36. | Getting ready with my tools

I wrote about my toolkit last year. In it, I outlined what software and hardware I work with.

Some tools are still missing from my equipment, and some I still need to acquire or replace.

I have a to-do list of what I need to work with:

Phone and eSIM.
Laptop.
External data storage.
Cloud backup.
Mobile VPN.
Password Manager.
Google Maps location sharing.
Backpack.
External camera or camera.
Power Bank.

Let’s look at these in order.

1. Phone and eSIM

I’ve been using my current phone since 2018. That’s quite a long time for a phone, but it’s definitely proof that you don’t necessarily need to replace your phone every two years.

This phone is a Redmi Note 9 Pro 128GB, 6GB RAM Dual Mobile Phone. To this day – I feel – it works and serves me perfectly. Obviously, the battery of such an old phone is not the best, so I started thinking about starting my trip around the world with a new phone based on the thought “maybe it’s ripe for replacement”.

In addition, two other questions have been raised about the future phone in recent weeks. One is whether it is suitable for eSIM handling, and the other is whether it can be used on mobile networks in, say, a Far Eastern country.

ChatGPT gave me this answer to the eSIM question.

“The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro device does not support eSIM technology; it is only suitable for using two nano SIM cards. eSIM is an embedded SIM card that allows you to use mobile network services without a physical SIM card. However, eSIM support varies from device to device, and this feature is not available in the case of Redmi Note 9 Pro.”

The first Xiaomi phone that supports this solution, according to the list shown by AI, is the Xiaomi 13 Pro. I took a quick look at it. It’s a pretty big phone, and unfortunately, that’s not good news for now. My idea for the phone of the future is that it should be smaller than the current one.

I still have to work on this issue.

2. Laptop

In recent years, my workplace laptop has been different from my own. In previous years, the two were the same. I’ve been using one since last summer, and this is now my workplace computer.

So I’ll need a good computer. The current one, an HP Probook, is perfect for my purposes. It’s small, its battery lasts a long time. The display is 14″, I’ve been working at my home desk for months without a second monitor, and my experience is that I can work completely comfortably this way.

Cloud life and the use of external storage reduce the installation procedure to hours.

Therefore, I will have time to deal with this issue in the coming months.

3. External storage

In previous years, my many – organized – data were scattered on various external hard drives. I got bored with this situation and found it untenable, so at the end of last year I bought a 4TB SSD, and now everything is in one place.

This device is the size of two matchboxes. The T5 EVO will protect your data even if you accidentally drop it from two meters, so you can be even more relaxed. It is protected by Bitlocker, so in principle my data is safe.

I regularly make backups of my data. From the cloud to this SSD, and from the SSD to the HDD stored at my workplace.

This way my data is in order locally.

4. Cloud backup

The HDD stored at work gives me the feeling of security that if my home data storage is destroyed or stolen, I have everything. Backups stored away from home are important.

However, traveling the world, I could only apply this with half-confidence. If my data storage was stolen from a hotel in Japan, I would probably lose both.

So the idea was born that I needed a cloud backup option. Three days ago, I wrote myself the task that I had to look into this. Along with writing down the task, I asked the AI to recommend 10 solutions for cloud-based backup. Not surprisingly, it came up with a complex solution. It gave a detailed explanation of why it recommended each solution. It showed how much each one would cost. I won’t copy the entire conversation here, just a summary of it.

Recommendation for choosing:

If you’re looking for great flexibility and scalability: Google Drive, Dropbox or AWS S3.
If you plan for a one-time fee and for the long term: pCloud Lifetime.
If you need it specifically for backup: Backblaze or iDrive.

I chose between these. iDrive was the solution for me. It offers 5TB of storage at an affordable price. It offers 10 GB of storage in the free plan, so I could try it out before I made a final decision. So what I had written down for later became an immediate solution.

I registered in the system with the 10 GB option. I downloaded and installed the Windows client. And I immediately backed up a larger directory from the SSD to see how it works. Wow! I didn’t have to do anything, it backed up. I immediately tested it by making changes and saving again to see if it would do its job reliably. Not surprisingly, it did.

The surprise came the next day when it turned out that the client program also had a default scheduling task, meaning my cloud backup was updated to the given library.

At the same time, I received the subscription offer for the 5 TB package with a 90% discount for the first year. I bought the storage space for 12,5 USD for 1 year. The next bill is due in a year for 150 USD, so this solution will cost 13 USD per month in a year.

In truth, I should have taken this step in the summer, but the offer was irresistible. Not to mention that a few days ago I actually not only have a backup on my work computer, but now in the cloud as well.

My laptop synced my data stored on an external drive to the cloud in 26 hours. Now, a full backup of my data is made every night in about 40 minutes.

