After living and working abroad as a remote worker myself, I have compiled this ultimate list of the best digital nomad must-haves. Every item on this list is recommended as a result of my own personal use or innovative items I came across from other digital nomads I met while traveling.
While living as a digital nomad is a dream come true, we all know there’s more to it than simply jetting off on an adventure. The essence of a digital nomad’s journey lies in research and preparation. From essential items that ensure seamless work transitions to those that enhance the adventure of long-term travel, packing smart is key.
In this guide, I dive into the must-have gear for modern nomads, prioritizing the most important items that support remote work and enrich the lifestyle. Everything on this list of the best digital nomad must-haves is here to bring you practicality, comfort, or peace of mind.
The Ultimate List of the Best Digital Nomad Must-Haves (For Long Flights, Working Remote, and Long-Term Travel Convenience)
The Best Digital Nomad Must-Haves For Long Flights
No matter how long you plan to stay in each place, long flights are in the cards for almost all digital nomads. Here are the essentials to get you through the long trips.
1. Airfly Bluetooth For Wireless In-Flight Entertainment
One of my favourite flight accessories, the Airfly plugs into the in-flight entertainment screen on the plane so you can connect your own wireless headphones to it. They sync to your headphones easily and provide a seamless connection without any static or interruptions. The best part is that the Airfly also allows up to two sets of headphones to connect, so you can watch something together if traveling in a pair. In my opinion, this accessory is pretty game-changing for the ability to use your own comfortable headphones and not have to worry about finding plug-in headphones.
Check Out: The Airfly Bluetooth
2. Laptop Backpack
I never put my laptop in the overhead bin. And I imagine most other digital nomads don’t either. That’s why I always ensure I travel with a laptop backpack (or tote bag) that doubles as my personal item. Over the years, I’ve learned having a well-designed personal item is so worth it for getting through security and accessing your items on the plane with ease.
If you are looking for a great travel laptop backpack, I recommend:
The Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Delux
Why I Love it:
- The compartments! This backpack is incredible for keeping things organized while traveling, with a compartment at the back for your laptop and several other compartments to keep books, charger cords, and more.
- The breathable structured back. You’re going to be carrying your travel backpack around a lot, so comfort is important.
- The lifetime warranty. Timbuk2 offers a lifetime warranty on their bags, so if something starts to wear you can send it in for a fix.
- It is compact making for a great personal item on flights
Check Out: The Timbuk2 Laptop Backpack
3. Tote Bag
An alternative to the laptop backpack, you can also carry a versatile tote bag as your personal item. You’ll ideally want to find one that is comfortable to travel with, has great organization compartments, is durable, and of course, fits your laptop inside. I’m obsessed with this Bellroy Tokyo tote bag, because this waterproof bag features everything I mentioned that makes the perfect travel tote and more.
What I love about the Bellroy Tokyo Tote:
- The waterproof material that is practical for travel and makes it easier to clean
- The compartments inside are well-designed and there’s even a cup holder compartment!
- The bag is stylish and versatile so it can pair well with whatever you are wearing abroad.
Check Out: The Bellroy Tokyo Tote Bag
4. Kindle E-Reader
I am a huge reader in my spare time, and while I miss my physical books while abroad, the convenience and necessity of an e-reader are undeniable. For a long time, I resisted the idea of an e-reader because I thought it would be like reading on a screen. However, Kindles are designed so the screen actually looks and feels like you’re reading right on a book page. There’s no harsh blue light hurting your eyes at all. All you need is a wifi connection to purchase books from Amazon, and they will directly download to your Kindle. The battery life on these guys is also incredible. I only charge mine 1 – 2 times per week. If you’re a big reader like me, this is one of the best digital nomad must-haves to add to your packing list.
Check Out: The Kindle E-Reader
5. Belt Bag
One of the biggest game changers for my airport travel experience was carrying a fanny pack. I love having one on me to keep my phone, wallet, passport, and boarding pass. It makes it so convenient to whip my passport and boarding pass out through security while also carrying my personal item and carry on bags.
