I am off to Virginia on Sunday and it will be my 6th road trip since January. Whether I am staying with friends or family; at a bed and breakfast or hotel; I always bring my tea supplies.

Anyone who is a devoted tea drinker courts deep disappoint if not well prepared for all possibilities! ​And it’s so easy, once you start this practice, you will never go back to hoping for the best. Here is what I do: I have my Loose Leaf Tea Travel Kit packed with what I like. Zipped up, it only takes up a space of 8″ x 6″ x 3.5″. The Kit can hold four 1.5 oz. loose tea, but I take 2 of the tins out and replace with 2 Tuffy Tea Steepers, collapsible tea infusers (one is for my husband). I will also tuck in some TeaBrew Disposable Filters, just in case. A Perfect Cup of Tea measuring spoon is added. There is a space for a travel cup that I will use if mugs aren’t available. If I am staying with a friend that I know has a tea kettle, then that’s all I need for when I arrive. Otherwise, I pack my Bonavita traveling tea kettle. Hotels and many B & B’s only have single pod-making coffee makers or small automatic drip coffee makers that tea drinkers find too depressing to look at. I have never regretted packing mine and you can see from the picture, it’s almost smaller than the Travel Kit. These items can be packed in my suitcase if flying. It is standard now for hotels and B & B’s to provide bottles of spring water in the room, so I am set to make my first cup.

Loose Leaf Travel Kit with travel mug

What would be important for you to have? It may be as simple as a selection of favorite teas, loose or in teabags, and special sweeteners. These can be tucked away in a little zippered pouch. My husband loves his local honey and so when he travels with me, I add a small jar to the Kit. These are small, but important indulgences, which can refresh and relax the spirit. Enjoying a good cup of tea is not only a quiet, satisfying luxury first thing in the morning to me, it can be my lifeline during the day. I don’t want to risk settling for poor tea or no tea. My bag is always ready, with just a fresh tin of tea to be added just before leaving. It is so empowering to be in control!