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Thanks to a confluence of technology and shifts in attitudes about where work gets done, there are now more digital nomads than ever.

According to one study, there are about 4.8 million Americans who consider themselves digital nomads, while an additional 27 percent of workers say they’re interested in becoming one in the next 2-3 years. 

And with the coronavirus pandemic forcing millions of businesses to allow millions of employees to work remotely, there’s a good chance that more and more workers will look to adopt a digital nomad lifestyle as location becomes less important to how work gets done.

Granted, there are travel restrictions still in place, there’s little doubt that once eased digital nomadism will continue to grow as a popular lifestyle option.  

If you’re considering a lifestyle shift to digital nomadism, there are a handful of essential tools you’re going to need to get work done while traveling. Here are three of our favorites that should be in any digital nomad’s toolbox.  

Google Voice 

Being able to make and receive phone calls whether you’re in your home country or abroad is essential for any digital nomad.

One of the easiest to use is Google Voice, which assigns you a U.S.-based phone number that can be used in a variety of ways.

First, it gives you a virtual phone number that can both send and receive phone calls, voice mails, and text messages over the internet (charges may apply for outgoing calls).

Additionally, Google Voice can be associated with any other U.S.-based phone number, and you can set up rules about which phone rings when someone calls.

For example, if you know you’re working in your home office from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Wednesday, you can set up a rule that directs calls to your Google Voice number to your home office phone (if you have one).

What’s more, Google Voice integrates with other Google account services, such as Gmail, allowing you to receive text messages right in your inbox.  

Zoom, Skype, or other Video Conferencing Tool 

Videoconferencing tools have experienced tremendous growth thanks to the coronavirus.

Zoom grew to more than 300 million users from only 10 million prior to the pandemic. Skype, owned by Microsoft, claims to have grown 70 percent since the start of the pandemic.  

Whatever platform you prefer, having a video conferencing tool is essential for digital nomads.

Video calls are now becoming the norm, and they’re a great way to add face-to-face interaction when it’s not possible to meet in person.  

Copass 

Even though you might prefer to work from wherever you’re staying at the moment, sometimes it’s good to sit in a room with other people to work.

That’s where Copass comes in. Copass is a network of nearly 1,000 coworking spaces across the world.

While they offer a monthly unlimited pass, you can also pay as you go if that suits your budget and lifestyle better.

What’s really neat about Copass is having access to unique workspaces. Not only will you get to work in some really amazing office spaces, but you will also likely get to meet fellow digital nomads and other interesting people!  

Thankz

Ok, shameless self-promotion here. If you’re a digital nomad, particularly if you’re a freelancer, you need a source for finding new clients and projects.

That’s where we come in.

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