I always travel with the Lululemon “everywhere belt bag” in the traditional 1L Size.
However, I just purchased the slightly bigger 2L version to be a little more spacious and am excited to try it out. This is a great Lululemon knock-off version of the 2L belt bag if you want a cheaper option that still holds the functionality of the Lululemon branded ones.
Check Out: The Best 2L Lululemon Dupe Belt Bag
6. Phone Mount
If you prefer to download and watch your own TV shows and movies while flying, a phone mount is an awesome accessory. Mount your phone on the tray table in front of you so you can watch your shows hands-free. It folds down to pocket-size so it doesn’t take up much room and is easy to set up and use.
Check Out: The In-Flight Phone Mount
7. Travel Toiletry Bag
Do you know how annoying it can be to get out all your carry-on liquids while going through security and getting them in a clear ziplock bag? This simple yet useful travel toiletry bag is TSA-approved for storing your liquids while going through security. I personally love having a small toiletry bag to keep liquids for freshening up on long flights anyway and this clear see-through version makes it much more convenient.
Check Out: Clear Travel Toiletry Bag
8. Liquid Carry-On Containers
Speaking of packing liquids in your carry-on, you’ll want to grab some carry-on-sized containers that allow you to bring your favourite products through security. Even if I pack the bigger version in my checked baggage, I always like to travel with a smaller version in my carry-on in case my checked bag doesn’t arrive with me in my final destination. It’ll give you some reserves while you wait for your checked bag to get to you.
I really like this set here because it comes with a variety of different-sized containers and even a spray bottle version. Plus it comes with a clear toiletry bag organizer as well so you don’t have to make two different purchases!
Check Out: Liquid Carry-On Size Containers
9. Air Tags
These days it feels like you hear about delayed and lost checked bags all the time. That’s why I never check a bag without an air tag. It does two things for me: 1. Gives me complete peace of mind knowing that if my bag doesn’t arrive on the other side it won’t be lost forever 2. Allows me to have some control over getting it back if it does get delayed or lost since I can see exactly where it is and don’t have to rely on what the airlines are telling me. I had a friend who was told his bags were in Portugal after they arrived in London when he could see on his phone that they were indeed in London. He was able to push the airline to get his bag to him.
Check Out: Air Tags for Luggage Security
10. Air Tag Holders
It sounds silly, but Air Tags are small and slippery little buggers. If you lose things easily like me, then an Air Tag holder is a small investment to make sure you don’t have to constantly purchase new ones. They have a key chain attachment, so I will clip them into my luggage while in the process of traveling, and then clipping them to my keys while living at home or abroad helps me keep track of them.
Check Out: Air Tag Holders for Safekeeping
11. Document Organizer
Every digital nomad needs some version of a document organizer to keep their passport and important records in one place while living and traveling abroad. I personally look for one that I can store as many of the easy-to-lose things within it, such as my passport, camera memory cards, boarding passes, extra credit cards, and important documents.
I love this organizer here because it fits all of that and more. And you can fit multiple passports in it if you are traveling with a partner, friend, or family.
Check Out: Travel Document Organizer
12. Travel Pillow
A long-haul packing list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a travel pillow. I foolishly traveled without one for years (even on 10+ hour flights) because in my mind the comfort wasn’t worth the extra space one took up. However, I have come to realize how wrong I am on that one. Travel pillows are sooo worth the extra space they take up for how much comfort and convenience they offer not only on flights but also when traveling between cities on buses and trains. I will never travel without one now.
Have you heard of these somewhat new travel pillows that have broken the internet for their innovative design? Apparently they are amazing and people who typically aren’t able to sleep on planes say these actually worked for them! I don’t have one yet, but am eager to grab one for my next trip because that many reviews can’t lie.
