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Essential Digital Nomad Tools & Software for Remote Success

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by Eternity Ines
January 17, 2024 | 11 min read

Embracing the digital nomad lifestyle is about more than just traveling. It’s also about efficiently navigating the remote work landscape while enjoying the adventures the world has to offer.

In this guide, we’ll explore essential tools and software that empower digital nomads to thrive in their unique lifestyle. From travel planning to cybersecurity, productivity, and self-improvement, these must-have recommendations will simplify and enhance your digital nomad lifestyle.

Travel Planning Tools

As a digital nomad, streamlining your travel experience is pivotal, and having the right digital nomad tools is key.

From locating optimal flights and accommodations to securing transportation, reliable maps for navigation, and intuitive itinerary planners, these digital nomad tools ensure you make the most of every moment in a new destination.

  • Skyscanner: Skyscanner is a website that helps you find affordable flights and compare plane tickets and flight details from all major travel agents and airlines so you can find the best price.
  • Anyplace: Anyplace is an apartment rental site that offers move-in ready accommodations for month-long or longer stays designed specifically for remote workers.
  • AutoSlash: AutoSlash is an app and website that helps you secure affordable car rentals, offering discounts and coupons for leading brands around the world.
  • Google Maps: Google Maps is an app and website that provides reliable guidance to help you explore new destinations seamlessly.
  • TripIt: TripIt is an app that simplifies trip planning by consolidating your travel plans into a single, easy-to-access itinerary.

Strong and Reliable Internet Connection

A robust internet connection is the lifeblood of remote work. To ensure seamless connectivity and productivity, you require a strong and dependable internet connection.

Explore these apps and digital tools designed to help you find Wi-Fi, manage mobile data efficiently, and keep you consistently connected.

  • Tripmode.ch: Constantly overusing data on your mobile plan? Use the Tripmode app to make sure you don’t go over your limit by stopping online backups, updates, photo syncing, and other data sucking auto-features.
  • Instabridge.com: Instabridge is the biggest WiFi sharing community website in the world that shows you millions of current public WiFi networks across the globe, passwords included.

Cloud Storage Tools

Constantly traveling and navigating a digital nomad lifestyle means you’ve got to only take the essentials with you and you can’t carry all your work files physically. Enter cloud storage apps and programs, which are the virtual vaults for storing, accessing, and effortlessly sharing your files from everywhere.

  • Google Drive: Google Drive, a robust file hosting service by Google, becomes your digital fortress while leading a nomadic lifestyle. This service ensures all your files are centralized, avoiding the chaos of scattered data. Seamless synchronization with your Google accounts eliminates concerns about data loss or the hassle of juggling multiple emails and accounts.
  • Dropbox: Dropbox stands as a reliable file hosting service that simplifies your nomadic journey. With the capability to save and access files and photos from a unified space, it facilitates effortless sharing. Whether you’re working from your computer, mobile, or any web browser, Dropbox ensures smooth file sharing and content access for you and your team.

Cyber Security Tools

Secure your digital nomad journey with robust cyber security tools. Beyond just connectivity, it’s important to safeguard your online presence with these essential apps and programs to fortify your digital workspace and wander worry-free.

  • Tunnelbear.com: Tunnelbear is a virtual private network (VPN) service that lets you travel the web securely and privately. It can also unblock international websites for Mac, PC, iOS, Android, and your web browser.
  • Windscribe.com: Windscribe is a desktop app and extension for your browser that stops ads and trackers while giving you back access to content that’s blocked.
  • Norton AntiVirus: Norton AntiVirus is an anti-virus or anti-malware software product that protects your computer and network from harmful programs, and it also comes with loads of extra features like backup software and cloud storage.
  • 1Password: 1Password makes it easy to generate, store, and autofill all your passwords for all your online accounts, on all your devices. 1Password has apps that work just about everywhere, including on MacOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and ChromeOS

Productivity Tools

The best way to elevate your productivity game is with a productivity and project management tool. Whether you need a project management tool, to-do list, time tracking app, or scheduling software, these resources are your recipe for success in your digital nomad life.

  • Asana: Asana is a project management tool with simple organizational tools to plan workflows, set deadlines, track progress, and create tasks so remote teams can manage projects more effectively.
  • Toggl: Toggl is free time-tracker software that can help you manage your team’s time, stay productive, and track their workload much easier.
  • Todoist.com: Todoist is a delightfully easy-to-use to-do list software that allows you to create to-do lists that help you stay focused and productive and view tasks at a glance without unnecessary stress.
  • Buckets.co: Stay organized with your own life and remote work tasks with Buckets’ comprehensive and adaptable Kanban-inspired projects system.

Remote Work Tools

Navigating a new destination and fostering a nomadic lifestyle becomes seamless with the support of a digital nomad community. Discover coworking spaces, connect with many digital nomads globally, and explore job opportunities with these handy resources tailored for remote workers.

