How to Work From Anywhere: Must-Have Tech for the Modern Nomad
The beauty of being able to work from any location, from sun-kissed beaches to bustling cities and rural countryside, is a draw that many of us find appealing. But while you may not be bound by physical workspaces, you do still require a few gadgets to help you on your way to being able to work effectively.
These tech-savvy devices will keep you connected, enhancing your remote work life, and ensuring that no matter where you set up your desk, you know you can get to work comfortably.
Power adapter
If you’re travelling internationally, you’ll need an adapter that enables you to keep your devices charged wherever you are. A universal travel adapter is a must – it contains a plug which slides out to fit various power outlets, so you don’t need to carry multiple adapters whenever you travel.
Modern models typically feature multiple USB ports too, which is useful for laptops and hard drives. However, be mindful of the fact that an adapter doesn’t convert voltage, so you’ll need to make sure your devices are dual voltage or will support a range of volts.
Travel camera
The benefit of working remotely is that you get to choose your location every day, which makes it the ideal way to explore the world in between logging hours.
A compact travel camera is a must-have to capture those all-important memories, from incredible views and experiences to meeting new friends along the way.
You’ll still want to travel light, so opting for a compact model will give you those amazing shots but without the weight in your luggage. Having a separate camera is also a great way to nurture creative hobbies while you’re travelling, which can be a great way to switch off from work and be more present in each destination you visit.
VPN subscription
One of the most essential tools for safer online working is a Virtual Private Network or VPN. VPNs work by encrypting your data, rerouting your internet connection through a secure server, which masks your real IP address and location.
This protects your personal data and prevents identity theft and data breaches, which is great news for you as a remote worker and also for your clients. Cybersecurity is critical when you’re working online, so having a VPN on your side will help you maintain privacy and keep information like emails, passwords and card details safe from hackers and scammers.
Fitness tracker or smartwatch
Staying on top of your health and wellbeing when you’re travelling can be a challenge, but it needs to remain a priority. A smartwatch or fitness tracker is an easy way to do just that, providing you with clear data on the state of your fitness but also providing you with regular updates and notifications so you don’t need to be pulling out your phone all the time.
Many smartwatches also give you the option to be notified when you’ve been sitting for too long – something any online worker will know is easy to do – so you’re reminded to get up and move around.
Noise-cancelling headphones
You never know where you’ll be working from on the road, whether it’s a hostel, a busy café or outdoors, so having noise-cancelling headphones in your backpack will make focusing so much easier.
These drown out the background noise so you can pay attention to your work or have clearer virtual meetings with colleagues or clients, helping you maintain productivity and professionalism.
Cloud storage
Cloud storage is an invaluable asset for digital nomads, providing a seamless and secure way to access data from anywhere in the world. As remote workers, we’re constantly on the move – relying on cloud storage solutions means you always have access to your files, documents and projects. It also makes it easier to collaborate with colleagues or share files with clients for seamless working that eliminates the need for physical storage devices or local backups. Cloud storage offers robust security features, such as encryption and multi-factor authentication, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected even on public networks.
Portable wi-fi hotspot
You might not always have access to public Wi-Fi when you’re travelling, and while you can use the hotspot on your smartphone, some carriers might limit this access. The alternative is carrying a portable hotspot device which will give you fast and stable access to the Internet from any location, with support for high data speeds so you can work at any time, from any place.
Collapsible solar charger
Just because you’re travelling doesn’t mean environmental awareness should go out the window. In fact, collapsible solar chargers are the perfect solution to reduce your reliance on the grid but still enable you to charge your devices. If you’re heading to locations with plenty of sunshine, it’s the ideal gadget to have on stand-by to charge up your phone or laptop quickly.
Smart luggage
Smart luggage and GPS trackers have emerged as indispensable tools for those who embrace a location-independent lifestyle. These innovative devices not only provide convenience but also offer peace of mind, ensuring that your belongings are secure and easily traceable. Smart luggage is equipped with various chargers that make travel more efficient, such as remote locking mechanisms and built-in chargers, and they can be enhanced even further with GPS trackers so you always know exactly where your belongings are.
The digital nomad lifestyle offers so much in terms of personal growth and exploration, giving you the chance to see the world and pay your bills at the same time. Investing in the right gear will make navigating the challenges of remote work so much easier, keeping you productive when you’re on the go. Carefully consider your work setup when regularly moving around, so you’re not only able to work efficiently but also safely and comfortably. What’s more, choosing the right tech will ensure you’re not lugging heavy gadgets around that don’t really serve you day to day.