Living life as a digital nomad comes with incredible freedom, but it also brings its own unique challenges, especially when it comes to packing. Whether you’re heading to a bustling city, a remote beach, or hopping between destinations, it’s important to bring only the essentials that support both your work and lifestyle needs without overloading your bag. Packing efficiently means you’ll have everything you need for work on the go while also being prepared for the many destinations you may encounter.

In this guide, we’ll go through eight practical packing tips tailored for digital nomads, plus a detailed list of must-have items to make your journey easier. From organizing gear for easy access to choosing the right tech essentials, these strategies will help you pack light while maximizing productivity and comfort—wherever the road takes you!

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What is a Digital Nomad?

A digital nomad is someone who uses technology to work remotely, allowing them to travel and work from virtually anywhere in the world. Instead of being tied to a single office location, digital nomads can operate from a beach in Bali, a café in Paris, or a cabin in the Rockies. All they need is a reliable internet connection and the right gear.

Who Can Be a Digital Nomad?

Anyone who can do their job remotely or run their business online has the potential to be a digital nomad. Freelancers, writers, developers, marketers, designers, and consultants are just a few examples. Even those who work for companies that allow remote work can choose this lifestyle as long as their work can be done outside a traditional office.

Jon and I (and our pup, Lincoln, of course!) have worked remotely all over the United States and Canada for the last five years—with Jonathan working in a remote corporate role and me working as a freelance copywriter.

How Do You Make Money as a Digital Nomad?

Digital nomads earn money in various ways. Many are freelancers who take on projects for clients worldwide, while others run online businesses, manage e-commerce stores, or work as remote employees. Common roles include graphic design, copywriting, software development, and virtual assistance. Some digital nomads make money through passive income streams, like blogging, affiliate marketing, or creating online courses.

8 Packing Tips for Working on the Road as a Digital Nomad

Here are eight of our top packing tips for working from the road.

1. Invest in Quality Gear

Your equipment is your lifeline. Make sure you have a reliable laptop, chargers, and any essential accessories. Investing in quality gear ensures smooth work sessions, even from the most remote locations. Keep reading for our digital nomad packing list and examples of our favorite gear on the road.

2. Stay Connected with Portable Wi-Fi

One of the biggest challenges for digital nomads is finding reliable internet. Sometimes, the internet will go down without warning, or a space won’t have the exact setup you expected. You might not have cell coverage when you thought you would.

Working from the road requires flexibility and adaptability, but it helps to have a backup plan. Invest in portable WiFi or Starlink, or plan to use your phone’s hotspot if you’re in an area with good coverage. Know where local coworking spots, coffee shops, or libraries are nearby.

RTL Tip: Reading reviews has been the best way for us to get a feel for how reliable the internet is at a hotel or short-term rental we’re considering. Search for keywords like “wifi” or “internet” or “work” to filter for relevant reviews.

Here are some examples of portable WiFi hotspots which can make good backup plans.

• Skyroam Solis Lite - This portable hotspot works in over 130 countries, providing a reliable connection wherever you go, and you can pay as you go for data.

• GlocalMe G4 Pro - This device offers global connectivity and comes with a touchscreen interface, making it easy to set up and use while traveling.

• SIMO Solis Lite 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot - This hotspot is perfect for remote workers and digital nomads, providing secure and reliable mobile internet in over 135 countries without the need for a SIM card.

3. Use a VPN for Security

When working from public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, cafés, or co-working spaces, protecting your data is essential. Use a VPN to secure your internet connection and safeguard sensitive information. This is especially important if you handle private client data or run e-commerce sites.

Two reliable VPN options for digital nomads are ExpressVPN and NordVPN. These VPNs offer high-speed connections, strong security, and a wide range of server locations, which are ideal for staying secure and accessing content worldwide while on the road.

Here’s how you can use a VPN while working from anywhere:

1. Choose and Install a VPN App: Start by downloading a VPN app like ExpressVPN or NordVPN on your devices (phone, laptop, or tablet). Once installed, open the app, create an account, and choose a subscription plan if required. Both VPNs offer user-friendly interfaces and quick setup guides that make them easy to start using right away.

