If you’re planning a weekend away, it might be time to update your coffee mug for the occasion. If you’re planning a trip, there are many factors to consider when packing: shoes, jeans, shorts, and shirts. Something that often gets forgotten is accessories like sunglasses or hats, but there is another item that should always be included: a good travel mug. Though there are different criteria for what makes a good coffee mug (size, shape), travel mugs are a special case. Here are five features that make a good travel mug:
Good Insulation
Insulation is vital for a travel mug. You do not want your cup to get cold as soon as you walk from the car to the office, so a decent-sized heat-retaining layer is necessary. In addition, insulation protects the outside of your cup from being burned when you put it down on hot surfaces like wood.
A Locking Lid
No one likes it when their coffee leaks onto their bags or briefcase, so some locking mechanism helps keep your belongings clean while preventing leakage.
A Small Handle
A good handle helps carry medium to large cups without burning your hands. When sitting in a car’s cup holder, a small handle allows the mug to stay upright and balanced.
Sturdy Construction
Though some travel mugs may appear made of glass, they are far from it. The inside should be made of porcelain or stoneware rather than glass so that you can store hot liquids without fear of breaking them.
A Washable Or Dishwasher-safe Outer Surface
Though it’s not necessary, it is helpful to be able to clean your travel mug. Even with a good handle and a heat-retaining layer, the outside can quickly get dirty and greasy from soup spills or from dropping your mug on the floor. If you like to keep the outside of your mug good, then a dishwasher-safe coating that prevents scratches and chipping is a good idea.
If you’re planning on hiking or camping while on your trip, then hiking mugs are another option. They tend to be lighter than other travel mugs and more durable. Since most people don’t care what their travel mug looks like, a large selection is available in many colors and patterns.
