Want to see my top list of what I did before my 18 months on the road? What worked and what has already broken? From health insurance to power adapters to travel chargers…here’s what’s in my bag:

Before you get on the road, you’ll want to think about cell phones and plans, health insurance, VPNs, bank accounts and credit cards with no fees and a whole bunch of other services. Things you didn’t think twice about before, but can add up to $1,000s in extra expenses, along with a lot of frustration, if not handled properly from the outset. This isn’t a long term travel packing list – it is a life on the road list and everything I’m grateful I handled before I started traveling.

• How to Prepare for Digital Nomad Travel

Google Fi – hands down, the best cell phone plan for traveling the world. Google Fi, which works easily in 170+ countries, puts you on the best available network between Wi-Fi and three 4G LTE networks. No sim cards, no data overage, it just works and you can keep your cell phone number. You pay just $20 per month for unlimited domestic talk and text, unlimited international texts, Wi-Fi tethering and hotspot and then $10/GB for data – with a data cap (you don’t pay after the first $60) and unused data rolls over. So for a maximum of $80 you can easily use your phone globally, right when you land, without having to “top off” any data or deal with SIM cards. The catch? Google Fi only works with certain phones. Note: If you join Google Fi through this link: Google Fi, we each receive $20 Fi credit.

• Best International Calling Plans for Cell Phones

Anker Portable Power Bank – This is the most common portable power bank amongst my friends and it’s amazing – lightweight and small, can fast charge a phone, lasts a long time and basically does all a portable charger should do. This model intelligently identifies connected devices and can charge the iPhone 6s up to seven times, the Galaxy S6 up to five times, or the iPad mini 4 twice. I learned my lesson the hard way about choosing the wrong power bank – don’t make my mistakes!

• How to Choose a Power Bank for Your Phone

Portable Travel Extension Cord – this is a MUST HAVE for any traveler. I’m constantly shocked at how poorly the outlets are placed in hotels and apartments around the world. Are you supposed to sit on the floor behind a piece of furniture to work on your laptop? Create your room any way you want with a long extension cord (at least 5 feet) with multiple outlets and dedicate one of your converters to it, saving you buying lots of converters since you’ll have multiple outlets from your home country. Another option for travel extension cord (13+ colors). Bonus points for USB charging ports, although you’ll most likely just plug in a USB charger you have from home.

Power Adapters Converters – Do you need an adapter, converter or both? An adapter changes the shape of the prongs on your plug so they fit the plug in your destination. A converter actually changes the voltage and current to match the local electricity type. There are plenty of each type of available as well as combinations. I recommend taking options on the road since there are often outlets too small or placed oddly and won’t fit a converter, so you’ll only be able to use an adapter.

• What Electric Adapters and Converters Do I Need?

Travel Space Saver Bags – I love these things! They easily compress my clothing to give me almost twice as much room in my luggage, and then I use them as shelf/drawer lines in my room. Just roll up your clothes (no vacuum or anything), compress the air out and pack. Keeps me organized, my clothes come out fairly wrinkle free and I can pack more. Watch out for your luggage weight, though, just because it fits doesn’t mean it’s free.

Most Powerful Travel Hair Dryer – Insider Tip always start it on low in a new country until you understand how the electricity works in that country. Use the plug ends to move the voltage – dial is a bit hard to turn. Don’t let the size fool you – this little baby fits in the palm of your hand, but it’s as close to a full size blow dryer as you’re going to get. So far, it has worked great in Asia, Europe, Africa and South America!

More Ultimate Packing List for the Location Independent Professional

Here’s a peek inside all the things I use regularly in my travel bags.

Sale

AmazonBasics 4 Piece Packing Travel Organizer Cubes Set - Medium, Sky Blue

• Double zipper pulls make opening/closing simple and fast
• Mesh top panel for easy identification of contents, and ventilation
• Soft mesh won't damage delicate fabrics
• Webbing handle for convenience when carried by itself
• Medium cube dimensions: 13.75 x 9.75 x 3 inches, tolerance +5% -2%

$18.30

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AmazonBasics 4 Piece Packing Travel Organizer Cubes Set, Sky Blue

• Double zipper pulls make opening/closing simple and fast
• Mesh top panel for easy identification of contents, and ventilation
• Soft mesh won't damage delicate fabrics
• Webbing handle for convenience when carried by itself
• Set includes 1 large (17.5 x 12.75 x 3.25 inches), medium (13.75 x 9.75 x 3 inches), small (11 x 6.75 x 3 inches), and slim (14 x 5 x 2.8 inches) AmazonBasics packing cube

$20.39

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Travel Adapter, Worldwide All in One Universal Travel Adapter Wall Charger AC Power Plug Adapter with Dual USB Charging Ports for USA EU UK AUS, White

• UNIVERSAL WORLDWIDE CHARGING - This travel adapter Accepts Plugs from More than 150 Countries with US/EU/UK/AU european Plugs like Thailand, New Zealand, Israel, Italy, Russia, Rome, France, Spain, Canada, China, Australia, India, Hong Kong, Argentina, Peru, Korea, Asia, etc
• SAFETY PROTECTION - this International Travel Power Adapter built-In safety shutters protect users from the direct touch of the live parts on the socket outlet
• All IN ONE - Detachable charger includes 5 Different Input Plugs Tightly Connect into 1 Adaptor
• DUAL USB CHARGING PORTS - World Adapter Plug compatible with almost all USB Devices like Apple iPhone x 8 8 plus 7 7s 6 6s 5s 4s, Sony, Blackberry, HTC, Lenovo, LG, ZTE, Huawei, Samsung,and so on.
• SPECIFICATIONS - Power Rating 6A max. 100-240Vac (660W max. at 110Vac. 1380W max. at 230Vac) This Charger Adapter Plug Converts the Power Outlet Only, It Does Not Convert Electrical Output Current and Voltage, MIZO offers 24-Months limited product warranty and 24h*7d Customer Service from MIZO

