If you decide to embark on a digital nomad adventure, you’re not alone. A staggering 17.3 million US workers now consider themselves to be digital nomads as of 2023.
Although working as a digital nomad can offer you unparalleled freedom, it’s vital that you arm yourself with the right tools and software that will provide comfort, productivity, and connectivity while you’re traveling. Below you’ll discover 10 tools and software products that can help you to live a stress-free on-the-go lifestyle.
Essential Software
Organizational apps
Being productive at work is important for anyone, but especially for digital nomads. When you’re traveling to amazing places, you want to explore as well as work. Productivity tools such as Slack, Asana, and Trello are great for keeping you focused and helping you manage your tasks efficiently if you work as part of a team.
For personal productivity, apps such as Evernote are great for note-taking, and Pomodoro timers help you manage your time well.
VPN
A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is one of the best weapons to use against online criminals. It protects your online privacy by using a secure internet connection. For example, if you’re working in a coffee shop a VPN will ensure your connection is safe so that no one can steal your data such as bank details or passwords. Not only that, but the best VPN apps provide access to content that’s blocked in your country, which can help when you need to access sites based back home when you’re off exploring.
Digital wallet
A digital wallet is a game-changer for making safer and easier transactions when you’re on the move. Although PayPal is good for this, a built-in app such as Apple Pay allows you to pay super fast, and it keeps your credit card secure without needing to carry it with you.
Cloud storage
Remember the days when you had to use a huge disk to store any files that you couldn’t fit onto your computer? Well, those days are no more, and you won’t have to worry about running out of space on your laptop either, if, that is, you opt for a cloud storage service. When working as a digital nomad, reliable and secure storage is essential to have.
Cloud services such as iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox let you access and store your files wherever you are, using different devices. You can also use these services to share files with colleagues and they act as a safety net if your device is damaged or stolen.
E-SIMs
One you may not be aware of, an e-SIM or Embedded Subscriber Identity Module makes good sense as a digital nomad. It’s a digital alternative to traditional SIM cards and companies such as Apple have been accepting them on their devices for years. Instead of swapping a physical card whenever you travel to a different country, you can connect to a nearby network using an e-SIM.
With an e-SIM, you can enjoy greater flexibility by easily connecting to different networks. Additionally, because they’re embedded into your device an e-SIM saves you space and you won’t have to worry about potentially damaging or losing a physical card. If that wasn’t enough, e-SIMs also offer worldwide coverage, meaning you can enjoy internet access in nearly every part of the world.
Essential Tools
Laptop
A laptop is without a doubt one of the most essential parts of any digital nomad’s workstation. However, because they come in so many sizes it can be tricky knowing which one to choose. The most important thing is to look for a laptop that can cope with your workload. Choose one that’s lightweight but durable, has a generous battery life, and excellent performance capabilities.
Smartphone
Most people, digital nomads or not, have smartphones but when you’re always on the move, a high-performing smartphone is an essential communication tool. If you want to upgrade yours, look for a model with features such as strong connectivity, a high-quality camera for those once-in-a-lifetime photos, and a long battery life. Large storage capacity and strong processing power are also desirable features.
Noise-canceling headphones
There’s nothing worse for a digital nomad than being fully work-focused, only to be disturbed by external noises. A quality pair of noise-canceling headphones will put a barrier between you and your work environment, allowing you to reach a deep level of concentration. Look for a comfortable design and excellent sound quality.
Portable battery pack
When you’re living the nomad life, you’ll find yourself having to charge your devices a lot and while outlets are easy to find in the US, this may not be the case in other countries. Also, don’t forget that power outages are common in other parts of the world, so a portable battery pack will be a lifesaver. Choose a reliable design and you’ll never run out of power for your much-needed devices.
Wireless keyboard and mouse
Although laptops are incredibly convenient thanks to their portability, using the trackpad can be fiddly and annoying. An external wireless keyboard and mouse can help you work more comfortably and efficiently. Choose models that are lightweight with ergonomic designs that are compatible with your laptop.
Final Thoughts
Living the digital nomad lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your comfort or work efficiency. The right tools and software can help you to lead a well-connected and productive work life, wherever the road takes you.
