I get asked all the time about my travels and recommendations on what to pack, so finally, here is my digital nomad packing list! At the end of 2020, I quit my job and embarked on a new life. I left the UK to spend 6 months travelling, and come January 2021 was working remotely in Belize in Central America. You can read more about how to become a digital nomad in Belize here but one thing I had to think carefully about was my digital nomad packing list!
As remote work becomes the norm, more and more people are adopting the digital nomad lifestyle and if you're considering it yourself here is a breakdown of tropical destinations with digital nomad visas. But in this post, I thought that I'd share my digital nomad essentials and what was on my packing list for a hot country on the Caribbean coast.
I stayed at Umaya Village in Placencia, Belize which is right on the beach, and to get there I had to take a teeny tiny plane from Belize City which means a teeny tiny luggage allowance. 15kg! Which for 2 months is not a lot. However, as Belize is a hot country I thankfully didn't need heavy or bulky items and I could keep it quite lightweight. Valuable items like my laptop were in hand luggage for safety, and I like to carry my chargers in hand luggage too plus a spare pair of underwear! I always fly wearing trainers, as they are bulky and take up a lot of packing space. I am obsessed with Aspinal of London's travel range which is SO chic and will keep your documents safely together. It's all made to last, so will go on all your journeys with you. My hand luggage bag then doubles up as a day bag for when I go to work remotely somewhere, a shopping bag at the local supermarket or a beach bag for the weekends!
Digital Nomad Packing List
Work items
Laptop
Laptop cover
Laptop stand (I use this one and it's so useful)
Adapter plugs x 3 (this is a great round-up of the best ones)
Chargers for laptop, iPhone and any other tech
Portable phone charger/power bank (another good review article here)
Tep wireless internet (although check which regions it works in first)
Noise-cancelling headphones for busy co-working spaces
Clothes
Denim shorts x 1
Workout/hiking shorts x 1
Sundress x 2 (casual and smart)
Long-sleeved beach shirt/cover-up x1
Sarong (can double up as top or skirt)
T-Shirts/vests x 4
Sweater x 1
Leggings x 1 (can be used for both travel and workouts)
Underwear x 7
Bra x 2
Sports bra x1
Socks x 4
Bikini x 2
Swimsuit x1
Face mask x 2
Sun hat x 1
Sunglasses x1
A small handbag that can be worn crossbody
Shoes
Flip flops x1
Smarter sandals x 1
Trainers x1
Toiletries
Hand sanitiser gel - a small size to carry with you everywhere
Antibacterial wipes - good for wiping down tables or items
Shampoo and conditioner
Face wash
Face cream
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Tampons or a Mooncup (better for the environment)
Insect repellent (ESSENTIAL)
Medication
Antiseptic wipes for any scrapes or wounds
Sunscreen (at least factor 15 and check the star rating is 4* or higher)
Limited makeup (mascara, CC cream, lip balm)
Hairbrush
Hairstyling gel (I use Aveda Conflixor)
Hair ties
Wallet and paperwork
Passport
Drivers Licence
Travel insurance documents
Covid documentation (tests, vaccine certificates etc)
Country specific documentation
Limited cash - I prefer to bring my Revolut card which can hold several wallets of exchanged currency which you can then spend or draw out easily.
Extras
Travel hairdryer
A small bottle of detergent for handwashing clothes
Reusable water bottle
Face, shower or beach towel (depending on what is provided at your accommodation)
Resistance workout bands - very light and portable - good for gym bunnies!
Check out my other travel blog posts for inspiration, tips and guides or if you are looking to travel from home, here are some delicious recipes picked up on my adventures abroad.
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