Spoiler alert: it was amazing. 

But it wasn’t without challenges. 

Even with my extensive 17 years of digital nomad experience, I had a learning curve in making the most of this month of coliving and coworking. So much so, that I actually rearranged the entire rest of my year of planned travel to compensate. 

In this article, I’ll provide a detailed account of life at Hacker Paradise, I’ll touch on how it compares to similar co-living and co-working programs, and I’ll share the top lessons I learned. 

Want to see the video accompaniment to this article? Click here to watch!

2025 Update: Hacker Paradise Powered by NOMA Collective

In early 2025, Hacker Paradise joined forces with NOMA Collective to provide an even better experience to digital nomads and remote workers. Hacker Paradise Powered by NOMA now includes:

• 1 Kickass LOCAL Community Manager
• Private room w/ Cleaning
• Coworking Space
• Skillshares
• Worldwide Network of 1,500 + Members
• Monday Lunch or Family Dinner or Potluck
• Local Sim with Data
• 2 Yoga Classes per week
• Prepaid Activities/Classes 
• Friday After-Work Drinks 
• 2 – 3 Prepaid Weekend Excursions 
• Weekly Neighborhood Walks in Cities 
  

Keep reading to see what it’s like, and to get a special discount just for you!

What is Hacker Paradise? (Now NOMA Collective)

For starters, Hacker Paradise isn’t an exclusive club for hackers, despite the name. It’s not about breaking into computer systems; it’s about breaking free from the traditional office cubicle. 

Hacker Paradise is a program designed to facilitate the lifestyles of digital nomads; it’s what I refer to as a co-living co-working program. I wrote about Hacker Paradise along with other similar co-living co-working initiatives in this article: Best Coliving Coworking Programs for Remote Workers and Digital Nomads.

If you’re a digital nomad already, you know the struggles – the constant planning and movement, the logistics, the uncertainty about where you’ll work and live next, the fleeting social scene, and sometimes feeling isolated and ungrounded. 

If you’re not a digital nomad, then, take my word for it. (Or watch this video I made, which outlines the pros and cons of digital nomad life). 

Hacker Paradise simplifies all of that. You no longer need to stress over finding accommodation (in a good part of town for exploring, with good internet, etc), suitable places to work, or coordinating activities in a new destination. 

But even more so, Hacker Paradise isn’t just about convenience and logistics; it’s also about community. It’s about spending time with like-minded individuals who share your passion for remote work and travel. 

As much as we digital nomads cherish our freedom, it can get a bit lonely out there on the digital nomad road. I would know; after 12 years of full-time travel and living locally around the world, I lost all sense of belonging in the world and totally burned out of the lifestyle. I returned to my hometown of Toronto Canada to get a home base, thinking I was missing a cultural connection. 

It took me a few years to realize the sense of belonging I was searching for was in other people who have similar lifestyles; people who understand the nuances of work-life balance and the pace of travel when it is done in conjunction with full-time remote work. People who have the same thirst for slow travel and living around the world. 

This is what inspired me to experiment with coliving and coworking in 2023, in my 17^th year of career travel. I dipped my toe in the world of co-living in Madeira Portugal in January, and then I went all-in with Hacker Paradise in Tallinn Estonia in August. 

Here is what I learned. 

Wanna cut to the chase? Check out Hacker Paradise / NOMA Collective here, and use FAMPROHOBO150 for $150 off. 

This and other links to Hacker Paradise in this article are affiliate links, which means I’ll earn a commission if you click through and end up going on a program. My enthusiasm for Hacker Paradise is genuine! Thank you for your support.

Benefits of Hacker Paradise for Remote Work and Travel

Here are some key advantages of choosing this program for your remote work and travel needs.

Outsourcing Travel Logistics

Hacker Paradise is a powerful antidote to the endless tedium of travel planning. If you’ve been on the digital nomad path for a while, you know how exhausting travel logistics can be. Picking a destination, finding suitable accommodation, ensuring it’s conducive for remote work, and planning activities – it’s a lot to handle, when travel is a lifestyle and not just a vacation once or twice a year. 

Co-Living and Co-Working, Harmonized

The living and working setup with Hacker Paradise varies by location. In some destinations, everybody is together in a large home or repurposed boutique hotel (or even a castle!). In Tallinn, we were all staying in an environmentally sustainable container hotel; an old railway depot filled with repurposed sea containers (each container being a room). It was suuuuuuper funky! 

Some accommodation naturally has co-working space built in, and in other destinations Hacker Paradise arranges memberships for everybody at a nearby co-working space. In Tallinn, the container hotel had space for co-working on-site, making for a super easy (as in, non-existent) commute. 

Either way, all you have to do is choose the destination (and in some cases, certain accommodation options). Hacker Paradise takes care of the rest. 

Explore in New Ways 

I saw and did things in Tallinn that I wouldn’t normally have done on my own; sometimes because of a higher cost or other challenges to doing it solo, sometimes because it’s not something I’d have thought to do, and sometimes because I simply wouldn’t have had the energy to coordinate it all on my own. 

In all cases, I appreciated the opportunity to discover Estonia in new ways that significantly enhanced my experience of the place, and made me feel like I got much more out of my month there than I would have gotten if I weren’t with Hacker Paradise. (I’ll admit this is a bit of a double-edged sword, which I’ll get to later). 

Easier to Get Out (Especially for Introverts) 

While you might think that a group travel experience like Hacker Paradise would be an introvert’s worst nightmare, on the contrary – as an introvert myself, I found it to be a much easier way to get out and explore! 

Picture this: there’s an event/museum/whatever you might like to visit. But you’re a little tired, and you’re in a new destination that you aren’t familiar with, which means you inherently need to be alert and attentive so you can get where you’re going and have your experience safely and smoothly. And once you get there, it’s a whole other kind of energy output. And sometimes….it’s just easier to stay home and eat potato chips. 

But when there is another person (or people) headed out to where you want to go anyway, it’s much easier to tag along; there’s safety in numbers (when you’re in a destination where safety is an issue), and it’s fun to explore new things with different people who are viewing the same thing through their own specific cultural lens. 

Community 

Hacker Paradise is like a family. It is run by a small welcoming team, and once you have participated in a Hacker Paradise program, you are a permanent family member with access to a Slack channel with all HP alumni (currently over 1,000 people). 

A large percentage of the people on my trip in Tallinn had done Hacker Paradise trips before. I get it: I plan to be a “repeat offender” myself. 

This is because of the beautiful community spirit on each trip. It is incredibly inclusive, and the facilitators work hard to make sure it isn’t clique-y or segmented in the way that groups can often get. This is quite impressive too, because the range of ages and nationalities on a trip can be vast – from early 20’s to mid-70s, and while most participants tend to be North American or European, on my trip we also had members from Brazil, Argentina, and Taiwan. 

The community spirit is even more enhanced by Hacker Paradise’s schedule of activities; read on. 

RESOURCES

Looking for monthly accommodation? Here are some digital nomad-friendly options that are fantastic alternatives to AirBnB. 

Want to focus just on co-living? Here’s a collection of coliving spaces around the world to check out 

Hacker Paradise Activities and Schedule

This is what sets Hacker Paradise apart from other co-living and co-working programs; the facilitators create a schedule of events that help to connect and elevate everybody’s experiences across the board. 

Every week there are lunches at local restaurants (and HP picks up the tab), potluck dinners, skill-share sessions, “deep meaningful conversations” (which sound a bit odd as a formalized thing, but were real highlights!), and social evening events that pave the way for everybody to connect, to grow personally and professionally, and get to know one another on a deeper level. 

Hacker Paradise is more than just a travel agency; it’s an experience. 

During my first week in Tallinn, we sat down as a group and brainstormed what things we wanted to do throughout the month. By the end we had a staggering range of ideas, from exploring local restaurants to planning excursions, day trips, weekend trips, visiting museums, galleries, and even a list of movies we could watch “at home” on impromptu movie nights. This list (along with relevant links) went into our group Slack channel (Slack being where the magic happens on a Hacker Paradise trip). 

Although the facilitators do coordinate some events (such as those on the weekly agenda and a few others as well), ultimately everyone pitches in. Hacker Paradise is best viewed as a collaborative effort, and this is what helps create the strong community spirit. 

For example, shortly before we arrived in Tallinn, one of the participants (Didier) chimed in on the Slack channel, saying how he likes to visit Michelin-starred restaurants wherever he goes, and he asked if anybody would like to join. Because of his initiative, a group of eight of us had a remarkable dinner that will go down as one of the best meals of my life. 

What surprised me was how much these collective experiences shaped my time in Tallinn. I might not have ventured to a Michelin-starred restaurant on my own, nor would I have rented a car to explore a national park in another part of the country. I discovered incredible museums and galleries, that I wouldn’t have explored if not for the fellow participants spearheading these activities. 

This is also where the double-edged sword comes in……

Balancing Work and Life 

In planning for this trip, I made two incorrect assumptions about what my Hacker Paradise experience would be like. 

Here’s the first (I’ll highlight my second mistake in the next section): 

I thought co-working with other remote workers would be a great way to hold myself accountable to getting work done. In fact, a part of me hoped I would be even more productive co-working than I am when left to my own devices. 

Things didn’t quite work out that way (at least, not initially). 

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a fundamental skill for digital nomads, and it’s something I thought I had down to a science. In fact, I even created a whole video on the topic. But my month with Hacker Paradise taught me that sometimes, even the most seasoned nomads need to relearn some things.

Before you officially join Hacker Paradise, you’ll hop on a call with one of the program’s representatives. They want to ensure that you have a remote career or at least an ongoing project because, let’s be clear, Hacker Paradise is not a vacation. It’s all about living, traveling, and working together. 

Here’s what I didn’t account for: everyone has a different work schedule. Many participants on my program were remote employees working for various companies, and they had specific hours to adhere to. Those working for North American companies often kept hours that ranged from 4 PM to midnight, while those connected to European companies worked during the day. 

And regardless of work schedules, when people weren’t working, they were off doing cool stuff, to which everyone was invited.

I’d frequently see messages pop up on Slack: 

“Hey, gang! At 2 PM, I’m going to check out [this café] or visit [this museum]. If you want to join, let’s meet in the lobby at 1:30.” 

These messages were a constant, an everyday occurrence; a tantalizing reminder that there was always something exciting happening. The challenge for someone like me, who makes their own hours, was that I could pick and choose what I wanted to do – and when, and with whom. And when there was always something cool going on, my work-life equilibrium lost its…equilibrium. 

Not only that, but as an introvert, it’s important for me to schedule down time on my own to recharge. That too, along with many of my work tasks, initially fell by the wayside as I cherry-picked from the buffet of amazing experiences, restaurants, and more to join people and enjoy. 

With the advice of fellow HP participants and also a friend from afar (who I’ll introduce in a minute), I learned to accept FOMO. Even with a whole month (which can seem like a long time at the outset), I wouldn’t be able to do everything I wanted to do, with everybody I wanted to do it with. And that’s okay. 

(It may also be part of the reason many Hacker Paradise participants enjoy reuniting on subsequent trips…to keep the fun alive and further deepen connections). 

My Biggest Challenge with Hacker Paradise (and any Work and Travel Program)

While the work-life balance mistake was a rookie lesson I had to re-learn, this next mistake really took me by surprise: I dramatically underestimated the energetic output a program like Hacker Paradise would require.

Just to clarify – there’s no problem doing a month with Hacker Paradise. Even two or three months, back-to-back: that could work just fine. 

But in the name of my Great 2023 Experiment with co-living and co-working, my month with Hacker Paradise was the third month in a 10-month trip I had orchestrated, with me moving approximately once a month. 

I know better than to travel this quickly. I’ve made this mistake before. 

But I assumed that with the outsourcing of all the logistics of travel planning that Hacker Paradise and similar remote work programs do, I could quicken my pace of travel because I wouldn’t have to worry about finding and booking accommodation etc. 

The problem was, I don’t have a lot of experience living and working with a group of people, and as you already read earlier, my work-life balance got out of whack while I struggled to find a groove. And getting to know 20 or so people while living and working with them is amazing! – but it takes energy, and it wasn’t energy I had budgeted for. 

Thankfully, I learned that this challenge wasn’t mine alone to endure; I spoke to several Hacker Paradise alumni, and many of them mentioned that after a Hacker Paradise trip, they like to take a couple of months to decompress and recharge. They use that time to travel on their own, or in a smaller group, or even to return to their home base (for those who have home bases). 

It’s a sentiment I now fully understand and resonate with. 

The pace of travel/life with a group like Hacker Paradise, while exhilarating, can also be a bit relentless. If you’ve already been on the move for a while, it’s essential to acknowledge your own needs and establish a balance that suits you best. 

After my experience, I chose to restructure my remaining travel plans for the year, creating more time to just live and work in a slower, more intentional manner.

This pace of travel with Hacker Paradise isn’t a downside; it’s simply a characteristic of a program like this, and it’s what makes it unique.

Curious to learn more? Check out Hacker Paradise Powered by NOMA here, and use FAMPROHOBO150 for $150 off. 

The People of Hacker Paradise: Community-Based Travel 

Hacker Paradise is not just about the places you visit; it’s equally about the people you meet and the connections you build. I can’t emphasize enough how amazing it was to spend a month with 22 incredible people from around the world.

Before I joined Hacker Paradise in Estonia, I got some confused looks from friends and acquaintances. They wondered why, after over a decade as a digital nomad, I would choose to participate in a program seemingly tailored for beginners or those new to the digital nomad lifestyle. 

In fact, many of the people on my program were very experienced digital nomads. While I won the prize for tenure in the lifestyle, there were people with up to 10 years of digital nomad lifestyle experience. 

Some were itinerant nomads, and others had home bases and traveled at will for large chunks of the year. There were also remote workers who are very much rooted in their home countries/towns, but who enjoy traveling with Hacker Paradise once or twice a year. 

And yes, there were a few newbies to the lifestyle as well, who were welcomed with open arms and were able to glean all kinds of travel wisdom from more experienced nomads. 

But Hacker Paradise isn’t about teaching you how to be a digital nomad; it’s about who you do it with.

The real value lies in the connections you forge. For me, this is where the Hacker Paradise experience truly shines. 

In 2018, after 12 years of full-time travel and immersing myself in local cultures, I had a pretty significant episode of burnout. It took me years to understand that the root cause was a lack of a social network – a group of like-minded individuals who understood the digital nomad lifestyle and shared the same wanderlust while also balancing a remote career.

Hacker Paradise brings together individuals with not only the same mindset but also a wealth of experience in the digital nomad world. During your time in the program, you’re bound to connect on a deeper level with at least a few of your fellow participants. And the beauty of it is that these connections often endure well after the program ends.

Over time, you can develop your own social network of friends who are also living and traveling around the world. It’s a network of kindred spirits who understand the nuances of remote work and the itch for adventure.

My friend Matt is a multiple Hacker Paradise alumni, and has also done Remote Year and other co-living co-working programs…a few times. He has been a digital nomad for over 10 years, and his most recent co-living co-working program was less than a year ago. So he sure ain’t doing it to learn about the lifestyle. 

In the next section I’ll explain why he still does these programs, and the net result of his efforts. 

Building a Global Social Network of Friends 

Shortly after I met Matt online (he reached out to me to be on his podcast), we circumnavigated the US by train together. This was a crazy stunt that only two experienced nomads like ourselves thought was a good idea at the time – crazy for many reasons, including that we had never even met in person before! 

But we both knew something our naysayers didn’t: as digital nomads, we could navigate living with one another and balancing the thrills of discovering new places with the routine of work. And given that most intrepid travelers are inherently pretty flexible, we figured we would get along fine. 

We did! And along the way, I met a dozen or so other digital nomads who Matt was friends with as well. This blew my mind. 

These were all people he had met over the years of doing Hacker Paradise and other co-living co-working programs. Matt had a massive global network of like-minded friends who he met up with regularly. 

With his experience in these programs, he can now literally put a message out to the ether saying “I’m going to X for two months: who’s in?” And before he knows it he has a group of five people to rent a villa with in the south of France. 

Just have a listen to his podcast The Maverick Show, and you’ll meet a bunch of these amazing people that he is friends with, and who he met through programs like these. 

RESOURCES

Interested in digital nomad communities? Here are the best places to connect with other digital nomads (online and IRL). 

Not sure how much the digital nomad lifestyle costs? Join the club. Here’s a guide to budgeting for long-term travel. 

Hacker Paradise for Couples: Exploring Co-living as a Duo

It’s now time to debunk any ideas you have of Hacker Paradise being only for swinging singles. It’s not. And in fact, I got into some particularly deep chats with one of the couples on my trip, and they said Hacker Paradise is instrumental for their relationship. 

First up let’s look at the cost aspect. Because as a couple you’re sharing one room, the cost per person to participate as a couple is much less than two singles. You each still pay a program fee, but then you share the room cost. 

Beyond the inherent financial advantages of traveling as a couple, Hacker Paradise makes it easy for couples to spend time together and apart, as they wish. 

Life as a digital nomad couple is not always peachy. You are together 24-7; living, working, and traveling together. Even if you’re soulmates, this can wear thin after a while. 

This becomes especially challenging while together in a foreign place, where opportunities to have significant experiences and connections with others outside of your couple-bubble can be difficult manifest. 

Hacker Parardise makes this much easier. Within the group you may each find yourselves befriending different people, and you can foster these friendships over coffee or on excursions that your partner may not be interested in doing. 

Or perhaps one day one of you doesn’t want to go out while the other one does. Whoever wishes to go out and have a travel adventure won’t have any shortage of people to do it with. 

When you reunite at the end of the day, you’ve collected individual experiences and new ideas to bring back to your partnership and incorporate into the fold. Keepin’ it spicy, in a sense. 

On our trip (with 22 people) there were three couples. 

But also, there were many participants who were in serious relationships and were doing Hacker Paradise on their own. This is because coliving and coworking programs are a very easy way to travel solo; the built-in community is nurturing without being overbearing. 

You wanna do couple time on your own? Go on. Take that romantic bike ride.  

You wanna build personal friendships outside of your relationship? Have at ‘er. 

You wanna socialize together as the power-couple that you are? Power to you. 

You wanna divide and conquer? No need to be attached at the hip. 

Anything is possible.
 

Cultural Diversity and Cross-Cultural Exploration: Surprise! 

While a significant portion of participants tend to be North American or European, Hacker Paradise thrives on its cultural mishmash, creating an environment where everyone is collectively out of their element in a new destination. 

I was pleasantly surprised how this cultural diversity played out. When you explore a new place, you’re viewing it through your own cultural lens (often unconsciously so); when you’re alongside others who have their own cultural backgrounds that affect how they see things, interesting conversations happen as people share their perspectives. 

In a sense I was not only discovering Tallinn and Estonian culture and food, but I was also discovering cultural nuances and viewpoints of my fellow participants as we traveled and lived together. It’s a fascinating exploration that adds depth and nuance to the month. 

During my time with Hacker Paradise, there were people from North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. Conversations were a cultural exchange in themselves, an opportunity to learn about different customs, traditions, and worldviews. 

If you watch my video about Hacker Paradise, you’ll hear from multiple participants who share how this held surprises for them as well. 

How Igor realized that alone time isn’t a bad thing, despite his cultural upbringing of constantly being surrounded by family. 

How Renee realized that certain ideas and concepts that she thought were universal, were strictly American. 

How Didier realized that cultural sensitivities vary dramatically. 

With representation from over 10 countries, my month in Estonia with Hacker Paradise allowed me to proverbially travel much further. 

Is Hacker Paradise Worth It?

One of the reasons why I haven’t done any coliving coworking programs over the years, was because I knew that I could do it myself for less money. I could find my own accommodation and activities in the same destination for way less – so why would I do the program? 

There were two things that I wasn’t taking into consideration. 

One, was the value of outsourcing the travel planning and logistics, and to know that I can show up and the accommodation is going to be great, in a good neighbourhood, and there will be good Internet, and a coworking space will be nearby, etc.  

It’s a significant amount of time – and mental energy – saved. And sometimes that’s worth paying for. 

The second and equally important component is the social element. This is the X-factor that can make a significant difference in your digital nomad experience. The burnout I had in 2018 stemmed from the absence of a social network of people who understood my lifestyle, shared the same sense of wanderlust, and balanced a remote career along the way. Hacker Paradise fills this gap beautifully.

And because it’s not a lifestyle that you would do every month of the year, spending a little extra for the month that you DO do an HP trip, is a totally justifiable investment in my opinion.

Although I would advise attending for a full month and booking the accommodation where everybody is staying to get the most from the experience, you can also join a program for just two weeks instead of a month, and in some cases you can get your own accommodation and just pay for the program activities. 

Here’s the cherry on top: once you have done a Hacker Paradise trip, you also get a discount on future experiences. 

