13 Essential Travel Tools For Digital Nomads to Stay Connected, Productive, & Classy

Everyone has experienced that moment after a long, arduous journey to whatever corner of the world they decided on when they reach into their suitcase to grab the one item needed to start their move and/or trip out without a hitch, only to find that it’s nowhere in sight. Been there, done that, and got the t-shirt multiple times over.

For digital nomads or freelancers who frequently change locations and battle an array of geographical, work-related, and visa issues, forgetting a crucial item for one’s trip is just part and parcel. And don’t even get me started on things breaking mid-trip. 

If you haven’t experienced it, you probably will at some point. Consider it a right of passage. Or, you can learn from my mistakes and follow this list of must-have digital nomad travel items and cover your bases. Whether you’re a seasoned digital nomad or just starting out on your journey, here are 13 digital nomad must-haves for your next (or first) move or trip abroad – all of which are used by yours truly.

Pale Ale Travel Note: I sparingly write posts that have affiliate links and would just like to emphasize that I will never include any products that I’ve never tried or tested. The below items are all items that I’ve used for many years and recommend wholeheartedly. While the pictures aren’t particularly spectacular, I’d rather be genuine in my review and endorsement rather than promote products I’ve never used.    

P.S. The feature image is from when several of my top dawgz and I ended up hiking (in Hong Kong) in a Typhoon 8.

Slash-Proof & Waterproof Backpack With a Laptop Compartment

Say hello to your new best friend. As someone who is constantly on the go, has changed multiple countries in the span of days, and needs to work the entire time, a high-quality backpack is paramount when it comes to travel items I spend money on. This is going to house everything that is near and dear to you so it’s crucial to ensure that it’s capable of standing up to the task. 

Opt for a slash-proof (anti-theft) AND waterproof backpack with ample space that doesn’t just protect your valuables but also safeguards them against unforeseen circumstances (including inclement weather) or unsavory characters. 

Your laptop is your money maker, your digital vault of secrets and memories, and likely something you spend way more time on than you should, so it’s important to preserve it at all costs. Look for a backpack that boasts a dedicated laptop compartment with shock absorption and cushioning to protect it from becoming damaged by other items in your back and provide ergonomic support to your back (which has taken a beating from your already poor posture).

My Recommended Slash-Proof & Waterproof Backpack With a Laptop Compartment

I personally use the Ridge Commuter Backpack by Ridge, the company you may have first heard of being behind their minimalist wallet. I actually ordered their minimalist wallet and then a backpack to go with it and have probably only ended up using the wallet twice in the (nearly) five years I’ve owned it (I just don’t find it particularly convenient). The backpack, on the other hand, has supported me through my best and worst days and upwards of 15-plus countries.

I first ordered the Commuter Backpack online in 2019 after gearing up for a move to Europe. Little did I know that it would still be with me some five years later. Hands down, it is the best travel backpack I’ve ever used. 

First, it’s slash-proof (not that I’ve run into any issues with this but I would recommend an anti-theft backpack if you are traveling to an area rife with petty or street crime). Second, it’s waterproof, which has actually come in the most handy for hiking, saving my phone and keeping t-shirts dry. This was especially useful when I was living in Ho Chi Minh City and subject to a never-ending rainy season, with monsoon-esque downpours appearing at the drop of a dime.

Third, it’s surprisingly spacious, which has allowed me to ‘travel light’ to multiple locations (only needing a second carry-on bag for clothes). I can fit upwards of 9 liters of bottled water, along with several sports and energy drinks in the bag. This has made it my go-to bag for hiking (on top of being waterproof) and is likely a reason why it smells worse than Bigfoot’s underpants after eating spoiled salmon and berries. 

Fourth, it has a designated laptop pocket which prevents (or at least lowers) the chances of damaging my laptop, which I already run into too many issues with. This has likely saved my laptop over the years and cushioned it when dropping or tossing my bag down carelessly, forgetting that I actually had a laptop in there.

My only real complaints about the backpack over the years are that the rubber ends to the zippers came off relatively easily which resulted in me dropping my bag from significant heights at several points. Further the zippers and their seams I would say are probably ‘mid-range’ and will rip if you aren’t careful when zipping it. The strap fasteners also fractured quite easily and have left me MacGyver’ing makeshift straps to stay snuggly on my back. I still use my bag every day but it now has a sizable hole in the main pocket that prompts countless good samaritans to let me know that my backpack is “open.”

