Advancements in technology over the past few decades has brought about drastic changes in the employment and work scene. Hallelujah! Enter the age of the ‘digital nomad’, every hard working, travel loving woman’s favourite 9 to thrive.
Digital nomads have it made. Not only do they get to roam the globe, they get paid while doing it. Whether working remotely, freelancing, or running your own business, the key for every digital nomad is connectivity. So what exactly should your backpack contain to help you stay in touch with clients and colleagues? Start with these 10 essential services and gadgets and watch your hot desk flourish.
1. MOBILE HOTSPOT
Since you will be traveling a lot, you’ll probably have to stay in areas where internet connectivity is slow. Some hotspots help you to connect to data services in more than 150 countries, by using telephone carriers of the particular country. Internet connectivity is the most crucial part of being a digital nomad so there can be no compromises on that, or else you lose your clients.
2. POWERHOUSE SMARTPHONE
A jacked up mobile phone is essential since it allows you to engage with clients, teams, and employers on the go. Obviously! But not so obvious is ensuring you have ample storage to house the many apps you’ll need, from business tools to personal banking. Battery life is another to look for when researching the perfect smartphone – after all, a mobile phone is the working girls modern day work horse, so pick one that’s easy on the juice. A spare battery pack, charging cables and power plug adaptors are your other ticket to ride.
3. THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT
Working remotely isn’t all laptops-on-a-beach, it takes planning and, most of all, it requires staying in touch with your team and clients, and keeping the work, and invoicing flowing. A selection of top-rated mobile and desktop apps can do a lot of the heavy lifting, with Slack, Skype, Zoom, Trello, Google Drive, Boomerang, Dropbox, 1Password, Xero and Receipt Bank topping our list of digital nomad must-apps.
4. SOLAR-POWERED BATTERIES
Power availability is not always guaranteed. A digital nomad has to have this so that he/she can charge mobile devices to enable them to keep on working even in situations of power outages or unavailability.
5. WIRELESS MOUSE
The less cords you have, the better. This is why you need a wireless mouse like the Logitech MX Anywhere 2 Wireless Mobile Mouse which prides itself on its compact size. Just don’t forget your re-chargeable batteries and charger or you’ll be forking out for fresh AA’s every few weeks. Both costly and environmentally unfriendly.
6. NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES
Being a digital nomad means that you will have to work at busy noisy locations sometimes. To focus on your work, you will need noise canceling headphones. If your budget is tight, you can also use apple buds that work almost as well.
7. MUSIC SPEAKERS
Easy to cart around, these Bluetooth stereo speakers by Bose will keep your productivity soundtrack pumping with the richest bass you’ll find in a portable Bluetooth speaker this size.
8. COWORKING SPACE
Why work alone just because you’re an independent digital nomadess? If you enjoy sharing time and space with other freelancers, or just want a break from noisy cafes, try Workfrom. This directory app provides recommendations on the best co-working spots – including coffee shops and bars – in major cities around the world. As a bonus, Workfrom tracks Wi-Fi speeds so you can discover the café with the fastest connection in your ‘hood if you have a need for speed.
9. ONWARD FLIGHT TICKET
Hopping from one place to another on a whim? A one way ticket is all you want, alas most countries will require you to have an onward or return ticket in hand to prove you won’t get stuck in their country or disobey their visa rules. Enter FlyOnward.com, a service which allows you to ‘rent’ a real onward flight ticket for 24 hours for only $10 USD.FlyOnward purchase an international flight ticket on your behalf just like a regular travel agency would, and then they get a refund for it 24 hours later, giving you enough time to show your papers and board that plane or clear the customs desk.
10. POWER ADAPTOR
Not being able to plug in and power up is the equivalent of having all the gear and no idea. Hence, country specific power adapters are an essential. Even better is one that can do it all. Being a master of all currents, a worldwide travel adapter can be costly, but it sure will be worth its light weight in gold. A traveller favourite is the Kikkerland Universal Travel Adapter, which offers a slimline design perfect for backpacks and cross-over handbags. One adaptor, 150 countries, sorted. We also love PORS-ELA’S International Travel Power Adapter which includes 2 USB ports for the ultimate in multi-charging.
“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” – Maya Angelou
