Connectivity + Tech

Staying connected throughout your travels is a necessity, but where do you start? Sorting out your phone and computer should be top of mind, and then move on to our guide about other tech accessories!

PHONE

Spoiler alert—we haven't found a "one size fits all" phone plan that caters perfectly to each Remote. You'll need to determine which solution works best for you and your specific connectivity needs.

COMPUTER FAQS

If you need a new computer, we highly recommend taking care of that in your home country before you depart for Remote Year. While you can get tech fixed on the road, it's sometimes more complicated (and more expensive).

This blog post provides ten different options for travel laptops, with specs like portability, battery life and storage space listed.

Should I bring a backup laptop?

  • A majority of Remotes travel with only one laptop, with the most common backup option being a tablet.
  • Keep in mind that in all RY cities, there is a backup laptop you can loan for a few days if you need to get your computer fixed or purchase a new one.
  • Consider bringing an extra laptop if it's absolutely crucial to you to keep your personal and business items separate, or if you feel you need both smaller and larger screen options (like a Macbook Air and a Macbook Pro). The tradeoff here is that it will add a bit of weight to your luggage!

What about bringing a tablet?

  • It’s a good option if you’re worried about having a backup and are conscious of extra luggage weight.
  • A popular choice among Remotes is having an iPad as a backup. If you're doing side trips with lots of travel, this can be a good setup option, as it's more lightweight and can be powered by an external battery, whereas a laptop cannot.
  • Tablets are great for travel days—games, TV shows, movies (hello, Netflix offline downloading) and more.

Speaking of having an extra screen—should I bring my second monitor?

  • Those who start the year with a second monitor rarely end the year with it still in tow.
  • For those of you who can't fathom working from only one screen, recommendations from Remotes include the GeChic monitor or an ASUS screen.
  • A popular app among Remotes is Duet Display, which allows you to hook up a laptop to an iPad, allowing you to use this as a second monitor.
  • Thoughts from a Remote Year Citizen (alum)—"I used two monitors before RY, and decided not to bring a second one. Transitioning from two screens to an 11-inch MacBook Air was an adjustment, but I ended up really liking it. I probably never really needed a second screen. Be honest with yourself on whether or not you truly need it to do your job effectively."

TECH ACCESSORIES

ADAPTER / CONVERTER

What's the difference?

Adapters do not convert electricity—they allow you to plug in a device from one country into the wall outlet of a country with a different socket. You will not be able to plug your US phone charger into a wall outlet in Europe; you will need an adapter.

A converter converts the voltage of an electric product like a hair dryer or an electric razor. It’s recommended to use them for shorter period of times rather than continued use. You can use ungrounded appliances (two plug pins) with converters.

Which one do I need?

You definitely need an adapter, but probably not a converter.

  • Most products sold in the US or EU will have a label on it that defines acceptable voltage. Look for the "input" section in the label—it should say 100v-120v / 200v-240v or something similar. If it doesn't span both ranges, it's not auto switching. Try to make sure everything you bring is 110 <> 220.
  • Google your laptop model to double check, but it shouldn’t need a converter. Most laptop chargers (definitely Apple products) have those built in.

Do you recommend a certain adapter?

Your local electronic store or Amazon should be able to give you good insight with their recommendations and ratings. The big, one-in-all, block adapters usually fall out of the wall. If you need buy an adapter and / or converter in the city you’re traveling to, it's usually not a big hassle or expense. Below are a few specific recommendations from the Remote Nation.

EXTERNAL BATTERY PACK

It's nice to have a large battery pack for longer travel days, plus a smaller one that you can throw into your pocket or purse for days / nights out. Check out the Remote Nation's favorite brands.

HEADPHONES

Is it really necessary to buy fancy noise cancelling headphones?

Whether or not you want true noise cancelling really depends on how much you dislike ambient noise. Active noise cancelling headphones allow you to turn white noise on or off with the flip of a switch. The downside is that these headphones can be pricey, and they require charging or batteries. Evaluate whether or not you need these for work purposes, and review these popular options for travel and work headphones.

VPN (VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK)

Read more about the benefits of a VPN in this blog post.

A VPN secures your computer’s internet connection to guarantee that all of the data you’re sending and receiving is encrypted and secured from prying eyes. VPNs can cause security and connectivity issues in some cases, so we suggest you do your research. Start with the options below to determine which is going to work best for you.