It is holiday season and in our blog this month we wanted to share our top tips for how to make that perfect cup of coffee whilst you are enjoying some well-earned downtime. So, whether you are exploring Tuscan villages, relaxing on the beach in Spain, taking a city break or camping, our tips below will ensure you enjoy your favourite cup of coffee. For many of us a good cup of coffee is more than just a drink to wake us up in the morning, it is a ritual, a comfort and a reason for connecting.
Below is your guide to enjoying coffee on the move and some tips on how to discover your next favourite coffee shop nearby.
1. Preparing to travel
Let’s start before we travel, don’t forget to pack:
- The right equipment, for example a small cafetière or French press, a V60 coffee dripper or some single cup fillers.
- A reusable cup, not only is it eco-friendly, it also means you’re ready for a takeaway from anywhere, handy when juggling bags, children or both.
- Good quality coffee, pack a small airtight bag of your favourite (Moneyrow Beans) coffee.
Tip: Pre-weigh your portions if you’re flying, it saves time and faff when you’re on the move.
I recommend taking plastic brewing equipment for travel because it is much lighter than glass or ceramics and less likely to break in transit. For those of you wanting a full coffee ritual experience I suggest taking a manual coffee grinder and scales.
If you are staying in a hotel your room will usually have a kettle, instant coffee sachets, long-life milk, cups and spoons. You can build on this, use bottled water and buy a little bottle of fresh milk if you like a white coffee. The quality of your water and milk will make a real difference to the taste of your cup.
If you’re staying in self-catering, Airbnb or an apartment there is often a filter machine or a pod machine, if you’re using these it’s worth running some water through it first, without coffee just to rinse it and remove any old coffee left by the previous guests. If they have a French press or cafetière, take it apart and wash the layers of the plunger, then put it back together. This will make your coffee taste fresh in your cup. Make sure you fill the kettle with freshly drawn water. You never know how long it’s been since the last guests left, old water will make your coffee taste old too!
Tip: My advice is to take a 250g bag of freshly ground coffee for the French press (take 2 if it’s a larger family group). You can also take any of the kit from the hotel section above!
If you’re camping, coffee outside with a beautiful view tastes the best! Make sure you have access to hot water or a kettle/stove and you can pack as much coffee equipment as you like.
2. Travel-Friendly Coffee for Day Trips
When you’re out and about exploring, enjoying beach days, hikes or city tours, it pays to be prepared and take your coffee with you. So don’t forget to:
- Bring your own travel mug with you, make your coffee in the morning and carry it in a good insulated flask.
- Scope out stops. Once you get to know the local area a little, plan your coffee breaks around known cafés or local bakeries (a win-win for parents needing caffeine and kids needing snacks).
3. Embrace the Local Coffee Culture
One of the joys of European travel is discovering how different countries approach coffee, you never know you might find a new favourite type of coffee:
- Italy: In Italy, espresso is king. Stand at the bar with the locals for a quick, strong shot.
- France: in France, sip a café crème or café au lait, slowly at a pavement table. Don’t expect a flat white but do expect great people-watching.
- Portugal: in Portugal try a Bica (small espresso) with a pastel de nata, perfection.
- Spain: In Spain try a café con leche and enjoy a slower pace of life.
- Austria: In Austria enjoy a café culture full of charm. Order a melange and soak in the old-world atmosphere.
- Coffee-growing regions: Try and arrange a tour of a local coffee farm, see how the coffee is grown and harvested, this will change your coffee drinking forever!
Travelling with little ones? Look for cafés with outdoor seating, play areas or friendly staff who don’t mind a bit of noise.
4. Finding the Best Local Coffee Shops
While Europe has no shortage of big-name chains, some of the best coffees are served in hidden independent cafés. Here’s how to sniff them out:
- Use apps like BeanHunter, Best Coffee or Google Maps: Filter by rating and look for mentions of ‘speciality coffee’.
- Google search for “speciality coffee shops near me”, check out the reviews and look at the photos.
- Search hashtags: Try Instagram tags like #coffeebarcelona or #pariscoffee for recommendations from fellow travellers.
- Ask locals: Airbnb host, campsite owner, a friendly shopkeeper or even the hotel receptionist will often point you to a neighbourhood favourite.
Don’t forget to take photos and leave a review for independent coffee shops. By sharing your experience with future travellers you will help other coffee lovers to find the best spots. You can also leave a recommendation in our “Coffee Community” FB group as well.
Tip: If a café offers oat milk, pour-over, guest coffees or single-origin beans, you’re usually onto a winner.
Tip: Explore the local ceramic shops, I love buying a cup from the places I have visited to remind me of my holiday.
Final thoughts . . .
Coffee isn’t just about the drink, it’s about connecting with others, slowing down the pace of life, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the moment. Whether it’s enjoying a lazy morning on the balcony of your Airbnb, a shared espresso at a Parisian street café or a quiet cup on a train journey through the Alps . . . enjoying a cup of coffee can become part of travel adventures.
Travelling as a couple or a family doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your daily coffee ritual, in fact, it’s a brilliant opportunity to discover new flavours, cafés, and traditions. With a little preparation and a spirit of adventure, you can enjoy your perfect cup wherever the road takes you.
If you would like to order some Moneyrow Beans coffee for your next adventure, click HERE to place your order. Do let me know if I need to work around tight departure dates 😉