I’m what they call a Digital Nomad: a person who’s job, being completely remote (usually from a laptop), enables them to live independently of a set address and travel freely. Those who work while traveling must consider their ideal digital nomad packing list. All us nomads are not the same in our approach to travel. Some take the opportunity to bounce frequently between tourist hot spots and party destinations, spending just a few weeks in a location before moving on.

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I enjoy a slower pace, getting to know my new transient home for at least a month or two. The need to balance work and productivity with exploration and adventure means my temporary abode can’t just be a hotel room to crash. It’s my office, my place of repose: my momentary home. That means when I’m considering my packing list, I bring a combination of travel essentials and items for comfort and self care that make a big difference in feeling grounded and settled wherever I am.

Universal Power Adapter

The first obvious necessity to address for any modern person: my electronics have to work. More specifically, my North American odds and ends have to plug in somewhere whether I’m in the English countryside or downtown Seoul. So don’t forget to pack a universal power adapter like this one when traveling to another country. Many even have surge protection which is very important, as some countries use different voltage.

Laundry Detergent Packs

Now, being that I typically stay in accommodation that’s an apartment or guesthouse rather than a hotel, sometimes I’ll have the luck of scoring a pad with a washer and laundry detergent available… but sometimes I don’t. In some countries it’s just not common to have a washer in your residence. These handy, compact, packets of concentrated laundry detergent are so easy to travel with. I love that they work fine in both a machine and for hand washing. Update: This brand has recently replaced the dissolving powder with dissolving sheets which are even more compact and convenient!

Hair and Skin Products

If you are also blessed with thick, curly locks, you’ll know that most generic shampoos and conditioners (like those typically offered in hotels) will make your tresses drier than the Sahara. Well, you also must consider that your ideal hair and skin products may be hard or nearly impossible to find anywhere in the country your staying. (i.e. Good luck finding Black hair products at a convenience store in South Korea). Cantu has great shampoo and conditioner for thick textured hair.

Electric Cooking Pot

This handy electric cooking pot is lightweight, easy to pack, and surprisingly versatile. With a non-stick surface, lid, and even a little spatula, I’ve whipped up so many dishes in this thing! Scrambled eggs, pancakes, burgers, stir fry, and the higher heat setting is hot enough to boil water for things like pasta. It’s certainly easier to feel at home with at least one home-cooked meal each day (and kinder to my wallet than eating out for every meal!)

But First… Coffee

I love coffee… a lot… and not just for waking up my body. There’s just something settling and grounding about a cozy morning routine. A pour over coffee dripper is a great way to make a single cup and they’re small enough to easily fit into luggage. Place the cone with the paper filter directly on top of your mug, put the ground coffee in the filter, pour hot water through very slowly, and enjoy! And if you want to make pour over coffee for multiple people, I’ve been loving my larger Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker. This loving little process as I write out my daily goals really centers me for the day ahead.

Journal

It can be disorienting moving around a lot. One of the most important things for my mental health is regularly writing in this beautiful leather bound journal. My writing is not only a crucial tool for calming and organizing my thoughts but it also becomes a wonderful chronicle of my adventures.

Wireless Speaker (Because Music is Life)

My daily life is imbued with music. Sometimes I’m just filling my ears with tunes through my headphones as I go out to explore. But there is something extra special about filling the air of your home with your favorite songs and I do so with my favorite speaker: the Wonderboom. It’s compact, sturdy, has great sound quality and it’s even waterproof. Just be considerate to your neighbors with the volume level.

My Job

As a Digital Nomad, naturally, my work is travels with me! In my case, my main job at the moment is voice acting. I work closely with my trusty USB microphone which has served me well for many years. To round out my voice-over equipment, I can’t forget my pop filter or headphones either!

A Life in Many Places

Being a Nomad is a different travel experience from simply passing through a city for a few days on vacation. Moving around a lot while keeping up with work responsibilities presents a new kind of challenge in balancing productivity and your basic self-care and happiness. You can take time to nurture your needs with your perfect digital nomad packing list; not just the practical essentials to function but the little personal touches that can give you a sense of home no matter where you are.

Thank you for reading! Is the nomadic life right for you? Read my reasons why I became a Digital Nomad to learn about the pros and cons of this unique lifestyle. If you’d like to learn how I choose my perfect temporary homes around the world, I hope you’ll also check out my tips for booking a great Airbnb!