be more powerful than a laptop for a lower price. Moreover, you aren’t limited to fifteen or sixteen-inch monitors to do your work.
2. Smartphone
Everybody has a smartphone nowadays, but if you’re going to become a digital nomad, you probably want to upgrade your phone if you haven’t already. Since you’re going to be traveling a lot and working at the same time, you’ll want a phone that is durable and fast enough to allow you to work from your phone whenever you need to. Moreover, the latest models of smartphones are water-resistant, which is an important feature even if you don’t plan on working by the beach or pool.
Another thing is that the latest smartphones have amazing camera capabilities. If you’re not going to be bringing a DSLR (which can be a hassle to bring along, let alone use on a trip), you can still take high-quality pictures from your phone.
3. Noise-canceling headphones
Most digital nomads work in co-working spaces, cafes, hostels, and pretty much anywhere they can get WiFI. Unfortunately, some of these places are not quiet environments. And if you’re someone who cannot focus on background noise, a pair of noise-canceling headphones are a great investment that you’ll want to have during your journey.
4. Extension cord
Another common problem that digital nomads have with working in non-traditional work environments is the lack of power outlets. Sometimes, the co-working space you go to won’t have seats near the outlet, and you’ll either have to wait for a space to vacate or rush through your work until your laptop dies. The best solution? Bringing your own extension cord. You can even use it to power your gadgets at the airport, in your hostel, and basically anywhere else where you’re not seated next to a power outlet.
5. Portable WiFi
One important factor that you have to consider when choosing your destination is Internet availability. Does the hostel or apartment have free WiFi? Do most of the establishments offer WiFi? And if so, is the Internet speed in that particular place fast enough to keep you productive?
Even if the answer is ‘yes to all of these questions, you won’t know the quality of the WiFi until you get there. Avoid being caught off guard by connectivity issues or snail-pace speeds by bringing a portable WiFi router. Aside from having an emergency backup, you’ll also be able to work in places that don’t offer free WiFi, like some train stations, airports, and public parks.
6. Power bank
No matter how big your phone’s energy capacity is, it’s always a good idea to bring a power bank. In this way, you can charge your phone or other gadgets even if you don’t have access to a power outlet. Just make sure that you keep your power bank juiced up whenever you’re in for a long trip.
Having these gadgets or electronics can make your digital nomad journey so much easier, especially if you’re a first-timer. With these tools in your arsenal, you can thrive on the road and enjoy every day of your life.
