Remote work can be comfortable and effective – provided you pack properly. Check what to take on work and how to create an ergonomic mobile workplace.
Workation stand: what to put in a bag to make it more comfortable
Workation, i.e. combining remote work with a holiday trip, is a solution that is gaining popularity when our duties do not require visits to the office. Although it sounds like a perfect combination, in practice it requires good organization. How to prepare a mobile workplace? What is worth packing so that you can really work comfortably and without surprises? We suggest.
Laptop – the basis of a mobile office
Your laptop is the heart of the workplace. In 2025, light and efficient ultrabook models, such as MacBook Air or Dell XPS, are the perfect choice for workation. They have batteries holding 12-18 hours and efficient processors for work in the cloud, editing documents or video conferences. If you use a tablet, like an iPad Pro with a Magic Keyboard keyboard, make sure that working with a hybrid device is just as comfortable for you as the laptop. In my case, this compromise can be frustrated, but it all depends on what you need such a set for.
It is worth adding a few accessories to the laptop:
- Laptop stand – raises the screen to the eye height, which improves ergonomics and reduces neck pain. The folding structure fits into the backpack.
- Outer keyboard and mouse – Compact models, such as Logitech MX Keys Mini and MX Anywhere 3S, take up little space, and Bluetooth technology eliminates cables.
- USB-C hub -The device provides additional ports (HDMI, USB-A, SD), which is useful for connecting a monitor or a pendrive. Particularly important when you work with a thin ultrabook offering few sockets.
It is also good to check in advance whether you have all the necessary tools installed on your computer (VPN, messengers, editors).
Charging and power
. Pack the laptop charger-preferably universal, which charges laptops, telephones and tablets via USB-C (then you do not have to take several devices). If your laptop requires more power, make sure the charger will bear it.
Another must-have is a powerbank. It is best to choose something with an PD support with a capacity of at least 65 W. Such a power bank will charge both a laptop and a smartphone. Remember about air limits. The maximum capacity of the powerbank is usually 100 Wh (approx. 27,000 mAh). You can only take it to hand luggage.
If you go to a country with other sockets (e.g. USA – type A/B, Great Britain – type G), be sure to take a travel adapter with you. Check the voltage (100-240 V is a standard for most chargers, but older devices may not work in the USA at 110 V). An extension cord or a branch can also be helpful (especially in old guesthouses with a small number of available sockets).
Internet – as important as a laptop
Remote work without the internet is Mission Impossible. In the EU Roaming works like in Poland, but apart from the Union, prices can be borne by their feet. A better option is ESIM. It is worth using applications such as Airalo or Holafly. The ESIM service is also offered by Revolut. The virtual SIM card works on newer phones (e.g. iPhone 14+, Samsung Galaxy S24+). You buy an online package and activate in a minute. The alternative is a local SIM card. If you connect with many devices, it is also worth investing in a portable Wi-Fi router that will separate the Internet from SIM into several devices. In cafes or hotels, watch out for public Wi-Fi-use VPN to protect data.
Ergonomics and comfort of traveling on travel
Working on the beach sounds great, but a chair in a cafe or a table in Airbnb is not always comfortable. Think about such amenities as:
- Lumbar pillow – improves the attitude while sitting on “just anything”.
- Headphones with noise reduction – they mute noise in a cafe or aircraft, and the built -in microphone will work on video conferences.
- Portable monitor -If you need a second screen, it is worth considering one that connects to the laptop via USB-C. This is an option for those who work with many windows.
- Lighting – A portable USB lamp will improve visibility in the evening in poorly lit places.
Organization and trifles
Little things make a difference. The organizer or special sachet is a solution that allows you to keep order in cables and chargers. It is also good to take an external disk or pendrive with you to be able to backups of documents, in the event of a failure or worse, theft of equipment. It is also easy to lose a laptop when traveling, which of course I do not wish anyone, but it is good to have a backup for such situations.
Wherever you work, take care of it:
- Place – Look for a cafe with comfortable chairs and sockets. Applications like Workfrom or Nomad List are prompted by coworking spots in popular destinations.
- Working time – Set the boundaries between work and relaxation. Applications like Togggl Track (free) will help you track the time spent on responsibilities.