Check Out: The Viral Travel Pillow
The Best Digital Nomad Must-Haves for Working Abroad
The best digital nomad gear for working abroad. From noise-canceling headphones to surprising accessories to up your working abroad game, here is a list of the best items to have for getting the job done with ease.
13. Universal Travel Adapter
Travel adapters are a necessity for digital nomads. Universal travel adapters take it one step further with wall plug-ins to fit almost everywhere you go while only carrying one adapter.
Check Out: Handy Universal Travel Adapter
14. Noise Canceling Headphones
One of the most important on my list of the best digital nomad must-haves, noise-canceling headphones are key. Often, digital nomads find themselves working in places with lots of background noise, such as coffee shops or co-working spaces. A set of headphones that cancel out the noise and that you can take calls with is an important accessory.
If you want the best noise-canceling headphones with high-quality sound on the market, the Bose Bluetooth Headphone 700 is arguably the best. They offer the best noise cancelation you can get, have a built-in microphone for calls, feature Alexa voice control, are designed lightweight for travel, and have superior comfort for wearing them all day. They are truly the best of the best.
Check Out: Bose Bluetooth Headphone 700
If you are looking for a more affordable noise-canceling headphone option, the Soundcore Space Ones, are one of the most popular pairs on the internet. They are affordable, comfortable, cancel noise effectively for the price point, and feature crisp sound.
Checkout: The Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Headphones
15. Noise Cancelling Earplugs
An alternative to headphones, the other option for canceling out background noise is a pair of comfortable earplugs. I don’t always like to listen to music when I’m working and I find earplugs help keep my focus. I use the Loop earplugs because of how great they are at blocking out noise and how comfortable they are. They come with multiple ear pieces to customize them to the right size for your ear and a small carrying case. I love to travel with them for both work and getting a good nights sleep.
Check Out: Loop Quiet Earplugs
16. Portable Power Bank Charger
I never travel without a portable power bank charger these days. They are just too dang convenient. You can charge them overnight and they’ll give your phone a solid few charges. They are great for when you spend a couple of days off the grid and for ensuring you always have a charged phone when out for the day. If you work with an iPad or tablet, you can charge up your device without an outlet as well.
Check Out: INIU Power Bank
17. External Hard Drive
As a digital nomad, backup storage is a must. Whether for work or your travel photos. I like to use a combination of cloud storage on my phone and an external hard drive just in case. I use the Seagate 2TB external hard drive because of how reliable the brand is and the compactness of the drive.
Check Out: Seagate 2TB External Hard Drive
18. Cloud Storage
As I mentioned above, it’s great to have a combination of backup storage to make sure you never get screwed over and lose important data. For cloud storage of my documents, I store everything in Google Drive. To store my photos, I subscribe to a monthly iCloud plan so that my photos are automatically backed up on my phone.
19. E-Sim
When living nomadically, I strongly believe an E-Sim is your best bet for staying connected no matter where you are. Instead of switching out your sim card for a local sim card in every new country you visit (not to mention having to keep track of your home sim card), you simply install an E-Sim to your phone digitally and purchase data plans for wherever you are going. It is super convenient and hassle-free.
I use Airalo when I travel – they have affordable data plans and the install process for the E-Sim is straightforward.
Check Out: Airalo E-Sim Data Plans
20. Sim-Card Case
If you still opt for local sim cards while traveling, then a sim card case can be a lifesaver for keeping track of that tiny card. I like this one because it doubles as a sim card, micro-sd, and memory card case.
Check Out: 24 Slots SD and MicroSD Card Case
21. Portable Internet Connection
This is not something I have used in the past as a digital nomad, however, I have met many fellow travelers who bring a portable internet connection either as a backup internet connection or so they can travel to more remote areas. If I had a little more leeway in my budget, this is definitely something I would want to invest in for my future travels. One of my friends in Mexico was traveling with his own personal Starlink so that he could travel in remote areas, which I thought was really cool.