  • Upwork: Find remote work opportunities with Upwork. This popular freelance job site allows you to post work and search for freelancers across any discipline and field of expertise. It’s a great place to find location-independent work projects.
  • NomadList.com: Find out where you should be living while working remotely. The comprehensive list is based on internet access and speed, cost of living, weather, and much more.
  • WorkFrom.co: Find the best public workspaces available for remote workers, whether it’s neighborhood coffee shops or fancy coworking spaces.
  • Remotely One: Remotely One is a social networking app for remote workers that fosters relationships between other digital nomads seeking friendship, love, or career development.

Finance Management Tools

Effectively managing your finances is pivotal for the success of any digital nomad. Explore a range of apps, websites, and programs designed for budget management, international currency conversion, and banking tailored to the unique needs of digital nomads.

  • Xe.com: Convert the value of your currency at current foreign exchange rates, including precious metals, with Xe, a free foreign exchange tool.
  • Revolut.com: Take banking to a new level with Revolut, a free mobile platform that gives you a free way to hold, exchange, and transfer funds across 25 different currencies.
  • Mint.com: Get a better handle on your money by keeping track of your credit and your cash with Mint.
  • Xero.com: Xero’s online accounting software gives you 24/7 access to accountants and bookkeepers, along with your personal bank and tons of business apps. Check it out with a free trial.
  • Trail Wallet: Keep track of your travel costs right on your mobile device with Trail Wallet.
  • Acorns.com: Get simple and actionable financial advice that helps you plan for your future with on-the-go money tips and savings guidelines from Acorns.

Virtual Mailbox Service

A virtual mailbox service is an indispensable element of a digital nomad’s toolkit, providing a secure and efficient solution for mail management and connectivity on the go.

This service ensures that your physical mail is handled with the utmost security, offering a convenient way to access, manage, and stay connected to your mail no matter where your digital nomad journey takes you.

  • Anytime Mailbox: When you’re out of town or overseas, it’s impossible to access your physical mailbox. When you sign up for Anytime Mailbox’s virtual mailbox service, you can request to have mail opened, scanned and uploaded online so you can view it wherever you are in the world from your mobile device. It’s low cost, simple to use, and allows you to stay on top of important mail and packages that may get sent while you’re abroad. With Anytime Mailbox you can even deposit a check while on the go. Choose your address from over 2,000 possible locations in the U.S. and worldwide.

Communication Tools

When physical presence isn’t possible, reaching out to efficiently delegate tasks, interact with clients, or connect with colleagues through online meetings becomes paramount.

Digital nomads can leverage websites, apps, and programs designed for seamless communication. These digital nomad tools facilitate collaboration with colleagues, enabling effective task delegation, and keeps you connected with friends and family back home.

  • TimeDoctor: Time Doctor helps you keep track of your team’s progress on tasks and helps boost productivity.
  • HubStaff: HubStaff aims to take the worry out of remote team management with invoicing, employee payment, and reporting solutions included in their desktop app.
  • Everytimezone.com: With just a single click, Everytimezone lets you compare time zones and select the most convenient meeting times.
  • Slack.com: Slack’s unique communication and information sharing platform allows you to stay connected to your team.
  • Skype.com: Skype offers free online calls, messaging, affordable international calls, and Skype for business so you can stay in touch wherever and whenever.
  • Zoom.us: In lieu of face to face meetings, you’re going to be holding a lot of video calls. Leading the field in enterprise video communications is Zoom with its strong cloud-based platform for both video and audio communication, chatting, and webinars for mobile and desktop.

Self-Improvement Tools

Prioritizing self-improvement is a crucial aspect of the digital nomad lifestyle. Nurturing your personal well-being ensures optimal performance and sustained focus in your endeavors.

As a digital nomad, investing in self-improvement tools is not just about professional development. It’s also a commitment to your overall well-being. These tools serve as motivational catalysts, helping you stay focused, inspired, and resilient amidst the challenges of the digital nomad experience.

  • DayOneapp.com: DayOneApp is the easy, safe, and versatile way to track and record whatever you want. Journaling is a great way to de-stress as a digital nomad, as well as keep precious memories safe so you can look back on them in the future. This app can be your calendar, journal, travel log, or much more.
  • Headspace.com: The nomadic lifestyle isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. If your thoughts are overwhelming you, Headspace helps you meditate for just a few minutes each day in order to make you improve your mood and center yourself amidst the chaos of everyday life.
  • Aaptiv: Digital nomads need to work on their fitness too! Aaptiv is a workout app that adds structure to your workout with unlimited access to thousands of exercise routines and tips. Workout whenever, wherever, and however you want.

Motivational and Inspirational Resources

Staying motivated to work while enjoying the thrill of traveling can be tough. Besides stocking up on digital nomad tools, it’s helpful to have things to constantly motivate and inspire you to keep going.

These simple resources are like friendly reminders of your goals. They keep you on track and stimulated, making sure you don’t lose sight of your dreams when you need that extra push.

