The following content is provided by ZDNet partners. It is possible for us to earn an affiliate commission and other compensation if you purchase a product featured here.It's not necessary to wait until the New Year to start making major changes in your life. The same can be true for you if you've read wistfully about working professionals leaving boring jobs to travel and work anywhere they choose. The right skills can help you land a remote position that allows you to become a digital nomad. It's then just a matter of deciding where to go and what to pack.

If you want to ensure that you don't strain when traveling for hours on end, you should invest in a powerful, ultralight laptop before you start looking at mobile and multi-purpose travel accessories. It is possible to lose, steal, or damage your phone while traveling, so the latest, most expensive models aren't necessarily the best. It could be a great alternative to the new MacBook Air, especially since it costs just $270.99.

The MacBook Air weighs only three pounds, but it is incredibly powerful. A combined Intel i5 processor and 8GB of RAM provides excellent performance. The unit has 256GB of fast SSD storage, so you'll have plenty of room for work files as well as beautiful photographs and videos.

Being able to work from anywhere means not being tethered to an electrical outlet, which is why you may appreciate that the MacBook air can last up to nine hours on a single charge. It also features a high-definition display with 1,440 x 900 resolution for streaming your favorite entertainment. It also offers smooth, seamless content viewing thanks to Intel HD Graphics 5000.

The 2013 model has a Grade B refurbished rating, so you might encounter light scratches or dents on the body, but it'll still work like new. The MacBook Air offers all the outstanding specifications at a fraction of the price. It comes with a Magsafe charger as well.

The right laptop can handle everything you need, wherever you are. The original retail price of this 13.3-inch MacBook Air from 2013 was $1,299, so it's nearly 80% off for just $270.99.