2. Connect to a Secure Server: After logging in, select a server based on your needs. If you want to access content restricted to a specific country, connect to a server in that country. For extra security on public Wi-Fi, connect to the nearest server to reduce latency and improve connection speed. Once connected, your VPN encrypts your internet traffic, helping you avoid tracking, data theft, and content restrictions while using public or hotel Wi-Fi.

4. Plan Your Workspace in Advance

Not every place you visit will have an ideal work environment. Working as a digital nomad means you can work from a coffee shop, library, or coworking space—or you can work from your hotel (which may also have a business center) or short-term rental.

We’ve spent five years on the road working from (mostly) a hotel or short-term rental, but sometimes from a campsite, business center, coffee shop, or the car. For long-term stays, we make sure to find lodging that has at least one designated desk area. Ideally, it offers an actual desk, but a medium to large kitchen table can work as well. Because I travel with a portable stand desk, I’m also okay working from a kitchen island/countertop.

As you browse lodging, look for accommodations where you can work comfortably and efficiently. Then, test out your workspace—use a desk, kitchen table, countertop, or whatever you have at home that best mirrors where you plan to work on the road. Be sure everything you plan to pack you’ll actually use—and that you’re not missing anything you’ll need to make the setup work effectively.

Then, once you arrive, set up your workstation and, ideally, keep it up for your entire stay at the location. This way, you have a stable workplace and can more easily bounce between your to-do list and the exploration you want to do in an area.

5. Keep Your Gear Organized

Cords, chargers, and gadgets can quickly become a mess in your backpack. (A good computer travel backpack is a must for remote workers!) Keep everything neat with cable organizers and dedicated pouches for your electronics. Packing cubes can also help separate work gear from clothes and travel essentials. (I love these packing cubes.)

Here are some computer backpacks and travel cable organizers that can help keep your gear organized on the road.

• MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack - This backpack offers ample storage with dedicated compartments for laptops up to 15.6 inches, daily essentials, and tech accessories, along with organized front pockets for easy access.

• Targus CitySmart EVA Pro Backpack - This backpack has dedicated compartments for a laptop and tablet, plus plenty of space for accessories and travel essentials. Its padded shoulder straps and weather-resistant material make it ideal for long trips and varied weather conditions.

• YOREPEK Travel Backpack - This large-capacity backpack features three spacious compartments, including a dedicated laptop section for 17-inch devices, and multiple pockets to keep essentials organized, making it ideal for travel and daily use.

• Nomatic Travel Backpack - Known for its sleek design, this backpack features multiple compartments for tech gear, clothes, and toiletries. It’s built to be durable and water-resistant, with a convenient roller bag sleeve, making it a versatile choice for both everyday use and longer trips.

• BAGSMART Electronic Organizer - This travel electronics organizer has plenty of compartments for cables, chargers, power banks, and even small gadgets.

• ProCase Travel Gear Organizer - Compact and easy to pack, this organizer has a variety of slots and pockets to keep all tech accessories neatly stored and within reach.

• BUBM Double Layer Electronic Accessories Organizer - This compact, durable organizer is ideal for digital nomads, offering a spacious, well-padded design to securely store cables, gadgets, and accessories.

6. Bring Ergonomic Accessories

Working from the road doesn’t have to mean compromising your comfort. We highly recommend an ergonomic mouse, ergonomic keyboard, and portable laptop stand to create a comfortable, adjustable setup wherever you are.

A portable monitor or laptop screen extender can also make your workflow more efficient. These extenders add an extra screen to a laptop setup, making it easier to manage multiple windows and improve workflow. This is especially useful for designers, developers, and writers who benefit from extra screen space while working.

Here are some examples of portable laptop screen extenders:

• 14" FHD 1080P IPS Laptop Monitor Extender - The KEFEYA travel monitor for laptops allows users to multitask across multiple screens without switching windows, making it ideal for remote workers. Featuring a 14" panel, plug-and-play setup, multiple display modes, and broad compatibility with various devices and operating systems, this portable screen extender is a fantastic option for those working on the go.