Speaking of discounts, FAMPROHOBO150 will get you $150 off Hacker Paradise. 

Visit Hacker Paradise / NOMA Collective here, and use FAMPROHOBO150 for $150 off. Maybe I’ll see you on a trip. 

DON’T JUST TAKE MY WORD. WANT TO HEAR IT DIRECTLY FROM MY FELLOW HACKER PARADISE PEEPS? 

Watch this video I made about the experience, featuring five people from four countries spanning four decades in age. Lots of interesting perspectives!

This post Hacker Paradise (NOMA) Review: Surprises (and Setbacks) I Had With This Work and Travel Program appeared first on The Professional Hobo. Please click through to read it in full!

Don’t worry if you’re already wondering what the heck an eSIM is – I got you covered. We’ll start at the beginning, and by the end of this article, you’ll know everything you need to know to harness your phone to travel like a pro. 

RELATED ARTICLES: 

Best International Phone Plans, SIM Cards, and More

Things To Do Before Traveling Abroad: A Simple Guide to Visas, Documents, and Other Important Things

Best Virtual Mailbox Service: How to Get Mail When You Travel

Understanding eSIMs 

A SIM card is what enables your phone to connect to cellular networks, so you can have a phone number, send and receive SMS text messages, and have a data connection. SIM cards don’t necessarily provide all three however; some are just for data, others are just for a phone number and texts. 

The predecessor to eSIMs were/are pSIMs (which stands for “physical SIM”); these were actual physical chips that go into your phone. 

What is an eSIM?

Most cell phones these days are eSIM compatible. ESIM stands for “embedded SIM”. It’s a digital SIM card that is built directly into your device. 

Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, eSIMs eliminate the need for swapping cards when changing networks/phone numbers/countries. This technology is especially beneficial for travelers, as it allows you to switch between local carriers seamlessly.

How does an eSIM work?

Like magic. 

You can activate your new eSIM online with a QR code, and/or a link that gets sent to your email after you buy a package, or even manually through your phone’s settings. The setup takes just a few minutes, and you can do it from the comfort of wherever you are, without going into a cell phone store and handing over your phone to somebody to install a card and mess with your settings. 

The Benefits of Using eSIMs for International Travel

Choosing the best eSIM for your international travels comes with a plethora of benefits that will significantly enhance your experience abroad. Here’s what you stand to gain:

Cost Savings

Traditional roaming charges can add up quickly, but eSIMs often offer more competitive rates for international data and calls. This can result in significant cost savings during your travels.

And because you can shop online for eSIMs, the market is considerably more competitive with better pricing, especially when compared to “regular” cell phone plans with exorbitant international roaming charges. You can choose plans that align with your data and calling needs, potentially saving you a significant amount.

Convenience

Swapping SIM cards can be cumbersome, and finding a local SIM in a foreign country might not always be straightforward. 

When I was in India in 2017, I landed at the airport at an awkward time of day, so the airport kiosk selling SIM cards wasn’t open. This was unfortunate, because the local cell phone stores were not equipped to help foreigners get phone plans nearly as easily as I could have gotten one from the airport. 

Since switching to eSIMs, I haven’t had to endure those kinds of hassles at all. I usually set up my eSIMs in advance, so that as soon as I land in a new place, I have a connection. 

Flexibility

eSIMs give you the flexibility to choose from various carriers and plans based on your needs. Only staying for a week? Get a week-long plan. Staying for a month? Get the month-long plan. Need to extend? Go for it. 

Also, with the ability to switch between carriers without physically changing SIM cards, eSIMs provide unmatched flexibility. This is particularly handy if you’re visiting multiple countries during your journey.

I often have multiple eSIMs from different companies on the go, to take advantage of the best rates in whatever regions/countries I’m visiting, since each eSIM company has its own sweet spot (as you’ll discover in my breakdown below).

Multi-Number Support

Some eSIM-enabled devices allow you to have multiple phone numbers on a single device. This feature is is handy if you want to keep your home number active while you’re abroad while also getting a local number for your destination. It’s also great if you want to keep personal and business contacts separate while using the same device.

Seamless Activation

Activating an eSIM is a straightforward process that can usually be done through an app. No more complicated manual setups or dealing with language barriers at local stores.

Multi-Device Connectivity (Hotspot Use)

If I don’t have a solid WiFi connection, I can turn my phone into a hotspot that my laptop and other devices can connect to. This was a lifesaver while I was traveling up, down, and all around the United States by train. Because I had a robust data plan on my eSIM, I used it as a hotspot for my laptop to have a connection so I could get work done while chugging my way around the country, since many train routes had no WiFi on board. 

Eco-Friendly 

The advent of eSIM technology is eliminating the manufacturing – and disposal – of plastic SIM cards. While I’m sure one could argue that cell phones aren’t in and of themselves the most environmentally friendly things on the planet, baby steps. The lack of plastic SIM cards is progress. I don’t see anybody giving up their phones in the name of being environmentally friendly any time soon. 

See also: Eco-Friendly Travel Products That Help the Environment 

Loss-Proof 

There’s nothing worse than changing physical SIM cards for a trip, then losing your original SIM card. With eSIMs, there’s nothing to lose! 

Top eSIM Options for International Travel

In some countries, eSIMs are still a new concept, and infrastructure isn’t always quite set up if you want a local phone plan with a phone number and data via eSIM. But this is changing quickly, since the latest models of some phones don’t allow for physical SIM cards at all! 

In general, most of the time the thing we need the most when we travel is data; not so much a local phone number since apps like WhatsApp make messaging, voice calls, and video calls possible with just a data or WiFi connection. In fact, in some countries it’s the preferred method of communicating, including for locals! 

So most of the eSIMs for international travel that I profile below are data eSIMs; while some offer phone numbers, I consider that information largely incidental. It’s the data that’s gold. 

(That said, a common question I get from readers is “what if I need to make a phone call at my destination, for example to call a hotel?” Never fear: there are a couple of eSIMs below that will help you if that’s your concern).

Some of the links to eSIM providers listed below are affiliate links; this means if you click through and make a purchase I get a wee commission. This is one of the primary ways I make my living, and it allows me to continue to create and update mammoth resources like these, so you can travel smart, in style. It doesn’t cost you anything extra; but that simple click-through on your part means a lot to me. Thank you in advance for your support. 

Roamless

Use NORA5 for a $5 credit!

Roamless turns the entire eSIM industry on its head, and I love them for it. Instead of making you buy specific data packages with set amounts of data and limited geographic coverage, they work solely on a pay-as-you go basis. This eliminates the problem of unused data going to waste. Your data will never expire, since you only ever pay for what you use!

It also eliminates the need for multiple eSIMs; one installation and you’re set up to use any amount of data, anywhere in the world. All you need to do is put money in your in-app wallet, and you’ll have fast data wherever you go.

MY STRATEGY: I always have credit sitting in my Roamless wallet. When I’m about to travel, I check the per/GB rates for the country I’m about to visit. If it’s competitive, I use Roamless. If it’s not, or if I know in advance that I’ll need a boatload of data, I start researching the other eSIMs in this article to find a competitive rate.

2025 UPDATE: Roamless originally launched with only the pay-as-you-go credit model above. This is now referred to on Roamless as their Flex plan. They also have Fix plans that behave like traditional eSIM plans, offering fixed amounts of data with 30-day expiry dates. The Fix plans are competitively priced and might be ideal if you know in advance you’ll use a lot of data.

If all that wasn’t enough, they also offer in-app phone calls. Using the money in your Roamless wallet, you can call any number around the world (rates vary by destination/carrier, but start as low as $0.01/minute). This is great if you need to make a call at your destination (eg: to a hotel) and don’t have a phone plan. While they don’t currently have the ability for you to receive incoming numbers, this is a feature they’re developing.
Note: you don’t even need to be using their eSIM to use the in-app phone call feature! All you need is to load some money in the app and you can make calls over any WiFi or data plan, including your home carrier.

Pro Tip: Turn on your notifications for the app, because they offer special deals that give you up to a 100% bonus credit! For example, they had a 1-day sale on Valentine’s Day; top up any amount over $14 and get a $14 credit! Needless to say I jumped on that one. With deals like that, your actual cost per GB of data – even for the Flex plans – will be among the most competitive on the market.

TYPES OF PLANS

• Flex Plans: 100% Pay-as-you-go, works in 200+ countries
• Fix Plans: Fixed data amounts and locations with 30-day expiry

PRICING INFO

• Pricing varies depending on the country and whether you choose Flex or Fix.
• For example: France = $2.45/GB Flex, and as low as $1.24/GB on Fix; Canada = $4.45/GB Flex, as low as $2.20/GB on Fix

ADDITIONAL INFO/FEATURES

• Funds in wallet never expire
• Supports device tethering
• Easy-to-follow steps & instructions when installing
• Turn it on or off whenever you need to
• Works on Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops
• 4G/5G connections, no throttling
• Make in-app voice calls to 200+ destinations

Click here to check out Roamless and use NORA5 for a $5 credit!  

Saily

Use NORA10 for 10% off!

Saily covers 200+ destinations and offers high network speeds like 4G, LTE, and 5G. They are associated with my fav VPN company that I’ve been a paying customer for years (and one of the top-rated VPNs around): Nord VPN. This immediately bodes well for my confidence in Saily being a good eSIM provider.

As soon as Saily launched I checked out their rates and I was very impressed: some of the most competitive rates I’ve seen yet, especially for 30-day plans.

Even better: they also have some of the only long-term global data plans on the market! I almost always have a 20GB global plan with a 365-day expiry date on my phone – either with Saily or Airalo (below).

This is noteworthy for a couple of reasons; a big one being that most eSIM data plans have very short expiry dates (usually between seven and 30 days). The 365-day plans help to set Saily apart.

I use this global plan either as my main eSIM (especially in places where the cost of data is normally expensive), and/or somewhere where I know I’ll have WiFi most of the time and won’t need much data, and/or as a backup for places I’m transiting or traveling quickly through and don’t want to bother getting a dedicated data eSIM for.

I also used one of their Regional plans for Europe, and again I used them when I visited Tanzania. In all cases I was super pleased. The process of buying and installing was very easy.

With only one tap, you can install your eSIM plan and start using it right away. If you ever need to top up your active plan, you can do that smoothly without buying and installing another one. This includes when hopping from one country/region to another; you never have to reinstall a new eSIM profile. All you need to do is to get a new deal, and you can swap your plans conveniently through the app.

2025 UPDATE: Saily just launched yet another new type of plan that is rocking the eSIM industry for long-term travelers and remote workers: Saily Ultra – an unlimited global eSIM monthly plan. Here are the features:

• 30GB high speed data per month (if you use more than 30GB it switches to 1mbps speed)
• Coverage in 113 countries
• Access to Nord’s full suite, including NordVPN, NordPass (password manager), NordLocker (secure cloud storage) and Incogni (personal data removal service) – all this would normally cost you $8/month, for free
• 8% cashback in Saily credits
• Ad blockers
• Virtual location (masks your IP address) – this helps accessing sites you can only access from your home country
• Web protection
• Priority 24/7 support
• More to come

Now, all this unlimited coverage comes at a cost: $59.99/month. However, if you travel a lot and tend to use a lot of data, it may be worthwhile.

I have recently started testing out eSIM monthly subscription plans (there are a few available, including Holafly, Pangia Pass, and GigSky – all featured below), and I am surprised at how refreshing it is to know I have unlimited data, everywhere I go.
And with the entire Nord suite of services as well (including a VPN which is critical to have), Saily Ultra is a good option.

TYPES OF SAILY PLANS

• Variety of local plans for 200+ destinations and regions
• Multiple data packages, starting from 1 GB up to 20 GB
• Flexible validity periods, starting from 1 day up to 30 days (plus the 365-day global plan)
• Saily Ultra global monthly subscription plan

PRICING INFO

• Pricing varies depending on the country, the duration of the plan, and the amount of data you want to get.
• For example: Turkey: 1 GB data for 7 days = $3.99; Spain: 3 GB data for 30 days = $6.99; Thailand: 1 GB data for 7 days = $2.99; Europe 5 GB for 30 days = $19.49; Global 20 GB for 365 days = $67.
• Saily Unlimited, for $59.99/month

ADDITIONAL INFO/FEATURES

• 24/7 customer support
• Supports tethering
• Easy-to-follow steps & instructions when installing
• Supports 5G connection
• Multi-use eSIM profile
• Many plans offer 3% cashback which can be used towards your next eSIM

Click here to check out Saily and use NORA10 for 10% off!  

Pangia Pass

Get 10% off (discount embedded my links below)

There are now a few eSIM providers that offer global monthly renewable data plans. Saily Ultra (described above), and Holafly and GigSky (coming below).

However unlike these others who offer these types of plans as a supplement to their core offering, Pangia Pass eSIM does one and one thing only: global unlimited renewable data.

I’m in the process of testing out these plans across all three providers. Here are some general observations.

Why Monthly Renewable Global Data Works

In the “old days”, landing in a new country was hard work: find Wi-Fi, find a SIM shop, compare plans, choose/buy/install, and hope it all works. If I landed at an awkward time of day or night, the airport kiosks wouldn’t be open and I’d have to dedicate half a day to finding a cell phone shop that could help me as a non-resident traveler. 

Then eSIMs came along; big improvement. Still, I would spend hours before each trip researching the best eSIM, downloading and installing it, and hoping it would connect when I landed at my destination. 

Now, the plane lands, I turn on my phone, and I’m already connected. This is monthly renewable global data at its best. 

Here’s why it’s magic

• Pangia Pass in particular has the best rates in the global monthly data market (by a long shot).
• Because the data is unlimited, I don’t worry about trying to connect to public WiFi wherever possible, like airports, hotels, and cafes – where the WiFi is notoriously insecure. 
• I no longer spend hours researching and comparing eSIM plans every time I’m about to travel. My phone simply works, everywhere I go, all the time. 
• I don’t have to monitor my data usage meticulously, to make sure I bought enough for my trip length.
• I just never think about data any more, and it’s way more of a relief than I ever thought it would be.
  

Who it’s for

Digital nomads and long-term travelers are the obvious choice for Pangia Pass, but I would also say anybody who travels frequently (even on shorter trips) can benefit from having this perfect option that works every time you go abroad. 

Some specifics / drawbacks

• While the data is unlimited, the coverage isn’t quite global. It covers 105 countries (and counting). Regions with limited coverage include a huge chuck of Africa, the Stans, a bit of SouthEast Asia (including Laos and Cambodia), and a bit of Central/South America (including Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Venezuela). So check the coverage map before you travel to make sure you’ll have data. If not, you can supplement with another eSIM for the time you’re in those countries. 
• No phone number is included (which is standard for most eSIMs). 
• In order to keep data unlimited and global for all customers, Pangia Pass asks everybody to adhere to a fair usage policy. This means don’t do things like stream video 24/7 (literally), or hotspot to devices that consume ridiculous amounts of GiGs daily. The good news is if you’re using up too much bandwidth you’ll get a warning first (they won’t just boot you off).
  

Payment options

Panga Pass has 3 plans to choose from (in $USD):

• $27/month, paid annually ($324/year)
• $35/month, paid monthly, cancel any time
• Lifetime Unlimited plan: $5,000 one time payment

The monthly and annual plans auto-renew. You can cancel any time through the dashboard, but you don’t get a refund for unused time if you cancel mid-cycle. 

Curious? Try out Pangia Pass eSIM here, and this link has a 10% discount embedded! 

Holafly eSIM 

Use promo code THEPROFESSIONALHOBO for 5-10% off!

Over the years I haven’t been super excited to promote Holafly because I haven’t found their rates particularly competitive. But they revamped their program and now have a couple of standout features that just might be up your alley.

FOR SHORT-TERM TRIPS AND BIG DATA NEEDS: Holafly offers unlimited data at a fixed cost per day at your destination. The longer the plan you select, the lower the cost per day will be. This makes your vacation super stress-free, because you don’t need to worry about running out of data.

FOR LONG-TERM TRAVELERS and DIGITAL NOMADS: Holafly Plans gives you monthly global data plans. You can choose from three beefy plans, depending on your needs. You can use your phone as a hotspot, and you can cancel whenever you like.

I tested out the Holafly Plans feature and the process was seamless. And I must admit, with large-to-unlimited data amounts and global accessibility, I don’t have to think about my data needs (geographically) nor consumption. I just know it works….everywhere.

If you want to try out Holafly Plans, use THEPROFESSIONALHOBO to get 10% off every month for 12 months.

TYPES OF PLANS

• “Regular” Holafly – Prepaid Local, Regional, or Global data that is unlimited and charged on a per-day basis
• Holafly Plans – Monthly data plans for long-term global data users

PRICING INFO 

• “Regular Holafly pricing varies depending on the country or region and the duration of the plan
• For example: Europe – as low as $1.58/day for 60+ day plans, $6.90/day for less than 30 days
• Holafly Plans is currently offering launch pricing starting at $49.90/month. (Use THEPROFESSIONALHOBO to lock in the launch price plus 10% off)

ADDITIONAL INFO/FEATURES

• Extremely positive feedback from users in testimonials/reviews
• 24/7 Customer Support
• 200+ destinations
• Hotspot enabled
• Flexible refund policy (you can request a refund up to 6 months after purchase if your travel plans change)
  

Click here for “Regular” Holafly, and click here for Holafly Plans. Use THEPROFESSIONALHOBO for 5% off regular Holafly, and 10% off Holafly Plans!

GigSky

GigSky offers a variety of plans for 190-plus countries and regions. For those preparing to go on a cruise, their new Cruise + Land plans make staying connected while at sea, in port and on land seamless – a standout quality among eSIM providers. . 

Plans start as low as $2.99 for 1GB of data. When combined with their Rewards Program (earn 5% credit on every purchase you make) and their Refer-a-Friend offer (earn $3 every time a new referee buys a data plan), it’s easy to get addicted to being a repeat customer.  

Additionally, they offer all new customers a 100MB Free Trial – the perfect way to “try before you buy.” The best part about this is there’s no credit card required to take advantage of this offer.

GigSky also has a series of Unlimited plans, available in certain regions/countries (check their website for details). These plans range from 1-day to 30-days and is priced based on location. This is a great solution for heavy-data users. 

My partner has used GigSky in a few countries now. The purchase and installation is easy and the connection has been smooth and unlimited. The only downside is that each new plan (eg: for different countries or regions) requires a separate installation.

2026 UPDATE: GigSky One is their latest creation – a monthly subscription model that offers global data, similar to what I’ve described above with Holafly, Pangia Pass, and Saily. You can choose how much data you wish to have per month (25GB, 50GB, or 75GB), and at the time of this update they are running a 50% off special which makes their 25GB plan the most competitive of all the eSIM subscription plans on the market! This plan offers coverage in 120+ countries.

TYPES OF PLANS

• Country
• Regional
• Global
• Cruise + Land
• Off-Shore/North Sea
• Monthly Global Subscriptions

PRICING INFO

• Free 100MB data (for new customers)
• Pricing depends on destination, duration and data allowance. Take, for example, a United Kingdom Plan:
  • 100MB – Free – 7 days
  • 1GB – $5.99 – 7 days
  • 3GB – $9.34 – 15 days
  • 5GB – $15.29 – 30 days
  • 10GB – $23.37 – 30 days
  • Unlimited – $20.29 – 7 days
  • Unlimited – $30.79 – 14 days 

ADDITIONAL INFO / FEATURES

• 100MB Free Trial
• Plans in 190+ countries/regions
• Operates on 5G (when available)
• Automatically connects to the fastest networks
• 24/7/365 Live Support: chat, email, phone call & through their website
• Easy top-ups
• Data sharing (hotspot) allowed with other devices

Check out GigSky’s broad offerings here, and their GigSky One subscription plan here!

Airalo eSIM 

Airalo has long been the darling of my fellow digital nomads and international travelers, much to my chagrin. When I first looked at them a few years ago, their rates were horrible. But they were easy to use, which apparently was worth its weight in gold. Or maybe it was that they had a robust loyalty/referral program; many eSIM providers now do, but Airalo was one of the first, and I think it served them well. 

The I looked at them again a couple of years ago and their rates were more competitive.

Also, something caught my eye: they also have a 20GB global plan with a 365-day expiry (similar to Saily) that is almost exactly the same price! It’s a fabulous back-up plan in case you need coverage in transit countries or for short spurts. If you’re in the market for a global eSIM check the current rates for both, as one or the other might have a sale on.

I have since used (and topped up) Airalo’s 20 GB global plan, and in 2024 I also found a great rate on a 30-day plan for a country I was visiting (Bosnia & Herzegovina for the record).

Sadly with Airalo, unless you’re topping up an existing eSIM, getting new plans requires you to go through the installation process again. While I’ve never struggled with the installation, I have heard from readers who have; if you’re not tech-savvy, you stand warned.

