For those of us who are addicted to coffee and its many variations, finding a decent cup of java while on the road can present a challenge. I love my hometown Community Coffee, but I’m not adverse to seeking out small coffee shops when I’m traveling. Here’s my take on the various products offered to help one enjoy coffee while traveling:

McDonald’s iced coffee drinks – Two words: Run Away.

Burger King’s iced mocha -  It would do in a pinch and is a deal at $2.

Sonic’s frozen coffee blend – This was pretty tasty, but I could feel the fat contained in this concoction sliding down my throat and straight to my behind.

Starbuck’s – I don’t care for their regular brews, which taste over roasted and burned. However, when in an airport, I will line up for a Cafe Mocha or Frappucino. Beggars can’t be choosers when enroute to a destination. I did sample their new instant coffee, VIA, and was disappointed.

McDonald’s iced coffee was the most disgusting thing that has ever passed through my lips with VIA a close second.

I usually try to find something redeemable to say in my experiences and to make my opinion a bit more palatable, but there is no other way to word this opinion.

Another challenge for getting a great cup of coffee is brewing it while camping or experiencing a lack of electrical power. When my family goes camping, we bring along an old percolator and brew Community Coffee over a campfire. We even used this method during Hurricane Gustav when hubs and I were working nights through the emergency. No power anywhere, but we seriously wanted the comfort of our favorite coffee. I tried using a power inverted to hook up our electric coffee pot, but it was a no-go. After Gustav I found a neat gadget for brewing coffee from a vehicle:

Koolatron Travel Coffee Maker – This coffee maker is affordable, portable, and 12 volt. I wouldn’t recommend brewing the entire pot while the car is in motion (wouldn’t want to burn yourself). It would, however, be useful at a rest stop, camp site, or just in case of a power outage.

Here are some tips on finding coffee while traveling:

Text: Send a text message to Google (466453) with the subject coffee

Web browser: Find the nearest Starbucks at mobile.starbucks.com

Phone: If all else fails, call 800-235-2883 and the Starbucks operator will assist you in locating the nearest Starbucks.

I’m the traveler that cannot use a rolling carryon bag. I trip people. The world is a safer place when I use a backpack. Now with all these checked back restrictions and extra fees, I’ve been on the lookout for a backpack big enough to hold all my girly items for a long weekend.

The High Sierra Passport 21″ Back Pack fits the bill. This backpack is large enough for a long weekend trip and is small enough to carryon an airplane. The convenient pockets assist with packing and organization. It offers a cell phone pocket, pen pockets, and key fob. It even has a handy water bottle side pocket to place that post-security check bottle of hydration. This bag can be carried as a backpack or converted into a duffel bag. The Passport comes in three coordinated color choices and my hubby really liked this particular bag.

The retail price of this bag is $140.00, but LuggagePoint.com carries this bag at a discounted price of $69.99. Now that’s a price this chick can live with. Now, if it this bag would only come in pink….