When digital nomads leave the office and start working remotely, most think all they need is a laptop and an internet connection. They are wrong. You need specialized tools and software to really thrive, stand out as a remote worker, and keep your work-life balance in check.
Digital nomads work from RVs, hotel rooms, rentals, coffee shops, and coworking spaces, and they should be ready to take the call or send large files wherever they are — without getting distracted. Next, we will give you a list of apps to add to your toolkit for a successful career.
Project Management Apps
One day, you’re sitting in a home office, another day you are at the seaside in Bangkok. When your location is always changing, you should be able to focus and stay organized, regardless of the circumstances. How does one manage tasks regardless of time zones? Project management apps! These will let you collaborate with your teammates on projects, attach important files, set deadlines, and track progress, both yours and your colleagues’.
With these tools, you won’t forget about a deadline, even if it’s right after a long flight and a hotel room check-in: you can turn on notifications that will let you know where you should complete your task. Most of the apps are also visual. You will see task cards, calendars, and lists to help you manage everything you’ve got under your belt.
Time Tracking Tools
Many will tell you that your digital nomad lifestyle is a dream. You get to travel the world and see different countries while earning money. That is true, but it’s also hard to focus and be productive. And if you charge by the hour, you should always track your time — an easy way to understand how efficiently you are working.
Adopt time tracking tools into your arsenal. Just one click, and you will be able to let your clients know how long the project took you, along with a detailed report. Once you’re done, you will see the hours you actually worked so that you can adjust your focus.
Messengers and Video Conferencing Software
Sometimes, managing a project through an app is not enough. In some cases, you’ll need to communicate with your coworkers face-to-face, which is not possible when you’re across the globe. The good news is that you can still reach out to anyone to keep the projects moving, even if they are in the US and you are in South Korea.
You can use messengers for small notes or send bigger messages through email. If that is still not enough, consider organizing a video conference. Video-call apps have become extremely convenient: they let you host presentations, blur your background, and even enhance the sound, so you can focus when coworking in a tight space.
Virtual Private Networks
As a digital nomad, you will have to log into work accounts, send and receive essential files, and share personal information online. And if you are working via the public Wi-Fi, all this can be easily leaked. To make your free connection entirely safe, consider investing in a reliable Virtual Private Network, or VPN for short.
A VPN app is excellent at protecting sensitive data by encrypting your connection. Even if someone tries to snoop and steal your information, they won’t be able to decrypt it — so, you stay safe on the internet, wherever you are.
Finance Trackers
If you work remotely and travel for fun, you will often be tempted to spend more than anticipated. Combined with exchange rates, paying local bills, and invoicing clients, your finances might become a total mess. Use finance trackers to prevent that.
These tools will help you note down all your transactions, track spending habits, and manage your income, regardless of the currency. Advanced tools also incorporate tax obligations, which is ideal for freelancers on the move.
Password Managers
As someone logging into work and personal accounts every day through a shared Wi-Fi network, you should always keep your personal security in check. Imagine: you input your bank account password on an unprotected network, and bad actors are already tracking your keystrokes, ready to steal your hard-earned money.
Password managers, however, make this close to impossible. They lock all your logins and passwords in one encrypted vault, and then automatically input them when needed, allowing you to skip typing altogether and protecting your personal data.
If you’re wondering whether a reputable provider like NordPass is a good password manager, be sure to check online comparisons and user reviews. This way, you can make an informed decision and find the best password manager for your needs.
Mindfulness and Meditation Guides
There’s more to life than just working, and that’s why you chose the digital nomad path. Yet, it can be just as stressful as an office job. Download mindfulness and meditation apps to stay relaxed and happy.
You can take notes about your mood, write down everything you’re thankful for, or take a break to meditate in a quiet room. Although this doesn’t seem like a lot, being mindful always works, and you feel less stressed in general.
Managing Work and Life as a Digital Nomad
Working and traveling seem like a perfect plan — but you won’t become an efficient, successful digital nomad without a good toolkit. Be it staying safe on the internet, tracking your expenses, or communicating with colleagues, the apps above will always back you up.