5. Mobil VPN

First of all, what is a VPN? A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that encrypts your internet traffic and creates a secure channel between your device and the internet. This means that when you connect to a VPN, your data is protected from hackers, snoopers, and your internet service provider.
A VPN can also make it appear as if you are browsing the internet from another country because it hides your IP address and assigns you a different one. This is useful, for example, if you want to connect securely to public Wi-Fi networks or if you want to access content that is not available in your country.

Why do I need a mobile VPN solution as a digital nomad?

As a digital nomad, a mobile VPN (Virtual Private Network) solution can be extremely useful for the following reasons:

1. Security on Public Wi-Fi

Digital nomads often work from coffee shops, hotels, airports, or other public places. These networks can be easily compromised, and hackers can access your data.
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, protecting sensitive information like login details and banking transactions.

2. Bypass geo-restrictions

Some websites, services, or apps may be blocked in certain countries.
A VPN can help you set up an IP address as if you were in another country, allowing you to access the services you need.

3. Privacy

Your online activity can be tracked by ISPs, governments, or websites.
A VPN hides your IP address and increases your online anonymity.

4. Access streaming services

If you want to access content from your favorite streaming platforms that are not available in your country, a VPN can help you bypass geo-restrictions.

5. Secure remote work

When you connect to corporate networks, a VPN allows you to access the resources you need for your work through an encrypted channel.
It prevents unauthorized people from accessing your company data.

6. Cost optimization

The price of some services and products, such as flights, hotels, and subscriptions, may differ depending on where you browse the Internet from.
A VPN allows you to virtually switch to an IP address in another country to find better prices.

7. Bypass Internet censorship

Some countries restrict access to social media, news sites, or other online services.
You can access these sites and continue working or communicating with them through a VPN.

8. Stable Internet connection

If your ISP limits data traffic for certain types of activities (e.g. torrenting), a VPN can help you avoid this regulation.

9. Protect multiple devices at once

A good VPN can be used on multiple devices, protecting not only your phone but also your laptop or tablet.

10. Peace of mind

Being aware of your security and privacy helps you focus on your work without having to worry about cyberattacks or data leaks.

Recommended VPNs for Digital Nomads:

ExpressVPN: Excellent speed and global server availability.
NordVPN: Strong security features and intuitive user interface.
Surfshark: Cost-effective solution with unlimited device connections.
ProtonVPN: Focuses on privacy and has a free version.

Using a VPN is key to a secure, hassle-free, and peaceful digital nomad lifestyle.

As I mentioned earlier in the Health preparation post, Revolut Ultra also offers a VPN solution in its package. And NordVPN from the list above, which I now read about on the Revolut website:

Encrypt your online data and keep your virtual location safe. You also get 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage and other benefits.

Wow! Another TB of storage. I’m starting to wonder what to do with the cloud, I’ll be able to store so much data. NordVPN is a significant cost factor in itself, so now I have another argument in favor of Revolut Ultra.

6. Password manager

I already have such a solution. I have been using the KeePass application for about 15 years. It is a solution for storing passwords. I have been using the application for many years so that when I register on a site or system, I enter the site’s data and use the program to create the password. So my passwords for the last many years are something like this: “4,>t(A”24~0OE1$XV:*D%F+FQHK|5G”. Good luck with the decryption!

Why did I put this tool on this list, if I already have it? The reason is the following. KeePass works with a local database. What I can store in the cloud, so I can always access it, but the condition for this is a laptop on which the client program is installed. However, if my computer happens to be stolen and I end up in a place where I can only work with the internet, but I don’t have permission to install the program, then I’ll be shot.

So I need a cloud solution that I can access even if I happen to only be able to sit down at a free computer in an internet café.

Based on the recommendation of AI, I found and tried the cloud password manager program Dashlane in the past few weeks. It’s going to be excellent. According to my plans, I will only store the most important information here, in case of emergency in case. By the way, it was able to import the data stored in KeePass without any problems, so, as of two weeks ago, it has my entire database. This is just an additional security, I don’t want to store my data in two places, and I don’t want to replace KeePass.

So I have this tool.

7. Google Maps Location Sharing

This solution is designed to allow people I give access to my shared data to see where I am online on a map. I’ve known about this solution for a long time, but I’ve never used it. It didn’t make sense. It will definitely be there in the future. So I’m preparing this solution and sharing it with my family and some of my friends.

It won’t be on all the time, because it uses up the phone’s battery. But if the situation requires it, I’ll be able to turn it on immediately and notify the appropriate circle that they can look.

So if I get lost in a jungle, at least they’ll know where that snake bit me.

8. Backpack

I will travel with a backpack, not a suitcase. I really don’t like the wheeled suitcases that everyone is lugging around. I like the weight of a bag on my back. There is something about walking 40 km with 14 kilograms on my back, with a 3,000-meter elevation gain.