Sturdy Pair of Walking or Running Shoes

I know, I know, I tie my shoes like an absolute weirdo.

Anytime I travel to a city (unless it’s incredibly dangerous or unwalkable), my goal is to put at least 10 km “on the boots” each day, which means I need a sturdy pair of walking shoes. I went far too long making long treks across cities in boat shoes which left my feet calloused, stinky, and in rough shape by the end of the day. 

A sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes is the difference between a day of enjoyable exploration and a day of discomfort and dread. The goal isn’t to ‘peacock’ around the city during the day, it’s to preserve your hooves at all costs. Practicality over aesthetics. 

Look for walking shoes not only with great arch support but also versatility. If you are a digital nomad or freelancer on the move, you’ll inevitably be encountering varying terrains and need footwear that can adapt. I typically don’t carry more than two pairs of shoes with me when I travel and double up on their use, so I do recommend looking for a walking shoe that also sports considerable traction on the sole (which allows you to hike or engage in other sports without worry of slipping). 

Finally, if you’re like me, you’ll also need a pair of shoes you can run in when you realize your flight leaves in an hour and you still haven’t made it through security.

My Recommended Walking Shoes

This one isn’t going to be for everyone as I consider myself somewhat of an old man. In high school, some of my best buddies would refer to me as “grandpa” as I habitually wore New Balances, drank cranberry juice, and would start my day by reading the morning newspaper. I didn’t know that New Balance is an “old people shoe” but at this point in life, I feel extremely old compared to the TikTok Gen Z’er generation.

As you can tell by my name “Big Body,” I am not a petite boy. This extends everywhere, including my feet. New Balances have always been my preferred choice of walking shoes due to their width (as my father says, “they are great for fat feet”) and comfort. They sometimes look like cinder blocks glued to your feet due to their wide build, however, whatever you lose in fashionability, you make up for in not needing to pay for foot massages at the end of the day. 

My preferred shoe at the moment is the lightweight ‘Fresh Foam Arishi V3 Running Shoe’ by New Balance which has served me well over the last two years. I’ve cranked up my physical exercise routine since 2021 and ran 2,000 km in 2023 alone. These have been there with me every literal step of the way. I even wear these when hiking (if weather permits) due to their lightweight nature. The only complaint I do have about these shoes is that they may take some getting used to as the soles are not particularly thick or cushioned so you may want to throw an insole in there if you’re planning on walking a significant amount. 

I’m used to them by now and when logging 2,000 km, I don’t particularly want a shoe that weighs me down. However, there are definitely more ‘cushioned’ New Balances out there that may be better suited for all-day walking adventures. 

Microfiber Towels For Showering or Sweat

Available space (aside from visa issues) may be one of the biggest plights of the modern-day digital nomad. When it comes to packing, every inch matters. This means that there’s just no room for packing traditional bulky towels in your bag or suitcase. Cue microfiber towels. 

I didn’t even know these things existed until about three years ago when a hiking buddy of mine gave me one for my birthday. It is one of the best gifts I’ve ever received and I’ve carried it with me like Linus and his blanket ever since. 

Microfiber towels are lightweight, highly absorbent, quick-drying towel godsends made using synthetic fibers with a diameter of less than ten micrometers (and smaller than a strand of silk). These towels are extremely versatile and the perfect solution for your sweaty sweaty self mid-hike or as a quick-drying companion after an impromptu dip in the pool, ocean, or shower. 

I primarily use my microfiber towel for hikes in Hong Kong’s humid heat and when I run outside. I would literally attach it to my hip when I would embark on my nightly constitutional run around Osaka Castle while living in Japan for three months. 

I’m ashamed to admit this but I did also use my microfiber towel when I was regularly eating greasy kebabs every night and had run out of paper towels and napkins. 

My Recommended Microfiber Towel

Honestly, I think almost any major brand of microfiber towel should do the trick. However, the brand that I use is Nabaiji (by Decathlon). It’s large enough to use to dry off after a shower and small enough that I can roll it up to fit in my pocket. I provided a pen for size comparison in the above picture. 

I also tuck it under my hat on especially humid hikes to help shade my balding head from the heat and keep me cool. This is definitely one travel item that I can’t live without as it takes up minimal space in my backpack and/or luggage and allows me to embark on a spontaneous adventure without worrying about being able to dry off. 