I’ve heard really great things about this SIMO Solis 5G WiFi Mobile Hotspot for Travel. It comes with 1GB of data/month which is a great bonus, considering a lot of them don’t come with any free data at all.
Check Out: SIMO Solis 5G Mobile Hotspot
22. VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an essential tool for digital nomads, providing secure and private internet access no matter where you are. It encrypts your online activity, protecting sensitive information from potential cyber threats and unauthorized access, which is especially crucial when using public Wi-Fi networks. VPNs also allow you to bypass any geo-restrictions and access content or services that may be blocked in certain regions. The Netflix example is a good one for this. As a Canadian, I can set my VPN to the US and watch all the extra TV shows that appear on American Netflix. A lot of companies actually require their remote workers to use a VPN as well to protect confidential data.
23. Reliable Laptop
As a digital nomad, your laptop is your biggest asset. Before heading out on a long stint abroad, make sure the laptop you’re leaving with is in good, reliable condition. The last thing you want to happen is for it to break and be stuck without the ability to do your work. Unless you are staying in Europe, it can be pretty hard to come by an Apple Store or shop to purchase quality laptops. It can definitely be done, but it will take you away from your work until you can get to a place to get a new one. I use a Macbook Air that I’ve had since 2016 (so 8 years now) and is still going strong.
Check Out: MacBook Air Laptop
24. Backup iPad
If you want a little extra peace of mind that you will always have access to your work, bringing a backup iPad or tablet is a great idea. Tablets aren’t the best to work on regularly, but if you are in a pinch, they can do the job until you get access to a new laptop. Plus they can sync and make for a great second screen if you have a Mac.
Check Out: iPad Tablet
25. Wireless Keyboard
If you are traveling with an iPad or tablet, a wireless keyboard can be a great addition to your digital nomad gear. This one is a great compact and light option to bring with you on your travels that you can sit on your lap or in front of you on a desk.
Check Out: Logitech Pebble Keys Bluetooth Keyboard
26. Password Manager
When living abroad and moving around nomadically, the name of the game is keeping what you can control organized. I find this applies to both my physical items and keeping track of information I need to know. A good place to start is with your passwords.
There are likely way too many passwords for you to keep track of. A password manager can store them securely for you with an encrypted login. You will only need to remember one master password. They will also keep track of all your accounts to notify you of data leaks and prompt you to change your password. When working on public wifi networks all over the world, this can be especially helpful. You can get one for as low as a few dollars per month.
27. Laptop Sleeve
For a little extra protection for your laptop when traveling around, try a laptop sleeve. I use a laptop sleeve that fits my charger cord within it so that I keep the two items together at all times.
Check Out: Mosiso Laptop Sleeve
28. Notebook
For both work and personal life, I always carry a notebook or two to keep things organized and take notes. They are great for jotting down ideas, brainstorming, writing out travel plans, and more.
Check Out: 4 Piece Spiral Notebooks
29. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a non-negotiable for me whenever I travel now. When I lived in Nepal for 7 months, I contracted a blood infection that had me hospitalized for over 2 weeks, flown in a private air ambulance with an entire team of RNs, and hospitalized at a fancy hospital in Bangkok. It was all 100% necessary to save my life and it happened so fast that I wouldn’t have been able to fly home to deal with it. If I had not had travel insurance with me, I can’t even imagine the debt I would have put myself and my family into. That is why I will never travel without it now.
The “Nice-to-Have” Accessories for Digital Nomads
30. Lap Desk
When working remotely, I often find myself lounging in a hammock or in a park with my laptop on my lap. It’s not the most comfortable and it always makes the air circulation in my computer act up. A compact lap desk is the perfect companion for those who love to bring their laptop to work with them anywhere. It is compact and thin making it easy to travel with.
