Working remotely from Bali one day and Barcelona the next sounds glamorous—until your laptop dies, you can’t connect to WiFi, and your phone has no signal. The difference between a productive digital nomad and a frustrated traveler often comes down to having the right tech gear.
After years of remote work across 30+ countries, we’ve identified the essential travel tech items that keep you connected, powered, and productive anywhere in the world. Here are the 10 must-haves for 2025.
1. Travel eSIM — Instant Connectivity Anywhere
Forget hunting for local SIM cards at airports or dealing with expensive roaming charges. An eSIM gives you instant mobile data the moment you land—no physical card swapping required.
Why it’s essential:
- Activate before you even leave home
- Switch between countries without changing SIMs
- Keep your home number active on your physical SIM
- Save 70-90% compared to traditional roaming
New to eSIM technology? Check out our complete beginner’s guide to eSIM to understand how it works and which devices support it.
Top picks: Airalo, Holafly, Nomad eSIM — all offer reliable global coverage with instant activation.
2. Portable WiFi Hotspot — Your Backup Connection
When hotel WiFi fails (and it will), a portable hotspot saves the day. These pocket-sized devices create your own secure WiFi network using local cellular data.
Why it’s essential:
- Connect multiple devices simultaneously
- More secure than public WiFi networks
- Works in remote locations with cellular coverage
- Essential for video calls and uploads
Top picks: Skyroam Solis, GlocalMe G4 Pro, Netgear Nighthawk M6
3. Universal Power Adapter with USB-C PD
Different countries, different outlets. A universal adapter with USB-C Power Delivery charges your laptop, phone, and accessories from a single compact unit.
What to look for:
- 65W+ USB-C PD output for laptop charging
- Multiple USB-A ports for accessories
- Coverage for US, EU, UK, and AU plugs
- Built-in surge protection
Top picks: Zendure Passport III, Epicka Universal Adapter, TESSAN 65W GaN Charger
4. High-Capacity Power Bank (20,000mAh+)
Long flights, train journeys, and power outages happen. A high-capacity power bank ensures your devices stay charged when outlets aren’t available.
Essential specs:
- 20,000mAh minimum capacity
- USB-C PD output (45W+) for laptop charging
- Airline approved (under 100Wh)
- Passthrough charging capability
Top picks: Anker 737 Power Bank, Baseus Blade, Ugreen 145W Power Bank
5. Noise-Canceling Headphones or Earbuds
Noisy cafes, crying babies on planes, construction outside your Airbnb—noise-canceling headphones are a productivity superpower for remote workers.
Why they matter:
- Focus deeply in any environment
- Crystal-clear video calls with good mics
- Long battery life for travel days
- Transparency mode for announcements
Top picks: Sony WH-1000XM5, Apple AirPods Pro 2, Bose QuietComfort Ultra
6. VPN Subscription — Security & Access
Public WiFi networks are hacker playgrounds. A VPN encrypts your connection and lets you access region-locked content and services from anywhere.
Why it’s essential:
- Secure banking and sensitive work on public WiFi
- Access streaming services from home
- Bypass regional content restrictions
- Keep your browsing private
Top picks: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark — all offer fast speeds and global servers.
7. Lightweight Laptop Stand
Working hunched over a laptop destroys your posture. A portable laptop stand elevates your screen to eye level—your neck and back will thank you.
What to look for:
- Ultra-lightweight (under 250g)
- Adjustable height settings
- Folds flat for travel
- Sturdy enough for typing
Top picks: Roost V3, Nexstand K2, MOFT Laptop Stand
8. Cable Organizer & Tech Pouch
Nothing wastes time like untangling cables or searching for the right adapter. A dedicated tech pouch keeps everything organized and accessible.
Essential contents:
- USB-C to USB-C cable (fast charging)
- USB-C to Lightning cable (if you use Apple devices)
- USB-A to USB-C adapter
- SD card reader
- Spare earbuds
Top pouches: Peak Design Tech Pouch, Bellroy Tech Kit, BAGSMART Electronics Organizer
9. Portable SSD for Backups
Your laptop could get stolen, damaged, or fail. A compact portable SSD ensures your important files survive any disaster.
Why you need it:
- Instant local backups (faster than cloud)
- Extra storage for photos and videos
- Works without internet connection
- Tiny and lightweight
Recommended specs: 1TB minimum, USB-C 3.2, read speeds 1000MB/s+
Top picks: Samsung T7 Shield, SanDisk Extreme Pro, Crucial X9 Pro
10. AirTag or Tile Tracker
Losing your bag in transit is a digital nomad nightmare. Trackers help you locate luggage, find misplaced items, and recover stolen gear.
Where to use them:
- Inside checked luggage
- Attached to your laptop bag
- In your camera case
- Hidden in your wallet
Top picks: Apple AirTag (best for iPhone users), Tile Pro, Samsung SmartTag 2
Bonus: Digital Nomad Tech Checklist
Before every trip, run through this quick checklist:
- ☐ eSIM purchased and activated for destination
- ☐ Power bank fully charged
- ☐ All cables and adapters packed
- ☐ VPN subscription active
- ☐ Important files backed up to portable SSD
- ☐ Trackers in all bags
- ☐ Noise-canceling headphones charged
Invest in Reliability, Not Gimmicks
The best travel tech isn’t about having the newest gadgets—it’s about having reliable essentials that work when you need them. A quality eSIM, power bank, and noise-canceling headphones will serve you better than a dozen trendy accessories.
Start with connectivity (eSIM + hotspot), ensure you stay powered (adapter + power bank), and protect your productivity (headphones + VPN). Everything else builds on this foundation.
Still debating whether eSIM is right for your travels? Read our eSIM vs Physical SIM comparison to make an informed decision.
Ready to upgrade your travel tech setup? Start with an eSIM—it’s the easiest win for instant connectivity anywhere in the world.