Power Bank or Portable Charger 

Part of being a digital nomad or freelancer abroad is always feeling like your electronic devices are on the verge of dying due to low battery. What if I told you that there was an incredibly simple solution to this that could save you endless headaches and hassle and allow you to stay out exploring or working for longer periods of time? If you’re anything like me, you already know but don’t actually take the steps to prevent this crisis until it actually happens. 

This is a friendly reminder to just pony up and get a power bank before you’re in a bind and need to ask the nearest cafe or bar to let you charge your phone there for ten minutes. In the world of digital nomads (or I guess just any regular person who is too obsessed with their phone and electronics like me), connectivity is key. 

A power bank ensures that the electronic devices you need for work or daily living stay charged (ex. Being able to tether to your phone for WiFi) and prevents any excuses of why you can’t be productive.

I don’t know if this is a random conspiracy theory that I’ve conjured up but in some countries, my phone just loses battery significantly quicker than in others. For example, the heat in Thailand and Vietnam seems to expedite my phone battery’s drainage exponentially, so I always make sure to carry a power bank with me when navigating almost anywhere in Southeast Asia. 

My Recommended Power Bank

I’ve run through a handful of power banks over the years, mainly because I’ve had several of them confiscated at airports after accidentally packing them in my suitcase. However, currently, I’m using an AINOPE Portable Charger and Power Bank (while I’m using a standard-sized, I’ve linked to the mini as this is the most advanced and in stock). 

It possesses several ports for charging, is no bigger than the size of my wallet, and allows up to 6 to 8 hours of “charging” when it’s fully charged (this is based on my use – which may not be indicative of what you’ll experience since I imagine you’ll treat your devices better than I do). I’m able to fully charge a phone in about two hours if I let it sit and don’t play with it.  

Pale Ale Travel Tip: Packing power banks in your suitcase is a huge no-no when it comes to flying. I was paged at Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan when I was moving to Saigon and was told that they were taking my power bank. Luckily, I had a friend picking me up at Tan Son Nhat Airport, otherwise, it would have been a rough trip trying to figure out how to get into the city with my phone that had just died. To ensure that your power bank isn’t confiscated by the airline (and for a safer flying experience for everyone), make sure to pack your power bank in your carry-on luggage.

Rain Jacket For Inclement Weather

Rainproof jackets are a pragmatic and lightweight addition to your pack that will come in handy far more than you think during your travels. Digital nomads and freelancers especially love the “Southeast Asia and South America grind,” both of which are climates with unexpected and heavy rainfall. A lightweight rain jacket is easily stowed in your backpack and allows you to go hands-free when navigating the rain and elements. 

Living in Asia, I’ve had my umbrella turned inside out countless times due to strong gusts of wind and actually just rock wearing a rain jacket most of the time I make the trek outside on a stormy day – especially during Hong Kong’s infamous typhoons (which we experience a handful of each year). 

For the fashionistas out there, rain jackets are also actually pretty spiffy. I consider my rain jacket to be a legitimate fashion accessory that elevates my very standard, boring, lumberjack-esque look. 

My Recommended Rain Jacket For Inclement Weather

I’m always partial to Columbia or North Face for almost every single jacket or vest I own as they are just what I grew up wearing. I’ve found that they are reliable, stylish, and extremely breathable – the latter being important as I’m based in Asia/Southeast Asia and always being smothered by a python-esque humidity (it literally wraps around my body with the vigor of a 20-foot snake). They both also stand the test of time and save me from needing to cycle through new jackets every year.

Frankly, I was surprised by just how snazzy this ‘Columbia Watertight Waterproof Jacket’ looked after first putting it on. I even sometimes wear it when it isn’t even raining as the fit and look on my frame just seem to work. I’ve conducted the “Rain Jacket vs. Umbrella Efficacy Test” with this jacket more than a handful of times during Typhoon 8s (one of the most powerful typhoons in Hong Kong) and found due to the intense wind and “sideways rain” that I wound up exponentially drier using my jacket. 

My only major complaint about it is that the hood seems to frequently flop down over my eyes which leads to me needing both hands free to ensure that I don’t trip or walk into another person. 

Chromebook or Tablet (as a Backup For Your Laptop)

This is a stock image if you couldn’t tell.

If you’re a digital nomad or freelancer moving (or living) abroad, you’re definitely going to bring your laptop. But what happens when you experience technical difficulty with it or it craps out altogether, leaving you high and dry with a client deadline looming? I learned this lesson the hard way when I was living in Split, Croatia. 