TYPES OF PLANS

• Regional data
• Local data
• Global data

PRICING INFO 

• Pricing depends on the destination, duration, and data allowance 
• For example: Canada: 1GB for 7 days = $6; Australia: 2GB for 15 days = $8; Latin America: 3GB for 30 days = $39; Global (130 countries): 20GB for 365 days = $69

ADDITIONAL INFO/FEATURES

• 24/7 support
• Airalo Loyalty Program – earn additional credit for every purchase (cashback)

Click here to check out Airalo!

Nomad eSIM 

Nomad eSIM was the first eSIM I ever used. Keep an eye out for their sales; I started using them because they had a great deal on a European plan, and I got hooked on the ease of setup and the solid connectivity. 

I will admit, the sale package offered more data than I would normally consume, and once I got a taste of having obscene amounts of data at my fingertips, it turned me into a wee bit of a data-pig. It’s a tough habit to break once Pandora’s box has been opened. 

Caution: if installing new eSIMs gives you the heebie-jeebies, Nomad eSIM requires you to install a new eSIM for every country/region/plan you purchase. It’s not difficult, but you’ll need to keep track of which eSIM is which and potentially clean up old ones.
Many newer eSIMS to the market (including all the eSIMs listed above) only require you to install their eSIM once, and you can use any of their plans with the one eSIM, saving you the hassle of switching. This is important if your phone limits the number of eSIMs you can have.

TYPES OF PLANS

• Regional data
• Local data
• Global data

PRICING INFO 

• Europe: Starting from $1.25/GB
• US: Starting from $2.00/GB
• UK: Starting from $1.50/GB
• APAC: Starting from $2.40/GB

ADDITIONAL INFO/FEATURES

• 24/7 Message support is built into the app
• Data sharing (hotspot) allowed with other devices
• Loyalty program plus referral bonuses available
  

Firsty

Firsty is totally unique and has a great value proposition: as in, it’s free! The idea is, if you land at a new destination and you haven’t yet installed a local SIM card, or perhaps whatever plan you are using is on the fritz, Firsty is there to save the day with free global data.

Their free plan offers a basic connection with a low bandwidth, but fast enough to get the essentials done; check emails, order an Uber, etc. Every 60 minutes you will be asked to watch a 30-second advertisement to keep the free juice flowing.

They also have Firsty Fast, which is their premium product and divided into two different tiers depending on your data needs. For those looking to roam like at home, they have Firsty Fast Ultra for around 2.50EUR/day. Those looking to get by with 500MB of fast data per day is Firsty Fast Lyte, starting at 1EUR/day. Being the only provider where you can buy days instead of bundles, you’ll never worry about running out of data. You can easily top up in the app or you can fall back on Firsty Free to message, check your email, online call, use navigation and other low-bandwidth apps like ordering an Uber.

TYPES OF PLANS

• Global
• Per country. List of countries and plans here.
• Pay per day

PRICING INFO 

• Free plan, low bandwidth, you get shown a 30-second ad every 60 minutes
• Firsty Fasty Lyte, approximately 1 EUR/day for 500 MB
• Firsty Fast Ultra, approximately 2 EUR/day for 2GB

ADDITIONAL INFO/FEATURES

• You can pause your data and save it for your next trip. In this way, your data never expires!
• 24/7 customer support built into the app
• Free mobile data for apps like messaging, navigation, ordering an uber and facetime
• Buy days instead of bundles (2GB a day)
• One eSIM for the globe, automatically connecting you to best available network
  
  

aloSIM

Use NORA for 15% off!

aloSIM is a Canada-based eSIM provider. They’ve got great reach (175+ countries) and relatively competitive rates. Where aloSIM shines is in their alliance with Hushed, which offers online phone numbers. When you get an aloSIM eSIM, you will also get a FREE online phone number (your choice of a US or Canadian phone number) that can make and receive calls and texts over WiFi and data – for free – for the duration of your plan!

I recently found some great rates for a 30-day Europe/UK eSIM with aloSIM and so I tried them out. While this particular 30-day plan didn’t come with an online phone number, I will say that installing and activating aloSIM through their app was incredibly easy and seamless.

TYPES OF PLANS

• Regional plans
• Country plans

PRICING INFO

• Europe: Starting from $5.00/week
• US: Starting from $4.50/week
• Asia: Starting from $5.00/week
• Canada: Starting from $6/week

ADDITIONAL INFO / FEATURES

• Offers 24/7 live chat 
• 5G speeds available
• Quick and simple activation process
• Data sharing (hotspot) allowed with other devices
• Most data packages come with a free international phone number from Hushed (their sister app) that can call or text anywhere in the world
• Comprehensive FAQ – They’ve meticulously compiled answers to every imaginable question, ensuring you don’t need to resort to searching on Google or YouTube for solutions
  
  

Orbit Mobile eSIM

Use HOBO10 for 10% off!

Orbit Mobile e-SIM offers some very competitive prices. After discounts, their plans start at just $1.40/GB. 

Their plans are quite flexible. Most country plans allow you to buy from 1-20GB with a 30-day expiry. Some regional plans also include 50GB for 60 days, and 100GB for 365 days.

And at $120 for 100GB of global data over 365 days, this puts Orbit Mobile in top spot for value per GB on the 365-day global plans, as compared to Saily and Airalo’s global 365-day plans! However, Orbit Mobile’s Global plan currently only includes 64 countries, so make sure you’ll have coverage where you want to be. For example, I was surprised to see Canada is not on the list of countries covered in the Global plan.

Orbit Mobile e-SIM supports 4G+ to 5G. It lets you make in-app voice calls to 190+ countries. The network stays strong across urban areas and decent in most rural areas. 2025 Update: Orbit Mobile now works in 190+ countries (up from 170). And you don’t need to buy a new e-SIM every trip. One profile handles regional and global top-ups.

TYPES OF PLANS

• Local data 
• Regional data 
• Global data

PRICING INFO 

• Prices vary by country, duration, and data size
• Europe: Starting from $5.50/GB for 30 days
• US: Starting from $3/GB for 30 days
• Australia: Starting from $3/GB for 30 days
• Asia: Starting from $9/GB for 30 days
• Global Pass: Starting from $1/GB for 1 day or $120/100 for 365 days

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

• Supports 4G+/5G for fast connections.
• Multi-use eSIM profile- one eSIM, many top-ups.
• Works on phones, tablets, and laptops.
• In-app voice calls to 190+ destinations.
• 24/7 customer support.
• Quick QR-code and app-based activation.
• Hotspot support for tethering.

Click here to check out Orbit Mobile eSIMs, and use HOBO10 for 10% off!

Airhub App

Airhub provides comprehensive voice and data eSIMs in 80+ countries. A significant advantage is the inclusion of local numbers for receiving calls and texts, making it easy to receive OTPs for taxis, book hotels, and more. The Europe eSIM even includes a voice plan that supports international calls, facilitating communication with family and friends while abroad.

When you type in a destination, you’ll get a range of eSIM options including data only, data + voice, and different data amounts/expiry dates. The rates are very competitive. 

A word of advice/caution:

Read the additional information before buying, as there may be restrictions. When I searched Bulgaria’s voice + data plan, the phone number attached to the plan is a UK number. While it included roaming support so I could make local calls, a local Bulgarian wouldn’t likely want to call a UK number to reach me down the street. 

Also, I noticed some plans restrict hotspot tethering. If you plan to use your phone as a data hotspot, you’ll want to confirm the plan you get allows for it. 

Airhub ensures connectivity across popular travel destinations with a user-friendly activation process through QR codes or an app, ensuring you’re connected as soon as you land. Additionally, Airhub offers a range of plans tailored to different travel needs, such as family plans and cruise plans; whether data, voice, or both. This flexibility surpasses many competitors who often focus primarily on data-only plans.

TYPES OF PLANS

• Regional plans
• Local plans
• Global plans
• Voice plans (available in specific regions)

PRICING INFO

• Thailand: 2GB for 7 days – $3.2
• Europe: 65GB for 30 days – $32
• Australia: 20GB for 30 days – $12
• Latin America: 5GB for 30 days – $19.5
• Global: 25GB for 30 days – $39.9 (More plans available quarterly and annually)

ADDITIONAL INFO / FEATURES

• 24/7 Support: Available via in-app messaging.
• Airhub Loyalty Program: Earn additional credit for every purchase (cashback).
• Airhub’s Free eSIM: Avail up to 100 MB of free data covering over 80 countries. If you end up exhausting the data, you can always go for affordable top-up plans.
• Exciting offers like Family and Cruise Plans are tailored specifically for various needs.
  
  

Jetpac

Jetpac is a Telco company based out of Singapore. As a telecommunications company, they have direct relationships with other telcos globally, which in turn allows them to offer extremely competitive rates. As of May 2024, they claim to have the lowest rates for Japan, Europe, and the US. Most data packs have a 7-day or 30-day expiry, and you have up to a year to activate a pack after purchasing it.

In addition to data roaming services, Jetpac provides exclusive travel convenience perks such as free lounge access, meal and drink vouchers for delayed flights at over 1,000 airports worldwide, and one-click access to emergency hotlines in foreign countries.

I bought a 7-day plan with Jetpac and installation/use was fairly easy.

TYPES OF PLANS

• Global plan
• Regional plans
• Country plans

PRICING INFO 

• 1-day, 4-day, 7-day, and 30-day plans, up to 40GB
• Europe (28 countries) GB for 4 days = $1! 3GB for 7 days = $8.50
• USA 0.5GB for 1 day = $0.60! 1GB for 4 days = $1; 3GB for 7 days = $5

ADDITIONAL INFO/FEATURES

• Data sharing (creating a hotspot with your phone) is allowed with other devices
• Rates are great if you just need data for a few days
• They’re coming out with additional travel-friendly features and add-ons, so check their Perks page for the latest!
  
  
  

Truely

Use NORA10 for 10% off!

Truely offers 4G, LTE, and 5G connectivity in over 200 locations worldwide. Its Switchless technology eliminates the need to reinstall or switch eSIM profiles when moving between countries, allowing for a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

Truely offers a single lifetime eSIM solution — you don’t have to juggle multiple SIM cards or profiles. Their pricing model is straightforward: choose either a total amount of data for a specific number of days or a set amount of data per day for up to 60 days.

While the single eSIM solution isn’t super unique any more, Truely may have competitive rates depending on where you’re going.

TYPES OF PLANS

• Regional data
• Global data
• Day passes

PRICING INFO

• Pricing depends on the destination, duration, and data allowance 
• For example: US: 1GB for 7 days = $4.49; Europe: 1GB for 7 days = $4.99; UK: 1GB for 7 days = $4.99

ADDITIONAL INFO

• 24/7 support via live chat or WhatsApp
• Only one eSIM required for all destinations
• 5G speeds available
• Wireless hotspot is allowed
  
  

Kite.Mobi

Kite.Mobi is fairly new to the scene, and when I checked out their site I was impressed with their global reach (160+ countries), their relationship with multiple cell networks in each country, and competitive rates.

What’s unique about Kite.Mobi is that they don’t have individual country plans; rather, they work with bundles. So, type in the country you plan to visit, and you’ll likely find that it’s also good in a few dozen other countries as well! The idea with multi-country access is that you can activate the eSIM before you leave home to make sure it works, and it will then work as soon as you land at your destination – and likely any layovers you have in between!

This sent me down a bit of a rabbit hole searching individual countries, then seeing which countries were included in that bundle, then searching other countries in that bundle to see if the rates were the same. In most cases they were; in some, they weren’t. For example, I searched New Zealand and found a bundle of 44 countries, including Bulgaria. So then I searched Bulgaria and got a different bundle with 37 countries (not including New Zealand) that cost a bit less!

TYPES OF PLANS

• Regional data (up to 72 countries per bundle)

PRICING INFO 

• 7-day and 30-day plans, up to 20GB
• 37-country bundle (including most of Europe) costs up to $25 for 20GB; a 73-country bundle (including Canada/USA and countries around the world) costs up to $68 for 20GB

ADDITIONAL INFO/FEATURES

• Data sharing (creating a hotspot with your phone) is allowed with other devices
• eSIMs are reusable up to 12 months after your last trip
• Customer service is only online, with a cautionary note that with timezone differences it may take a while for the team to get back to you
  

KeepGo eSIM 

Use PROFESSIONALHOBO for 10% off!

KeepGo has both eSIMs as well as physical SIMs and also mobile WiFi hotspots. I’ve had their mobile WiFi hotspot for a few years and whenever I’ve traveled with other people and needed to tether multiple devices, it has been great. Their rates aren’t the most competitive, but the data is valid forever (as long as you top up once per year, even with a tiny amount). 

I find the eSIM plans to be overwhelming; I searched for eSIM plans in Canada, and there are five different “eSIM bundles” that include Canada coverage. Each one has different coverage in terms of the number of carriers they have access to and/or the number of countries they offer coverage in. 5GB of data ranges from $40-$120!

So it’s a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack, but the prices CAN be very reasonable. Eg: if you’re going to Europe and you get the EU+ eSIM, 5GB costs $14 and never expires! 

But if you’re looking for a fast and easy one-click choice, you won’t find it here. 

If you click the link above and find a plan that works for you, use PROFESSIONALHOBO for 10% off! 

TYPES OF PLANS

• Regional data
• Global data
• They also have physical sim card bundles, and mobile WiFi hotspots

PRICING INFO 

• Each package has different countries and networks that it supports, and different pricing.
• For example: Perseus: 9 main Asian destinations and Saudi Arabia | 5GB = $30; Phoenix: Global data | 10GB = $112; Orion: Europe and the USA | 50GB = $400

ADDITIONAL INFO/FEATURES

• Data is valid forever if topped up at least once a year
• Data sharing allowed with other devices 
• You can switch between different mobile networks with the best coverage in your area. You can also manually select your preferred network via the Keepgo app
• Cannot purchase individual country eSim plans
  

TravelSim eSIM 

I have no experience with TravelSim, but they seem to be a popular choice and their rates are pretty good for Europe. It’s a Europe-centric service, with customer service hours limited to European time zones. I will update this post as I test them out or get more information. 

TYPES OF PLANS

• Regional data
• Global data
• Physical SIM cards also available

PRICING INFO 

• You can manually add a data plan and credit for calls & SMS to your eSIM
• eSIM Embedded Sim Card = $6
• Credit for calls and texts starts at $10
• Data plans differ per region. For example: Europe: 5GB for 30 days = $18; Zone A: 3GB for 30 days = $87; Zone B: 5GB for 30 days = $175

ADDITIONAL INFO/FEATURES

• TravelSim airtime/credit lasts one year (12 months) from your last recharge/top-up
• Your eSIM card will stay “live” as long as you recharge/top up once a year
• Customer service hours are limited to Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 18:00 Eastern European Time Zone
  

Making the Most of Your eSIM

Here’s some super important info to make sure your eSIM adventures go smoothly. 

Check compatibility

Before traveling, ensure that your device is eSIM-enabled and unlocked. Some devices might require carrier-specific eSIMs. If you have a phone plan that includes payments for your phone (ie: you didn’t buy your phone outright for a whack of dough), then your phone could be locked and thus you won’t be able to change SIMs. You can find out by contacting your current phone carrier. 

Consider regional or global plans 

If you’re bopping around countries, it may be easier to just get a regional or even a global plan. Recently I was in Europe for a summer, and (including layovers) I set foot in seven countries in three months. I got a regional plan that covered me throughout Europe, so I had a seamless connection everywhere without having to do anything. 

Consider expiry dates and your usage needs

While some data plans looks like a steal at under $2 per gigabyte of data, if that data expires in just a few days and there’s no way to roll it over, dollar for dollar it might be a crappy deal. Think about how much data you’re likely to use during the plan period. 

For example when I’m at my home base in Canada I have a solid WiFi connection most of the time, so I don’t use a lot of data. So it doesn’t make sense to pay $30 (for example) for a 30-day plan that gives me 20GB of data if I won’t use it. It might make more sense to pay the same $30 for 7GB of data that is good for 180 days. The cost per GB is greater, but overall it’s way cheaper if I’m around for a while. 

Know your plan’s expiry and rollover rules 

The thing people almost never seem to consider when choosing an eSIM provider, is their rollover rules. And it’s so important, especially for long-term travelers, or people like me who use data eSIMs 365 days a year – at home and abroad. (My phone number in Canada is through an app called Fongo, so I don’t have a “regular” phone plan). 

So when you’re evaluating plans, consider: What happens to the data you buy when it expires? Do you lose it? Or can you roll it over by topping up? I never really know how much data I will use in a given period of time, so I appreciate plans that allow me to preserve unused data on expiry. 

Do you need a phone number with calls and texts? 

Some eSIMs come with a phone number that gives you a certain number of SMS texts and calling minutes. But before you take the bait, where is the phone number? 

I was considering a global data plan with one of these providers above; they had packages with just data, and packages with data/calls/texts. But the phone number they give you is for a random country that I have no plans to visit! So the phone number would be useless to me. That said, if one of these eSIMs gives you a number for a country you actually plan to visit, this could be very useful. 

Activate beforehand

I appreciate having a connection as soon as I land, so I can leave the airport and hop right into an Uber or use Google Maps to get public transportation directions. And you usually need some kind of WiFi connection to initially set up your eSIM. By setting up and activating your eSIM before you travel, you’ll be connected on arrival. 

Look at the carriers an eSIM uses

Some eSIMs only have arrangements with one carrier in a country, and that carrier might not have the best coverage for the area you want to visit. Other eSIM providers have the ability to switch carriers to whichever one is strongest in that area. 

If you’re doing a road trip through remote areas of a country, certain phone carriers may be better than others to have. Make sure that the eSIM you choose uses carriers with strong coverage in the areas you plan to visit. 

Check for customer support 

If something goes wrong or you need assistance with your plan, you want to know that a robust 24/7 customer support can get you out of your bind. By reading reviews, you’ll find out pretty quickly what a company’s state of affairs is regarding customer support. 

FAQs about the Best eSIM for International Travel

Staying connected while traveling internationally is more important than ever, but no longer needs to be difficult or stressful With the convenience, cost savings, and flexibility offered by eSIM technology, you can enjoy your trip without worrying about roaming charges. 

With the top eSIM options mentioned in this article, you can make an informed decision and stay connected wherever your wanderlust takes you. 

This post Finding the Best eSIM for International Travel: Your Ultimate Guide appeared first on The Professional Hobo. Please click through to read it in full!

Here’s why Madeira is such an attractive place to visit (despite the fact that many people can’t even find it on a map), how it became one of the top digital nomad hubs in the world, and how you can visit Madeira as a digital nomad and get the most from the experience. 

Madeira Island Travel Guide: Where is Madeira? 

Madeira is an island that belongs to Portugal, but is geographically closer to Morocco than Portugal. And depending on who you talk to, some will tell you that Madeira is culturally more like Africa than Europe. 

Despite being part of Portugal, Madeira has its own elected government with some degree of autonomy. 

Because of its location, it is the warmest place in Europe during winter, and has generally delightful weather year-round; rarely too hot nor too cold. 

Goldilocks would be pleased. 

This, of course, depends on where in Madeira we are talking about, since it may be a small island but it’s also a relatively tall one, with many microclimates. Its beauty is in part due to the near vertical terrain, with houses and towns built (sometimes precariously) into the hillsides. 

Although you can drive around the whole island in a few hours (thanks to the incredible system of over 150 tunnels that were built shortly after Portugal joined the EU), the highest peaks are almost 2,000 metres above sea level. And of course the higher you go, the cooler it gets.

Madeira Hiking Trails

2,000 metres elicits pictures of rugged untouched wilderness, and while that’s not inaccurate, you can also quite literally drive to it. One of the most popular hikes on the island is called Pico do Pico, and starts with a drive to the top of Pico do Arieiro to watch the sun rise, before hiking down into the valley and up to the neighbouring Pico Ruivo, which is the tallest mountain on the island. 

The hike is challenging; anything with an elevation loss and subsequent gain of about 500 metres is not to be sniffed at. On the day I did it, two people had to be air lifted off the mountain due to heat exhaustion. That said, the hike is also practically paved. There are literally stairs with handrails at the steep bits. 

Up and down aren’t your only options for hiking in Madeira; hiking is one of the top pastimes for visitors and locals alike, and with over 3,000 kilometres of hiking trails, it’s a hiker’s paradise. 

The network of tunnels I referred to earlier are one of a few engineering marvels in Madeira; the island is also rife with “levadas”; a form of irrigation initially developed hundreds of years ago to transport water to all parts of the island. And beside many levadas are hiking trails. 

In my two cumulative months on Madeira, I did about eight proper hikes, the longest one about 20kms. Each offered vastly different terrain and views, and I know I still have only scratched the surface. 

I discovered these hikes and found carpools to and from the start and end points, thanks to another marvel of Madeira: the amazing system that has been built to help islanders and long-term visitors alike connect and enjoy all that Madeira has to offer. 

