8 Things Every Digital Nomad Needs to Get Their Work Done

By Rachel Jay, Content Specialist

Digital nomads are on the cusp of the work flexibility movement. They travel and work remotely from anywhere, utilizing technology and tools to complete their work. Some digital nomads may travel each week or month, while some may put down stakes for months at a time.

According to estimates from Minaal, there could be 21-33 million digital nomads in the U.S. (almost 20% of the U.S. labor force). As remote work continues to grow (115% in the last 10 years, to be exact), it’s likely that more and more remote workers will take up the digital nomad lifestyle.

If you’re already on the road, or just considering becoming a digital nomad, we’ve got a list of recommendations to help you get your work done. To come up with this list, we tried to think beyond some of the primary items you may need (such as a computer, keyboard, mouse, phone, etc.) and provide some suggestions that are still necessary, but beyond the basics.

We surveyed our Facebook page, FlexJobs staffers, and our digital nomad parters to curate this list of recommendations. Our thanks to Krystel Winiker Villalobos of Sendtask, Estela Murguia from B-digital Nomad, Matt and Chelsea from Unsettled Down, and Kim Desmond of CodingNomads for recommending some of the items you’ll find below.

Here are eight things every digital nomad needs to get their work done:

1. Hotspot

The Internet is the key to making your digital nomad lifestyle a possibility. While hotels, Airbnbs, libraries, and coffee shops often provide free Wi-Fi, you’ll want to have a hotspot to fill in for the other times. Typically, your cell phone provider will offer hotspots, but here a couple of options from Amazon if you’re looking for something else.

GlocalMe G3 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot ($150): This mobile hotspot requires no sim card, comes with 1GB of initial global data, and offers 15 hours of battery life, making it perfect for any globe-trotting digital nomad.
TP-Link N150 Wireless 3G/4G Portable Router ($33): This device allows you to expand your wireless network for the use of Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as your laptop or phone.

2. Travel Bag

Ask any frequent traveler and they’ll probably agree that having a convenient and quality travel bag can make a huge difference. While everyone’s specific needs are unique, we’ve got two recommendations below that may fit your needs.

Overbrooke Reversible Tote Bag with Wristlet ($25): Two FlexJobs staffers use this faux leather tote bag for their laptop and accessories when traveling. Its larger size will hold a laptop, and the accompanying wristlet can keep small items separate.
High Sierra Access Laptop Backpack ($34): This pick from High Sierra is a laptop backpack, which offers a rain cover and a cushioned laptop sleeve.

3. Electronics Organizer

As a digital nomad, it’s likely you’ll be traveling with quite a few electronics and accessories, like chargers. It can be easy to lose track of these when you’re on the go, so we recommend a great organizer, like the one below!

Dot&Dot Electronics Organizer ($20): You can easily organize your cables, avoid tangles, and protect your electronics with this convenient, compact case.

4. Headphones/Headset

As a digital nomad, you likely work in public spaces quite often. Having wireless headphones or a headset can save you if you need listen to something for work purposes, chat on a conference call, or even just spare you the embarrassment of that video ad going off when you’re simply reading the news.

SteelSeries Arctis 7 Lag-Free Wireless Gaming Headset ($150): FlexJobs’ Director of Marketing Mike Gutman recommends the Arctis wireless headset. With more than 24 hours of battery life, these headphones offer studio-quality voice clarity and background noise cancellation.
Mpow Bluetooth Headset ($21): This popular, lightweight Bluetooth headset is great for those constantly on the road. A two-hour charge will last up to 12 hours of continuous talking time and 200 hours of standby time. FlexJobs’ Director of Content Strategy Jacquelyn Smith highly recommends this “affordable, reliable headset.”

5. Portable Charger

Without a charged battery, there won’t be much work getting done. Nothing can be more frustrating than working, whether at a hotel or at a coffee shop, and having your laptop or phone battery die. Check out these two portable charger options so you’re never left with an empty battery again.

Anker Portable Charger ($42): This pick is “Amazon’s Choice” and will charge an iPhone 7 almost seven times on a full charge.
Anker PowerCore+ Premium Portable Charger ($83): FlexJobs staffer Louise uses this more powerful charger from Anker to give her MacBook a longer battery life. This version will charge an iPhone 7 up to 10 times.

6. External Hard Drive

An external hard drive is essentially a safety net. While traveling, any number of things can happen to your computer equipment. Saving and backing up your work to an external hard drive can give you peace of mind that if something happens to your computer—or you run out of space on your internal hard drive—your work is safe.

LaCie Mini USB External Hard Drive ($100): Another “Amazon’s Choice” pick, this external hard drive has a protective, rubber cover that allows drops up to 4 feet, and provides dust and water-resistant protection.

7. Lap Desk

Lap desks are a must-have for any digital nomad. These portable “desks” sit on your lap, making them perfect for use in the car, on a bed, or in any travel situation where you might not have a desk space to work from. Lap desks are designed to provide a stable and flat surface and keep your computer cool.

Sofia + Sam Memory Foam Lap Desk ($40): Another “Amazon’s Choice” product, this lap desk has a wood-grain look and includes a cool USB light feature—perfect for any dark or low-light environments!
MyDesk Lap Desk ($20): This option, which is “Amazon’s Choice,” features two compartments to store accessories and a microbead-filled cushion that conforms to the lap, providing comfort and stability.

8. Relaxation Items

OK, maybe these items don’t help you get your work done per se, but relaxation is important for any worker! With space in mind, here are a few suggestions for light, portable items you can take with you on the road.

LiBa Cordless Shiatsu Neck Shoulder Back Massager Belt with Heat ($60): Use this massager wrap to melt away your stress and tension. This wrap is rechargeable and portable with up to 2 hours of use time.
Ultralight Travel Yoga Mat by YOGO ($65): Practicing yoga can be relaxing and therapeutic. This “Amazon’s Choice” yoga mat is a lightweight mat that folds down to easily fit into your luggage. And if you don’t do yoga, this mat could be used on the beach!

If you’re curious to explore the digital nomad lifestyle, be sure to check out FlexJobs where we have hundreds of work-from-anywhere jobs that allow you to take your work anywhere around the globe.

Photo Credits: Amazon

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