travel insurance masterWorking as a digital nomad definitely has its perks — from the flexibility, to the ability to work anywhere in the world.
As of 2020, TechRadar reports that there are about 5 million digital nomads worldwide. Specifically, the pandemic has put digital nomadism into the spotlight as remote working has become the norm. This has given people the opportunity to choose where to station their office, be it a beach in Bali or a historical city in Europe.
So, before you hop on that plane, here are some travel essentials you shouldn't forget.
A reliable laptop and hotspot
These two items are your lifeline when working as a digital nomad. Your mobile network as a hotspot alone might not be able to handle your internet needs. Having a portable Wi-Fi hotspot is the easiest way to stay connected during your travels, and some options don’t require a SIM. The Skyroam Solis Lite (available on Amazon) is a 4G LTE hotspot that can connect up to 10 devices and you can choose daily, monthly, or unlimited data plans. And of course, a good laptop is important to ensure that you can work efficiently and even as you travel. Consider models like the Dell Latitude 9410 2-in-1, which boasts fast performance and a battery life of at least 16 hours.
A portable solar battery pack
Your electronics might run out of juice while you’re away from your hotel room or villa. In this instance, a portable solar battery pack lets you charge your device, and you can even recharge the battery pack by simply leaving it in the sunlight. For instance, the BigBlue 28W USB Solar Charger is lightweight and durable, with three output ports. However, keep in mind that battery packs might not be able to handle fully charging a laptop. So if you’re looking for something that can handle a long-term off-grid setup, portable power stations like the EcoFlow Delta would be better. These devices can keep you charged for hours or even days.
A good audio set-up
If your job entails having lots of calls and virtual meetings, then having a reliable audio set-up is absolutely critical. As featured among the range of audio equipment on Adorama, Sony’s Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones help you concentrate on your task at hand without distractions. Plus, they are comfortable enough to wear for hours on end. Whatever your job is, good headphones still make for a great investment when traveling, as you can use them to relax or stay entertained while you’re stuck on a plane, at a noisy coffee shop, or on long train rides.
A durable laptop backpack
You might not be traveling in your own vehicle, so you’ll need a place to keep your electronics safe. A laptop backpack is more ergonomic than a messenger bag and can hold more than other kinds of bags. For example, the bags on Wirecutter can hold your laptop, chargers, and other important items and electronics that need safe-keeping. The Fjällräven Räven 28 Backpack, in particular, even has enough space for some clothes. It also comes with external pockets for water bottles or travel documents. It doesn’t look like a laptop bag either, so it won’t catch any unwanted attention.
Travel insurance
While you may be confident that you can stay safe throughout your entire trip, you should still consider getting travel insurance. In fact, Forbes mentions that some destinations actually require that you have some sort of coverage. In general, we at Travel Insurance Master highly recommend getting covered — especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions and possible trip cancellations due to an emergency. It's a small expense that ensures you don’t lose more money from your trip due to unforeseen circumstances.
