So, you’re dreaming of hitting the open road while maintaining your 9-to-5? Or maybe you’re already living the van/RV life and looking to upgrade your setup? Either way, you’re going to need some key tools to make remote work a breeze. Here are ten essentials we can’t live without:
1. Starlink
Starlink satellite internet has been a game-changer for us. Starlink’s reliability regardless of which country you’re in, especially in remote areas, is unmatched. Just make sure there are no obstructions blocking your satellite signal! We typically spend 5-15 hours a week in meetings and Starlink is our go-to. Starlink works especially well on the west coast and in Central America, and has given us reliable download speeds > 200 Mbps from California to Colorado. Starlink was also our saving grace when we drove across Canada in 2023, as cell service and 5G coverage is spotty across Canada. We pay $170/ mo CAD for the Mobile Regional plan, which allows us to use our satellite anywhere on the continent.
2. Backup 5G Plan
We always recommend having an unlimited 5G mobile plan as a backup. We’ve accidentally damaged our Starlink cord before, and having a reliable 5G plan saved us. Plus, it’s great for those times when you’re in an urban area with poor satellite coverage (ie. Starlink is obstructed by tall buildings). We share a 200Gb Unlimited Data family plan from Bell between two of us, which costs us $160/ mo CAD. We average around 250Gb/month usage in data without restrictions. In a pinch, we can easily survive off of 5G as long as we keep our TV time to a minimum.
3. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
The T-Mobile 5G Home Internet device deserves an honourable mention, although we cancelled our plan last year. For Americans planning to stay within the US, this is the perfect device as the T-Mobile 5G Home Internet device isn’t locked to one location, so you’re free to travel with it. The best part is that this device is only $40/ mo USD for Unlimited Data. Unreal! The only caveat is that it must be registered to a US address where the plan is eligible. While we loved this 5G Home Internet device back in 2022, it just doesn’t cut it for travel through Canada and Mexico.
4. Desk Setup
A good desk setup is crucial for productivity. We use a lap desk to transform any surface into a workspace. It’s perfect for working while sitting on the couch, standing at the kitchen counter, or even in the passenger seat. Having multiple desk options is essential. We switch between standing and sitting throughout the day, which helps keep our blood flowing.
5. Studio Light
If you’re working in low light conditions or moving around a lot, a studio light is a must-have. It’ll make you look more professional on video calls and help reduce eye strain. Our Studio Light is USB-powered and clips to the top of our laptop, making it ultra portable and functional in the absence of an electrical outlet.
6. Monitor
A larger screen can significantly improve your productivity and comfort. We have a main 24” monitor that is mounted to the desk in our van, and a Portable 15” Monitor for when we’re on the go.
7. VPN
We’ve been protecting our location and privacy with ProtonVPN for over two years now. We use the app on our mobile devices while we travel, as well as have it downloaded onto our Travel Router. ProtonVPN also allows us to watch shows from all over the world with the protection of a built-in Ad blocker.
8. Travel Router
We protect our online privacy and security with a VPN and a Travel Router, which helps us feel secure wherever we go. This combo allows us to create a secure Wi-Fi network for all our work devices, so we don’t have to download the ProtonVPN app on every device. We just connect to our Travel Router wifi, and all devices are automatically protected.
9. Power Bank
A good power bank is essential for keeping your devices charged on the go. We love our Bluetti Power Bank, take it on every camping trip, and stand behind the quality of their products! We’ve tried other cheaper brands like BougeRV, but have had issues with outlets failing over time.
10. Bonus Tool: Noise Reduction
Krisp noise-canceling software is a lifesaver for video calls in noisy environments. It can make a huge difference in call quality, especially when working in the same room as a partner, or in a coffee shop. I pay $8/mo for Krisp Pro, which not only significantly reduces background noise, but also transcribes all my calls for me to use as meeting notes later.
With these ten essential tools, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle your workday, no matter where the road takes you!
Heads Up: Some of the products mentioned are affiliate links, meaning we might earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting our adventures!
Kay & Phil Digital Nomads 