10 travel must haves

Even before covid changed the working landscape forever, there was already a trend to more flexible working practices. Of course, due to the ongoing pandemic, leading corporations like Google, Apple, Twitter, Facebook, Paypal, and Shopify, to name a few, have now given many of their employees the permanent option to work-from-home, with many of these corporations considering shifting almost half of their workforce from working in an office to working in the digital space. This development is happy news for many people who always wanted to travel places while still being able to work, and so enter the Digital Nomads.

Photo by Ishan @seefromthesky on Unsplash

Digital Nomads can travel just about anywhere while utilising technologies to stay connected to work. Imagine sitting on a beach or anywhere your imagination could take you and still have your job. It’s the cool idea most people dreamed of pre-pandemic. So whether you are already working anywhere you like or considering taking the plunge, we have made a list of the top 10 must-haves for digital nomads (excluding basics like laptops and a convenient travel bag). So grab a Bali Bed and check out our list of recommended items to get your work done easily.

#1- Your Phone cord, power bank, headphones, and other accessories

Everyone knows how important it is to take your phone with you while traveling. Obviously, for many spending even a few moments without it fills them with dread. But often, the most frustrating moment, right when you reach the airport, is when you suddenly remember that you forgot the charger, cables, or adapters. While traveling and working, picking up things like a phone cord and power bank is essential, especially if you might be away from an electrical socket and the fact you can get high capacity chargers relatively cheap these days. To keep everything in one place, it is a good idea to use a case that has all the adapters, chargers, cables, cords, and a power bank that you might need.

As a digital nomad, while traveling, you will probably have to work in distracting places, or have to deal with the low roar of a jet or bus engine. Noise-canceling headphones will be your best friend. Make sure to invest in some good headphones that take less space and do their job well. Of course most know Bose, but you can also check out offerings from Sony and Anker too (for those on a tighter budget). Also best to include in your travel luggage: a hard drive and a USB flash drive for easy transfer of data.

Photo by Oscar Nilsson on Unsplash

#2 -Wireless Internet Card

With so many services online, like Google Docs, Spotify, email, messaging services and more, the Internet is the one thing that, after the laptop, should be seen as being essential. You might not get anything done quickly if there isn't any active internet connection.

Wi-Fi access in the hotels is a big plus, but it is not always a good speed or in a convenient location and can often be an insecure way of accessing the internet if the wifi is open. So why not consider, before you leave, a wireless internet card. Look out for worldwide data SIM cards for ease of use, either in your phone or a portable wireless router, or if you don’t mind getting a new number on arrival, just pick up a new SIM card at the airport or shop nearby. Unless you are lucky to already have exceptional roaming service – and watch out for being cut off if you are travelling for an extended amount of time while using a SIM from your home country provider – then you can save significant amounts and avoid large roaming bills.

#3 – Lap Desks

As a digital nomad, (you hope) there will be a lot of travelling. Invest in a good lap desk and thank us later. Whether working from your comfortable couch, car or any other travel situation, lap desks are a great option to have a flat surface for your laptop. If you don’t mind the extra bulk, you can score pimped out wood style lap desks with holders for your phone, pens and even cups, though those on tighter weight or size restrictions can also plump for plastic foldable desks.

#4 - Some Stationary

A pen and some paper might seem very obvious to pack, but often, it slips your mind or you just skip these little things. When working remote, you might not have access to or the time to note stuff down on a laptop; it is always a good idea to keep a writing pad, pen, or pencil handy. Also keep your eye out for the reMarkable 2 tablet. This amazing e-ink handheld device, voted one of Time’s best inventions of 2020, feels and interacts like real pen on paper, with the added benefit of storing your notes, missives, diagrams and more into folders to really help with organising your digital nomad life. We've got one and wouldn't leave home without it.

Photo by Axel Antas-Bergkvist on Unsplash

#5 - Business Cards

You never know while traveling who you might strike an interesting conversation with. So always remember to take business cards with you. The key is to pack plenty and keep some within reach at all times. With some business cards handy, you will be able to make the most impromptu networking opportunities in the future. They are easier than fumbling with your phone or trying to find that pen and paper you are sure you packed! Remember you can also set your own friendly URL for your profile on Yoke to something like www.yoke.space/@yournamehere making your cards even more handy and easy to use. Just head over to the sharing tools in account settings

#6 - Clothing and Shoes

When travelling as a digital nomad, the last thing you would want is to drag around a lot of bags. Having more than two bags would create a huge nuisance. So pack like a pro and pack light making sure you still have enough clothes.