Luckily, there was a laptop and electronics center nearby. However, it didn’t financially make sense for me to purchase a completely new laptop as I was nearing the end of my trip and heading back to New Hampshire in just several weeks. They did have a wide array of tablets and Chromebooks which were reasonably priced and sufficient to work on in my remaining days. I opted for a Chromebook. 

Chromebooks and tablets are both compact, lightweight electronic device backups that can easily step in to temporarily fill the role of your laptop should the unimaginable happen. They typically only possess a fraction of the functional capabilities of your laptop but are more than enough if you need to send out emails, do basic admin, write, or complete other lightweight tasks. 

Specifically, Chromebooks are web-centric devices that run on the Chrome OS and come complete with a keyboard and trackpad. Think of them as a mini laptop that is best suited for web-based and offline tasks. Tablets, on the other hand, are compatible with various operating systems like Android or iOS and come in a signature flat, slate-like form. They also boast a touchscreen interface and may be used with a detachable keyword (for those who are accustomed to the traditional ‘laptop experience’). 

I really would emphasize that if you are under the impression you are going to get the same power and efficiency output from a Chromebook or tablet that you would your regular laptop, then you are going to be sorely disappointed. For me, these are a hedge against a worst-case scenario, so that your work productivity remains “relatively uninterrupted.”

My Recommended Chromebook

I’ve had this Samsung A9+ tablet for three-plus years now and it is still going strong. I love starting my Sunday mornings off by bringing it to a cafe and browsing Reddit for hours like the mindless troll I am.

I have to be honest here – the Chromebook that I picked up in Split Croatia was less than stellar and I wouldn’t recommend it. It was very low functioning but allowed me to complete the basics and ride out my remaining days before returning to New Hampshire. Based on past experience with laptops, I would recommend Chromebook brands like Lenovo and Acer – both of which fervently and reliably served me over the years (on the laptop front).

For tablets, I haven’t been steered wrong by Samsung yet. Not only do I browse the web, and do some light reading and writing on my A9+ Samsung Galaxy Tablet but I also gamble on several offshore apps with it (that’s another story for you). There was a phase where I thought I was going to learn how to draw and I used the PENUP app religiously, which was relatively seamless – other than my innate artistic ineptitude. 

Its large display and processing power make it a formidable device for demanding applications and tasks. I would emphatically give it the performance edge when comparing it to Chromebooks and when it comes to price, it’s actually more affordable – I just recommend pairing it with a keyboard to maximize efficiency. 

The A9+ (or A8) also clocks in at a reasonable USD 130-ish (depending on the store or online retailer you go through). Don’t be confused with the S9+ which retails for a cool USD 1,000-plus, which if you’re considering that, I would just recommend buying a second laptop. 

With most electronics like computers, laptops, televisions, and tablets, I generally recommend purchasing them directly through the retailer’s actual website rather than via a third-party platform like Amazon. 

Virtual Proxy Network (VPN)

My VPN at work for its most used task – Netflix.

An acronym for ‘virtual proxy network’, VPNs are a mechanism that establishes a secure connection between your electronic device and the internet. Think of them as a shield against malicious actors spying on (or interfering with) your internet activity or censoring it. 

As someone based in Hong Kong, a city that is not so slowly falling to authoritarian rule and censorship, this is a must. VPNs mask your location by changing your IP address, allowing you to access websites and services that might be geographically restricted and browse the internet free from surveillance. 

The most common reason I use a VPN is to access the U.S. Netflix for shows that aren’t yet available in Hong Kong. However, I do also use it anytime I connect to a public WiFi such as a cafe or coworking space to ensure that my personal data isn’t exposed to third parties. For digital nomads and freelancers working out of public restaurants or offices or those who handle sensitive data, a VPN is crucial to ensure its integrity isn’t compromised. 

VPNs are the epitome of “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” as they typically range from USD 2 to USD 10 per month, which is a nominal fee to pay to safeguard your livelihood (and personal data).

My Recommended VPN

I’ve written about this in my ‘How to Access ChatGPT in Hong Kong’ post but my recommended VPN (which I’m using as we speak) is ExpressVPN. It’s affordable, based out of Hong Kong, my best friend’s wife used to work there (and had great things to say about it), and it is available for all major operating systems. I use ExpressVPN across my laptop, phone, and Samsung tablet. 