• KYY Portable Monitor - The KYY 15.6" portable monitor is ideal for remote work and digital nomads, offering a lightweight, ultra-slim design that easily fits into a bag for a convenient dual-monitor setup on the go. With wide compatibility through USB Type-C and Mini-HDMI ports, plus features like FHD 1080P display, eye-care technology, and a durable smart cover that doubles as a stand, it enhances productivity and comfort while traveling.

• Laptop Extended Monitor Fits 13-17 Inch Laptops - The KEFEYA 14.2" laptop monitor extender is designed for on-the-go professionals, offering a compact, foldable design with 0-180 degree rotation and easy storage, making it ideal for travel and work. With a plug-and-play setup, premium HD display, and ergonomic features like adjustable stands and customizable screen settings, it enhances productivity while being compatible with multiple devices and operating systems.

7. Prioritize Your Health

I don’t mean this in the traditional sense of eating well and staying active, but rather… Prioritize your work health.

Invest in the ergonomic gear. Bring it even if it takes up a bit more space. Bring the monitor (portable or otherwise) even though it takes up room in your suitcase. Invest in blue light glasses even if you don’t traditionally wear glasses (and put your prescription in blue light lenses if you do). Use a laptop stand to convert your set up to a standing desk for some of the work day.

Yes, these things take up space and mean packing a bit more, but if you’re on the road for weeks and months at a time, it’s worth it.

Prioritize your health as a digital nomad and take care of your body while you work from anywhere. No, you won’t have a setup as optimal as you could have at home, but you can still make decisions and bring gear to support you in feeling good while you work on the road. You’re likely still spending the same amount of time working each day, so caring for yourself while you work is important!

8. Test Your Setup Before You Go

I’ve mentioned this a few times, but that’s because it’s one of the most important things to do before you hit the road and finalize your digital nomad packing list.

You want to make sure you have everything you need without bringing something you won’t end up using. Because packing as light as possible is incredibly important when spending time on the road, be sure to figure out exactly what you’ll need to work comfortably for however long you plan to be away from home.

Test your anticipated setup, or practice working from a coffee shop or coworking space near you, and make sure all your devices and accessories are working correctly. This trial run will help identify anything you might have forgotten… and help you leave behind anything you won’t actually need.

Essential Packing List for Digital Nomads

To make your journey as smooth as possible, here’s a detailed packing list to ensure you have everything you need for working on the road.

Electronics

• Reliable laptop

• Laptop charger

• Portable monitor(s)

• Headphones (wireless, noise-canceling headphones can be great for busy spaces)

• Ergonomic mouse & keyboard (what I use: ergonomic mouse and keyboard)

• Docking station (what I use: docking station)

• Mouse pad

• Smartphone & charger

• Portable Wi-Fi hotspot or SIM cards

• Car charger for electronics (what we use for charging on the go: car power inverter)

Accessories & Tools

• Foldable laptop stand desk (what I use: foldable stand desk)

• Computer travel backpack and cable organizer

• Computer glasses and travel case (what we use: computer glasses and travel case)

• External hard drive or SSD (if applicable)

• USB drives or SD cards (if applicable)

• Power bank for on-the-go charging (what we use: OtterBox Fast Charge Power Bank)

• Camera & accessories (for content creators)

Before You Hit the Road

Before you set out on your journey, ensure you have everything you need to succeed while traveling and working. This includes not only your electronics but also your software, passwords, and any apps you need to complete your work.

Be sure to:

• Backup important files: Store important documents in cloud storage so you can access them from anywhere. If necessary, enable offline access for documents you need to access no matter where you are.

• Organize your workflow: Use project management tools and set up a schedule that balances work and leisure.

• Test your gear: Take a couple of days to set up your work-from-the-road environment at home to make sure everything works as expected. This will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises when you’re thousands of miles away.

Final Thoughts

Embracing the digital nomad lifestyle opens up a world of possibilities! With the right gear, preparation, and mindset, you can successfully work from some of the most stunning locations on the planet. Use these tips to make your journey productive, comfortable, and unforgettable.

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