As nomadic travelers, there are things we travel with that are essential to working remotely. Some things just make our lives so much easier. Either way, we simply couldn’t do without them. Here is the list of our favorite travel gear. Most of these are available on Amazon.com.

I have the Apple MacBook Pro 16″ laptop, and Mark has the ultra lite MacBook Air. We both have Apple iPhones, AirPods and AirTags (for tracking our luggage – something we learned the hard way in 2022). Mark brings along his Apple Magic Keyboard, Trackpad and Mouse.

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Electronics and Accessories

3 in 1 Apple Device Charger – Monica

Keeping our devices charged is almost a full-time job. We each have an iPhone, AirPods and an Apple Watch, so this little guy is perfect. It goes right on the nightstand, then folds up compactly for travel. ➡️ See this product

3 in 1 Wireless Charging Station – Mark

Mark upgraded to this cool charging station which has an even smaller footprint – perfect for an often tiny or crowded nightstand.
➡️ See this product

Collapsible Laptop Stand – Monica

Monica uses this stand. Extremely lightweight at only 9.5 oz and collapsible, this stand raises the laptop to eye level, which at our age is so much easier on the back and neck.
➡️ See this product

Roost Laptop Stand – Mark

Mark uses this ultra lightweight laptop stand, as it raises his screen a bit higher than mine. It costs more than mine at $89 but he loves it (and I covet it).
➡️ See this product

travel gear - Roost laptop stand
Our favorite travel gear - Anker PowerExtend

Anker PowerExtend USB-C 3 Cube 

Designed for travel with 3 AC outlets, 1 12W USB-A ports and 1 30W USB-C port, we can speed-charge up to 6 devices at once. When there are shockingly few outlets in really inconvenient locations, the 5 ft cord is great.
➡️ See this product

Ceptics World International Travel Plug Adapter

We travel with the following adapter, which works in over 200 countries (but not South Africa) and provides surge protection.
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Apple 2022 Apple TV 4K Wi‑Fi + Ethernet with 128GB Storage (3rd Gen)

We might be nomadic but we still need to stay connected to great entertainment. Apple TV is compact and easy to travel with.
➡️ See this product

Protective Hard Case for Apple TV

This hard case is designed to perfectly fit and protect the Apple TV, remote control and cables. It’s compact, durable and portable so it makes it easy to travel with our Apple TV.
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Hermitshell Hard Travel Case for Apple Magic Keyboard + Trackpad + Mouse

Compact, durable case for the Apple Magic Bluetooth keyboard, mouse and trackpad.
➡️ See this product

Airalo eSIMs

We always use Airalo for our mobile phone data plans. These digital eSIMs are easy to add to most recent smartphones (iPhone and Android), and the packages are available by country or region. You can activate in minutes. No physical sim cards or running to cell phone stores.
➡️ See this product


Virtual Private Networks (VPN)

A VPN is the best way to protect your personal data while traveling overseas – especially when using public Wi-Fi (a hacker’s paradise). Our two favorites are Surfshark and ExpressVPN. Both are great for watching our favorite streaming services overseas.  The Surfshark app also protects our phones.

Luggage and Packing

We are Away people. We used to travel with The Original Medium rolling bags, but recently dropped down to carry-on bags (look at us!). Monica now uses Away’s The Bigger Carry-On. Away bags are hard shell rolling bags, and they’ve stood up to some mad travel and chronic overpacking. I love that you can fill and secure each side, confident that when you close it, you will be able to easily zip it. Hardy and durable!

Away Medium Flex Bag
Away’s The Medium

<<Get $20 off any Away suitcase or bag>>

Here’s more useful information on how to pack a carry-on bag.

Mark recently switched to Nomatic’s Method Luggage Carry-on. When flying on Europe’s budget airlines, particularly EasyJet and RyanAir, Away’s The Bigger Carry-On technically (and puzzlingly) slightly exceeds their allowed dimensions. Possibly they won’t check, but if they make you fit it into their box, it won’t. Then they’ll charge you to check it.