ExpressVPN is also sneakily fast which has been a godsend for streaming shows and movies and getting work done. The key drawbacks of ExpressVPN are that it’s slightly pricier than other major VPNs and that if I’ve ‘turned it on’ and don’t yet an have internet connection, my computer won’t connect to the internet until I’ve temporarily turned it off. 

Other VPNs that I have used in the past and can recommend are NordVPN and Surfshark – both of which sport a lower price tag (roughly a single latte or coffee at cafe per month).  

International Travel Adapters 

For digital nomads, power outlets vary as much as the scenery does. And this can make for a frustrating experience just trying to accomplish a basic task – charging your devices. Cue international adapters, the unsung heroes of digital nomading and working abroad. 

With one of these multifaceted, versatile tools, you can ensure that your electronic devices are charged and ready for work (or play), no matter the electrical socket variation you come across. 

I’ve bounced between Asia, Europe, and North America somewhat frequently so I opted for a universal travel adapter that works for all three (and more). Just make sure to double-check that the universal travel adapter you are purchasing works for the region you’re moving or traveling to. 

If you forgot one, don’t worry. Most airports sell international travel adapters but at a markup. Further, a large percentage of international hotels I’ve stayed at actually provide these and will gladly give you one if you just go to the front desk and ask.  

My Recommended Universal Travel Adapter

Conair’s universal travel adapter with surge protection has served me well for nearly 10 years now – and not because ‘Con Air’ is a legendary movie with Nicholas Cage that deserves far better than a 58% on Rotten Tomatoes. It sports four of the most common regional electrical outlet configurations and goes with me everywhere. 

My primary complaint is that in the last several years it has really “locked up” a bit and is now somewhat difficult to switch between the various geographical configurations. But that could be attributed to the fact that I’ve owned it for nearly 10 years and have definitely tried to force some of the configurations into outlets that definitely didn’t fit. 

If your adapter only comes with one USB charging port, I recommend picking up a three-in-one (or multifaceted) charging cable. I use a three-in-one charging cable to charge multiple devices at the same time – as I constantly find my batteries depleted on all ends. This was given to me by a neighbor at the coworking space I work out of and I’m not sure he realizes just how much I’ve used this thing in the last three months. 

Your Favorite Type of Deodorant

While at first, it might seem like an inconsequential item, having a familiar and effective deodorant (for you) in your arsenal is going to make navigating new climates (especially hot and humid ones) a breeze – a breeze so fresh that people won’t have to hose you down with Febreze just to share a meal with you. It’s economical, compact, and a vital component of taking care of yourself regardless of your geographical location. 

Whatever country you are traveling to likely doesn’t have the deodorant that you use back home, so if you are someone who just can’t depart from their ‘Pure Sport’ or ‘Fiji With Palm’ perspiration protection, then I recommend bringing a pack (or at least a stick) of your favorite deodorant before setting sail. 

I sweat. And I sweat a lot. When I’m forced to navigate the supermarket or convenience aisles in a new country in desperate hope of finding a deodorant that actually works for my perspiration, it is usually a massive fail and leads to me ending up way stinkier than usual. 

Now, I save myself the hassle and always strive to ensure that I stay odor-free in whatever country I travel to (for the entire duration).  

My Recommended Deodorant

Just a note: if you search ‘armpit’ stock images, everyone is way too happy. I usually shudder and am overcome with great shame anytime I lift up my arm and smell my armpit.

This could be really any type of deodorant that is your favorite – for me, it’s Old Spice (which I order in bulk). I’ve been using Old Spice ever since the time in high school when I thought it would be a good idea to coat myself in a lavender spray to smell better and everything I ate for the next several weeks just tasted like artificial flowering plants. 

As you can see, I make sure that I stock up on boatloads of it. I recently ordered this stack of Old Spice online as it’s relatively difficult to find in the city. 

I will say that one of the best compliments I ever received was from an ex-girlfriend in high school who asked what type of cologne I wore as she loved the smell. I was embarrassed to admit that I was just incredibly liberal with coating my armpits with Old Spice and “played the mysterious angle,” telling her it was a secret. 

Her compliment was way nicer than the kid in 6th grade at band camp who, after I introduced myself to him, looked me up and down and said, “Hey kid, get away from me, you stink!” I wish I was making that up. It definitely scarred me for life and that may be why you are looking at a trophy case full of Old Spice deodorant sticks. 

