Digital Nomad Packing List

This is everything I think is necessary. Go ahead and add stuff specific to you. Or remove things you don’t think you’ll need. Of course, your climate and activities may require different or additional things.

Everything on this list (except the dog carrier) fit in this suitcase and this backpack.

Category	Item	Notes
Luggage	Suitcase	I like Amazon Basics 24″ hard shell.
Luggage	Backpack/carry-on	I use this one because it has wheels but can also be a backpack. It holds a ton.
Clothing	Bathing suit	Maybe two if you swim every day.
Clothing	Close-toed shoes	Tennies or walking shoes of some kind
Clothing	Flip flops	1 pair
Clothing	Hat
Clothing	Jacket	I have this very lightweight windbreaker that folds up into a pouch. You might need something warmer.
Clothing	Pajamas
Clothing	Pants	1-2 pairs if necessary.
Clothing	Shirts	4 – make sure everything can be mixed and matched.
Clothing	Shorts	3-4 pairs
Clothing	Skirts	3
Clothing	Socks	I have three pairs – one on my feet, one drying, and one ready to wear.
Clothing	Undergarments	Three to five pairs is plenty for most people. Every night I hand wash the clothes I wore that day.
Clothing	Water shoes	I recommend very lightweight water shoes like these. Good for rocky beaches and slippery docks.
Clothing	Scarf or something to cover your head and shoulders	Depending on where you go, churches and mosques may require women’s heads and shoulders to be covered up.
Documents	Copy of your passport	Also leave a copy with someone at home.
Documents	Copy of your travel plans	Sometimes immigration will make you show proof of travel back out of the country.
Documents	Driver’s license
Documents	Passport	Check the expiration date. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your planned departure date.
Documents	Print out of address where you’re staying	If your taxi driver doesn’t speak English, this will be very helpful.
Documents	Travel Insurance info	You don’t need a hard copy, but make sure you can access it if you don’t have cell service/wi-fi.
Electronics	Chargers	Charging cables and plugs for all your devices.
Electronics	Electronics organizer	At first I used separate clamshells for each of my electronics. They took up a TON of space. I switched to this one and saved not only room, but an entire pound of weight!
Electronics	Extension cord	You can always buy one at your destination if you’re short of space. But I like this fancy one since it has USB ports.
Electronics	External power bank	Power outages are common in many parts of the world. I use a solar-powered one so I can charge it even when the power is out.
Electronics	Headset	I don’t always use my headset for online meetings, but when there’s a ton of outside noise, it’s a must-have. I tested a zillion of them before I found the Aftershokz OpenComm.
Electronics	Lap desk	I use this one. It’s compact and has a place for my mouse. If you always work at a desk or table, you might not need it.
Electronics	Laptop	What kind is up to you. I use a 15″ ASUS VivoBook and love it. Read my full review of laptops here.
Electronics	Personal wi-fi	If you’re working online you’re gonna need internet. It’s not always reliable so a backup plan is mandatory. I use GlocalMe. I like their pay-as-you-go plan.
Electronics	Speaker	The speakers on my laptop aren’t great. Sometimes they don’t go loud enough to hear a movie. The JBL Go 3 is great. I use this little case for it.
Electronics	Tablet with keyboard	This is optional, but I use mine a lot. It’s a backup in case my laptop dies or gets stolen. Since I work solely online I feel better having a backup plan that doesn’t involve scrambling to buy a laptop. It’s also great for entertainment on planes or buses. This is a good inexpensive option.
Electronics	Wireless mouse	I don’t like the touchpad mouse on my laptop. I like this one because it’s rechargeable so I don’t need to worry about batteries. I use this case for it.
Financial	Cash	You can usually buy foreign currency at your U.S. bank before you leave.
Financial	Credit cards	Make sure your cards don’t incur international transaction fees.
Financial	Debit card	Collapsable dishes
Financial	Travel wallet	This wallet can be used around your waist or neck. It’s small and keeps your money, passport, and cards safe. It also has RFID blocking.
For the Dog	Collapasable dishes	I carry two of these.
For the Dog	Dry food bag	I use this one because it’s lightweight but sturdy.
For the Dog	Dog carrier	I absolutely love this one. It’s a backpack but tilts onto its side to fit under the airplane seat.
For the Dog	Waste bags	I like these because they’re biodegradable.
For the dog	Reusable potty pads	I use these instead of disposable pads. They wash easily and dry fast.
For the dog	Cooling vest	If you’re going to hot places, this could be a lifesaver. This one works well for my dog.