Nomatic Method Luggage Carry-On

Holds up to 20% more than other carry-ons with the same exterior dimensions. Features YKK Zippers, 360-degree silent glide wheels, micro-welding technology, integrated TSA locks, and expansion when you need it.
➡️ See this product

Nomatic Travel Pack – Mark

Mark uses the 20L size of this versatile backpack but it also comes in a 14L. With a full perimeter zipper granting access to 22 purposeful pockets, including RFID-safe storage and hidden compartments, this pack keeps your valuables secure.
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Large Travel Backpack – Monica

I bought this travel backpack on Amazon for $35 and have been using it for over a year. It’s made of thick waterproof polyester, holds a ton, and even has a built-in charger. I like that it’s squared off so it easily fits my 16-inch Macbook. I have the Large and the Large-L.
➡️ See this product

Compression Packing Cubes – 6 Piece Set

Mark loves this set of packing cubes. The unique two-zipper system compresses your clothing and eliminates all the bulk to use as little space as possible.
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Packing Tip

I used to be a “roller,” but now I use Away’s packing cubes. If I have a superpower, it is making as much clothing as possible fit into a carry-on bag. The secret is to choose lightweight clothing (and dress in layers if it’s colder). Heavy, bulky things take up way too much valuable space and are usually a nightmare to wash and dry. As much as I love jeans, I just don’t travel with them. I wear my bulkiest outfit and shoes on the plane so everything else fits (fairly) easily into my luggage.

Packing cubes working their magic

Packable Lightweight Travel Daypack

We have heavier travel backpacks for our laptops and electronics, but day trips, excursions and running to a café require something more lightweight – but it’s still gotta be packable so this Tripped Daypack fits the bill.
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Apple AirTag

When our checked luggage disappeared for six weeks in 2022, we learned the hard way. Now we check our bigger bags with the peace of mind of knowing where they are. But we also put them in our carry-ons… just in case.
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Wander Plus Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

You may have seen this bag splashed all over your social feeds – it is LEGIT. I LOVE this bag for travel – snap pocket for my phone and easy-access zip pockets. Holds a lot, but FLAT so it fits under a jacket. Looks like tweed but is 100% waterproof and machine washable!
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Hair Tools

Most modern electronic devices have dual voltage built in so you don’t need to use a voltage converter, BUT one exception is a hair iron; it needs to be dual voltage. The one I use is travel-sized and works great.

Hoson Ceramic Dual-Voltage Mini Curling Iron for Travel

This small iron heats up to 325°F within 60 seconds. Features a 360-degree swivel cord, plus negative ionic technology and ceramic tourmaline coating to protect your hair. ➡️ See this product

Toiletries

Hanging Toiletry Bag – Monica

I’ve used this hanging toiletry bag for the past 15 years and I love it. It fits a lot of product, zips closed, and has zippered compartments to fit other random stuff I need to take. Compact and available in many designs.
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Hanging Toiletry Bag – Mark

Mark swears by this 3-piece toiletry bag set – it includes the hanging bag with its own clear TSA bag for short trips, plus a clear TSA-approved liquids bag for longer trips, plus an organizer pouch.
➡️ See this product

Steripod Clip-On Toothbrush Protector

We love these little guys. They cover the head of your toothbrush for maximum protection and keep it smelling clean and fresh for up to three months.
➡️ See this product

Compact Mirror with Rechargeable LED Light and 10x Magnification

Perfect for travel and easy on old eyes, this 3.5″ compact has a 10x magnifying mirror and a USB-rechargeable LED light. I LOVE this thing.
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Other Travel Essentials

Adjustable Memory Foam Travel Pillow

We each have traveled with one of these for the last five years. We are picky about our pillows and find most pillows too soft and flat for our bad necks, so we bring these along. ➡️ See this product

Laundry Sheets

50 laundry sheets (up to 100 loads) with a Fresh Linen scent make washing clothes on the road a breeze. Whether in the sink or in a machine, these lightweight, portable detergent sheets keep our clothes fresh and clean.
➡️ See this product

Larq Self-Cleaning Water Bottle with UV Water Purifier

Mark loves this awesome water bottle. We are trying to avoid drinking out of plastic and also to be more sustainable by traveling with refillable water bottles. This one is pricey but self-cleaning which is nice!
➡️ See this product

Do you have any gear that you swear by? Drop us a note in the comments – maybe we’ll give it a try!

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Monica Soberman has traveled to over ninety countries while working remotely. She is the owner and author of Digital Roamads Life, a blog for travelers and digital nomads that covers destinations, travel hacks and remote work. Motivated primarily by food, she has taken more than sixty food tours in thirty countries. She is currently full-time nomadic with her husband Mark while running her e-commerce business, The Better Backyard, a luxury backyard store.