I am an experienced hiker. I have a backpack of the right size. For years it has been in the state of “I will slowly replace it”. It has covered many kilometers with me, served faithfully in winter and summer. But perhaps it is already a little difficult to bear the fact that I have to carry more and more equipment according to the seasons and tasks. It has slowly, slowly started to fall apart, but I will “slowly replace it.”

Well, it will not be coming with me on the trip around the world, so the “slowly” has just arrived. I have some information gathered from the past few years about what to look for when choosing, apart from my own needs, so I will make that change soon, and this new companion will accompany me on my larger tours at home. With this, it can also prepare for different experiences offered by more distant landscapes.

I also have a smaller hiking backpack, but – as the marking shows – it is suitable for smaller tours, it is not enough for a long trip. However, I do not know if I will take it with me for other purposes. I probably will not, but I will use my laptop backpack for smaller tours around the world. I do not know this for sure yet.

9. External camera or photo camera

I’ve never used anything like that. But I had to think about how I would take pictures if I became a travel blogger (too). After all, I probably wouldn’t be able to satisfy my readers by publishing only text content. I’m doing that while writing this, but maybe you can forgive me if I don’t include a camera picture next to these lines.

However, if I want to report on …, my visit there, then maybe no one will mind if I take a few pictures.

The reason I put three dots in the article here is because I wanted to write about a secluded place that I haven’t even heard of. I tried to resolve the contradiction inherent in this thought with the help of AI.

And although it doesn’t belong to this topic, I’ll copy here what I learned about the most secluded place in the world.

What is the “most secluded” place in the world?

The “most remote” place in the world depends on a number of factors, including geographical distance, difficulty of access, and minimal contact with the outside world. Here are some examples of the most remote places:

1. Tristan da Cunha (Atlantic Ocean)

Why is it special? It is the world’s most isolated inhabited archipelago, located in the South Atlantic Ocean. The nearest inhabited place, Saint Helena, is over 2,400 km away, and the nearest continent is Africa (South Africa), which is about 2,800 km away.
How to get there? It is only accessible by boat, and the journey takes over a week from South Africa.

2. Bouvet Island (Atlantic Ocean)

Why is it special? This island is the world’s most isolated, uninhabited piece of land. It is considered a territory of Norway, but it is thousands of kilometres from any other inhabited place.
Accessibility: Only special expeditions can reach it, as the weather and icy waters make access extremely difficult.

3. Pitcairn Islands (Pacific Ocean)

Why is it special? With a population of around 50, Pitcairn is the smallest administrative unit in the world. It is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom and is very far from any major landmass.
How to get there? It is only accessible by boat, and the nearest port, Mangareva, is about 500 km away.

4. Alert (Canada, Arctic)

Why is it special? Alert is the world’s northernmost permanently inhabited settlement, located just 817 km from the North Pole. The inhabitants here (mostly scientists and soldiers) live in extremely harsh conditions.
Accessibility: Accessible by plane, but only with special permission, and weather conditions severely limit accessibility.

5. Ittoqqortoormiit (Greenland)

Why is it special? This settlement is located in one of the most isolated points in Greenland and has only a few hundred inhabitants. The surrounding area is largely covered in ice.
How to get there? It can only be reached by helicopter or special boat trips when ice conditions allow.

6. Oymyakon (Siberia, Russia)

Why is it special? It is one of the coldest inhabited settlements in the world, where temperatures can drop as low as -60°C. Although it is relatively easy to get to, the extreme climatic conditions make life very difficult.
How to get there: It can be reached by car from the city of Yakutsk in the Far East, but the journey is long and exhausting.

These places are all distinguished by their extreme isolation, and what they have in common is that they are considered “remote” due to their difficult accessibility and natural conditions.

So, I haven’t used such devices before, but I know some of the options that can be used while doing such activities. A body or head-mounted camera that films things while moving. An underwater camera. A camera. A drone with a camera. A selfie stick…

I still have to work on this question. I don’t want to choose too much or too little. I will probably have a body or head-mounted camera that can be used underwater, and surprisingly, I also thought about a selfie stick.

I also need to learn a little about photography and videography, because I have little experience with this.

10. Power bank

Luckily, I don’t have to worry about this anymore. I always had one with me on my larger or longer trips. For years, I used the useless category, but I finally got tired of it last summer, before a seven-day trip.

Then I bought a BioLite type power bank with a capacity of 20,000 mAh. It is a 410 gram device, but based on my experience so far, its power compensates for the heavy weight. The BioLite 20,000 mAh power bank is a high-performance device, which is ideal for charging multiple devices multiple times while traveling or camping!

Some examples of how many times it can charge:

action camera: 13 full charges
phone: 3 – 6 full charges
tablets: 1.5 – 2 full charges
laptop: 1 – 1.3 full charges

I dare to trust myself with this device while traveling.

Nothing else has come into the picture yet. This doesn’t mean I’m done with everything, but it means I’ve gotten this far.

36. | Getting ready with my tools