The Rise of Digital Nomads in Madeira

Madeira depends heavily on tourism, and like many tourism-dependent locations, it suffered profoundly when the pandemic hit. But some would argue Madeira’s problems pre-dated the pandemic; as a small island with limited options and industries, young people with career ambitions bigger than Madeira could support had to move away to earn their livings, and few ever return. 

Gonçalo Hall, a Portuguese man hailing from Lisbon, saw an opportunity to contribute to Madeira’s economy, revive the dwindling population, and to create a paradise for digital nomads – a triple win. He created a project that has since taken on a life of its own: Digital Nomads Madeira Islands.  

Gonçalo initially zeroed in on Ponta do Sol, a small village on the south coast of Madiera that, despite the epic sunsets, was suffering. Generations of young people were all moving away due to lack of opportunities, leaving empty houses and closed businesses in their wake. 

What Gonçalo saw in Ponta do Sol was an ocean of opportunity. He wanted to create a digital nomad village that would have an impact not just for nomads, but also for Madeira (present, and future). 

First he created an infrastructure for nomads to arrive. With the help of the regional government, he reached out to local businesses to discuss the pending influx of nomads: hotels, restaurants, local accommodation, consultants, lawyers, car rental agencies, creatives, and entrepreneurs from different areas. The idea was to help them understand what digital nomads need so they could be prepared (top of the list: ergonomic workspace, fast WiFi, and good coffee. We are simple creatures).

Then a coworking space was built, but not just for nomads coming from afar; it was built to be a place where locals and visitors alike could connect and share skills, ideas, cultures, and more. These kinds of collaborations and connections are not only valuable from a social standpoint, but they also create lasting effects like new businesses, tech initiatives, volunteer projects, knowledge transfer in schools, and more. 

The social infrastructure was next. Slack channels and WhatsApp groups were created to keep everybody apprised of the local schedules and activities (which are many!) available throughout the week. 

Since its inception in 2021, the Madeira digital nomad community has grown well beyond Ponta do Sol. There is now a presence in most major towns around the island. For example, Madeira Friends is a non-profit that hosts regular events, workshops and more, mostly in Funchal. 

There are now Slack channels, WhatsApp super communities, and themed groups for whatever you want to do, from hiking to salsa dancing and beyond. 

There are weekly lunches, cocktail parties, and cross-fit sessions. There are dance lessons, coding workshops, and mastermind sessions. 

All of these events are designed for all to attend; locals, visitors, expats, and of course, digital nomads. 

Gonçalo’s ultimate vision for this project has been not only to create a space for nomads to connect and collaborate, but also to provide sustainable income for local businesses, and also, a sharing of skills and perspectives with local Madeirans – to expose them to remote work opportunities and give them a chance to choose to stay in Madeira and build their lives and careers locally, rather than to feel their only chances to earn a decent living exist offshore. 

He is also developing similar communities in other parts of Portugal, as well as Brazil, Cabo Verde, and other places. You can see what he’s up to at NomadX. 

Digital Nomad Communities in Madeira: How to Find Events

Start off by signing up on the Digital Nomads Madeira Islands website (it’s free), which will give you access to the Slack Community and more. This will tap you into the pulse of what’s happening around the island, how to find accommodation, social activities and workshops, and much more. 

You can get by with just the Slack group, but once you dig in a bit you’ll also discover dedicated WhatsApp groups for a variety of interests, like hiking, dancing, tech, vegans, social events, and much more. Be warned: it’s a time suck and a black hole! Join groups at your own peril. 

Madeira Accommodation Options for Digital Nomads 

For my first visit, I stayed in a coliving space that I found on the Digital Nomads Madeira site – which offers a variety of options for finding accommodation; options that I would later come to learn were comprehensive but far from complete. 

When I returned to the island later in the year, as much as I liked the coliving experience, I wanted a place of my own so I could host a visiting friend, and I found it by scouring the #accommodation channel in the Slack group for Digital Nomads Madeira. 

Coliving in Madeira

Here are the coliving spaces I’m aware of in Madeira. 

See also: Local Coliving Spaces Around the World 

FUNCHAL 

• A Ver o Mar 

PONTA DO SOL

• Outsite  (Use this link for a $50 discount on membership)
• Banana House 

SANTA CRUZ

• Homeoffice Madeira

JARDIM DO MAR 

• Nomadico 
  

Nomad-Friendly Monthly Rentals

The first time I went to Madeira, I had visions of getting a monthly rental, but I struggled to find digital nomad accommodation websites. So I created this page as a worldwide monthly rental resource for digital nomads. Quite a few of the sites in that article now have places in Madeira too. 

Please bookmark and enjoy! 

For medium to long-term rentals in Madeira, the best place to look is on the #accommodation slack channel for the island (which you can sign up for using this form from the Digital Nomads Madeira website). It is full of listings by local owners, some of whom have properties that they rent out all the time to a mix of long-term or short-term tenants, others who are subletting their apartments while they’re off the island. Marelin of Madeira Friends is also tirelessly dedicated to helping people find the perfect rental, and she maintains a notion page with listings (which you’ll also find in the Slack channel). 

Here are some additional websites that have a good number of listings on Madiera island.

• FlatIO (use code theprofessionalhobo for 10% off the service fee!) 

You’ll also find some hotels and vacation rentals offering specials for digital nomads on this page. 

Choosing Your Base: Funchal vs. Ponta do Sol

When I was planning my first visit to Madeira, I couldn’t figure out from afar where I should stay: Ponta do Sol or Funchal? 

Luckily a friend who had been to both places advised me from her experience. 

Ponta do Sol is a small town with limited options (for example only a handful of restaurants), but a very strong digital nomad community and is surrounded by beautiful nature. It is not far from Funchal (a 30 minute drive), however there is no public transportation between towns and Bolt is unreliable. 

So if you plan to visit Ponta do Sol, to get the most out of the experience you may want to arrange for a car. Alternately if you want a quieter life but with the ability to connect with other nomads, Ponta do Sol might be your speed. 

Funchal is the island’s capital, with a population of 105,000 and lots of infrastructure to support it. It’s also where the cruise ship port is, and depending on the time of year, multiple ships can be in port daily. 

Funchal has a well-developed public transportation bus system, a fair bit to see and do as a visitor, and even more stuff to do as a digital nomad. 

I chose Funchal primarily because I wanted access to latin dance socials and classes, and I also wanted things to do and an opportunity to experience more local culture than I anticipated I could find in Ponta do Sol. 

I made the right choice for me (both times). But I wouldn’t discount staying in Ponta do Sol on a future visit. The Outsite space in particular (linked to earlier) looks like a beautiful place for a retreat and/or to get some concentrated work done. 

Choosing the Best Time to Visit Madeira 

My first month in Madeira was January. It wasn’t cold per se, but it sure wasn’t hot (daily highs were around 15-20 degrees Celsius). There was some rain but never so much that I felt inundated or socked in. 

I was a bit surprised by the temperatures during my visit; I had expected 20 degrees, not so much 15 degrees (with lows in the single digits). I was glad I had my down jacket for the chilly evenings, and given that most homes are not particularly insulated nor heated, I was downright cold in bed most nights. 

Arriving on January 2^nd was regarded by the locals as a planning oversight; Funchal is known for its fireworks display on New Year’s Eve, and I missed it by a hair. I wasn’t too late however, for the incredible display of lights in Funchal; the city centre is adorned with lights everywhere, and lights are even strung up along the roadsides way up into the hills above town. It’s a monumental undertaking each year, and a sight to behold. 

This makes Madeira a prime place to visit over the Christmas Holiday season. 

But I was cold and wanted to see summer in Madeira by contrast. So I returned for the month of August. 

I got more than I bargained for. If January of this year was unseasonably cold, summer was…you got it – unseasonably hot. And like the absence of heating, as a (usually!) temperate island, most homes also don’t have air conditioning. My apartment happened to be the kind that offers no circulation either; it was a sauna inside and out, from which I had no escape. 

Actually that’s not quite true; there was an escape from the heat, and that was to go to higher climes and/or breezier places. Ponta do Sol, for example, was reportedly not as stuffy.

So, having experienced both extremes of Madeira, I would like to suggest that the best time of year to visit Madeira from a weather perspective is in the spring or autumn seasons. 

Coliving vs Solo Living: Personal Reflections 

My respective experiences in Madeira not only differed in terms of weather; they also differed dramatically from a social perspective. 

My first trip to Madeira was also my first experience with coliving, which was an amazing experience overall. While people came and went from the large two-story six-bedroom apartment in Funchal, there was a core group of us who were there for most of the month. 

There were workspaces, fast internet, and comfortable spacious common areas for us to work, cook, and live together. 

At one point, during an impromptu household dinner and games night I counted eight nationalities represented at our table; all of us sharing our respective cultures and ideas, and collectively experiencing and reflecting on Madeira through our unique cultural lenses – which made for some fascinating conversations and interactions. 

It was also nice to work alongside other people. It wasn’t until my second trip to Madeira when I had a place of my own that I started to realize that as much as I consider myself a lone wolf, I am more productive when my schedule is a bit more accountable due to the presence of others. 

In fact, it was my coliving experience in January that inspired me to level up the experiment and spend a month in Estonia with Hacker Paradise in September. 

That is not to say that having my own studio apartment in Funchal wasn’t delightful for its own reasons. It offered considerably more privacy than the coliving space, and allowed me to have overnight guests (a friend from Toronto came to visit me). It was also cheaper than the coliving space. 

Each of these options had pros and cons. For myself, with Madeira as the the “control” factor in my initial experiment with coliving, I feel like coliving is a fantastic option for digital nomads who are traveling solo. And if you’re an introvert (as I am), you may find that the presence of others at a coliving space gives you that wee bit of extra motivation to get out the door and experience your destination during those times when it just feels easier to stay home and eat potato chips. I will quietly admit that during my second tour of duty in Madeira while staying on my own, I wasn’t as productive with work and I ate more potato chips than I should have. 

Regardless, I still got out on a bunch of hikes, attended some lunches, a handful of dance classes and social nights, and further reinforced my love of Madeira. 

I’ll be back. 

Interested in the Island Life? Here are a few other islands you might find “sticky”: 

All Life is Suffering: A Month in Koh Phangan, Thailand

I spent TWO YEARS on the Caribbean island of Grenada…

This post Digital Nomad Madeira: A Comprehensive Guide to Living and Working in Paradise appeared first on The Professional Hobo. Please click through to read it in full!

They’ve come along way though, and I’ve tried a bunch of packing cubes in different luggage and packing scenarios. I’ve learned that some are definitely better than others. From design to materials to specific features, packing cubes could actually make – or break – your luggage experience. 

In this article you’ll get the dirt on the different kinds of packing cubes, what to look for (and what to stay away from), and a full breakdown of the best packing cubes for travel so you can choose the best ones for your next tip. 

See also:
The Ultimate Packing List for Long-Term Travel
Top Packing Hacks: Best Travel Accessories for 2023
How to Decide Between Checked vs Carry on Luggage 

Why are Packing Cubes So Great? The Benefits of Using Packing Cubes for Travel

While I was once staunchly against packing cubes, I’ve softened. Most of the time I travel with packing cubes now, and here’s why. 

Keep Your Luggage Organized and Tidy

Rather than opening your luggage to an explosion of random bits of clothes and accessories, you can keep your stuff organized using packing cubes. 

This is ideal for couples or families using the same luggage; each person could have their own packing cubes, so it’s easy to see what belongs to whom. You can also use packing cubes to separate clean and dirty laundry, or to group similar items together (like shirts vs. pants). 

This is especially handy if you’re changing destinations/locations a lot – it’s much easier to reach for the packing cube you need rather than to unearth a pile of clothes while digging around for the one thing you need, only to have to re-fold/re-roll and repack everything before moving on. 

Also, no matter how clean you are, the inside of your luggage is likely to get a bit dirty, and packing clean clothes into dirty luggage isn’t ideal. 

Maximize Your Luggage Space

This one is a bit debatable, since not all packing cubes actually maximize luggage space. Compression packing cubes are the trick to optimizing space (we’ll get more into this in a bit). 

The other trick is to use packing cubes of different sizes, so the smaller ones can fit into the corners and other nooks around larger packing cubes. 

Easily Access and Find Your Belongings

Not having to rummage through your entire suitcase in search of the one thing (that will inevitably be at the bottom according to Murphy’s Law) is a definite pro for using packing cubes! 

The trick is to be able to identify which packing cube has what you need; you can do this by using different sizes and/or colours of packing cubes so you can pack thematically and know where everything is. 

Some packing cubes also have mesh panels to help you to see what’s inside; others have number systems, and others yet have pockets with labels you can write on if you like to get granular about the contents. 

Protect Your Clothes and Other Items

Packing cubes can protect your clothes in three ways.

First, toiletry leaks or dirty items won’t contaminate everything else, which will be protected in their packing cubes.

Also, by using packing cubes, you are neatly rolling or folding your clothes and putting them in the cube. Assuming you fill the packing cube to capacity, then even if your luggage gets jostled around, the clothes within the packing cubes won’t move – which keeps everything together and reduces the chances that your stuff will come out wrinkled. 

Last, at your destination, the clothing drawers at your accommodation may not be as clean as you’d like. By keeping your clothes in the packing cubes, you just made unpacking a breeze, and you’re protecting your clothes against any drawer-ickies. 

Airport Security 

This is a bit of an “out-there” benefit to packing cubes, but it’s an important one. Picture this: you’re traveling with carry-on luggage only, and when your bag goes through the x-ray, it gets flagged for secondary inspection. The airport security officer then opens your bag and then has to rifle through all of your neatly rolled/folded clothes and even underwear! Not only could this be awkward, but then you have to refold/repack everything on the spot! Packing cubes help to avert this challenge. 

Not sure whether to use packing cubes or just roll your clothes and put them directly in your suitcase? I created a video where I did a side-by-side comparison. The results were surprising! Check it out here. 

Do Packing Cubes REALLY Help? Why You Shouldn’t Use Packing Cubes 

Everything has pros and cons, so let’s get into it. 

They’re Space Hogs

If you don’t use compression packing cubes, chances are you are not saving luggage space – rather, you’re wasting it. 

That said, my friend Alex who created Compass Rose packing cubes (which I profile below) begs to differ – she has a method of using regular packing cubes like they’re compression packing cubes that is pretty killer; check out her video here. 

Lose Track of What is Where 

If you use a bunch of identical packing cubes, you’ll have no way of identifying what’s inside; finding what you need will be more difficult than necessary. 

Wrinkles

Depending on how you pack your packing cubes, your clothes could end up more wrinkled than if you just rolled or folded them directly into your luggage. This is especially true of compression packing cubes, which really squish everything down. 

Comparing Compression Packing Cubes vs. Regular Packing Cubes

The secret to maximizing luggage space with packing cubes lies in the ability to compress your stuff down. Certain clothing items (I’m lookin’ at you, sweaters/hoodies/jumpers) take up more room than necessary if they’re not compressed. 

That said, they’re not categorically the best choice – it depends. 

What Are Regular Packing Cubes?

Regular packing cubes are simply rectangular or square-shaped organizers made of sturdy fabric that unzips on two to three sides. They’re like mini suitcases. They come in different sizes and are often sold as a set, designed to help you organize and compartmentalize your stuff within your luggage. 

Pros and Cons of Regular Packing Cubes

What Are Compression Packing Cubes?

Compression packing cubes feature an additional zipper or straps that compress the air out of your clothes, creating additional space in your luggage. 

If you want to get the most compression, it’s best to fold your clothes, however many people prefer to roll their clothes that go in the packing cube because it fends off wrinkles more effectively and it’s easier to open the cube and retrieve what you need without having to unpack the whole cube. 

Are Compression Packing Cubes Good? Pros and Cons of Compression Packing Cubes

In addition to the pros and cons for regular packing cubes listed above, here are some pros and cons specific to compression cubes. 

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Top 10 Packing Cubes for Travel: Packing Cube Reviews and Recommendations

Behold: a list of some of the most popular – as well as a few obscure – packing cubes! I obviously want to cover the top packing cubes, but I also want to highlight some lesser-known ones for their unique features that may be appealing to you for your next trip. 

I’ve further categorized them into two groups: compressible packing cubes, and non-compression cubes, so you can choose the best packing cubes for your travel needs. 

Keep reading after this list – because I’ll get into the specifics of what some of the features mean (like breathable mesh panels – which are a double-edged sword!) so you can figure out which features will be most important to you, and under which circumstances packing cubes are best (hint: the type of luggage you have is pivotal). 

Note: I bought some of these packing cubes myself, and others were sent to me for free. In all cases, the links to purchase these packing cubes are affiliate links, which means I’ll get a wee commission if you click through and buy something. This is how I make my living and continue to provide in-depth travel resources like this for free, so thank you in advance for your support. 

COMPRESSION PACKING CUBES 

Tripped Travel Gear Compression Cubes Sets

These packing cubes from Tripped Travel Gear have been making the rounds, and I know so because they stand out! They come in a variety of colours and sizes, but they are the only packing cubes I know that also have sets with unique colourful designs like national parks (pictured here) or travel bucket list scenes!

Aside from looking cool, these packing cubes also go the distance in construction, compression, and practicality. They’re ultra-light, well-made, the zippers are solid but not overly bulky, the compression is real (but doesn’t add too much weight), and depending which set you choose you’ll also get a roll-top dirty laundry bag and tech/miscellaneous (non-compressible) cube.

I have the 6-piece “carry on set” pictured above, and I think it’s perfect for any kind of travel.

Get your Tripped Travel Gear Compression Packing Cube Sets here.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Compression Cubes 

Eagle Creek is probably known best for these packing cubes. They’re made from ultralight material and compress down really well. Although I’ve never owned them myself, I traveled with somebody who had them and loved them. 

Get your Eagle Creek packing cubes here. 

Peak Design compression packing cube sets 

As the most expensive packing cubes on this list, I probably wouldn’t have considered investing in them….if I hadn’t hung out with a travel companion who had them and absolutely raved about them. So I performed a critical inspection! 

They are far and away the nicest packing cubes to feel and touch, and are made of this unique self-healing material that magically heals from small punctures and scratches. The tear-away zipper also makes it smooth and easy to open when unpacking. Everything about it just feels lovely. Like everything made by Peak Design, they’re thoughtfully designed, and environmentally friendly. 

Shop for Peak Design packing cubes here. 

Well Traveled Deluxe Compression Packing Cube Set

I was ambivalent about these when I ordered them, but I must admit they’re super handy. I love the variety of sizes in the 8-piece set; I can pick and choose which ones to take on each trip so everything fits perfectly together in my luggage. 

They also feel nice to the touch and the compression factor is amazing. I’m not in love with the card system for identifying what’s in each cube (I’m too lazy for that), but some people would probably love it. And they include a huge stack of cards that fit perfectly into the little pockets designed for them. So it’s the best of both worlds: sturdy material for compression, but still with the ability to know what’s inside each cube. 

Get your Well Traveled packing cubes here. 

Knack Bags

I rarely go on a trip without at least one of these packing cubes by Knack Bags. I like everything about them, from the oblong shape, to the breathable mesh windows, to the sturdy material that helps them compress effectively. Knack Bags also makes compressible shoe bags and other handy travel accessories, in addition to their signature expandable backpacks (which I created a video review about here). 

Buy your Knack Bags compressible packing cubes here.

BAGAIL 4 Set/5 Set/6 Set Compression Packing Cubes

I don’t have these (yet), but no packing cube review list would be complete without them, given their massive popularity on Amazon! This many people can’t be wrong; these must be good. 

Get your BAGAIL packing cubes here.

NON-COMPRESSION PACKING CUBES

Compass Rose Slim Packing Cubes

These are designed by my friend and travel colleague Alex of Travel Fashion Girl. She personally told me about her journey of tirelessly going through all the best packing cubes and identifying standout features, then the best materials, and then designing (and redesigning, and tweaking etc) the perfect packing cube. 

Shop for Compass Rose packing cubes here. 

Osprey Ultralight Packing Cube Set 

I haven’t tried these, but everything I’ve ever owned by Osprey has been well-made and strikes a great balance between being durable while still lightweight. I can only imagine their packing cubes follow suit. 

Get your Osprey Ultralight Packing Cube Set here. 

Amazon Basics Packing Cubes 

AmazonBasics’ packing cubes are a budget-friendly option that still offer good quality and functionality. They are far and away the most-reviewed of the packing cubes on Amazon, and still have a 4.7 rating, which is pretty outstanding. 

Get your Amazon Basics packing cubes here. 

eBags Classic Packing Cubes 

eBags is a well-known brand in the packing cube market, and on Amazon they’re well-rated and reviewed. I don’t own them (nor do I know anybody who does, curiously enough). 

Shop for eBags Packing Cubes here. 

