How to make and find the best coffee whilst travelling

One thing I love apart from travel, is grabbing my daily fix of coffee. Coffee and travel can be a real joy But it can also become your worst nightmare.

Over the years I have enjoyed visiting many great cafes from Iceland to Japan, but not everywhere shares its passion for a cup of coffee.

How does a traveller on the road prepare for such situations?

Below is a selection of different solutions to make or find the best coffee whilst travelling:

Handpresso

If you live out of your bag and also share a love for coffee the Handpresso could just be for you, its light, packs into a travel protector (sold separate) and is ready to go when you want your coffee fix, it’s very simple to use and you can pack already made coffee pods or buy separate pods to make your own grind. Its compactness really sells to the avid traveller who want to guarantee their coffee is perfect. Its very simple, boil, pump, click, espresso happiness, easy.

Nespresso Machine with carry bag

Do you have a frequent need to move from location to location every so often and portability is what you need? Nespresso might be a great option for you. Compact in size and weight, this beauty can be taken any were easily with its travel bag (sold separate). The coffee pods can be purchased online and sent to anywhere around the world, you can even order direct from your iPhone. It is more on the costly side, but is an option if you’re picky about the quality of your espresso.

Nespresso machines have started to come down in price and without the need for grinding and easy maintenance, makes it an easy choice for location independent travellers. Pods have also started to come down in price and I’ve started to notice local supermarkets selling cheaper alternative pods that can be used on a Nespresso machine.

Travel with an Italian Mocca

(My compact, portable Mocca that I got from Italy Travels with me everywhere)

Cheap and compact you can try an Italian Mocca, All you need to ensure is you have a hot surface to heat it up, I’ve even used my hotel iron wedged between two shows to heat up an espresso in the past, You have to travel with grounded coffee which is hard to keep fresh but this is one easy to work around alternative.

Starbucks VIA

The cheapest option and more practical for backpackers is Starbucks answer to instant coffee. When I first heard about it, I wasn’t sure if it would actually work, but after giving VIA ago I couldn’t notice the difference between the fresh filter and the VIA. Compact in size and price you should treat these packets more like a first aid kit and keep them for emergencies, I always pack a few and they have come in very handy on some occasions.

Pick up a local coffee guide or ask a local

(The age, good coffee guide in Melbourne was wonderful to follow around the city for loads of incredible coffee spots)

If you happen to be visiting a popular coffee location, such as Melbourne, be sure to look into picking up a coffee guide, can add an extra adventure to your city exploration and ensures you can locate the best spots in town.

Ask a local for their favourite spot

Lastly, the best tip. The world is covered with wonderful coffee spots to chill and explore, ask a local on Couchsurfing if they want to hang out for a coffee (Which is a search option), ask your hostel desk what their favourite choice is or simply ask amongst your coffee loving friends if they know any spots. The best way to get lost in a new place and find a great coffee is to just ask for recommendations, you never know what you might find. Happy coffee hunting!

I hope that the above can help you adapt coffee into your travelling lifestyle for those emergency moments, do you have any travel coffee related suggestions? Feel free to post below in the comment section below, thank you.