Portable Hard Drive to Backup Important Files & Data

You know how I mentioned being nearly SOL in Split Croatia when my laptop died? The reason I wasn’t completely up that certain creek without a paddle was that I had a portable hard drive with me that backed up all important client files and data that I needed. 

While I didn’t actually connect it to my temporary Chromebook, I was able to boot things up and get right back into the swing of things (ten-fold) once I was back in the U.S. and partnered with a new laptop. 

Think of a portable hard drive as your safety net for when everything that could possibly go wrong does in fact go wrong (and worse). It’s the ‘Crypt Keeper’ (but not in a decrepit “walking dead” caretaker type of way) for all sensitive data on your computer. This includes personal photos and musings, client files and work product, and even software.

It’s also essential for digital nomads or freelancers who also require backup storage space due to pushing the limit on their laptops or those who need to share large amounts of data or information with others. The most common types of professions I see that use an external hard drive for extra storage space are videographers, musicians, and photographers. 

Simply plug it into your computer and drag and drop the desired files you want to copy onto the hard drive. It literally takes seconds and can save your entire portfolio or client work product.  

My Recommended Portable Hard Drive

I’ve been using a Western Digital (WD) Elements Portable Hard Drive with 1TB of storage space for the last several years. To put this into context, 1TB of storage space would enable me to store up to 100,000 photos or 250,000 documents. 

It’s remained intact over the years(having been with me all over the world) and transfers data at lightning speed, so I can literally back things up in seconds. 

The only caveat I would mention is that with portable hard drives, it’s generally recommended to switch out for a new one every five years or so – depending on how much you actually use it. 

Durable Pair of Flip-Flops

I’m not exactly sure what the stains are on my flip-flops but let’s just chalk them up to being grime. I’ve had this pictured pair for roughly 3 years now. 

One of the most maddening experiences I ever went through was trying to locate a quality pair of flip-flops while I was living in Vietnam. I finally thought I found one after stumbling upon a designer store in a Japanese shopping mall and I was absolutely ecstatic. After purchasing the flip-flops and wearing them the first day, I could barely walk and was riddled with blisters. 

I didn’t realize until then just how important a pair of durable yet comfortable flip-flops was for enjoying a new country or city. If you’re like me and abysmal (or just flat out lazy) at doing laundry, then flip-flops provide the perfect reprieve from needing to wear and wash socks and allow your feet to breathe after a day of heavy walking. 

For digital nomads that want to post up near the beach or navigate hostel floors (without catching some strange foot fungus), flip-flops aren’t just recommended, they’re obligatory. And, if you’re someone who gets a lot of miles out of your flip-flops and wears them nearly everywhere, then you’re going to want to pick up a pair with a sturdy outsole and traction. 

My Recommended Flip-Flops

I had to clean off the bottoms before taking this picture. These flip-flops have seem some rough days with this Big Body.

Personally, I don’t like the feel of plastic or foam flip-flops and find that they chafe at my feet and even sound “squeaky” when they get wet. My preferred flip-flop is a rubber sole with a leather outer material. When I found Olukai flip flops, I never let go. They tick all the boxes for me (and my oddly shaped feet – I have a strange toe by the way) and strike my ideal balance between structure and comfort.

I’ve been wearing this brand on and off for 8 years now. It is my all-time favorite pair of flip-flops. What I also love is that their sole is built for enhanced traction which has come in handy not eating dirt after inevitably getting caught in one of Southeast Asia’s torrential downpours. 

The only negative thing I have to say about these flip-flops is that while the soles have great traction, if it rains and the arch area (where my foot sits) gets wet, it can be quite slippery when trying to walk and I end up needing to do a somewhat Frankenstein’s monster stutter to wherever it is I’m planning on going. However, these are quick-dry flip-flops and I usually just take my microfiber towel (mentioned above) that I carry everywhere with me and wipe down the toe and heel area. 

Suit Jacket or Sport Coat to Class It Up

This one might seem crazy but I’ve been in a new city or country more than a handful of times, met some new people, and needed to dress up in a somewhat “presentable” manner for a night out. I only made the switch to carrying a suit jacket with me after I showed up at a rooftop bar in Singapore in a cat t-shirt and athletic shorts and was shunned most of the night. 

Picking up a classy yet affordable blazer at your local shopping mall or outlet (or online) is a great way to ensure that you always have something to wear should a special occasion arise – including professional Zoom or Teams calls with prospective or current clients. They are lightweight and easy to pack in your suitcase or even carry with you on the plane (as it can get somewhat chilly on long-haul flights). 

