Checklist

Office in a backpack: remote work travel checklist (workation)

Combining work and travel is easy when your “office” is packed right. Bad Wi-Fi or a dead laptop mid-Zoom can ruin any workation. This checklist helps you build the ideal digital nomad backpack.

Build a workation route

For a full guide to the format, see How to organize remote work while traveling. Before packing, run through the documents checklist and estimate costs in the trip budget calculator.

Tech and power

Compact GaN charger (65W or higher to charge laptop and phone from one brick).
Universal travel adapter (US, UK, EU, and Asia outlets).
20,000 mAh power bank (Power Delivery; allowed in carry-on only).
Wireless power strip / cube — cafés often have just one free outlet.
Spare cables (Type-C, Lightning, braided where possible).

Ergonomics and peripherals

Active noise-cancelling headphones (ANC) — essential in coworking spaces and on planes.
Foldable laptop stand — saves your neck during long hotel desk sessions.
Wireless mouse (compact, works on most surfaces).

Connectivity and security

Travel eSIM installed and activated (e.g. Airalo or Yesim) as a backup connection.
Lodging with reliable Wi-Fi booked — compare apartments and hotels with a work zone before you fly.
Travel medical insurance for the full trip.
Disk encryption enabled (FileVault on Mac or BitLocker on Windows) in case a device is stolen.

If your route spans several cities, align transfers with the multi-city vacation guide — constant moves kill workation productivity.

Create your own route

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