Check Out: AboveTech Portable Lap Desk
31. Wireless Mouse
If you are working with a laptop, using only a trackpad can get annoying at times. A wireless mouse is small enough of an accessory to bring along with you that can make a big difference in how comfortable it is to work abroad, especially if you are working with dual screens.
Check Out: Logitech M185 Wireless Mouse
32. Second Screen
Many people in the professional world are accustomed to working with two monitors now. It can enhance how you get your work done and help you feel more organized. Luckily there is a thin tablet-like second monitor available that can bring the 2 monitor set up with you on your travels. If you have an iPad and a Mac computer, then you can sync them up and use the iPad as a second screen instead.
Check Out: KYY Portable Monitor
33. Tri Pod
If you love to capture fantastic photos while traveling the world, I recommend bringing a small tripod with you. I always travel with one as a solo traveler. It is also a must-have if you are a nomadic content creator. You can typically buy tripods for either your camera (in which case, I own and love the gorilla pod for travel because of how versatile it is), or your iPhone.
TheJoby Gorilla Tripods are small for packing reasons and you can wrap them around things to get better vantage points for your photos. I’ve used my Gorilla Pod to handle uneven ground, mounted it on fences, wrapped it around a small tree limb, and more.
Check Out: Joby JB01503 GorillaPod (Great for Cameras)
Sometimes I leave my camera behind and use my phone for my travel photos. In that case, a phone tripod is my go-to. I love this Sensyne tripod because it features a rotating clip at the top so you can capture landscape and portrait images. It also comes with a remote so you don’t have to set the timer on your phone.
Check Out: Sensyne 62″ Phone Tripod
34. Ring Light (For Meetings or Content Creation)
If you are a content creator or want to ensure consistent and appropriate lighting for your video meetings, I recommend a ring light with a clip attachment. They clip onto the top of your laptop monitor, or tripod, and add that extra and consistent lighting.
Check Out This Great Small Portable Clip-on Ring Light
35. Laptop Stand
I had never even heard of people using laptop stands until I started working remotely in Mexico where I saw them everywhere. They are adjustable and bring the laptop screen up higher so that it sits more at face level. I really see the appeal so that you don’t have to be looking down at your laptop at all times. This one is foldable so it compacts down for packing purposes.
Check Out: Lamicall Adjustable (and Portable) Laptop Stand
Digital Nomad Must-Haves For Travel Convenience
The life of a digital nomad often comes with some chaos by the nature of travel and not having a true home base. That’s why I’m a huge believer in having some accessories that make the limited things you do have feel more organized. I super recommend these travel products for the feeling of comfort and convenience they provide while traveling full time.
36. SD Card to iPhone Photo Transfer Device
This is another of my favourite travel accessories I’ve ever purchased. I take a lot of my photos using my camera and most laptops don’t have a space to connect an SD card to anymore. I started using this handy device to transfer photos directly from my SD memory cards to my iPhone so I have access to them right away. If you take a lot of photos on your camera while traveling, I highly recommend grabbing one.
Check Out: SD Card Reader For iPhone
37. Portable Laundry Bag
I didn’t travel with one my first time working abroad and learned my lesson. A portable laundry bag is one of those incredibly simple items that can make a huge difference in keeping you organized and feeling good about your belongings. It not only helps you keep your dirty clothes separate from the clean ones, but it is also so nice to have when you need to bring your clothes to a laundry service or laundromat.
Check Out: Portable Laundry Bag For Travel
38. Portable Laundry Line
You won’t always have access to a place to dry your clothes. I once had to lay out my wet clothes along chairs, tables, and out the windowsill, because I had nowhere to hang them to dry. A laundry line is simple and incredibly handy when you need one.
Check Out: Portable Laundry Line For Travel
39. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are all the rave these days and I am 100% on board. You can even get compression packing cubes now that help you pack down your clothes even smaller to make sure everything fits in your bag. You’ll keep your things way more organized, they genuinely make your packing easier somehow, and you’ll have more room in your bag. They come in a range of different sizes.