$11.99

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Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover, 3 Count

• #1 instant stain remover based on sales
• Powerful solution breaks stains down; microfiber pad lifts and absorbs them
• Portable, pen-like design – fits neatly into briefcases, purses, drawers, or car compartments
• No mess, nothing to throw away, nothing to get on hands
• Works well on tomato juice, ketchup, BBQ sauce, grape juice, coffee, wine, tea, chocolate syrup, and more

$6.97

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Sale

Avantree Pack of 20 Reusable Cord Organizer Keeper Holder, Fastening Cable Ties Straps for Earbud Headphones Phones Electronics Electrical Computer PC Wire Wrap Management, Assorted 3 Size and 5 Color

• CONTROL YOUR CABLES: Whether for your laptop cords, chargers, headphones or other cables, out 20 pack of cable ties will keep your cables neat and organized and out of your way. 
• WIDE USAGE: Suitable for a variety of cables, our cable ties come in 3 different cable strap sizes: 10’’x0.8’’, 6’’x0.6’’ and 5’’x0.5’’.
• REUSABLE AND DURABLE: Made from fabric material with attachments, our cable wraps are designed to last through many uses. 
• MULTI-COLORED: Color coordinate your cables and cords easily with our cable ties; each cord wrap comes in black, white, blue, pink and yellow.
• SPECIAL DESIGN: Our cable ties are specially designed to fix your cables to the straps quickly and easily so you can spend less time worrying about cables and more time getting your work done. 

$6.99

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UNIVERSAL Office Products, Rubber Bands, Size 64, 3-1/2 x 1/4, 80 Bands 1/4 lb Pack

• HIGH COUNT PER POUND: Universal rubber bands have a mid-range rubber content and offer a high count per pound so you know you're getting a great value with these quality elastic bands.
• FIRM AND STURDY STRETCH: These rubber bands offer an easy stretch with an ultimate elongation of 625 percent from their original size. Use them for a variety of tasks requiring a firm and sturdy hold.
• IDEAL FOR EVERYDAY USE AT HOME: Universal elastic bands are a handy and useful tool to have around the house. Use them to keep crafts, tools, games and other items organized or to keep food packaging closed to seal in freshness.
• OFFICE TOOL: Use Advantage elastic bands in the office to keep mail, folders and paperwork organized and tidy whether you work in a large office or have a home business.
• Approximate Band Count : 80 per pack (160 total)

$6.03

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Pack of 3 SIM Card Tray Open Opener Ejector Eject Pin Removal Remover Key Tool - Compatible for All Apple Phones iPad iPhone 2G 3G 3GS 4 4S 5 5C 5S 6 6 Plus 6S 6S Plus (3 Pack Eject Pin)

$4.29

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10,512 Reviews

Outlander Packable Handy Lightweight Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack-Dark Blue

• Water-resistant and DURABLE. The backpack is made from highly rip and water-resistant nylon fabric, which provides strength and long-lasting performance, with minimal weight. Stress points are reinforced with bar tacking for increased longevity. We use durable 2-way Abrasion Resistant SBS Metal Zippers across the backpack.
• COMPACT. Folds into zippered inner pocket to fit anywhere. Unfolds from pocket to backpack. A must-have on any trip.
• LIGHTWEIGHT(0.46 Pounds) and ROOMY(20 Liters). A true space saver. Stuff the bag into its own pocket for storage and unzip it when you reach your destination. Avoid overweight baggage charges by simply unfolding it from your luggage and using it as a carry on for your excess baggage.
• MULTIPLE COMPARTMENTS. Features a classic shape with several pockets for storage and organization. This backpack has a roomy main compartment, two front zipper pockets to hold small accessories, one internal zippered security pocket for valuable items and two side pockets for water bottles or umbrellas.
• NEW VERSION Includes a carabiner clip so you attach things or clip it to things.Ultra-light. Ultra-durable. Ultra-awesome. The backpack is perfect for day-to-day use or occasional travel, and great gift for everyone.

$17.82

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RoomierLife 8 Travel Space Saver Bags. Pack of 8 Bags, size Medium to Large. Roll-Up Compression Storage (No Vacuum Needed) & Packing Organizers. Perfect for Travel and Home Storage

• MORE SPACE - Save up to 3x more space in your suitcase, backpack or closet. 8 Compression Garment Bags Pack: 4x large (28" X 20") and 4x medium (24" X 16"). Perfect for clothes, towels, blankets, pillows etc.
• TRAVEL-FRIENDLY - No vacuum or pump is needed for these compression bags - just pack, zip and roll. The air will exit from valves at the bottom of the bag. Transparent see through ensures speedy security checks of your luggage at airports (TSA approved & compliant).
• PROTECT your clothes against odor, dirt, water, etc. The bags are airtight and watertight.
• ORGANIZE your clothes, for example by family member, outfit, activity, out of season clothing etc. Keep your dirty clothes in separate compression organizer bag.
• HIGH QUALITY & REUSABLE - double zippers and sealing clips ensure a secure seal for optimal compression every time. Durable Material will last indefinite uses without hindering vacuum capacity. RoomierLife is the only authorized seller of Roomier Life Travel Space Saver Bags and ships with prime.

$17.95

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Wifi Hotspot – I actually use this one: Netgear Unite Pro 4G LTE Mobile WiFi Hotspot – GSM Unlocked (B00HCNHH2W), but Amazon does not let me link to it. I love this device and use it ALL the time!

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