Standard Luggage Packing Cubes (3pc set) – A Hanging Travel Dresser

You won’t see these on many (if any!) packing cube reviews, because they’re an accessory designed to fit perfectly inside Standard Luggage’s expandable carry-on backpack (which I review along with the packing cubes in a video here, and also in an article about one bag travel here). 

But you don’t have to own the backpack to own and appreciate the packing cubes – which convert ingeniously into a hanging travel dresser! 

Get your Standard Luggage Packing Cube / Hanging Dresser here. 

How to Choose Packing Cubes: Things to Look For in the Best Quality Packing Cubes

Now that you’re familiar with the various types of packing cubes (eg: compression vs non-compression), and why to use (or not use) them, let’s take a closer look at exactly what features to look for in choosing the best packing cube for you. After reading this, you can scroll back up to the list of top packing cubes and perhaps reevaluate your needs! 

Ways to Know What’s Inside

One of the top complaints of certain packing cubes is that if there’s no way to know what’s inside, then if you’re looking for something specific and don’t remember which packing cube you put it in, you have to unpack them all to figure it out. And if you’re using compression packing cubes, it’s an additional hassle. 

So it’s nice to have either a mesh panel on top, or colour-coded cubes, or different-sized cubes, or the ability to put labels on them with what’s inside written on the label (Well Traveled does this well).

Examine Your Zipper!

There are three things to look for when it comes to packing cubes zippers: 

1. High quality and durable, so it can hold the contents better (especially if it’s a compression packing cube, which will put stress on the zippers) and withstand wear & tear.
2. Ensure the design of the zipper isn’t such that the packing cube’s contents can easily get caught while opening/closing the packing cube. 
3. Some of the packing cubes above don’t open up fully (clam-shell style), and instead only allow the packing cube to open halfway. Some people like the half-opening style because you can leverage it to cram more into the cube, but most people (myself included) prefer clam-shell. 
   

Material

Look for packing cubes made of lightweight and strong materials, such as rip-stop nylon. Water-resistant or waterproof material offers added protection for clothes (though it’s a compromise in the breathability department).

Bonus points if the material is recycled, contributing to sustainability efforts. 

See also: Eco-Friendly Products That Will Help the Environment

The Cost of Packing Cubes

Obviously cost is an issue, but don’t let it be the only determining factor. There is usually a balance between cost and quality. Higher prices can mean the packing cube will last longer and may have better functionality.

If you travel a lot and want some packing cubes that will go the distance, you may want to spend more money. Then again, if you’re new to travel or on a budget, there’s nothing wrong with starting off with something cheaper to see if packing cubes are complementary to your travel style and needs. 

How to Pack Efficiently with Packing Cubes

Okay, you’ve chosen the best packing cubes; now to figure out the best way to use them! On every trip, I experiment with different ways to fill and organize packing cubes, and I encourage you to be equally experimental in your approach. There is no right or wrong answer! Here’s some guidance: 

Choose the Right Packing Cubes for Your Needs

Do you need a whole set, or just one or two? What sizes do you need? Think about what you’ll pack into the cube; it will help you choose the best one for your trip. 

Remember: although most people think about putting clothes into packing cubes, you can pack whatever you want into them! Get creative. 

Roll or Fold Your Clothes Before Packing Into Cubes

Ah, rolling vs folding: always a debate! You can do either in a packing cube: they each have pros and cons. 

ROLLING 

In general, I think rolling clothes in packing cubes is best used with non-compression cubes. You can roll tightly and stuff the clothes into the packing cube more effectively. 

FOLDING

In general, it only makes sense to fold stuff into packing cubes if you are unpacking everything immediately at your destination. If you live out of your luggage, it’ll be a wrinkled mess in no time. 

Use Packing Cubes to Separate Items by Category

One of the best things about packing cubes is that they help you organize your luggage. Here are a few ways you can organize your packing cubes: 

• By clothing type (eg: tops in one cube, bottoms in another, workout gear in another)
• By outfit (eg: one packing cube per day of your trip) 
• By family member (when multiple people are packing into one piece of luggage, packing cubes are ideal!)
• By weather or location (if you’re visiting different places, you can pack cubes according to where you’ll be and what you’ll need in that place) 
  
  

How to Decide If Packing Cubes are Worth It For YOU: The Best Packing Cubes for Different Types of Travel

Let’s put everything in this article together so you can decide in which cases packing cubes will make sense for you, and when they might not. 

Best Packing Cubes for Carry On vs. Checked Luggage 

If you are traveling super-duper ultralight with carry-on luggage, packing cubes might tip you over the edge in terms of space or weight. In this video where I do a side-by-side comparison of packing cubes vs. rolling, rolling comes out ahead….if even just by a wee bit. 

I say if you are using packing cubes in carry-on luggage, then it’s best to use compression packing cubes. (This is what I do). 

If instead you’re traveling with checked luggage, packing cubes (regardless of whether they’re compressible or not) will be invaluable from an organization perspective, since you’re bringing more stuff and your luggage will be more cavernous than carry-on. 

Not sure whether checked or carry on luggage is best for you? Click here. 

How Important is Organization? 

I’m a sucker for a well-organized pack. Not everybody is though. If you’re sharing luggage space with others, packing cubes are doubly important. 

Ultimately if we go on the premise that organizational packing cubes come at the expense of space and weight, the question to ask is how much time do you spend searching for the things you need, and how much does that frustrate you? If it’s not an issue, then maybe packing cubes aren’t worth it for you. 

Are Your Clothes Wrinkle-Resistant? 

Compressible packing cubes in particular may result in wrinkles if your clothes aren’t wrinkle-free or wrinkle resistant. Then again, packing cubes keep your stuff from shifting within your luggage, which means it will be exactly as you folded/rolled it within the packing cube vs. getting jostled about in your luggage. 

I think the lesson here, is don’t pack clothes that wrinkle! 

See also: The best wrinkle-free travel clothes for women 

How Often Are You Changing Locations on Your Trip? 

With packing cubes, you can “unpack” by putting the packing cube directly into a drawer, which might be easier than manually unpacking and repacking your whole suitcase each time you move. 

Conclusion: Are Travel Packing Cubes a Smart Investment?

As with so many things in the travel world, there is no one-size-fits-all answer, and the value of packing cubes varies for everybody. It’s good to know your personal travel habits before deciding to invest in packing cubes (especially the really expensive ones). 

Personally, I love having a bunch of different packing cubes to choose from for each trip, and I’ve found that you definitely get what you pay for in terms of quality, functionality, durability, and sheer enjoyment of use (eg: Peak Design’s cubes feel soooooooo nice). 

But I have a lot to choose from because I’m in this biz, and I’ve been accumulating packing cubes and testing them in various circumstances for well over a decade. Start with the packing cubes on this list that intrigue you the most, and go from there. 

Happy travels!

This post How to Choose the Best Packing Cubes for Travel in 2024 appeared first on The Professional Hobo. Please click through to read it in full!

I am writing this during a three-month carry-on only trip through Europe in summer. I have a travel capsule wardrobe made of only merino wool. Why on earth would I bring nothing but merino wool clothes to Europe in summer? Read on. 

Stay tuned for the secrets to staying comfortable, stylish, and prepared for any travel adventure that comes your way.

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you click through and make a purchase I’ll get a commission. This in no way affects your price, and it helps me to keep this site running and new content coming your way. Thank you in advance for your support! 

At a glance: My Top Picks for Merino Wool Travel Clothing

UNISEX: Unbound Merino – Super-fine (aka super soft) wool, sustainable brand, nice balance between fashion & function.

WOMEN: Wool& – Huge selection of fashionable clothes, creative fabric compositions such that you wouldn’t even know it’s merino!

MEN: Wool & Prince – Men’s counterpart to Wool& (above). Great selection for an entire merino wool travel wardrobe that behaves like canvas, denim, linen, and more.

The Basics of Merino Wool

Merino wool is a natural fiber that comes from the Merino sheep, a breed known for its exceptionally soft and fine wool. This is one of the key characteristics that sets it apart from other types of wool and makes it incredibly soft to the touch, resulting in a comfortable and itch-free fabric that is gentle on the skin.

In addition to its softness, merino wool is highly breathable, which helps regulate body temperature and prevent overheating. Merino wool benefits also include natural moisture-wicking capabilities, drawing sweat away from the skin to keep you feeling dry and fresh in hot weather. It also has impressive odor-resistant and anti-bacterial properties due to the presence of lanolin, which gives merino wool garments the ability to stay fresh for longer periods without needing frequent washing.

Merino wool can also be considerably more lightweight and less bulky than other types of wool, making it easier to pack and suitable for both hot and cold weather (depending on the weight of the piece of clothing, which we’ll get into later). Its natural elasticity also makes it more durable and resistant to wrinkling.

Why Merino Wool Clothing is Perfect for Travel

As you can probably tell from the merino wool basics listed above, it’s great for home use and outdoor adventures, and also for travel. Here’s why merino wool for travel is the way to go: 

• When cotton gets wet (from sweat or rain or whatever), it can’t keep you warm – in fact, it lowers your core temperature. Merino wool still keeps you warm, even when wet. 
• Merino wool is anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and thus odor-resistant. Antimicrobial shirts are like magic. You can wear your merino tee for an entire week (or longer) without smelling. This means you don’t need to wash it as much, which makes it easier to care for on the road.  
• It’s soft and delightful to the touch. 
• It’s moisture-wicking and breathable. 
• It regulates your body temperature. A relatively light weight merino wool shirt can still keep you warm, and also cool. (Magic). 
• It’s easy to care for. Hand wash or machine wash on cold, hang to dry overnight. Done. 
• It lasts forever. 
• It’s better for the environment. Some synthetic materials that have similar warmth and moisture-wicking properties also contribute to micro-plastic pollution. 

Merino Wool Terminology Explained

When you start shopping for merino wool clothing, you’ll see a lot of lingo. It’s important to understand this lingo so you can ensure you’re getting the right clothing for your needs. 

Two key terms are GSM and microns, which provide insights into the fabric’s characteristics and performance.

GSM

GSM, or grams per square meter, is a measurement of fabric weight and thickness. 

It tells you how warm and breathable a merino wool garment will be. A higher GSM value indicates a denser, warmer fabric, while a lower GSM corresponds to a lighter, more breathable material. When choosing merino wool clothing, consider the climate and activities you’ll be engaged in to select the appropriate GSM for your needs.

Microns

Microns refer to the diameter of individual wool fibers, with a lower micron count indicating finer and softer wool. Lower micron counts often come with a higher price tag due to the superior quality of the wool used.

Other terms

In addition to GSM and microns, other relevant merino wool terminology includes anti-pilling treatments and UPF ratings. 

Anti-pilling treatments help prevent fabric balls from forming on the fabric’s surface, which can be an annoying byproduct of many wool garments that makes them look older and more worn than they actually are. 

UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings indicate the level of sun protection provided by the fabric, which can be important for outdoor activities. 

It’s also worth noting the concept of “mulesing-free,” which indicates that the wool used comes from sheep that have not undergone the controversial practice of mulesing; a treatment of the sheep that involves a painful procedure to remove problematic skin around the buttocks. 

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How to Choose the Best Merino Wool Clothing for Your Needs

Here are some key factors to consider when selecting merino wool clothing for travel:

Purpose 

Determine the purpose of your merino wool clothing. Are you looking for base layers to provide insulation and moisture-wicking properties? Or do you need versatile garments that can be worn in different weather conditions and for various activities? Identifying your specific needs will help you narrow down your options.

Climate and Weather

Consider the climate and weather conditions of your travel destinations. Merino wool offers excellent temperature regulation, keeping you warm in cold environments and cool in warmer climates. Choose the appropriate weight and thickness (measured in GSM and microns) based on the anticipated weather conditions.

Style and Design

Once upon a time, merino wool clothes were utilitarian and mostly used as base layers and activewear. Now it comes in a wide range of styles and designs. Determine the type of clothing you require, such as shirts, pants, socks, or accessories, based on your travel activities and personal preferences. Additionally, consider the fit, cut, and features that enhance comfort and functionality. 

You will see a huge variety of merino wool clothing companies profiled below. Each has their own style. Not into athletic clothing? Then don’t buy a bunch of it just because you think it’s practical for travel! Find a brand that suits your style – and perhaps also the style requirements of your trip and also your destination; for example, Europe generally demands an elevated sense of style. Check out my video about Europe packing tips and mistakes for more on this.

Durability and Quality

Not all merino clothing brands are equal. Look for reputable brands known for their craftsmanship and use of high-quality materials. Consider factors like the fabric’s density, stitching, and overall construction to ensure that your clothing will withstand the rigors of travel.

Fabric Composition

Not all merino clothing is 100% merino wool, and that’s okay. Incorporating other materials can change how the fabric behaves, which might be important. For example, a pair of leggings may need some nylon and spandex to help them retain their form and resist stretching out and pilling. By strategically including other natural fibers, merino wool clothing can behave like jersey, linen, terry, and even tweed and denim. 

Beware, however, of “merino” clothing that has very little actual merino wool in it. I once saw a shirt marketed as being merino, but when I looked at the composition, it only had 10% merino wool. Wool& is a company that has one of the best selections of fabric composition that I’ve ever seen; you can even shop their clothes by fabric.

Sourcing and Sustainability

If sustainability is important to you, research the brand’s sourcing practices. Some brands prioritize responsibly-sourced merino wool, ensuring the welfare of the sheep and minimizing environmental impact. Look for certifications or indications of sustainable and ethical production.

See also: My roundup of Eco-Friendly Travel Products (including clothes, cosmetics, and more).

Now that you have a clear understanding of the factors to consider when choosing the best merino wool clothing for your needs, let’s dive into a comparison of the top merino brands. 

Are you as much of a nerd for Travel Gear as I am? Then check out my collection of articles about a variety of items to make your next trip a breeze! 

Travel Gear articles

Do you like to see these things in action? Then check out my YouTube series featuring Travel Gear & Remote Work Tools to level up your travel game.

Top Merino Wool Clothing Brands for Travel

Here are the best merino wool clothing brands for travel – each has their own style, clothing properties, etc. Use this list to find the perfect fit for you! 

MERINO WOOL BRANDS FOR MEN & WOMEN 

Unbound Merino

Unbound Merino offers a range of clothing made from merino wool, including T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, jackets, socks, underwear, and accessories such as beanies and scarves. Their clothing is designed with a minimalist and classic style that is versatile and suitable for a variety of occasions.

While men currently have a slightly wider variety of options, they are massively developing their women’s line with tons of new releases, many of which I own.  

They source their merino wool from independent, mulesing-free farms that are Woolmark certified, ensuring high-quality wool that is ethically and sustainably produced. Their clothing is also made in factories that meet high ethical and environmental standards.

Their commitment to environmentally friendly practices extends beyond the sourcing of their wool. They use only natural, biodegradable materials in their clothing, making their products not only stylish and functional but also eco-friendly.

Of all the merino wool clothing I’ve tried, I find Unbound Merino clothing to be among the softest and most comfy, in part because they use super fine wool with a low micron count (the lower the microns, the finer the wool strands and the softer the clothes are). If you’re new to merino wool you might worry that it’s going to be itchy; Unbound Merino will challenge that notion.

I started off with their leggings – which surprisingly hold their form really well, and they’re super soft and comfy. They also have a hidden zipper pocket at the waistband, which is handy for travel. I also originally got their travel dress, which is super versatile, comfortable, and packable. Both of these are staples in my travel wardrobe.

Since the early days, I’ve expanded to own almost everything they have, and at times with some degree of skepticism. I mean, the V-neck t-shirt is a no-brainer; it’s super soft, flattering, and comes in a ton of colours. But then I thought the T-shirt dress and the lightweight travel pants wouldn’t look stylish or fitted enough; on the contrary they both fit and function very well and are incredibly versatile in a variety of situations.

I’m also in the process of vicariously testing out the men’s line; I bought my partner a travel capsule wardrobe of best-selling items; although he’s a hard sell when it comes to spending money on clothing, he’s learning that a few well-made pieces of long-wear clothing like merino wool will go much further and travel way better than many poorly made “fast-fashion” pieces.

Click here to shop at Unbound Merino and use NORA10 for 10% off!

WoolX

WoolX has a wide repertoire of merino wool clothing and accessories for women and men, with a focus on outdoor apparel but including styles that can take you everywhere from mountain hikes to riverside cafes.

It’s a small family-run business in New York, with a few value-propositions that include specially-designed merino wool clothes that can be machine washed and dried for easy care (though I still air-dry my merino wool clothes; clothes driers contribute to unnecessary wear & tear and an accidentally high heat setting could ruin your merino).

They source their wool from Woolmark-certified merino sheep in Australia, additionally ensuring that all their wool is certified non-mulesed. They also have a no strings attached 100% satisfaction guarantee and 100% No-Itch Guarantee! Free shipping (in the US) on returns and exchanges seal the deal for a hassle-free customer-centric experience.

I was particularly drawn to WoolX for some of their unique styles like the Charlotte Puff Sleeve Top (which I adore), cold weather pants (which are on my list), and an entire line of ridiculously soft can’t-believe-it’s-merino pyjamas (merino wool’s temperature-regulating properties make for an extra comfy night of sleep, which can be especially problematic for menopausal women and others who get night sweats). I also really like some of the colours on offer, including the heather-coloured Piper Pocket leggings, which are unique, warm, and very flattering (and have pockets!!).

Click here to shop at WoolX!

Aviator

Aviator offers comfortable and lightweight merino wool tops, including hoodies, polos, and tee-shirts. Aside from merino wool, they also make award-winning travel-friendly jeans. Customers have given Aviator’s products high ratings for comfort and suitability for travel.

The wool is sourced from New Zealand, where the sheep are raised in humane and sustainable conditions. Their products are designed with travel in mind, as they are lightweight, packable, and versatile (yep, even the jeans!) 

Aviator, proudly made in the USA, is committed to sustainability and ethical production practices, using eco-friendly materials and ensuring fair treatment and living wages for their workers.

I have everything in Aviator’s merino collection (at least, everything they offer for women). 

The T-shirt is pretty thick, which means it resists wrinkling and holds its form nicely (some merino shirts are a bit flimsy and can show bra straps). 

The First Class Merino Hoodie is a great zip-up hoodie that has a few nifty travel-friendly features like a hood that doubles as an eye mask and some mitten cuffs. 

The Red-Eye Hoodie is the lightest weight of the three shirts, and is super comfy. It also has the same travel-friendly features of the First Class hoodie. 

Click here to see my video review of these and other Aviator duds I have. 

Click here to shop Aviator’s merino tops and travel-friendly jeans!

Icebreaker 

Icebreaker offers a variety of clothing for men, women, and kids. The style and purpose of their clothing is geared towards outdoor activities and adventures, with features like body-mapping ventilation to keep cool and a blend of merino wool and plant-based TENCEL Lyocell for unbeatable freshness in warm weather. Icebreaker also offers 100% pure merino tees that are breathable, odor-resistant, and made for wearing everywhere.

Icebreaker is an OG in the merino clothing space. These days they also use other materials in some of their products, such as TENCEL Lyocell. They source their wool from a variety of places, including New Zealand, Australia, and South America. They have a program called “Baacode” that allows customers to trace the origins of their garment and learn about the ethical and environmental practices involved in its production. They are committed to responsible and sustainable practices, including using natural and biodegradable materials, reducing waste, and supporting ethical and fair labor practices.

I have had a few Icebreaker tops over the years, but honestly, none of them have made the cut in the long run for my personal sense of style and multi-purpose needs on the road. When I lived in the Rocky mountains they were great for mountain treks, but not so great if I wanted an elevated look. 

However a guy friend of mine who travels full-time with carry-on luggage only, wears almost exclusively Icebreaker t-shirts and boxers and socks. He likes that there is a good selection of different GSM weight options for your needs. He has the lightest GSM t-shirt for running, and heavier weights for other times of day and ambient temperatures. He says the “base layer” shirts are perfectly fine to wear as “normal” tee-shirts. 

Click here to shop Icebreaker’s products on Amazon!

 

Smartwool 

Smartwool offers a huge variety of clothing, including socks, base layers, mid layers, and accessories such as hats and gloves. Most of their clothing is designed to be used for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and running, as well as for everyday wear.

They use ZQ-certified Merino wool, which ensures the wool is ethically sourced and sustainable. They also use other sustainable materials such as recycled polyester and TENCEL Lyocell. Their clothing is not 100% merino wool, as they also use other materials such as nylon and elastane for stretch and durability. So, while merino wool is a significant part of their overall offering and branding, it’s important to check the fabric composites closely.

Smartwool has several environmentally friendly and responsible practices, including using sustainable materials, reducing waste, and supporting conservation efforts. They partner with organizations such as The Nature Conservancy and The Conservation Alliance to give back to the environment.

