How to brew better coffee when traveling tips for on-the-go brewing
When your morning cup is a ritual, not just a routine, travel demands a little more preparation. While discovering new places is exciting, finding a satisfying cup of coffee on the road isn’t always easy—especially for those who appreciate the craft of premium brewing. The good news? With a few smart choices and the right gear, you can brew better coffee wherever you are.
Whether you're travelling for work, heading out on a road trip, or camping in the great outdoors, this guide covers essential tips for brewing coffee on-the-go—without compromising on quality.
Why Travel Coffee Often Disappoints
Let’s face it: airport coffee, hotel room brews, and gas station espresso rarely hit the mark. These options often lack flavour, freshness, or the care that goes into a truly satisfying cup. If you're used to brewing coffee at home with precision and high-quality beans, travel options can be a letdown.That’s where portable coffee brewing comes in. By packing a few essentials, you can make exceptional coffee almost anywhere. But it’s not just about the equipment—you also need the right techniques.
Must-Have Travel Coffee Gear for Premium Brewing
When packing light, versatility and quality matter. Here are the best travel coffee makers and accessories used by premium coffee enthusiasts:
Hand Grinder
Freshly ground beans are a must for flavour. A quality manual coffee grinder (like the 1Zpresso or Timemore) gives you control over grind size and fits easily in a bag.
Travel Kettle with Temperature Control
Ideal for tea and coffee drinkers alike, a portable electric kettle with temperature control helps you hit the perfect brewing temperature (typically between 90-96°C for coffee).
Reusable Coffee Filters
Reusable metal or cloth filters reduce waste and don’t rely on access to paper filters. Some filters are even designed to fit multiple brewers (like pour-over cones and AeroPress).
Insulated Travel Mug
A quality thermal mug keeps your coffee hot for hours and avoids the disappointment of lukewarm brew during a long journey.
Best Coffee Beans for Travelling
When travelling, whole beans are best for freshness. Choose a medium roast for versatility and single-origin coffee for premium flavour. Pack your beans in airtight, resealable containers to maintain freshness.
Tip: Pre-portion your beans before leaving, so you don’t have to measure on the go.
Brewing Methods That Work Anywhere
Not all brewing methods are travel-friendly. Here are a few that work exceptionally well outside the kitchen:
1. AeroPress Brewing Tips
- Use a medium-fine grind.
- Water temperature: 90–95°C.
- Brew time: 2 minutes including steep and press.
- Inverted method is great for more body and flavour control.
2. Pour-Over Brewing
If you’re travelling to a place with more stability (e.g., an Airbnb or cottage), a collapsible pour-over dripper can be a great tool. The Hario V60 and Kalita Wave are compact and offer clean, bright flavours.
3. French Press Travel Mug
French press mugs combine brewing and drinking in one. They’re not ideal for the clearest cup but offer a bold, rich brew and minimal equipment.
4. Cold Brew While Travelling
Cold brew is incredibly forgiving. Just steep coarsely ground coffee in cold water overnight and strain in the morning. It’s perfect for summer travel or hotel rooms without hot water access.
Tips for Brewing Great Coffee on the Go
Use Filtered Water
Water makes up 98% of your coffee, so quality matters. Bring a small water filter bottle or buy bottled spring water if possible.
Mind Your Ratios
Stick to the golden ratio: 1:15 to 1:17 (1 gram of coffee to 15–17 grams of water). A small coffee scale is ideal, but you can estimate with tablespoons if needed.
Preheat Your Gear
Especially in cold climates like Canadian winters, preheating your mug and brewer helps maintain proper extraction temperatures.
Clean Between Brews
Even when travelling, keep your gear clean. Oils and residue can quickly affect flavour. A small brush or cloth works wonders.
Practice Before You Leave
Try brewing a few cups with your travel gear at home first. You’ll avoid surprises and fine-tune your method before hitting the road.
Environmentally Conscious Travel Brewing
As a premium coffee drinker, sustainability is probably on your radar. Opt for:
- Compostable filters or reusable mesh
- Ethically sourced beans
- Minimal packaging
- Reusable containers and mugs to cut down on single-use waste
Travelling Internationally? Know Before You Go
Can I Bring Coffee Beans in My Luggage?
Yes—coffee beans are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags in most countries, including Canada. Keep them in original packaging if possible, and be aware of agricultural rules in certain regions.
Voltage for Kettles
Check if your travel kettle supports dual voltage (110-220V) if you're heading overseas.
FAQs: Brewing Better Coffee While Travelling
What’s the best travel coffee maker for serious coffee lovers?
The AeroPress Go is widely regarded as the best travel brewer due to its quality, portability, and versatility. It allows for espresso-style and regular coffee and is nearly indestructible.
How do I grind coffee while travelling?
Use a manual hand grinder with adjustable burrs. It’s compact, doesn’t require electricity, and delivers consistent results that elevate your brew.
What kind of coffee is best to travel with?
Whole beans are ideal for freshness. Choose medium roast, single-origin beans and pack them in small, airtight containers to maintain flavour.
Can I use hotel kettles to brew coffee?
Yes, but beware of off-flavours from shared use. If you must, let it boil once, discard that water, then boil again to minimize taste transfer.
Is it worth carrying a scale when travelling?
If you're committed to precision, a compact digital coffee scale can make a noticeable difference. Otherwise, use a tablespoon (1 tbsp ≈ 5g of coffee) as a rough guide.