Mentorship

  • Coach.me: Take a coach with you anywhere to help you realize your goals, model good behavior, or expand your skill set as a digital nomad.

Work Music

  • Brain.fm: Enhance your brain through a carefully curated selection of music that will help you stay focused even in noisy environments or relax and fall asleep quickly and easily.

Books

  • Remote: Office Not Required, by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson: This bestselling book, authored by the founders of Basecamp, stands as a seminal work in remote work literature. Addressing the advantages of working offsite, the book offers strategies for effectively managing remote workforces. From remote onboarding to employee retention, collaboration, conflict resolution, and establishing routines in virtual office settings, this comprehensive guide caters to both managers and employees navigating the world of remote work.
  • Influencing Virtual Teams, by Hassan Osman: In this insightful book, Hassan Osman details seventeen psychological tactics that empower remote managers to achieve desired outcomes from their teams. Covering aspects like setting deadlines, assigning responsibilities, and task explanation, Osman provides effective approaches for various situations. Drawing on a decade of virtual management and remote work research, the book offers proven methods for effectively leading virtual teams. Written in a straightforward, no-nonsense tone, it provides practical steps for guiding remote workforces.
  • The New Corner Office, by Laura Vanderkam: A recent gem in the realm of remote work literature, Laura Vanderkam’s book taps into personal experiences and anecdotes from seasoned remote work veterans. Offering best practices for working online, the book guides readers on creating routines, managing remote workflows, fostering connections among colleagues, and establishing boundaries for long-term well-being. “The New Corner Office” emerges as the ultimate guide for cultivating healthy work-at-home habits.

Youtube Channels

  • HireBasis: The HireBasis channel is a hub for remote work enthusiasts. Through interviews with remote workers and their employers, they offer insights into the world of remote employment. The channel delves into news, views, and the concept of skills-based hiring, aligning with the themes explored on their platform, HireBasis.com.
  • Digital Nomad TV: Digital Nomad TV is your go-to resource for everything related to remote work and the digital nomad lifestyle. Whether you’re seeking remote jobs, exploring online income opportunities, starting a business, freelancing, or building passive income streams, this channel provides valuable tips. Learn how to work from your laptop while traveling and gain insights from successful online entrepreneurs.
  • Kristina Choi: Management consultant Kristina Choi’s YouTube channel caters to the 9-to-5 crowd with working-from-home vlogs. Boasting nearly 150,000 subscribers, her channel offers relatable content about remote work. Kristina also shares insights into landing a job in consulting and provides a glimpse into her life as a California transplant in NYC.
  • All Things Imani: Imani Janee, a Chicago influencer, shares her vibrant lifestyle, travel adventures, and working-from-home experiences with over 2 million views on her channel. With routine videos, productivity vlogs, and content detailing her journey into the tech industry with no prior experience, All Things Imani is a diverse and engaging platform.
  • Nomad Capitalist: Andrew Henderson, aka Nomad Capitalist, is an American YouTuber, investor, and global traveler. Focused on financial advice and the nomadic lifestyle, his channel explores ideal places to live or establish businesses. Covering topics like obtaining second residencies or passports, tax-saving strategies, and becoming a global entrepreneur, Nomad Capitalist is a treasure trove for those seeking a location-independent life.

Podcasts

  • This Week in Startups: Host Jason Calacanis and various guest entrepreneurs and visionaries cover everything from how to start your own company to tested startup strategies and team management tips.
  • How to Start a Startup: A curated Stanford course on how to create your own startup from Sam Altman and Y Combinator that includes lectures from notable business and startup luminaries.
  • Screw the 9 to 5: A podcast about business and life hosted by husband and wife business team Jill and Josh Stanton, who decided the normal professional life wasn’t for them, and that nobody should have to settle for ordinary.
  • As Told By Nomads: Learn about business leadership through in-depth interviews with global digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and Third Culture Kids.
  • Become Nomad: Learn how one digital nomad left his ordinary life behind and embraced the exciting, constantly shifting whims of a life untethered.
  • Keep Your Daydream: Living the life you have always dreamed of is possible, and hosts Marc and Tricia help aspiring digital nomads realize how to make it a reality.
  • Zero to Travel: If you love to travel and want to learn how to travel more on any budget, then this podcast should definitely be part of your listening rotation.
  • Amateur Traveler: Since 2005, the Amateur Traveler podcast has offered indispensable travel advice and info from seasoned travelers and destination experts.
  • Indie Travel Podcast: Hosted by full-time traveling duo Craig and Linda Martin, this long-running travel podcast gives you the information you need to travel right.

With All of These Digital Tools At Your Fingertips, Your Remote Work Game Will Be Unstoppable

Embrace the freedom of a nomadic lifestyle by arming yourself with the above-noted must-have digital nomad tools.

With the best tools in your arsenal, you’re not just working remotely, you’re elevating your life and turning every destination into a place where productivity meets adventure.

So, pack your bags and embark on a journey where work knows no boundaries.

See you on the road…

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