I bought their Sport Fleece Wind Tights, and was all excited to have a warm pair of merino leggings that I planned to travel with and use for cool/cold-weather hikes. They are indeed lightweight and very warm and comfy and super sturdy, but despite the Amazon listing saying they’re 100% wool, they are in fact, less than 50% merino. 

A male friend of mine has their everyday socks that he wears as dress socks and he LOVES them. Similarly, the listing says “100% wool”, but further down you learn it’s only 55% merino wool; granted for socks, that’s still pretty good. 

Shop the Smartwool store on Amazon here! 

Merino.tech 

Merino.tech offers a variety of clothing made from 100% organic New Zealand Merino wool. Their collection includes shirts, socks, underwear, base layers, and accessories like neck gaiters.

Founded in 2018 in Canada, Merino.tech is a collaboration between the company and some of the finest mills and factories worldwide. They use only environmentally friendly paints in their manufacturing process. 

I have their V-Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt, which is super soft and incredibly comfortable. It’s also very lightweight and thin, which makes it great for travel packing, but if you order a light colour it will likely be a bit see-through. I have the purple (nice shade) and I use it for sleeping. 

I also own a pair of their merino socks, and I really like them; they’re comfy, hold their form, resist pilling, and are 85% merino wool. 

Shop the Merino.tech store on Amazon here!

Woolly 

Woolly offers a wide range of clothing items, including shirts, pants, leggings, socks, and underwear for both men and women. Their clothing is designed to be comfortable, durable, and stylish while providing the natural benefits of merino wool.

Woolly sources their wool from Australia, ensuring it is ethically and sustainably produced. They use merino wool as a foundation fabric and develop innovative products like NatureDry.

As a small independent business in Seattle, they support local causes and ensure responsible production as members of the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI). They donate to organizations like Recovery Café and reinvest profits into organizations that inspire them, including Black Lives Matter Seattle, the NAACP, and the Northwest Avalanche Center.

Shop the Woolly clothing store on Amazon here!

Ridge Merino 

Ridge Merino is a small, family-owned business based in Mammoth Lakes, California. They offer an extensive collection of clothing for men, women, and children, featuring items such as base layers, hoodies, shirts, pants, underwear, socks, and an array of accessories like neck gaiters, beanies, and hats.

Shop Ridge Merino Clothes here! 

MERINO WOOL BRANDS FOR WOMEN ONLY

Wool&

Wool& specializes in women’s clothing, with an incredibly diverse and stylish collection that includes dresses, tops, bottoms, and accessories. They prioritize environmental responsibility, aiming to minimize their carbon footprint throughout their operations.

When it comes to crafting their garments, Wool& takes a thoughtful and innovative approach. They not only have pieces that are made from 100% merino wool, but they have created a series smart blends that are still mainly merino wool, but have a combination of other materials to give each fabric their own unique properties. They have merino wool blends that are like jersey, tweed, linen, and even denim. 

I have a huge number of Wool& clothing items; in fact, they primarily made my merino wool travel capsule wardrobe for my 3-month carry-on trip through Europe possible. You can check out this video (including the links in the description) to see the full packing list in action. Here are some of my fav pieces: 

• Sofia midi dress (since discontinued but just peruse their dresses and you’ll find something to your taste)
• Poppy tank top (check out their full selection of tanks here)
• Florence tunic – since replaced with Venice Shirt Tunic (perfect for layering over anything for a bit of warmth and looking stylish)
• Frame ponte culotte (which I worried I might not like as much and isn’t quite as soft, but has ended up being very useful as it’s a heavier weight of fabric and a bit more durable; excellent for travel days. Only con is that they are cropped which isn’t as versatile as full-length pants)

Get your Wool& women’s wardrobe here! 

MERINO WOOL BRANDS FOR MEN ONLY

Wool & Prince

Wool & Prince is the men’s counterpart to Wool& (above). They have a diverse selection of clothing items for men, including shirts, pants, socks, jackets, vests, underwear, and accessories. 

Similar to Wool&, they have created unique mainly-merino blends that result in super practical clothes that you wouldn’t even know are merino, including stretch canvas pants/shorts and denim jeans. 

Wool & Prince offer a satisfaction guarantee, ensuring that if an item does not meet expectations, they will make it right. They also support thoughtful consumption and simple living through their sponsorship of the Only What Matters online community. They value customer feedback and actively seeks input to improve their products and services.

Shop for Wool & Prince duds here! 

Libertad 

Libertad does one thing and one thing only: 100% merino wool travel shirts. Nice ones. 

The founder was inspired to create Libertad while on his own travels, noticing that most leisure travel clothes are utilitarian and comfortable but not stylish. Wanting the best of both worlds, Libertad was born. 

They offer a variety of shirt styles, including single pocket, no pocket, double chest pockets, and short sleeve options.

Get your 100% merino dress shirt at Libertad here!

 

Proper Cloth

Proper Cloth offers a wide range of custom-fit, made-to-order clothing for men. Their clothing collection includes shirts, pants, jackets, suits, and accessories.

They have developed fit prediction algorithms and 3D visualization tools that allow customers to create custom sizes and modify designs.

While Proper Cloth offers a diverse range of fabrics, merino wool is one of the materials they use. They source their merino wool from New Zealand and ensure that it meets ZQ certification standards, guaranteeing high animal welfare and a sustainable supply chain. 

I have a guy friend who is tall and quite slim, and he has a very long torso in particular. Getting properly fit clothing within the standard “small / medium / large” clothing structure is difficult for him; he is the one who told me about Proper Cloth, and while he doesn’t have any clothes from Proper Cloth yet, but he plans to order some. 

Get your custom merino clothes at Proper Cloth here! 

Tips for Caring for Your Merino Wool Clothing

Merino wool care is important to maintain its performance and extend its lifespan. Merino clothes aren’t typically cheap, so you want to make sure they’ll last. By following these tips, you can ensure they’ll stay in excellent condition:

Washing: Hand-wash or machine-wash using a gentle cycle with cold water. Use a mild, wool-specific detergent. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as they can damage the natural fibers of the wool.

Drying: After washing, gently squeeze out excess water from your merino wool garments. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, as this can lead to stretching or distortion. Lay the clothing flat on a clean towel or a drying rack to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as they can cause shrinkage or damage.

Stain Removal: Treat stains as soon as possible. Blot the stained area with a clean cloth using cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid rubbing vigorously, as it can push the stain deeper into the fibers. 

Here are common mistakes to avoid:

Avoid using hot water: Hot water can cause merino wool to shrink or lose its shape. Stick to cold water for washing and rinsing.

Don’t over-wash: Merino wool has natural antibacterial properties that help resist odor. Avoid washing your garments frequently, instead air them out between uses to refresh them. Yes – it actually works! There are people who have done 100-day merino wool challenges; wearing the same shirt for 100 days without washing! While I wouldn’t go that far, I’ve worn my merino clothes for way longer than other clothes and they almost never smell. 

Skip the dryer: High heat from a dryer can shrink or damage merino wool. Always air dry your clothing to maintain its shape and integrity. Don’t worry – it dries very quickly. 

Avoid abrasive materials: When washing or drying your merino wool clothing, avoid using rough surfaces or materials that can cause friction or pilling. 

Choose the Best Merino Wool Clothing for Your Next Adventure

Merino clothes are adaptable, comfortable, low maintenance, long lasting, multi-purpose, durable, breathable, and even biodegradable. 

In order to choose the best clothing items for your next trip, remember to factor in the purpose, climate, and weather conditions of your destination, as well as your personal style preferences.

With the right merino wool pieces in your wardrobe, you can confidently face any adventure, knowing that you’re well-equipped with the exceptional benefits of this remarkable natural fiber.

See also: 

My Travel Capsule Wardrobe: Best Travel Clothes for Women

Best Travel Clothes for Men (+ 5 Items you NEED From Western Rise)

Eco-Friendly Travel Products and Clothes 

This post Merino Wool Clothing for Travel: A Guide to Choosing the Best Brands appeared first on The Professional Hobo. Please click through to read it in full!

In this article I’m sharing everything I learned through experience, and and I’ll compare the top packable daypacks on the market, so you can choose the best ultralight backpack for your next trip. 

See also: The Ultimate Packing List for Long-Term Travel
Check out my entire collection of Travel Gear posts

At a Glance: My Top 4 Picks for Ultralight Packable Daypacks 

Further down, you’ll read a full rundown of each of these packs as well as a bunch more. I have personally used all of these packs and I think they’re terrific. (Buying through these links earns me a small commission; it doesn’t affect your price, and it does help to support this site, so thank you in advance). 

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack – packs down the smallest and is the most lightweight. 

Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack – same capacity as the pack above but packs down slightly larger; this is because it includes water bottle pockets and more interior organizational features.

Osprey Ultralight DRY Stuff Pack – slightly larger again, but has 2L extra capacity and is waterproof. 

Tortuga Packable Backpack – The least ultralight of these four, but with a structured/padded back and straps that make it the most useful/comfortable as an overall daypack.

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Why a Packable Backpack is a Must-Have Travel Accessory

Packable backpacks are lightweight, collapsible bags designed for easy storage and portability. They’re typically made from durable, water-resistant materials that can be folded or rolled into their own pocket or pouch when not in use. 

In addition to their convenience, durable packable daypacks are also an eco-friendly alternative to disposable bags. By using a packable backpack, you can say no to disposable grocery bags (for example), thus reducing waste and promoting sustainability while exploring new destinations. See also: My Zero Waste Kit for Travel

These backpacks are essential for travel because they take up minimal space in your luggage, and at your destination they’re perfect for a variety of activities from spontaneous day trips or excursions to grocery shopping and more.

Pack More with Less: The Advantages of a Compact Backpack

In my opinion, no packing list is complete without a lightweight packable daypack. From convenience to versatility, ultralight travel backpacks are the ultimate travel companion for adventure seekers and globe-trotters alike.

Here’s why: 

Packs Into its Own Pocket

One of the most remarkable features of a ultralight travel backpack is its ability to pack into its own pocket. This is not only instrumental for travel packing, but also at your destination. It’s easy to pop a packable backpack into a small purse or bag while you’re out, and then if you find yourself buying something and you need the extra space, you’ve got your pack ready and you can skip the disposable bags! 

Ease of Packing (Into Luggage)

You’re not likely going to want to use a packable daypack on travel days; for protecting/organizing/transporting your beloved belongings, you’ll want a travel backpack a bit better designed for the task. 

So the more compact a packable travel backpack can be, the easier it is to fit into your suitcase, which is especially important if you like to travel with carry-on luggage only. 

See also: Checked vs Carry on Luggage – Which is Best? 

Multiple Uses 

The number of things you can use ultralight packable daypacks for are limited only by your imagination. You can take them on hiking adventures, overnight trips, to the co-working space, grocery shopping, day-trip excursions, and more. No matter the situation, an ultralight packable daypack is a versatile and reliable choice.

Convenience & Portability

Because they pack down so small, you can take your packable backpack anywhere – which means it will always be ready when you need it. 

Great for Travel with Carry-on Only

If you prefer to travel light and avoid checking luggage, ultralight packable backpacks are downright essential. They’re lightweight and compact enough to fit in your carry-on, so you have a reliable bag with you at your destination. 

Just recently I was on a “one bag travel” trip (which means I traveled with one carry-on bag only, instead of the usual carry-on entourage which includes a carry-on suitcase plus a personal item). Not only was my packable backpack invaluable at my destination for outings and excursions, but even on my travel day it saved my skin! 

I was flying on a small plane, and because the overhead bins were tiny, they were gate-checking all carry-on backpacks and suitcases. Luckily I pulled out my packable backpack and loaded it up with valuables and fragile items like my laptop, electronics, medications, etc to take on board with me while my carry on backpack got loaded into the cargo hold. 

I’m not sure what I would have done without my packable backpack. 

Find Your Perfect Adventure Companion: Tips for Choosing a Packable Daypack

Everybody’s criteria for the perfect portable daypack will differ. Here are some essential features to consider when selecting a travel daypack, so you can find the best one for your needs. 

Before you even look at the specific features, consider the nature of your trip and how you might use your pack at your destination. Are you going to be doing outdoorsy stuff like day hikes, or perhaps even taking it on multi-day excursions? Or are you an urban warrior or remote worker who will want to use it to take your laptop and essentials to the co-working space? Or maybe you want your packable backpack to help you do both? 

With this in mind, consider the features below and which will be most important to you. 

Size and Capacity

The goal when considering size and capacity, is to hit that sweet spot between the smallest possible size when packed down, and the largest possible capacity when being used as a backpack. But the reality is, the larger the capacity of the bag, the larger it will be when packed down as well – which might be an important factor if your luggage is already full. 

In the breakdown of packable backpacks below, keep an eye on the weight, because that will give you an indication of how bulky it will be when it’s packed down, since most companies don’t actually give the dimensions of their bags when packed into their pouches or pockets.  

Material and Weight

When it comes to material and weight, there’s a balance between durability and packability. The more durable or waterproof the material is, the heavier it will be and/or the bulkier it will be when packed down (ie: the more luggage space it will take up). 

The more features it has like extra pockets or reinforced shoulder straps, the more useful it might be for heavier loads, but again, the less packable it will be. 

Here are some common materials used to make packable backpacks: 

30D siliconized CORDURA® is a lightweight, durable, and water-resistant material that offers excellent tear resistance. The siliconized treatment makes it ideal for use in harsh or wet environments, although it may be less breathable than other fabrics.

40D Nylon Ripstop is a robust and lightweight fabric that features excellent tear and abrasion resistance. The ripstop weave prevents tears from spreading, making it a great choice if you’re an active traveler and/or you like to abuse your stuff. However, it may not provide the same level of water resistance as siliconized CORDURA®.

The “D” in 30D and 40D refers to the fabric’s denier, which is a unit of measurement for the linear mass density of fibres. A higher denier indicates a thicker, more durable fabric, while a lower denier suggests a lighter, more breathable material. In this context, 40D Nylon Ripstop is thicker and more durable than 30D siliconized CORDURA® but may be slightly heavier.

Additional Features and Accessories

It’s the features and accessories of your ultralight daypack that can make or break your experience. Some examples of additional features and accessories to look for include:

Water bottle pockets: Daypacks with dedicated water bottle pockets provide the convenience of carrying your water bottle securely, ensuring easy access when needed. The extra material of the pocket adds to the overall bulk of the pack, but is immeasurably handier than having to keep your water bottle in the main compartment which isn’t as accessible. Also a lack of water bottle pockets eats into the capacity of the bag itself, which may be important.

Interior pockets for organization: Keeping your belongings organized is crucial, especially on-the-go. Interior pockets offer designated spaces for your valuables, electronics, and smaller items, allowing you to locate them quickly and prevent them from getting lost or damaged.

Compression straps: Compression straps found on the exterior of daypacks help reduce bulk and secure your gear. By tightening these straps, you can maintain a compact profile, which is particularly useful when navigating through crowds or trying to fit your daypack into tight spaces.

Exterior loops for gear attachment: If you need to carry extra equipment or accessories, exterior loops offer a handy way to attach items using a carabiner. These loops allow you to attach items such as umbrellas, walking poles, or even a jacket to the outside of your daypack, freeing up valuable interior space.

Waterproof materials and construction: You never know when the skies will open up. Waterproof materials and construction protect your belongings from getting wet, ensuring your gear stays safe from potential damage. However most waterproof packs will also be a bit bulkier and heavier. 

Best Packable Daypacks for Travel

Here’s a list of top contenders for the ideal packable daypack for your next adventure. 

Disclaimer: I have personally received some of the below packs for free so that I can travel with them and provide experiential advice. In some cases, I have also included affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. It doesn’t affect your price, and it helps me to keep this site up and running. Thank you in advance for your support! 

Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack

Key Features:

• Material: 40D high-tenacity nylon
• Weight: 5.26 oz (149.23 g)
• Capacity: 18 L 
• Size: 16.54H x 8.66W x 7.48D in

Pros:

• Ultralight and super packable
• 2 dual-stretch side pockets (for water bottles or extra gear)
• 1 additional interior pocket with key clip
• Sustainable design, featuring bluesign® approved and GRS-certified 100% recycled main body fabrics
• Comfortable padded mesh shoulder straps with adjustable sternum strap

Cons:

• Takes a while to get the hang of how to pack it into its pouch
• Super wrinkly when you first unpack it (this goes away with time and use)

This is my current top pick and what I travel long-term with. 

Buy the Ultralight Stuff Pack here. 

Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack 

Key Features:

• Material: 40D Nylon Ripstop
• Weight: 6.85 oz (194.13 g)
• Capacity: 20 L
• Size: 17.72H x 10.24W x 8.66D in

Pros:

• Waterproof sealed seams, making it ideal for wet environments or activities
• Roll-top main compartment and zippered external front pocket for added storage
• 2 stretchy side-pockets with compression straps to keep contents secure (the compression straps are a really nice touch if you have a smaller water bottle or want to keep other things in these pockets)
• Top zippered pocket for small items, including a key clip
• Padded mesh shoulder straps with adjustable sternum strap for added comfort and secure fit
• Built with sustainability in mind, using bluesign® approved recycled fabrics

Cons:

• Non-submersible, meaning it cannot be fully submerged in water (although in my recent video about this pack, I did exactly that and it held up pretty well!) 
• Takes a while to get the hang of how to pack it into its pouch
• Roll-top closure is a little awkward to use
• Super wrinkly when you first unpack it (this goes away with time and use)

As the waterproof sibling to the above pack, I love this bag. 

Check out the Dry Stuff Pack here. 

If you want to see how the two Osprey packs above measure up, then check out my video reviewing and comparing these exact packs! 

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack 

Key Features:

• Material: 30D siliconized CORDURA® 
• Weight: 2.5 oz (72 g)
• Capacity: 20 L
• Size: 11.0 x 7.9 x 18.9 in 

Pros:

• Ultra-lightweight and compact, packs down to the size of a tennis ball (packs down the smallest and weighs the least of all the packs in this list)
• Packs into an attached stuff sack with a handy carabiner 
• Ultra-sil fabric is great for strength, durability, and water resistance
• Reinforced shoulder straps

Cons:

• No water-bottle pockets on the sides. This eats into the overall capacity of the bag since I have to keep my water bottle inside the pack, and it’s not as convenient to access 
• Shoulder straps aren’t padded; maximum load limit recommendation for a comfortable carry is 15 lbs / 7 Kg
• Not waterproof, only water-resistant; contents may get wet in heavy rain or prolonged exposure to water
• Packs down small for a reason: there’s no external or internal pockets or organizational features

Get the (ultra-light, ultra-small) Ultra-Sil Day Pack here. 

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Day Pack 

Key Features:

• Material: Ultra-Sil 30D siliconized CORDURA® 
• Weight: 3.9 oz (110.56 g)
• Capacity: 22 L
• Size: 18.9 x 11.8 x 8.7 in (unpacked); 5 x 2.5 x 1.5 in (packed)

Pros:

• Of all the waterproof packs on this list, it packs down the smallest and is the lightest
• Non-PFC, bluesign® approved
• Waterproof with roll-top closure
• Reinforced shoulder straps for increased carrying comfort
• Packs into an attached stuff sack with a handy carabiner
• Double stitched seams and fully tape sealed construction for added durability
• Reflective compression lacing system for visibility and adjustable storage

Cons:

• No external water bottle pockets
• No internal organization features
• Not suitable for paddle sports or environments with sharp/abrasive elements
• Shoulder straps and pack are not padded, limiting comfortable carrying weight to 15 lbs/7 kg for short durations

This pack is the waterproof cousin to the (ultra-light, ultra-small) pack above. 

Check it out here. 

Tortuga Packable Backpack

Key Features:

• Material: 70D ripstop nylon with an Extreema®-reinforced bottom panel
• Weight: 11 oz (312 g)
• Capacity: 19 L
• Size: 18.1 x 10.2 x 6.3 in (unpacked); 7.9 x 5.9 x 3.5 in (packed)

Pros:

• The structured padded back and mesh shoulder straps provide ultimate comfort
• Holds its form better than any of the other packs mentioned so far (which tend to sag)
• I feel much better about putting my laptop in it (in a sleeve)
• Reinforced, tear-resistant bottom panel
• Two external water bottle pockets
• Removable and adjustable sternum strap
• Top front zippered pocket into which the backpack can stuff itself
• Main compartment zippers are lockable

Cons:

• Doesn’t pack down particularly small, not particularly ultralight (compared to above options)
• A bit awkward to pack into its top pocket given the bulk/rigidity of the padded back panel
• On the pricier side

Of all the packs listed so far, this is the most functional and enjoyable to use as a daypack. If luggage space is not an issue, it’s a great choice.
Check it out on the Tortuga Site here!

Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack

Key Features:

• Material: 70D Robic® nylon PU waterproofing
• Weight: 10.6 oz (300 g)
• Capacity: 22 L
• Size: 19.5 x 10.5 x 7 in (unpacked); 3.75 x 3.75 x 5.75 in (packed)

Pros:

• Super duper waterproof (with roll-top closure) main compartment for protection in extremely wet conditions
• Includes compression sack for travel
• UHMWPE-reinforced wear panels for extreme durability, abrasion resistance, and tear strength
• Gear loops, compression straps, and other features designed for more technical adventures
• Removable hip belt and adjustable sternum strap 
• Water-resistant front zipper pocket and side pockets for water bottles 

Cons:

• Not intended for submersion, not completely waterproof in such cases
• Considerably heavier and bulkier than all the packs listed above, some of which are also waterproof with the same capacity
• Not hydration compatible (consider Freerain28, Beast18, or Beast28 for hydration compatibility)

If you want a super durable waterproof pack, this one may be for you. 

Check it out here. 

Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole® Tote Pack 27L

Key Features:

• Material: 100% post-consumer recycled nylon ripstop with a silicone face coating and a PU back coating
• Weight: 13 oz (370 g)
• Capacity: 27 L
• Size: 15.5″ x 10.25″ x 8″

Pros:

• Lightweight, strong, and weather-resistant fabric made from 100% recycled nylon
• Multiple pockets for gear organization, including internal zip pocket and external zippered organizer
• Stretch water-bottle pockets on both sides
• Comfortable, adjustable, and breathable mesh shoulder straps that can be tucked away
• Can be carried as a tote or a backpack
• Supports fair labor practices with Fair Trade Certified sewing

Cons:

• Both the heaviest and bulkiest of all the packs listed so far (though it also has the largest capacity so far)
• May not be suitable for carrying very heavy loads 
• Not fully waterproof; only weather-resistant

For versatility of size and carry methods, this pack is great. But it’s a bear in terms of weight and bulk. Still though, it looks pretty nice. 

Have a gander here. 

Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable Backpack

20 L Version

Key Features:

• Material: 200D ripstop polyester
• Weight: 11 oz (311.84 g)
• Capacity: 20 L
• Size: 18″H x 10″W x 9″D (unpacked); 8.5″H x 7″W x 1.5″D (stowed)

Pros:

• StormRepel® WR finish sheds moisture for added protection
• 2 external zip pockets, 2 elasticized mesh side pockets, and 1 interior Velcro® back panel pocket
• Lightly padded adjustable shoulder straps with breathable mesh lining for comfort
• Four front lashing loops for attaching carabiners or clip lights

Cons:

• For a non-technical 20L bag, this is way too heavy. Designed more for fashion/comfort than function
• Some reviews indicate overall quality is not as high as the other packs in this article 
• Not waterproof, only water-repellent 

Check out the 20L pack here. 

30 L Version

Key Features:

• Material: 200D ripstop polyester
• Weight: 13 oz (370 g)
• Capacity: 30 L
• Size: 13in x 8.5in x 14.4in

Pros:

• Largest packable backpack in this article
• Durable ripstop polyester material with a water-repellent StormRepel® WR finish
• Specially designed for plus size, with longer and specially shaped shoulder straps and waist belt
• Hydration-compatible sleeve for convenient hydration on the go
• 2 exterior zip pockets, 2 side mesh pockets for water bottles, and a hook-and-loop-closure interior pocket
• Padded mesh back panel for comfort

Cons:

• Heaviest and bulkiest pack of them all, by far
• Some reviews say it feels cheap
• Not waterproof, only water-repellent 

Get the 30L Pack here.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: The Best Ultralight Packable Backpacks for Travel

I personally own a few of these packs; specifically the Osprey packs (both of them), the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack, and the Tortuga Packable Backpack. I wanted to include some others in this article to make this a comprehensive review, but to be honest, in my opinion none of them measure up. (The only other one I would consider would be the Sea to Summit Ultra Sil Dry Day Pack for its ultralight qualities, though I don’t like that it doesn’t have any extra pockets). 

The Matador pack might be an option if I required a super heavy-duty pack for a technical excursion, but it comes at a pretty heavy (literally) price of weight and bulk. 

But in the end it boils down to you and what you need in a packable backpack. For me, it needs to be ultralight, pack down super small, and be multi-functional for a variety of uses on the road. Your needs may be different. 

Have you used a packable backpack that you think deserves to be profiled in this article? Please let us know in the comments! 

This post Ultralight Packable Backpacks: Essential Travel Accessories appeared first on The Professional Hobo. Please click through to read it in full!

With an increased propensity to move around, many companies have heeded the call for sustainable, inclusive, and responsible travel. While these organizations include both non-profit and for-profit companies, all are focused on providing positive social and environmental impact through various initiatives. 

This article discusses what social impact is, how it applies to digital nomads, and lists some of the best social impact travel companies to use this year.

See also: 

18 Eco Travel Companies and Booking Tools to Use

Eco Friendly Travel Products

Is the Digital Nomad Lifestyle Environmentally Friendly? 

What is Social Impact Travel?

Social impact travel is a response to growing awareness of the impact travel has on local cultures and environments around the world. While there is no single definition, the general idea of this travel style is that we can make conscious choices in our behaviors to provide a more positive social impact.

As this type of travel grows in popularity, social impact companies like G Adventures are partnering with nonprofit organizations to support local communities through impact trips and goodwill initiatives.

Social Impact Travel for Digital Nomads

A big concern that arose from the digital nomad revolution is flight carbon emissions. This negative environmental impact is inherent to global travel. 

Similar conversations are being had about gentrification, though I must admit digital nomads are becoming the scapegoat (see here, and here) for a much larger problem that involves expat and tourists just as much if not more than digital nomads. (Articles like this one are now being written in response to the above articles). 

In response, nomads are seeking more sustainable ways to give back and support systemic social benefits.

Digital nomads are uniquely positioned to create a worldwide positive social impact, from minimizing carbon footprints to engaging with local community members. 

Many governments have jumped on board encouraging digital nomads to stay in one place longer through the emergence of digital nomad visas which can allow “slowmads” to stay in a country for up to 2 years.

Types of Social Impact Travel

Social impact travel takes on many forms empowering local cultures through ethical, respectful, and sustainable behavior. Here are a few examples:

Sustainable Travel

Broadly encompassing most forms of social impact travel, sustainable travel emphasizes responsible and conscious action where travelers minimize negative impacts on host destinations.

Locally-Conscious Travel

Supporting local communities is one of the easiest ways to give back. From shopping in local markets to staying in locally-owned accommodations to engaging in local projects, deliberate decision-making is all it takes to make your trip locally-conscious.

Eco Travel

Also termed “green travel,” this style aims for low- or zero-ecological impact. Many “eco lodges” are designed specifically to minimize their impact on the environment and educate their guests.

Volunteer Travel

Digital nomads can make a difference by volunteering their time to various organizations in host communities. The options for volunteer work vary widely, as do the time requirements. It is important to look for locally-sourced opportunities to ensure you are supporting the needs of the community.

Conservation Travel

Some organizations offer opportunities to work directly toward the conservation of local flora and fauna, while others contribute proceeds to these causes. Typically, conservation travel can be found in wildlife-rich areas. Think Costa Rica, Indonesia, or Thailand.

The Impact You Could Make

The digital nomad life brings us up close and personal with many different cultures and environments. As a result, we make a social impact wherever we go whether or not we realize it. Whether the impact is positive or negative is up to you. 

Companies with social impact could enable you to do the following: 

• Offset carbon emissions
• Boost local economies
• Support small business owners
• Help with animal conservation and rehabilitation
• Create jobs for local residents
• Support local projects
• Foster education
• Revitalize culture and art
• Preserve of heritage
• Strengthen communities
  
  

The Best Social Impact Organizations for Digital Nomads

If you’ve made it this far, you’re likely ready to take the next step in making a positive social impact while traveling. There are tons of social impact organizations specifically designed to fit the digital nomad lifestyle. Take a look at the list below for some social impact travel possibilities.

1. Nomads Giving Back

The name says it all with this social impact organization. Nomads Giving Back offers digital nomads the chance to give back to the local communities they call home through their volunteer matching program.

Organizations list their needs on the website, creating a worldwide database. After you fill out a simple form, you are matched with an organization in your area so that you can have the greatest impact based on your particular skills and circumstances. 

From social impact-themed trips to advocacy events to impact workshops, this is the place to start making a difference.

2. Nomads Skillshare

An offshoot project by Nomads Giving Back, Nomads Skillshare is a growing community in the nomad space that brings together philanthropic-minded global citizens. Inside the community, you can join conversations about giving back, meet with like-minded nomads, and learn about exclusive service opportunities.

Through the Skillshare with Impact! program, you can participate in virtual or in-person workshops focused on social impact. This same program offers a scholarship to local Indonesians so they can learn digital skills online.

Use discount code THEPROFESS10 for 10% off their online courses to help you level up your skills to live and work effectively as a digital nomad!

3. Ventures with Impact

Ventures with Impact is a 4-week coworking retreat where digital nomads will participate in a skills-based volunteer opportunity. Choose between four amazing locations—Medellin, Chiang Mai, San Miguel de Allende, Lisbon—and enjoy 2-3 bedroom apartments with private rooms and access to co-working spaces.

While on a trip, each volunteer opportunity is personalized based on your skills and interests and the needs of local organizations. You will be placed at an organization where your professional skills fill a resource gap. In a sense providing ‘pro bono’ work to help develop the local infrastructure.

See also: Digital Nomad Retreats to Level Up Your Lifestyle  

4. Voluntouring

Voluntouring helps you find volunteer opportunities all over the world. This social impact organization provides a listing platform for organizations to advertise their projects and get the help they need.

Using the site is as simple as inputting keywords in the search bar at the top, and then scrolling through the results to find the perfect match. There are both paid and free programs.

5. Re:Build

Re:Build is a community of people passionate about building regenerative villages. This organization is answering the call for more sustainable communities that operate in tandem with nature and local cultures. The goal is to bring together “re:builders,” landowners, and investors to create places that embody regenerative values and principles.

Projects are distributed across the world, predominantly located in popular digital nomad destinations. You can participate by joining as a community member or attending one of the live or virtual gatherings. This is a great way to ensure you’re taking less than you’re giving and help build a more sustainable global environment.

6. Thriving Nomads

Thriving Nomads is a network of digital nomads empowering individuals and businesses to create positive impact projects and jobs. This social impact organization is specifically created by and for digital nomads with an emphasis on location independence.

Virtual events and in-person conferences bring together like-minded social impact makers. Thriving Nomads also hosts smaller workations for deep-dive experiences and organizes local meetups. This organization is in the growing stages, but is driven by socially-conscious, passionate people.

I interviewed the founders of Thriving Nomads in my Remote Work & Travel series! They have a to of interesting insights and projects happening. Check it out here. 

7. Economadia

While giving us the freedom to venture into the unknown, location independence has also heightened our awareness of the importance of community. From local residents at our destinations to other digital nomads, the digital nomad life is anything but a solo endeavor. Economadia harnesses this concept with a vision of building “global villages” with international communities as their inhabitants.

Economadia organizes workations/retreats and event crews to explore various impact projects around the world and to raise awareness. The goal is to connect digital nomads with rural coliving and coworking places, promoting the connection between technology and sustainability.

8. Social Nomads

A great way to give back in a less-visited place is to join a social impact workation with Social Nomads. These workations are designed for digital nomads, location independent entrepreneurs, and freelancers. During the workations, you can participate in masterminds focused on your work and making a social impact, and you will enjoy scheduled “laptop hours” for your personal work time.

Social Nomads is run by the founders of the 22STARS Foundation, which strives to combat poverty and empower Ugandan families. During the workations, meals are prepared by the women of the 22STARS Foundation which supports their businesses.

Final Words

As avid travelers, digital nomads are uniquely positioned to make a difference in the world. With a lifestyle that is centered around global mobility, it puts us in contact with numerous cultures and environments apart from our own. 

It is our responsibility to ensure that the difference we make is a positive one, and neither apathy nor ignorance are excuses. It’s up to us to ensure we are respecting the wonderful communities who welcome us.

Even the smallest effort can result in a meaningful and sustainable positive social impact. That is why it is vital that we embrace social impact travel. Take the next step and consider supporting one of the social impact organizations in this article. 

This post The Best Social Impact Travel Organizations for Digital Nomads to Consider appeared first on The Professional Hobo. Please click through to read it in full!

This Financial Case Study features details of Layne’s lifestyle and avant-garde career, so you can learn more about the long-term travel lifestyle and its many forms. Enjoy! 

How long have you been living/working on the road, and where have you traveled to?

I first discovered The Professional Hobo in 2013 and realised I didn’t have to be sedentary and miserable for the rest of my life (imagine!). I think I got fed up and googled something like, “how to travel free,” thinking that a helpful result was about as likely to come up as if I’d googled “what is the meaning of life.” Instead, there was Nora.

I was stunned by what she was doing and jumped on the bandwagon as soon as I could manage it! I took a nine-month practice run in 2014—teaching English in China, volunteering at a backpacker’s lodge in Addo Elephant National Park (South Africa), renting an apartment in Kathmandu, and house-sitting in Doha and London. 

After that, I was (obviously) never the same, and I gave up my last apartment in Seattle at the end of 2015 to travel full time. My most life-changing travel experiences since then have included island-hopping in the Maldives, visiting Antarctica, and road-tripping Madagascar (beaches and baobabs and lemurs, oh my!). 

Please describe what you do for income. 

At first, I did something I don’t necessarily recommend and that was moving into my suitcase and letting my lease expire before I had landed a remote job or started a location independent business. Not the most responsible move I ever made. But sometimes you leap and the net appears! 

Within a month I had found (on the jobs page of the DFW Craigslist) a remote job ghost-writing for a tech startup. As the company grew, I ended up leading a team of writers, and then the whole writing department, and finally I inherited two more departments. 

There is a lot of upward mobility (and remote opportunity) for hard workers in the startup world. Seven years later, I am an AI operations director, specializing in building globally distributed teams of 50+ people for tech companies who need “humans-in-the-loop” on the backend of their AI or SaaS applications. The tech industry’s big secret is that AI is often half-human. 

How many hours per week do you work on average? 

I’m currently working with a completely remote legal tech company called Index Solutions and the workload varies quite a bit. Things are slow at the moment and I don’t often have more than a couple of hours of work to do per weekday (Monday-Friday). During times of rapid expansion, I do work up to 35-40 hours/week. 

How much money do you make? 

$96k/year

Do you make enough money to support your lifestyle? 

Yes, even with a weakness for fancy hotels! I tend to spend about $3k per month (there is a hard-core theatre habit going on, I admit it) and save about $3k per month. 

Most of the year, I’m house sitting all over the world and working remotely. Then, once or twice a year, I take a big blowout trip and spend most of my savings. 

The goal I’m working on at the moment is to save up a down payment to get into real estate investing, so that I can have a home base for a few months a year and also start saving to save, instead of just saving to spend. 

What do you like most about your career and lifestyle? 

I love working completely remotely, coaching others and empowering them to work completely remotely, and being able to change my location at will. I was very, very unhappy as a sedentary person. It still makes me feel a bit panicked if I think too hard about how much of the world I’ll never see, despite my best efforts! 

What are some of the challenges you have with this career and lifestyle?

Constantly moving (and searching for the next roof over my head) does get exhausting. Applying for house sits, having zoom calls with prospective sits, and constant house handoffs are time-consuming.

 I am nowhere near finished with travelling, but I’ve been feeling the need to nest pretty deeply in recent years. After seven years of total homelessness, I’m ready to work toward having a sanctuary that I can return to for a few months each year (and where I can keep The Perfect Pillows, and stash the other seasons’ clothes, and own a favourite mug and one of those scratch-off maps). 

Nora’s Note: I laughed out loud when I read this, because when I got an apartment in Toronto after 12 years of full-time travel, the some of the first items I got included a pillow and a scratch-off map. I’m only there periodically but I always enjoy a few good nights’ sleep and scratching off a few more countries.)

I plan to rent the place out on Airbnb when I’m not there. Another substantial challenge is relationships. I love my solitude but it can get lonely out there, and it does tax my closest relationships that we’re only together a few months a year. 

See also: My Sordid Attempts at Love on the Road 

What is your vision for the future of your lifestyle on the road?

I’m super inspired by Robuilt’s Airbnb empire at the moment and want to create my own portfolio of unique places that I can (a) stay in when I’m around and (b) rent out when I’m not.

I’d like to buy old buildings that were not originally designed for residential use (e.g. a boot factory in Texas, an old firehouse in the Pacific Northwest, a church in North London) and partner with my friend Elizabeth (an artist and architect) to turn them into homes. 

I think that ultimately, I would like to continue travelling to new places 30-60% of the time, while nesting in one of my home bases for the remainder. 

Of course, all of this is expensive! So I’m investing in founding an online travel training business to share all the knowledge I’ve built around air mile hacking, house-sitting, and working remotely. I’m excited about it because it combines the expertise in remote training strategy that I’ve built in seven years of doing my “day job” with the all-consuming and one true love of my life: travel. 

Any advice for the aspiring traveler about living and working on the road and managing finances?

Take my Travel Hacking Masterclass! It’ll teach you everything I know about travelling rich on a backpacker’s budget.

I spent ten years piecing this stuff together and you’ll learn it in 30 days flat, including how to fly (in business class) and stay (in beautiful homes) all over the world for nearly free, how to protect the environments and communities you visit, how to get up to 50% off on luxury hotels and resorts, how to get free car and RV rentals, and so much more. 

You should enrol through the above link specifically in order to share the wealth with the one and only Professional Hobo (she was the first light at the end of my long, dark tunnel of sedentary life, after all!). 

My Nomad Academy bundle has also been released and covers working remotely. I wish you a lifetime of adventure! Please know it’s more possible than it feels at first. 

This post Financial Case Study: Layne, AI Operations Director appeared first on The Professional Hobo. Please click through to read it in full!

See Also:

Full-Time Travel as a Digital Nomad Family of 5, Growing Up Without Borders 

20 Years of Travel, Trading, and Kids: Pat Schulte, Wanderer Financial 

Boat Life as a Family of 5! With Erin Carey, Roam Generation 

What is Worldschooling?

Worldschooling is a form of holistic education that takes homeschooling on the road. Traveling families rely on experiences and dynamic interaction as the basis of learning. Worldschoolers see the world as their classroom, leveraging unique and abstract methods, often influenced by the cultures in which they are immersed.

Homeschooling is the broad concept that diverges from traditional schooling by moving the educational experience out of your typical schools. Worldschooling is a subset of this concept, incorporating self directed education.

How to Decide Whether Worldschooling is Right for You

Worldschooling is a unique flavor of homeschooling that may or may not be right for all homeschooled kids. Perhaps you prefer even less structure, in which case you might find similarities with unschooling families who rely on creativity, play, and curiosity. Here are a few ways to determine which route is best for you.

• Trial and error – Many people think worldschooling requires you to sell everything, go all in, and leave everything you know. Instead, you can take some short trial trips, and see how it works for you. You can make them progressively longer until you are ready to take the next step.
• Flexibility – What kind of parent are you? Worldschooling is inherently flexible as it is externally driven. You might have an online school or a private tutor. Toss out the curriculum for a week and see how you do as reactive learners.
• Learning style – Every homeschooling parent is a teacher. Teaching methods tend to mirror the teacher’s learning style. Therefore, you should be cognizant of how you learn best, then see if that fits your lifestyle.
• Local laws – Depending where you call home, homeschooling (in any form) may or may not be possible. Local laws and regulations vary from country to country and even between states.
• Child age – Many worldschooling kids start in their earlier years, often before age 10. While there are many older kids who worldschool, sometimes the transition is more difficult.
  
  

The Worldschooling Curriculum

Finding a curriculum that works for your child’s education is a big step in the homeschooling journey. When it comes to homeschooling while traveling the world, minimalism and lightweight is the name of the game. World schooling curriculum can run the gamut from formal to informal, book-based to online resources. Many find that education through travel is best facilitated by syncing lessons with destinations to leverage what the culture has to offer and inspire curiosity.

Best Worldschooling Communities (Online)

A worldschooling community is a place for worldschoolers to come together online through organized events and virtual hangouts with like minded families. Many will also facilitate personal meetups with a map for worldschoolers to find each other. Check out this list of great online communities. We’ll touch on location-based temporary learning communities later in the article.

Worldschoolers

Aptly named, Worldschoolers is one of the largest Facebook groups catering to the worldschooling community. With over 57K members, there is truly a global reach, with an immense amount of experience within this community. Various recurring threads are especially useful for advice, meet-ups, and even networking and promoting whatever you do to sustain your worldschooling lifestyle.

We Are Worldschoolers

We Are Worldschoolers is an online community that provides an exclusive supportive community plus tons of resources, courses, and content to help you on your worldschooling journey. Their vibrant Facebook community has over 13K members of active worldschooling families.

