Lucky you, you just got permission to work remote from ANYWHERE in the world! Want to know how to transition to a portable office for remote work? Well, read along for all the tips!
It’s best that you maintain your level of productivity and the quality of your work by replicating your home office setup. If management knows you’re proactive about creating the environment to do well abroad, they’ll have more trust in you. Doing so worked for me as I worked and traveled all throughout 2022! Your needs may vary based on the nature of your work, so here are some items that could work regardless of industry!
Pack items that help you feel secure in your abilities to make this transition successfully. Creating an environment that makes you comfortable while working is more important than you may think!
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Travel Backpack
This will be one of your greatest investments when starting your digital nomad journey. You’ll buy it once and never again, as it will see you through many airports, shuttles, and Uber rides. This BagSmart travel backpack is spacious, has lots of storage compartments, and meets the standard size requirements of a carry-on! The straps are adjustable so you can easily take it off and put it back on while maneuvering the airport. And it even has a strap across the bottom that helps attach it to your luggage handle. I know my back starts to hurt after long periods of standing with a heavy book bag! But that’s of no fault to the bag’s construction - it’s my own fault for stuffing it to the max!
This travel backpack has been a big life saver at the luggage scale and weighing counter. When my suitcase is overweight the first items I remove are sneakers and jeans to significantly reduce the weight. I just put them into the bottom of the main compartment of the backpack and keep it moving!
But don’t worry, there’s plenty of cushion and your work computer and other electronics will be just fine. During my time I used a Microsoft Surface Pro laptop, and later a ThinkPad. If you’re nervous about damaging the precious cargo, invest in a cover or case for it!
Portable Monitor
If working with two screens makes your work day easier then you’ll need this monitor. Whether it’s for spreadsheets, email, or simply just a bigger screen - it works well! Don’t skimp and be stuck hunched over trying to work one tab at a time!
This 15.6 inch, 1080P HD external monitor comes with a multipurpose case that helps it stand, as well as several cords to ensure there’s a match for your particular computer. The color settings are adjustable, it plays sound, and more importantly, it could be powered by your computer or by plugging it into the wall. My Surface Pro’s power cord had a USB port on the power supply, and I often chose that to power my screen instead of taking up another plug on the wall.
Universal Travel Adapter
Having the right adapter is crucial to starting remote work internationally! Imagine you go to charge your computer right before your meeting and it doesn’t fit the wall socket? Major stress right?!
Pick the right one and there will be no worries. Your best bets are universal adapters like this one to use in your travels all over the world. I recommend buying at least two as coverage for all your devices and for a backup. You usually will need them in more than one spot in your place as well!
These days it’s more common to see them with at least one or two USB ports, but there are options like this that come with multiple.
If you need one last minute and aren't able to order on Amazon, I found this Insignia All-in-One adapter at Best Buy!
Travel Power Strip
Use a travel size power strip to keep all your devices plugged in. Sometimes you’ll be working in your same space every day, but others you may want to go to a cafe or co-working space. The portable strip works for either occasion. Plug this into your travel adapter to extend your charging capabilities.
Laptop Stand
This laptop stand helps reduce strain and improves your posture and working experience. Most times your laptop is sitting lower than your eye level so it needs a little boost to get there. The stand also allows air to circulate under the laptop, giving it an opportunity to cool down, also decreasing the chance of overheating and other technical issues while you’re away from home.
Power Banks
There are so many reasons why you need a powerful power bank. If the power goes out or your phone dies (which it always does at some point!) you won’t be inconvenienced. I swear by this pair of power banks, as they give at least 2 full charges for a few devices, and two extra spaces for USB and USB-C cords. Use these and keep your devices on battery saver when out and about because one of the worst things is being stranded or having to meet a deadline and it just goes out!
A smaller size option is the Anker PowerCore 5000, perfect for long days out and about when you have minimal space.
Safety
Although rare, it’s still important to prevent incidents like carbon monoxide leaks and robbery/theft when working abroad. I’m sure you’ve all heard of the three young black people that weren’t able to return home from Mexico City due to a carbon monoxide leak. It’s a tragedy, especially because they probably had no idea that there was no monitor in place already. Every country doesn’t have strict regulations on having the detectors in each residence.
Robbery can happen anywhere, but you must take extra measures to protect your source of income while being a digital nomad. Make sure to bring things like door jammers, luggage locks, small security alarms, and even AirTags. Your computer being stolen wouldn’t be your fault, but that wouldn’t stop your employer from taking away the option for you to work remotely. On the other side of a situation like this, you’d have to return home and get everything worked out to get back on track with your tasks. A big letdown for your short or long term travel plans!
Phone & Internet Service Devices
You can’t pack this, but know that you’ll most likely need a sim or e-sim for the new network you’ll be under. Or check to see if the service providers sell portable wifi devices - one of the best things to use to stay connected while traveling.
Extras
Always pack extras like chargers and the other banks I mentioned before. Even an extra pair of old headphones just in case you lose your AirPods or your buds go out. It’s easier to already have them than taking precious time to go and find exactly what you want when out of the country. Every country doesn’t have conveniences like Amazon and 2 day shipping! There may be a different approach to shopping altogether, such as the use of specialty electronic shops and the “I sell everything” ones. At the latter, they may have what you need but the space could make you feel claustrophobic before making your purchase!
Journal
Journaling often helps you hold on to the smaller details of your experience. Like the name of that one restaurant, neighborhoods you explored each day, and how you felt at certain points. Looking back you may have a general impression of the city you just visited for a month or so, but when moving on to the next and another after that, things tend to blend together! So before bed, take some time to decompress and write out your experiences. You won’t regret it!
If you’re a digital nomad and content creator stay tuned for the next one where I’ll cover some more products and tips that could make your days much easier and efficient!
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