Suit jackets or sport coats are unisex and a perfect addition to a simple jeans and t-shirt (or button-down) type of outfit to elevate it. Further, I like to head to various professional meetups and networking events when I travel abroad, so having one on hand is essential to convey that I can clean up if I so desire. 

If anything, traveling with at least one formal or semi-formal piece of clothing can add both personal and professional depth to your experiences when nomading.

My Recommended Blazer

Honestly, any blazer or sport coat works. I’m based in Hong Kong and am a frequent Marks & Spencer patron. I know I’m all over the place here recommending American and British retailers, however, that’s just been the strange trajectory of my life over the years. 

The blazers and suit jackets at M&S are affordable, built for this Big Body, and have survived many a big night out (and spills). The biggest issue I’ve run into is that I constantly misplace them and the buttons seem to have a habit of frequently popping off. 

If you’re anywhere in the vicinity of a thrift shop or second-hand store, I’d recommend checking out their suit jacket and blazer section as this used to be my go-to when I lived in New Hampshire. In high school, my parents would throw me some mula for dress clothes (as I went to a Catholic high school). To save money, I’d head to the thrift store, grab a few blazers and pairs of slacks, and then spend the rest on pizza, beer, and other nefarious items. 

Butt Pillow to Reduce Discomfort

“We’ll travel round the world just you and me butt cushion.” – The Dead Milkmen

I was sitting so much at one point during my freelancing career that I developed an inflammation in my groin region that is commonly associated with professional cyclists. It was so bad that I had to begin pelvic floor therapy just to give myself a chance at ever sitting for an extended period of time again. 

I strongly attribute this affliction to one cafe in Ho Chi Minh City where I’d post up regularly for almost a year. They legitimately had the hardest and most painful seats of any cafe I’ve ever been to – yet I persisted out of stubbornness because their coffee and WiFi were fantastic. 

One of the recommendations by my pelvic floor therapist to help alleviate the pain was to purchase a butt pillow, aka a “donut pillow” or “seat cushion.”

It’s like sitting on a cloud. If you’re sitting for long periods of time (and if you’re freelancing, I’m guessing you are), then this is the perfect ergonomic supportive buffer between you and whatever monstrosity of a chair (or stool) you’re sitting on. A quality butt cushion alleviates pressure that is commonly placed on your tailbone (coccyx), reduces discomfort and even pain due to prolonged sedentary activity, and promotes proper spine alignment. 

Essentially, it helps protect you from becoming that mutant-esque figure ‘Mindy’ researchers predict we’ll look like in 1,000 years from excessive sitting and poor posture.  

It’s so comfortable that the most painful experience you’ll have going forward is if you leave your butt pillow at a coworking space in Bangkok due to getting an urgent call to meet a friend for beers. As I write this, I’m currently waiting on a new one. 

My Recommended Butt Cushion

If it ain’t broke (unless it’s your tailbone), don’t fix it. That’s exactly how I feel with the only butt cushion I’ve ever owned, the ‘Cushion Lab Pressure Relief Seat Cushion’. All you need to do is plop it down on whatever seat you post up on and you’re in business. Physically, it has made a noticeable difference in my overall pain and discomfort level after sitting for extended periods of time. 

It also somewhat contours to my lovely Big Body hump, check it out, and has forced me to sit more upright than I typically do (I’m unfortunately a huncher). 

While it states on the product description that it promotes odor-free usage, I do notice that it does definitely ‘stank up’ a bit more than you’re led to believe – especially if you sweat a lot like me. Sorry, maybe that is too much information but it is also the reason that I typically purchase two and alternate between them. 

Digital Nomad Must-Haves: Why Make Travel Harder Than It Already Is

While this isn’t an exhaustive list of every single item you might need in your digital nomad or travel journey, it is a starting point. These are my digital nomad must-haves. If I cover my bases and ensure that I have the above items in my arsenal when traveling, my trip is infinitely smoother than it would have been without. 

These items are my bare minimum for a successful trip – whether it actually ends up being a successful trip or not boils down to countless other variables on top of this. 

If you have any must-bring items or tools when you travel and work abroad, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Or, if you have any funny or hectic stories from trying to work from abroad, I’d also love to hear about it! 

Finally, if you have any questions about digital nomading or freelancing in Asia (Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and Taiwan), don’t hesitate to reach out to me and I’m more than happy to answer them. 

Travel well everyone,

Big Body