Some people even swear by travelling with just their phone, laptop, toothbrush and credit card and then getting the rest on the way, though we won’t suggest quite as far! A nice pair of trousers with several shirts and a lightweight jacket is a packing must. When shopping, go for wrinkle-free material that doesn't need ironing quite often - linen - or even better hemp - is great for hot countries. Regardless of the number of days of stay, always include two pairs of shoes. The first pair can be comfy footwear for walking around during the day. The other pair can be slightly nicer, something that can be worn in formal setups - we'll leave the decision on a nice leather number or some pristine white pumps up to you.

Finally, to level up to travel expert status, check out bags like the Henty Wingman or CoPilot to carry your clothing and your kit - including your suit, dress or other important clothes you need to keep crease free - in one handy bag.

#7 - Portable Tools of your Trade

Photographers must pack their tripods, cameras, and other essentials that will be needed to capture photos. For architects, things like drafting pads, protractors, and pens are a must. But the good idea is to get smaller and travel-friendly versions of the stuff you will need when traveling. Video bloggers and travel bloggers should invest in light equipment easily carried during rides and other adventures.

A good example is the difference between SLR and mirrorless cameras, unless you are a top pro you might be hard pressed to tell the difference in output between the Canon 5D and R5 (with apologies to Nikon and Sony users et al) but you'll definitely notice the difference in weight and size, which might be an important consideration when you are taking point number 10 into account.

Photo by Jana Shnipelson on Unsplash

#8 - Travel-sized Toiletries

Small travel-sized toiletries are helpful when packing light. Save your time and energy by packing toiletries and other personal items that you may need while traveling. A small toiletry bag, specially designed for the purpose, can save a lot of space, avoid spillage, and save the hassle of looking for things in each compartment.

Ensure you pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, moisturiser, mouthwash, shaving products, shampoos, etc. All the containers carried while traveling must be less or 100 ml in size so that they fit in one 20cm by 20cm bag. Especially in times like these, when Covid-19 has hit almost all parts of the world, carrying an antibacterial gel / sanitiser is a must, whether you are bothered about that particular bug or cleanliness in general. During traveling, you will come into contact with a lot of surfaces that others have touched before. So do your body and skin a favour and keep away from all the nasties by keeping to hand a small bottle of sanitiser.

#9 - Travel Insurance

Don't even think of adapting to the nomadic lifestyle without travel insurance. In fact, according to ABTA, 21% of travellers went without insurance, even though you could face many unforeseen circumstances.

Medical emergencies can occur to anyone at any time. Having valid travel insurance will save you in case of medical treatments. And, for UK residents, while a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaces the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), covers you to get state provided medically necessary health care across the EU and some other states, it is not a replacement for good health insurance which can also cover things like repatriation. If you are planning on visiting other countries, we cannot emphasise enough to get good global travel insurance or at least relevant to the region you are going.

Also, there could be financial losses; you wouldn't want to be mugged somewhere and get stuck somewhere you can't get out of. Travel insurance does have coverage for emergency travel expenses, lost or stolen luggage in similar situations. It’s also worth pointing out, most insurance should be bought while you are still at home, and some banks provide insurance with their accounts so do check, but there are also a few providers who can provide insurance while you are away, for example if you forget, or actually want to extend out your travel longer than your initial plan.

#10 - All the Non Physical Things

Now that we have a list of all the physical things essential for traveling and working, some other things aren't very physical, but almost everyone needs them for an easy and fun-filled journey. First and foremost, pack in some energy. Make sure you travel fully energetic, healthy, and fit.

Remember one thing, as someone who chooses to work as a digital nomad the attitude to embrace culture and regional customs are a must. Before heading to any destination, be it for work or leisure, thorough research of the location will do a world of good.

Research the culture and the destination before you set foot on the plane. You must understand the cultural diversities of different places. Learning verbal and non-verbal communication is always an excellent tool to equip yourself with and will endear yourself to the locals.

Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

Learn various hand gestures and hand signals used in the local culture. The do's and don’ts of culture-specific communication can also help conduct formal or informal meetings related to work. A top tip for many countries around the world is watch out how you sit as showing the bottom of your feet to someone else is the height of disrespect and offence as is pointing with an index finger! That’s why, due to their receiving guests from all over the world at all their theme parks, you’ll never see a Disney employee pointing with one finger, it’s always two or the whole hand!

Along with all of the above listed, it is obvious not to forget things like identity cards, credit and debit cards, some cash, and passports in international travel. And finally, and overall most importantly, always know where your towel is and don’t panic!

Happy Traveling!