Check Out: BAGSMART 6 Set Compression Cubes
40. Reusable Water Bottle
I always travel with a reusable water bottle. I find it super inconvenient to be constantly seeking out bottled water while traveling. Whichever water bottle you choose to bring relies heavily on personal preference, but one of my favourite ones for travel is the classic Nalgene. They are BPA-free and a hard plastic so I don’t have to worry about it getting dinged up.
41. Waterproof Phone Dry Bag
One of my favourite travel accessories is a waterproof bag for my phone. The phone fits inside and is sealed so you can actually submerge your phone in the water and take photos. It is great to have on all my travels because I am inevitably doing water activities as I move around. Even if I don’t plan to bring my phone in the water, it is also great to have for protection. It’ll keep your phone safe in case you drop it over the side of a boat or in between the cracks of a dock. It also has a lanyard attachment to prevent drops in the first place.
Check Out: Clear Waterproof Phone Pouch for Underwater Photos
I also typically travel with a small dry bag, in case I ever come across a water activity. For example, I carry epi-pens with me, so the dry bag is a place to keep those and my wallet safe if I’m going on a boat trip or something else along those lines. Osprey is my favourite brand for dry bags because they are some of the best quality out there and they have a lifetime warranty that is incredibly generous.
Check Out: The Osprey 6L Dry Bag
42. Padlock
Traveling with a sturdy padlock is great if you ever need to secure your luggage in transit, lock up your belongings in a hostel, or store your luggage somewhere for the day. It is one of those small accessories that can be unexpectedly useful to have down the road, so I always travel with one.
Check Out: Masterlock Padlock
43. Travel Door Lock
This portable door lock can add some extra peace of mind when staying in various accommodations that anyone could have the key to. It adds an extra layer of security, preventing people from entering your hotel or Airbnb rooms. It is super easy to use and is light for packing with you. As a female digital nomad, I find this helps me feel safer when I am abroad.
Check Out: Portable Door Lock For Travel Safety
44. Back Up Credit Card and Debit Card
Due to being away longer than the average person, it is especially important for digital nomads to travel with back-up credit cards and even a back-up debit card. I learned this the hard way when I left my debit card in an atm in Mexico one week after arriving. They provide a safety net of being able to access funds in case of loss, theft, or any other card issues. I also had my credit card get scammed towards the end of this trip, so imagine losing both your debit and credit card and feeling stranded. Yep, it sucks. So bring an extra card or two.
45. Basic First Aid Kit
A compact first aid kit tailored for travel is a must-have for digital nomads. It equips you to handle minor injuries and ailments while on the go. Even a kit that features some bandages, blister wraps, alcohol wipes, and your go-to medications can be a big help.
46. Travel towel
Designed for compactness and quick drying, a travel towel is another of the best digital nomad must-haves. I love buying a large one that doubles as a beach blanket. They are much more lightweight than the average towel and you won’t always be given a towel as part of your stay when in accommodations.
Check Out: The Best Travel Towels
47. Electronics Organizer
As digital nomads, we travel with a lot of electronics and charging cords. An electronic organizer bag keeps it all together in one spot for convenient use and is great for packing between destinations. You’ll be able to keep track of all your cords and gear without tangling, damaging, or even losing important cables.
Check Out: Waterproof Travel Cable Organizer Pouch For Electronic Accessories
Final Thoughts on the 47 Best Digital Nomad Must-Haves
Living as a digital nomad is life’s best adventure and can be enriched significantly through careful planning and preparation. With this ultimate digital nomad packing list, you’ll find all the best gear and accessories essential for remote workers and full-time travelers. From versatile laptop bags to tech essentials like noise-canceling headphones and portable hotspots, each item on this list is meticulously chosen to support both work and adventure.
* Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. I only recommend products and companies that I use. Thanks for the support!
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