For the dog	Life vest	I use this one for my dog. Keeps her safe in lakes and oceans. I love the handle on top.
For the dog	Dog seat belt	Keep your dog safe on car rides. I use this one. I like the option to hook it in the seat belt clip or wrap it around the headrest.
For the dog	Dog boots	Keep your dog safe on car rides. I use this one. I like the option to hook it in the seat belt clip or wrap around the headrest.
Personal	Backpack	I use this compact folding backpack for day trips.
Personal	Corkscrew	Preferably one with a bottle opener attached. This is a good small one.
Personal	E-reader	Stocked with books, of course. I love my Kindle Paperwhite.
Personal	Ear plugs	I love these Mighty Plugs. They’re made from beeswax and are so much better than foam.
Personal	Glasses/sunglasses	A backup pair is also a good idea.
Personal	Jewelry	Keep it to a minimum and nothing flashy/expensive. This is a good compact jewelry organizer.
Personal	Pen	Keep a pen in your purse or carry-on. You’ll need to fill out immigration forms on the plane.
Personal	Prescriptions	As much as you need until you can get more (research in advance how to refill).
Personal	Reusable grocery bags	Optional, but I’ve been very happy I brought two Chico bags. They’re super compact and fold into a pouch. There’s a carabiner attached so I can clip one on my purse.
Personal	Scissors	A small pair of scissors like these will come in very handy.
Personal	Travel pillow	Necessary for long flights or train rides. I like the Turtl pillow because it keeps my head from flopping over.
Personal	Small blanket	This almost didn’t make my list but I’m so glad it did. This blanket isn’t very big. If I want to cover my entire body, I have to put it on diagonally. I’ve taken it to the beach. It’s perfect for a picnic. You can use it to block a bright window. And when I go back to the States for Christmas I use it to huddle under since I don’t have a coat.
Personal	Supplements and vitamins	Only enough for a couple days unless you know you can’t get them at your destination.
Personal	Umbrella	Just a small travel one should be fine. Also good for very sunny days. This is the one I have.
Personal	Water bottle	A reusable water bottle is a must. I like this one because the straw is covered to keep it clean.
Safety	Carbon monoxide detector	No Airbnb I’ve stayed in outside the U.S. has had one. I like this compact one with smoke detector built in.
Safety	Door locks/alarms	How many people have keys to your Airbnb or rental? I use this door lock. I also use this alarm since the lock doesn’t work on all doors.
Safety	Flashlight	I like this one because it’s rechargeable.
Safety	Nightlight	I hate pitch-black bathrooms at night! You can get very tiny lights like these. (They’re made for dog collars but work great as nightlights.)
Safety	Personal alarm	I have this hanging from my bag.
Safety	RFID sleeves for passport, credit cards, and DL	These sleeves keep someone from scanning the data on your cards and passport.
Safety	Security cables	Good for locking your suitcase to the furniture. I’ve also used them to hold doors and windows shut. I have a couple of these.
Safety	Small lock	If you need to lock your stuff up. I like these because I can set the code.
Safety	Waterproof bag	For keeping my phone, keys, money, safe while I swim. I use this one.
Safety	Name tags	Instead of paying a lot for tags to put on my backpack, camera case, etc., I had some of these dog tags engraved. They’re not just for dogs. Cheap, small, and so handy!
Toiletries	Anti-diarrheal	I know I said you can get everything there. But this is one thing you don’t want to be without when you need it!
Toiletries	Birth control
Toiletries	Deodorant/antiperspirant
Toiletries	Feminine hygiene
Toiletries	Hand sanitizer	I love Zylast. It keeps killing germs on your hands after you use it.
Toiletries	Hanging toiletry bag	So many Airbnbs and hotels have no bathroom counter, or even a shelf. Having a hanging toiletry bag makes staying organized easier.
Toiletries	Insect repellant	Or get some there if you need it. Peppermint oil is a great option.
Toiletries	Lotion	A small bottle.
Toiletries	Nail clippers
Toiletries	Razor	Or wait and buy one at your destination.
Toiletries	Shampoo/conditioner	A small travel size bottle.
Toiletries	Soap	A small bar of soap is a good idea in case your Airbnb doesn’t have one (they don’t always).
Toiletries	Sunscreen	I recommend reef-safe sunscreen to protect both yourself and the coral.
Toiletries	Toothbrush	I like the Philips One electric toothbrush because it’s so small.
Toiletries	Toothpaste	Just a small tube to get you started.
Toiletries	Anything I missed?

Packing Tips

Ladies, join my free, private Facebook group, Women Over 50 Digital Nomads. It’s a safe place to connect, learn, and thrive as a digital nomad. You don’t need to be over 50 but you do need to be a woman.