As I travel from city to city as a digital nomad, I find a checklist helps me pack and track what items I use and need. If I find I’m missing something on a particular trip, I add it to the list for the next time.

In regards to tech, here’s my current list:

  • Laptop & charging cable: no brainer here.
  • USB cables: I only carry USB-C cables now, and use USB-C to micro-USB adaptors when necessary.
  • USB C hub: Great for connecting multiple cables to the laptop. It also provides a HDMI connector.
  • HDMI cable: Useful to project movies from the laptop to the hotel television.
  • Foldable wall adaptors: I prefer the smaller adaptors dedicated for a single socket, as opposed to those larger all-in-one blocks.
  • Portable battery charger: When you don’t have the option to charge using a wall outlet.
  • Headphones with a boom mic: For meetings on the move.
  • Dedicated webcam & collapsible tripod: Although I use my laptop webcam for shorter trips, I find the dedicated webcam to be much higher quality. You can also adjust the angle to get a better shot.
  • Kindle: Beats bringing multiple heavy books.
  • Bluetooth speaker: Music on the go 🙂
  • Foldable phone holder: Better than keeping your phone lying down on the table.
  • SIM cards: If I’m in a country for several days, I pickup a local SIM card. When travelling with my partner, we buy them from different network providers. This provides redundancy for when things sometimes go wrong.
  • Notepad and pens: When all else fails, returning to the always reliable pen & paper is an asset.

The takeaway
While on the move, prioritize redundancy: two webcams, two identical cables, two different SIM cards, etc. Size and weight are important considerations, as well as quality. Higher quality items tend to break down less frequently.

Category:
Lifestyle