Worldschooling Central

If you’re looking for great advice on how to use the school of the world, look no further than Worldschooling Central. This Facebook community of nearly 10K passionate worldschoolers is extremely active with new meet-ups happening every day.

Worldschooling Hub

Worldschooling Hub provides a secure interactive map that connects the worldschooling community all over the world. It is a great way for communities to develop organically, as worldschooling families can read each other’s profiles, and connect with like-minded people.

Worldschooling Junction: Family Travel, Worldschooling, and Service

Worldschooling Junction is a small community of worldschoolers and nomads who are passionate about making a difference in the world. This is a place where ideas, good citizenship, and curiosity meet. If you’re interested in traveling with purpose, this is the community for you.

World Traveling School: Montessori-inspired Education

World Traveling School is a Montessori-inspired year-round traveling school providing continuity in education for digital nomad families. Teachers, classmates, school and parents all travel. The school travels to 3 locations a year across LATAM to cater to parents’ US/Canada-based work schedule.

This screen-free worldschooling option gives students consistent in-person social connection for stronger bonds, less acclimatization and no educational compromise moving place to place.  Parents can rely on the same incredibly conscientious team, while traveling the world.

Worldschooling Courses and Resources 

Many people choose worldschooling because it provides a high degree of educational freedom. Children and parents alike, are empowered to adopt a more holistic perspective of the world, and learning is integrated into everyday life. If you’re new to the game, it can be hard to figure out how to get started or sift through the flood of available information online. That’s why I created this list of online schools, worldschooling courses, and supplemental resources and experiences to get you started.

Worldschool Academy

Worldschool Academy is a coaching, mentorship, and accountability membership platform that supports worldschooling parents and students. With online classes, home education coaching, and daily meet-ups, worldschoolers enjoy the mutual support of what can be likened to co-working sessions. This is a good resource for new worldschoolers, or those in need of routine. 

Extraordinary Family Life

Extraordinary Family Life is where the founders of Worldschool Academy live (online, that is), providing a wide array of online courses and classes to help you confidently take charge of your home education. This worldschooling family also gives you the benefit of their experience with an informative podcast and the opportunity to join them on exclusive trips.

The Dennings – fully nomadic since 2007, with seven kids! – know their stuff. I’ve featured them on my site before, here:

Financial Case Study UPDATE: The Denning Family

A Week-In-The-Life of a Family of Seven (now nine. Nine!) 

Worldschooling Central

Worldschooling Central is a great place to learn how to get started worldschooling. They provide a wealth of information to help you better understand what worldschooling is, how to handle the transition into the lifestyle, and actionable tips on how to make it work. Check out the video content which spotlights various worldschooling families within their community, providing you an in-depth, first-hand look at worldschooling in action. Worldschooling Central also offers multiple immersive trips throughout the year which bring together like-minded families for an enriching experience.

The World School

The World School is a unique “school” built for traveling and worldschooling families. Combing aspects of various homeschooling and unschooling philosophies, The World School offers a 3-month long session rotating among different international locations. This is an immersive session led by facilitators, offering supplemental educational programs that are driven by student-choice, curiosity, and self-directed learning.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a fantastic curriculum-supporting resource that is multi-faceted, interactive, and engaging. This multi-disciplinary learning platform facilitates personalized learning with trusted content and tools to empower teachers. With standards-aligned practice and lessons, worldschoolers will be able to self-pace their growth and parent-teachers can monitor progress. There is a wide array of offerings including math for K-12 through early college, grammar, science, history, AP, SAT, and much more. The best part is it is completely free to use.

Deliberate Travel Kids

Deliberate Travel Kids takes worldschoolers on a 12-month online journey around the world. Supporting active learners and curious kids, Deliberate Travel Kids offers members monthly workbooks that include educational activities and information about a specific country’s history, culture, people, geography, animals, and food. This resource gives students the opportunity to explore the world from any location. Each month, you’ll receive a postcard that gives you direct access to the workbooks and more.

Progressive Education

Progressive Education is a resource center that explores the need for progressive alternatives to conventional education methods. You’ll find a comprehensive directory of education providers, progressive schools, learning communities, online schools, and hybrid learning opportunities. Progressive Education provides various resources that will help you find your way in any of the myriad of alternative education modalities.

The Worldschool Coach

 Jak, a qualified teacher and experienced worlsdchool parent offers The Worldschool Coach course, a 6 session course empowering parents to create their own worldschooling roadmap through expert insights and guidance. Also The WanderHub, provides flexible itineraries to connect families, blending cultural, active, and nature-based activities all around the world. Both are resources offered on Boston Tribe Travel.

Plan Your Travels: Meet Other Worldschooling Families in Person at These Worldschooling Communities Around the World 

As you plan your travels, consider adding an in-person meet-up with other world schoolers. Worldschooling pop ups are short-term events that build worldschooling communities. These temporary learning communities provide an engaging learning environment.

World School Pop Up Hub (global)

World School Pop Up Hub is all about creating gatherings for worldschoolers. Attracting worldschoolers as hosts all over the world, you will join a worldschooling hub full of like-minded people. This DIY-style event is centrally-hosted, following a loose itinerary, leveraging free/low cost options, and readily tweaked by the participants. All events are in-person, lasting typically 7-8 days.

My friends at Worldschooling Junction hosted one of these events in Oaxaca, Mexico! Check out their upcoming events here.

Project World School

Project World School is creating temporary learning communities worldwide through multi-day immersive retreats. Thematically-focused to highlight the host country, worldschoolers unite in experiences that emphasize global citizenship, cultural sensitivity, and developing relationships. Each retreat includes some form of service or volunteer work to give back to the host community. Project World School has also hosted an annual worldschooling summit which brings together worldschooling families from all over the world to share ideas.

The Hive (Dominican Republic)

The Hive is a multicultural worldschooling community in the Dominican Republic striving to become a part of the global sustainability solution. This community is built on values of purposeful living and self-directed education. Multiple programs are offered to facilitate learning about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing a space for worldschooling families to connect and gain skills to be a more self-determined human, whether it’s through a 1-week session or a full year.

Deliberate Detour (Latin America)

Deliberate Detour welcomes traveling families to deeply impactful two and four-week programs in some of the world’s most beautiful cities. Intimate groups of 16 children, ages 7 to 16, build connections while exploring the art, history, food, and natural environments of a place together. Beginning with worldschooling hubs in Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru, Deliberate Detour works toward its mission to build a more empathic, peaceful world.

Anahata Worldschooling Community (Mexico – Yucatan)

The Anahata Community provides a co-living environment focused on raising resilient, compassionate, and engaged kids. Bringing worldschoolers from around the globe to the Yucatan, Anahata is built on fulfillment, compassion, cultural immersion, and adventure. Families work together to establish a natural rhythm and co-create learning programs depending on what each family wants to offer.

Green School (Bali, Indonesia)

Green School takes a more formal approach to worldschooling in what could be called an academic world school. This educational organization is a long-term option for international schooling and multicultural socialization. While a bit more traditional in terms of educational routine, Green School is inherently about fostering creativity, educational freedom, and community.

Campus da Terra (Madeira, Portugal)

Campus da Terra is a homeschooling hub on the island of Madeira, offering a flexible, self-directed learning environment on an ecological farm. They welcome worldschooling families seeking a community-based experience where children receive tutor support for their homeschooling curriculum. While guided by tutors, most time is focused on free play outdoors, creativity, independence, and critical thinking. The multi-age groups foster collaborative learning and relationships between children of varying ages. Their program runs Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM and families can join for short or long stays, immersing in a supportive, democratic learning community.

Tribodar (Portugal)

Tribodar is a unique community experience created by an unschooling family who lives, learns, and creates in a sustainable way. They provide various immersive and sustainable experiences for worldschoolers of all ages, creating a space for healing, creative and learning experiences. Join in the community conversation on FB here. 

Tlayudona (Mexico – Oaxaca)

Tlayudona is a platform that connects worldschoolers and travelers with local hosts who offer authentic Oaxacan experiences. Tlaydona is designed specifically for conscious travelers, life-learners, and people who want to expand their socio-cultural awareness. Through mutual-learning, each experience is helping to build a community and create intercultural bridges. These experiences range from language immersion to full-day excursions, with an entire program dedicated to enhancing your world classroom.

The Source Farm (Jamaica)

The Source Farm is a multi-cultural learning village in St. Thomas. It is an ecovillage and community development institute dedicated to preserving wildlife and facilitating regenerative education. 

Cloughjordan Ecovillage (Ireland)

Ireland’s first EcoVillage is an innovative new community bringing together a diverse group of people. This sustainable site promotes biodiversity and social enrichment through communal activity. Cloughjordan offers short-term accommodation, guided tours, and multiple classes in place-based sustainability.

Get Started on Your Worldschooling Journey

Worldschooling is one of many alternative education options for traveling families. It is a great way for nomadic families to integrate learning into their travel lifestyle. Whether you are a full-time traveler, slow-mad, or home-based, there are tons of opportunities to find like-minded worldschoolers through online communities and physical temporary learning communities. 

This post Worldschooling Communities, Courses, and Hubs to Get You Started appeared first on The Professional Hobo. Please click through to read it in full!

Other Ways to Find Your Digital Nomad Community: 
How to Find Monthly Digital Nomad Accommodation (alternatives to AirBnB)
Locally-Managed Coliving Spaces Around the World
Top Digital Nomad Retreats to Level Up Your Lifestyle
Top Digital Nomad Conferences to Attend
Best Coliving Coworking Programs for Remote Workers and Digital Nomads

What is a Digital Nomad Community?

Digital nomad communities are built to enhance and support the location independent lifestyle, bringing together like-minded people. A digital nomad community can include both physical and digital spaces. Most include a mix of in-person social gatherings, online meet-ups, networking events, and professional development opportunities that support the digital nomad lifestyle.  

Why You Should Get Involved in Online Digital Nomad Communities

I’ve said this multiple times before, but it bears repeating in case you are new to my website: I burned out of the digital nomad lifestyle after 12 years of full-time travel because I lost all sense of belonging. And this was because I had no community; specifically, no digital nomad community. I didn’t hang out with anybody who shared – and thus understood – my lifestyle and the nuances therein, and it cost me. 

As an OG digital nomad, the lack of this kind of community was par for the course; there weren’t anywhere near the number of digital nomad groups and communities that exist today. But for anybody just getting started in the digital nomad lifestyle, hear me now: you need community, and there’s no excuse for burning out because you couldn’t find “your people”. I am back on the road and living large because of some of the organizations in this article. 

Nomadic communities offer a sense of belonging while facilitating digital nomad movement. Here are four reasons to get involved in digital nomad communities.

Meet Other Digital Nomads

Whether meeting up at a local bar or dialing into a Zoom meeting, making new friends with likeminded people can be invigorating. A good community should provide a space and the encouragement for you to forge lasting bonds with your fellow nomads.

Get Important Travel Information

This is a great place to learn from experience. You can tap into the knowledge of other remote workers to learn about visa requirements, places to stay, and more.

Create Collaborations

Success in entrepreneurship comes with a good support network. The best digital nomad groups typically offer you a chance to create subgroups, personalize your profile, or use filter-based searches within the community to enhance the quality of your connections, both personal and professional.

Curate Experiences Together

This is a great place to find other digital nomads who share similar interests. From rock climbing to salsa dancing and beyond, you and your new friends can create a digital nomad meetup that is right up your alley.

Best Online Communities, Networks, and Forums for Digital Nomads

I compiled this list of stellar digital nomad websites that are worth perusing. Every community has its own unique flair. While it could take some trial and error to find your perfect fit, your nomad experience will definitely be enriched through these digital nomad communities.

Nomad List

Nomad List uses real-time data to connect nomads with some of the best places to live worldwide. Inside the community, you can enjoy everything from a digital nomad dating app to a vibrant Slack community. 

You’ll get hundreds of filters to customize your search, a residence calendar to keep you in line with international regulations, and tons of member meet-ups.

Cost: $198 (lifetime) 

June 2024 update: currently 50% off!

Nomads Skillshare!

Nomads Skillshare! is a community of nomads, remote workers, and global citizens who empower people to learn the skills to live the life they imagined. Their community newsletter, social channels, and dedicated online community platform are venues for sharing the latest tips, tricks, and news for digital nomads. They’ve hosted over 75 events and have over 1,200 members. 

They also have an online course portal to help aspiring digital nomads develop the necessary skills to achieve this lifestyle. Courses offered include “How To Get Your Dream Online Job”, “How To Become A Social Media Manager” & “How To Become A Virtual Assistant”, with more to come in the near future. Learn more about their courses here, and use THEPROFESS10 for 10% off!

 

Plumia

Plumia is “a place for ideas, debates, updates, socializing, and more.” Their Discord server acts like a virtual town square bringing together nomads of all levels from across the globe. As a part of the community, you can enjoy Plumia Talks, which are expert sessions about topics pertinent to the digital nomad lifestyle. 

What makes Plumia special is their commitment to global mobility rights with a long-term endeavor of creating a full-fledged internet country for digital nomads. 

Freaking Nomads

Freaking Nomads is a community made for those who dare to live differently and get out of their comfort zone. This edgy platform offers a fun, inclusive space for digital nomads to connect, share stories, and find inspiration.

What sets Freaking Nomads apart is their “no-bs” approach and their commitment to authenticity and diversity. Their publication provides resources, guides, and tips to help people navigate the digital nomad lifestyle while fostering a sense of community among nomads from all walks of life. Their social media constantly showcases the real experiences of their diverse community members, while nomads can exchange tips and advice on their dedicated digital nomad forum.

Cost: Free

Dynamite Circle

While not specifically for digital nomads, Dynamite Circle helps entrepreneurs from all industries build purposeful relationships through hand-curated masterminds, a moderated online business forum, local meetups, and live networking events. I have included it in this list because many if not most of the members are location independent and/or are digital nomads. 

Cost: $197 (quarterly); $499 (annual)

Nomad Base

If you’re looking for a group of location independent entrepreneurs willing to share their best digital nomad tips, check out Nomad Base. Their Nomad Academy includes over 40 workshops and trainings to help you grow. 

The community also has selected meeting points around the world if you’d like to catch up and network with digital nomad friends in person. You can also meet up with fellow nomads at some great retreat options, which I discuss more in a previous article.

Cost: €87 (quarterly); €290 (annually)

Location Indie

Location Indie brings together like-minded people who want to “kick ass in business and travel.” 

The Location Indie community is mostly made up of people who are just getting started in the location independent lifestyle, however there are some members (like myself!) who have been on the scene for a while. Especially helpful in this community are the 30+ hours of expert training and dynamic private social network.

Cost: $49 (monthly); $300 (annually)

Nomad Soulmates

Dating as a digital nomad can be difficult. Bringing together more than 23,000 singles worldwide, Nomad Soulmates is the premier digital nomad dating site. 

What began (and continues) as a thriving Facebook group for single nomads, has grown into a massive community where live events, speed dating, and other social gatherings help you meet like-minded nomad singles. There is even a recently-launched mobile app so you can do a little nomadic swiping.

Cost: Free 

Digital Nomad World

Digital Nomad World is a tiered membership community for both experienced and aspiring nomads, though it is geared more toward current nomads. You will find an active nomad forum on the community page, city guides, a service directory, a job board, and a resource library. 

Check out the calendar for a list of weekly events, including talks where you can learn from fellow nomads with unique experiences. Exclusive benefits, expert workshops, community meetups, and mastermind groups are available for nominal monthly fees.

Cost: Free, €5, or €18 (monthly)

Local Digital Nomad Communities

Sometimes your best bet is to look for regional specific digital nomad communities. Local groups often provide more depth about a given area since the members either live there or have in the past. 

Many digital nomad cities will have coworking spaces, which is a great place to start in finding some local nomads to hang out with. Spending time at a coworking space or finding a coliving option is a good way to get connected. You can do that here. 

Another way to find local digital nomad communities is to run a quick search on Facebook using “[destination name] + digital nomads”, and then join relevant groups. I’ve used these groups to plan trips, find places to stay and events to attend, and meet up with people in the area. 

NomadX

NomadX is a standout initiative that is creating on-site communities that make it easy for digital nomads to roll up, find places to stay, spaces to work, and activities to have fun and connect with not only digital nomads but also with local residents.

It is done in collaboration with local governments in an effort to create a synergy between visiting digital nomads and residents (which includes local businesses as well as local residents who also work remotely).

The first community created by NomadX was on the Portuguese island of Madeira, specifically in Ponta do Sol, although Madeira’s capital city of Funchal and other locations now have thriving community calendars and infrastructure conducive to the digital nomad lifestyle like coliving and coworking spaces. A thriving Slack community allows people on the island as well as those planning their trips to arrive and quickly tap into the flow.

I personally visited these communities in January and August of 2023 and I planned my trip with ease thanks to the Digital Nomads Madeira initiative. Here’s an article I wrote all about Madeira for Digital Nomads, explaining the history of this initiative and giving advice on how to visit Madeira as a digital nomad.

Other communities created by NomadX include Cabo Verde, Caparica (Portugal), and Pipa (Brazil). You can connect with each of these initiatives through the NomadX website.

Tadaima Shimoda

TADAIMA SHIMODA is a vibrant community based in a coastal city, Shimoda, Japan — where digital nomads and global explorers can connect with local people. 

Shimoda is a coastal city just 2.5–3 hours from central Tokyo, offering the perfect balance of nature, history, and remote work infrastructure. With reliable internet, cozy cafes, onsen hot springs, and scenic beaches like Shirahama, it’s an ideal escape for digital nomads seeking productivity and peace. Known as Japan’s first “open port” to the West, Shimoda blends global connections with deep-rooted local culture and charm.

“Tadaima” means “I’m back.” in Japanese, which is what you say when you come home. 

You can join the community, visit Shimoda for peaceful life in the countryside, and make genuine friendships with locals. The community host also holds a one-month colivng program annually. The program offers opportunities for participants to immerse themselves into an authentic rural life in Japan, join shared meals, build real friendships with locals,  and experience Japanese culture in a deeper, more personal way.

Visit their website and join their Whatsapp group from TADAIMA SHIMODA website.

Best Digital Nomad Facebook Groups

Another great place to meet like-minded people and learn from other nomads is digital nomad Facebook groups. There are a ton of digital nomad groups out there—many focusing on different parts of the digital nomad lifestyle.

Digital Nomads Nation / Digital Nomads Around the World

If you’re looking for a range of versatile apps for digital nomads, Digital Nomads Nation, the world’s first e-Nation, is the place for you. You will find information on cheap flights, best places to live, available jobs, and even a database of remote workers.

Digital Nomads Around the World is Digital Nomads Nation’s Facebook group for nomads at any level. With over 183,000 members and 17 posts per day, there are tons of digital nomad opportunities in this group, from social meetups to job openings. 

Digital Nomad Girls Community

Digital Nomad Girls Community is a place for female digital nomads to meet, experiment, and collaborate. Established in 2015, this digital nomad community was one of the first gender-specific digital nomad groups. 

The FB group is free with over 39,000 active participants. You can join the premium DNG group for accountability meetings and more.

Digital Nomads Forum

Join over 20,000 members who share experiences, tips, and ask questions. Digital Nomads Forum was founded by Robert O’Kruk, a digital nomad and remote work coach who also founded Mindful Nomads Retreat which combines mindful living practices with strategic business coaching. 

While the forum doesn’t seem to be the most active, there is a plethora of information available if you use the search function.

Digital Nomads Hub

Digital Nomads Hub is all about making a connection with other digital nomads and supporting each other with first-person advice. The public group of over 61,000 members encourages nomads to co-live and co-work. The community is widespread and relatively active (maybe 1-2 posts per day). 

Digital Nomad Jobs – Lifestyle – Travel

Here is a good place to look for remote jobs, collaborative opportunities, and general advice. The page is very active with over 40,000 members and 5-10 posts per day. The Digital Nomad Board also links to related events.

Digital Nomads

This group is full of resources, informational threads, and an active membership pool of over 172,000 members. Digital Nomads is a great place to go for aspiring nomads to meet others like you. There are a number of featured posts where you can find directories of different types of workers and expert advice. 

Digital Nomads Beyond 50

Who says you have to be young to be a digital nomad? Digital Nomads Beyond 50 Network is a place to make friends and share experiences with nomads in their late 40s or over 50. This small yet actively growing community of just over 7,000 members is extremely active with over 5 posts per day. 

Final Words

Digital nomad communities are everywhere, just waiting for you to join them. You can sign up for virtual groups that span the globe, opt for a community with live in-person meetups, or pick something in between. 

Living a nomadic lifestyle no longer needs to be a lonely endeavour. Try out a few of the best nomad communities listed above and find your people. Maybe I’ll see you out there.

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