The ultimate guide to packing for long-term travel as a digital nomad
Packing for long-term travel can be a daunting task. If you've never done it before, or if you're planning to do it for the first time, it can feel like there are too many things to think about and not enough time to do them. How will you know what clothes to bring? What electronics should go in your backpack? What shoes do you need? And so on... Fortunately, all these questions have answers—if only we could figure them out! So here's my ultimate guide on how to pack for long-term travel as a digital nomad:
Clothes
You're already packing light, but there's still room for improvement. Having the right clothes can make all the difference when it comes to comfort, convenience and safety while traveling.
Here's what you should pack:
A pair of jeans (or two) -- Jeans are versatile enough to wear hiking or sightseeing but also look good with a button-down shirt when you're meeting clients or colleagues in an upscale restaurant.
A pair of shorts -- If it gets too hot outside, these will come in handy as an alternative to pants during the day; if it gets cold at night, they'll keep your legs warm without making too much noise under blankets on hostel beds (and not making anyone else uncomfortable).
Shirts/tops -- A couple long-sleeved shirts will cover most occasions; short-sleeved ones are also good for layering underneath sweaters during colder seasons if needed!
Shoes
You'll be walking a lot. The most important thing is to have comfortable shoes that fit your feet well. If you're on a budget, I would recommend buying one pair of good walking shoes and one pair of sandals; this will allow you to mix and match outfits easily depending on what sort of weather you encounter during your travels.
You'll want to be comfortable. I would also recommend bringing a pair of flip-flops, as they are incredibly versatile and can be worn in a number of situations. They're also great for when you need to shower, but don't want to walk around barefoot!
You'll want to look good. You'll want to look good. The most important thing is to have comfortable shoes that fit your feet well. If you're on a budget, I would recommend buying one pair of good walking shoes and one pair of sandals; this will allow you to mix and match outfits easily depending on what sort of weather you encounter during your travels.
And you'll have to be able to walk in the rain, snow and sand--all without getting your shoes wet!
Luggage
Lightweight luggage. It's important to pack light, so you'll want to choose a suitcase that's lightweight. You can find these bags in many stores, and they often have wheels on them for easy portability.
Suitcase or backpack. This is a matter of personal preference, but I would recommend a backpack over a suitcase. Backpacks are easier to carry around, and they don't take up much space in your hotel room. If you're planning on traveling by air and don't want to check your luggage, then this is definitely something you should consider.
Luggage lock, for the suitcase you're taking on the plane and for your hostel locker if it's not provided with one. Never leave your luggage unattended at a hostel. Thieves are everywhere, and they're mostly after travelers' belongings. If you're going to be out for the day or overnight and don't want to take your luggage with you, then lock it up in the hostel's storage room or lockers.
A luggage scale, so you can make sure that your carry-on bag meets weight restrictions (and don't get charged extra fees). This is a great item to have, especially if you're traveling with multiple bags. It's also important to note that there are different weight restrictions for each airline; so be sure to check those before going anywhere. Earplugs, because hostels can be noisy at night.
Luggage tags that allow other people to identify your bag if it gets lost or stolen while traveling around the world in different cities, countries and continents!
Electronics and Accessories
The most important thing to remember when packing electronics for long-term travel as a digital nomad is that you don't want to bring too much stuff. You'll be lugging this stuff around with you everywhere, so it's best to keep it light and compact.
Power adapters: Unless the country where you're going has a standard power outlet (and they do exist), bringing along an adapter will be necessary. Make sure that whatever country or countries in which you plan on traveling have compatible adapters before buying one! Some basic ones can be found at any major retailer such as Target or Walmart for $10-$20 USD depending on how many countries they cover.
If there's only one thing I regret bringing along with me when I first started traveling abroad full-time, it would probably be my charger for my phone--and not just because of its weight! I couldn't find any other way around needing my phone while abroad except having access through WiFi networks (which are usually expensive), so having an external battery pack was essential during long days exploring new cities without reliable electricity outlets nearby...or anywhere else really! These things can get pretty heavy though if they're not well made--I'd recommend getting something like Anker PowerCore+ 26800mAh Portable Charger ($50) instead since it weighs less than half what other brands offer while still providing plenty of juice for multiple devices at once."
Camera, Phone and Accessories
Camera: If you're a photographer, then this is probably your most important piece of equipment. You'll want something that's durable and takes good pictures. I use the Sony A7R III because it's lightweight and has great image quality, but there are plenty of other options out there depending on your budget and needs. Phone: You should also bring along a device that can serve as your phone--I recommend getting an unlocked smartphone so that it works in different countries without having to be changed over each time (you can buy these devices before leaving). Chargers and battery packs: Bring lots of chargers! And make sure they all work with each other--if one charger doesn't fit another device then you'll have problems later down the line (trust me!). Headphones: Whether they're earbuds or over-ear headphones doesn't matter so much; just make sure they're comfortable enough for long flights/commutes/etc...
Packing for long-term travel as a digital nomad is all about knowing what you'll need to survive.
When you're packing for long-term travel as a digital nomad, it's important to know what you'll need to survive.
Know how long you will be away:
Will this be a one-month trip? A three-month trip? An extended stay that could last up to a year or more? Consider how much space and weight each item will take up in your bag, as well as its durability over time. If it's going to take up too much room or not last the whole way through, consider leaving it behind and buying replacements along the way if needed (or get creative with alternative uses).
Know what climate/environmental factors might affect your gear:
Do some research on where exactly it is that you're going before purchasing anything so that everything is properly suited for whatever conditions may arise during travel--from extreme heat all year round in certain areas like Southeast Asia or Central America; freezing temperatures at high altitudes such as Tibet; torrential rainstorms during monsoon season throughout South East Asia; sandstorms in Africa...etcetera!
Pack smart, and you can travel the world with just a backpack.
