Packing List for Digital Nomads

Traveling is amazing, but packing can often feel like a daunting task. After living out of a suitcase for 8 months, we've discovered the true essentials and the non-essentials that made our journey more comfortable and enjoyable. Instead of giving you a generic list of outfits (because let's be honest, your wardrobe needs depend on your destination and laundry plans), we're focusing on the extras, electronics, and those random items you might forget but will be grateful to have. We’ve also included links to shop for our favorite items on Amazon. These are affiliate links, so if you choose to shop through them, it helps support our blog at no extra cost to you. Let's dive in.

Our Essentials Packing List

Power adaptor: If you're traveling internationally, a power adaptor is a must. We recommend purchasing a universal one so that it works regardless of where your travels take you. Here's the one we use: https://amzn.to/3zKz4yY
Noise-canceling headphones: Block out the noise on planes, trains, or noisy hostels with a good pair of noise-canceling headphones, especially important as a digital nomad. Our favorites are Apple AirPod Pros: https://amzn.to/4bZXTEB
Chargers: We actually recommend this dock that charges our phone, watch, and AirPods in one to save on cable space. It's a convenient all-in-one solution: https://amzn.to/4f4zVun
Tripod: Especially if you're planning to create content, a compact and versatile tripod for your phone is essential. We don't use fancy cameras or drones for our photos and videos, so this tool is super helpful: https://amzn.to/4d4Bgjd
Airtags: Okay, this isn't essential, but it will give you so much peace of mind if your checked bag gets lost. Just keep an AirTag inside, and when the airline inevitably gives you no updates, you'll at least know where it is. We were so happy to have these recently when our bags were lost by Austrian Air for a full week: https://amzn.to/4f0Mt67
Packing Cubes: Organize your suitcase efficiently and keep your clothes wrinkle-free with compressible packing cubes. Plus, they make unpacking and repacking easy if you're on the move. We use Monos packing cubes that fit our suitcases perfectly, but there are tons of options to choose from.
Power bank: Never run out of battery on your phone or other devices while on the go. A high-capacity power bank can be a lifesaver during long travel days or camping trips: https://amzn.to/4f3wt3a
Copies of all important documents: Just in case of a lost passport or other mishap, make copies of all your important documents (passport, birth certificate, social security card, etc.). Keep them in a separate bag from the originals or have digital copies.
Water bottle: Stay hydrated on the go with a reliable and reusable water bottle, not including a link for this because I'm sure everyone has one to be honest.
Small first aid kit: Don't overdo it because there are pharmacies everywhere, but a small emergency kit with basics like Advil, Dayquil, Pepto, etc., is important. I think it's best to build your own kit with medicines you are most likely to need or want.
Sunscreen: You can buy sunscreen almost anywhere, but we always make sure to have some on us. My absolute favorite everyday face sunscreen is this one, and I don't go anywhere without it. Plus it's travel sized, and if you only use it on your face I sweat it lasts for months: https://amzn.to/3VXccU4
Travel credit card: You want to make sure your card doesn't have international fees and help you rack up travel points to save you money!

Non-Essentials (Just for Fun) Packing List

Okay, this is the fun one! These are all things we've brought with us while traveling that we have no regrets about and highly recommend:

Mini projector & Bluetooth speaker: This lightweight, can-sized projector is perfect for having a movie night anywhere you go! Plus, it doubles as a Bluetooth speaker if you want to listen to music by the pool or while you work. Pricey but worth it because we use it all the time at home and while traveling: https://amzn.to/4bZYXIB

One line a day journal: This has been such a special way to document our travels, and we HIGHLY recommend getting one. Honestly, it's great whether you're traveling or not. Such a fun memory to look back on in years to come. The one I use is out of stock, but this is a 5-year one with great reviews! https://amzn.to/4cYIwgo
BYO game cube: If you're traveling with a significant other or friend, it's so helpful to have a few games to play on long layovers at the airport or in remote travel destinations if you get bored. We built our own little game cube to pack several of our favorite 2-person games. We used this card holder: https://amzn.to/3S6rGUR and then packed a deck of cards, Hive (a super fun 2-person strategy game), and Codenames Duet!

Phone case for water: Most phones are waterproof or resistant at this point, but if you're doing active adventures like white-water rafting or kayaking, having a waterproof phone case with a lanyard is super handy: https://amzn.to/4cx9WtX
Kindle: I'm usually a physical book person, but that's just not realistic while traveling so a Kindle has been a must for me. https://amzn.to/4cDmdx9
Laundry bag: A laundry bag takes up no space or weight at all and it can help you keep you dirty clothes separated if you're bringing a larger checked bag. https://amzn.to/3Sa0Fjr
Saalt discs: Last but not least, this one's for the gals. To save space on packing I switched to Saalt Discs this year and I wish I would've switched sooner. They're less hassle, take up less space, save me money, and they're better for the environment. https://amzn.to/3S7RlfH

By focusing on these must-have items and fun extras, you'll be well-prepared for any adventure that comes your way. Remember, traveling is about making memories and experiencing new things, so pack smart, travel light, and enjoy every moment. And if you decide to shop for any of these items through our affiliate links, you'll be supporting our blog at no extra cost to you. Safe travels and happy packing! Let us know in the comments if there's anything you think we should add to the list!