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. It even has surge protection which is very important, as some countries use different voltage.

Travel 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!

Favorite Toiletries

Make sure you bring your favorite skin care and hair care items as some countries may not have your preferred products! For example, as a black woman, I make sure to bring my favorite hair products. If you also have thick curly hair, you might like Cantu’s shampoo and conditioner and everyone could benefit from a great set of TSA friendly carry on toiletry containers!

Portable 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!)

Pour Over Coffee Dripper

You may not always find an Airbnb or other lodgings with a coffee maker. I don’t know about you… but I can’t start my day without my morning coffee! A pour over coffee dripper is a great way to make a single cup and they’re small and sturdy enough to easily carry in your luggage. Just bring some paper cone filters and your favorite mug to have your delightful morning routine wherever you are in the world!

Picture Frames for Friends and Family Photos

It can be difficult being far away from familiar faces as you travel around the world. Something that makes my accommodations feel super homey and comforting is putting up pictures of my friends and family! Whether it’s these foldout multi-picture frames or these hanging lines for clipped on photos, these styles of frames make it easy to prop up multiple pictures of your loved ones around your accommodations without damaging any surfaces.

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 living space with your favorite songs that makes it feel like home. 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.

Luggage for Electronics

If you’re a Digital Nomad, you most likely do your work from a laptop computer. So it’s important to have good cases and bags for keeping your electronics safe while on the move. A great laptop case like this one is water resistant, comes with multiple compartments and is available in different sizes. You’ll notice I have a microphone pictured above because my digital nomad job happens to be voice acting. If your digital nomad profession is like mine, it may have multiple electronic components. In which case, you may opt for a versatile personal item travel bag that can handle your laptop as well as other essential items you don’t feel comfortable putting in checked luggage.

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 found this list helpful, I’d love it if you shared it via the social media icons below. Happy traveling!