Caffeinate Your Way Around the World: 9 Reasons to Enjoy Coffee While Traveling

No matter whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just planning your first trip abroad, there’s one thing for sure: you’re going to need coffee. A lot of it. From fending off jet lag to dealing with cranky locals, coffee is the perfect antidote to all the challenges you’ll face while on the road. If you’re a coffee lover, then you know that there’s nothing quite like the smell and taste of a good cup of joe. So why not combine the two and drink coffee while traveling? Here are Nine reasons to enjoy coffee while traveling, and why you should make coffee part of your travel routine.

Coffee Can Help Alleviate Jet Lag
If you’ve ever flown across time zones, then you know how difficult it can be to adjust to a new time zone. One way to combat jet lag is by drinking coffee (or tea) when you arrive at your destination. The caffeine will help jumpstart your body’s natural circadian rhythm and adjust more quickly to the new time zone. So next time you’re feeling groggy after a long flight, reach for a cup of coffee – it just might help!

Coffee Is A Great Way To Meet Locals
In many parts of the world, coffee is more than just a drink – it’s a way of life. So, if you want to get to know the people in your destination, there’s no better way than to sit down with them over a cup of joe. Not only will you get an insider’s look at local culture and customs, but you might even make some new friends along the way!

Getting Familiar With The Local Culture
Drinking coffee is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture. Whether you’re enjoying an espresso in Italy or sipping on some iced coffee in Thailand, taking the time to savor the flavor of the coffee is one of the best ways to learn about a new place.

Coffee Gives You Energy For Sightseeing (Or Napping)
There’s no denying it – traveling can be exhausting. There’s nothing worse than being halfway through a day of sightseeing and running out of steam. Whether you’ve been up all night partying or spending hours on your feet exploring museums and historical landmarks, by the end of the day you’re going to need an energy boost. That’s where coffee comes in! 

A few sips of espresso will give you the pick-me-up you need to power through those last few hours of sightseeing… or catch up on some much-needed sleep back at the hotel.

Coffee Can Help You Navigate Unfamiliar Territory
Whenever I’m in a new city, I always seek out the nearest coffee shop as soon as possible. Why? Because baristas are walking maps of their neighborhoods. They know all the best places to eat, drink, and shop – and they’re usually more than happy to share their recommendations with customers. So don’t be shy – ask for directions (and maybe a pastry) the next time you find yourself lost in an unfamiliar place.

Coffee Makes Everything Better (Including Bad Weather)
Sometimes travel doesn’t go as planned. Maybe your flight gets delayed or your hotel room is infested with bugs… whatever mishap you find yourself facing, rest assured that coffee will make it better (or at least more bearable). Depending on where you’re traveling, the weather can be very unpredictable. There’s nothing like hunkering down with a warm cup of joe during a rainstorm or snowstorm – it is the perfect travel companion!

Coffee Can Help Fight Dehydration

When we think of dehydration, we often think of hot summer days spent outdoors in the sun. However, dehydration can occur any time of year – even in winter! If you find yourself feeling fatigued or having headaches while traveling, drink some water and have a cup of coffee – the caffeine will help rehydrate your body by forcing fluids into your cells more quickly than plain water would on its own. Just make sure not to overdo it – too much caffeine can have the opposite effect and dehydrate your body! Know your limits and stick to 2-3 cups per day tops.

(Full disclosure: I am NOT a medical professional – please consult your
doctor if you’re concerned about dehydration.)

If Your Goal Is To Save Some Bucks
If you’re on a tight budget, drinking coffee while traveling can help you save some money. Instead of spending money on expensive meals or tours, you can spend less by making your coffee and exploring on your own. Plus, if you find a great café, chances are it will be less expensive than some of the other options in town.

Coffee Just Tastes Good! 
Let’s be honest – one of the best things about coffee is that it simply tastes good! Whether you like your coffee black or with milk and sugar, there’s nothing quite like that first sip of piping hot java in the morning (or any time of day, really). So next time you’re planning a trip, make sure to pack some coffee – your taste buds will thank you! As someone who loves both traveling and coffee, I was thrilled to discover that these two activities go hand-in-hand quite nicely! Next time you hit the road (or the skies) make sure to bring along some coffee – it might just come in handy in more ways than one. From combating fatigue to staying hydrated, there are plenty of reasons why coffee is the perfect travel companion.
Safe travels – and happy sipping!