free guide
My Actual Tools List
the apps, cards, gear, and services i actually use as a long-term nomad. curated, not exhaustive -- and with what i'd skip.
not what i tried once. not what’s sponsored. what i actually use every week and would buy again if i started over.
Notion
system of record for everything. project notes, client docs, reference material.
Linear
lightweight project tracking. cleaner than Jira, faster than Trello.
Claude
writing, research, debugging. daily driver. useful for getting past a blank page, not for replacing thinking.
1Password
passwords + 2FA across every device. non-negotiable when you’re on public wifi in different countries every month.
Loom
async video updates instead of meetings. “here’s a 3-min walkthrough” beats a 45-min sync in most situations.
Cal.com
scheduling. open source, good UX. if you’re freelancing or coaching, a proper link saves a lot of back-and-forth.
skip: most project management tools if you’re solo or a small team. the overhead outweighs the value. a well-organized Notion is usually enough.
Wise
primary multi-currency account. real exchange rates, low fees, debit card works at ATMs worldwide. open this first.
Revolut
backup card + some EU spending. i wouldn’t use it as a primary — trust Wise more for day-to-day reliability.
Charles Schwab
US readers only. zero foreign transaction fees, worldwide ATM refunds. the best ATM card for international travel, period.
skip: Revolut Premium. the paid tier rarely covers its cost unless you travel very intensively.
Airalo
eSIM data in 190+ countries. buy before you land, activate on arrival. eliminates the no-connectivity-at-the-airport problem.
Google Fi
US readers: best international data plan for frequent travelers. predictable price, impressive coverage.
skip: pocket wifi devices. Airalo or a local SIM covers it without the extra hardware.
SafetyWing
nomad health insurance. month-to-month, buyable from anywhere. not comprehensive, but the most flexible option out there.
skip: travel insurance bundled with airline tickets or booking platforms. almost always overpriced for what they cover.
Osprey Farpoint 40
the bag. 40L carry-on, fits every overhead bin i’ve tested, comfortable, durable. the standard for good reason.
Travel power strip
USB-C + USB-A + 2 outlets, compact. the one item everyone forgets until week 3. buy before you leave.
Noise-canceling headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QC45. infrastructure, not a luxury, if you work in cafes and coworking spaces.
Universal plug adapter
one compact 4-in-1 covers most plug types worldwide. don’t buy a dozen individual country adapters.
skip: anything heavy “just in case.” second shoes, full medicine cabinet, adapters for every scenario. if you need something, you can buy it most places.
this list updates when something better comes along. last updated May 2026.