It might seem like everyone on Instagram is a digital nomad now.
And while that definitely isn’t true, for the road warriors and remote workers of our time, it can be a tough grind. Traveling constantly takes it’s toll…especially when you’re also expected to be working at full capacity.
I emailed a few of my favorite millennial digital nomads, from the New York Times 52 Places Traveler to a Travel Channel host to a travel entrepreneur to influencers: here’s how they stay sane.
Kellee Edwards
A fedora
Adventure gear.
Sorelle Amore
Go minimalist for camera equipment.
Minimal camera equipment is needed. One lens, one body, one microphone and one lightweight and compact tripod. I’ve created a large business from this simple set up and captured amazing videos and photos. Everything else is just bonus.
Divide your wardrobe by 25%.
Whatever you think you need, halve it and then halve it again. You will end up wearing 20% of what you own, even in a small wardrobe. When you’re on the road, you meet a lot of new people constantly so there is no need to impress people with your outfit. They want to know your story more so than who you’re wearing. Keep assessing your wardrobe to catch out things that don’t spark joy when you pick them up. Eventually you’ll see pieces you haven’t worn for months. If that is the case…it’s time to ditch those items.
Sorelle Amore is a digital nomad documenting the beauty of the human experience through photography and videography and sharing her experiences with over 1.2 million of her followers on Instagram and YouTube.
Jada Yuan
A Steripen for purifying water
A bluetooth keyboard that connects to your cell phone.
A laptop computer is likely the most essential, and expensive, piece of electronics for any traveler. It can be harrowing to bring it out on an overnight bus, or have it in your backpack during a thunderstorm. I like to carry a full-size Apple keyboard to link via Bluetooth to my smartphone as a laptop substitute. It’s far cheaper to replace if lost or damaged, and lets me write out long emails or respond to Instagram messages in bulk. Crucially, I don’t have to put it away during the sometimes hour and a half I’m prohibited from using large electronics during takeoff and landing on a plane.
Matthieu Jost
Marie Kondo your clothes.
Carry-on only.
Become accustomed to carrying only a small bag so that you never have to check in your luggage. Checking luggage can easily add an additional 30 minutes each way to your trip. It can be the difference between arriving early or late to your vacation or business trip.
Don’t be afraid of bringing small comforts from home along.
Janaína Colomba
Design a capsule wardrobe.
Capsule wardrobes are made up of several pieces of clothing that can all be mixed, matched and worn for any occasion. I travel with two very simple dresses, but both can be made suitable for a variety of climates and occasions depending on what I wear them with. When packing, be practical and intentional and consider how many options for outfits you have based on the clothing you have chosen.
Layers are your best minimalist packing tool.
Think of your capsule wardrobe as a collection of layers. More layers means more options for outfits. Make sure you bring at least one heavy, cozy and warm piece. Keep the rest lightweight, breathable and most importantly: functional. Whether you’re traveling through varying climates or visiting a conservative country, sufficient layers combined with creative layering techniques will allow you flexibility in your wardrobe as well as provide the you with means to dress according to your environment.
Correction, 12:51 p.m. ET: A Steripen takes 90 seconds to clean water, not 90 minutes as was previously written.