All too often we take a sip of coffee and find it’s gone lukewarm. A reliable travel mug can thwart that dreaded, flavorless middle zone and keep your coffee at the ideal temperature for hours, no matter if it’s hot or iced. Vacuum-insulated mugs, which are typically made from stainless steel, offer the best performance when it comes to temperature retention, while plastic and silicone are the least effective materials. When buying, think about the type of coffee you drink most often (hot or iced) as some mugs are better designed for one or the other. Materials: A travel mug’s material will determine its durability and how easy it is to clean. De Vore prefers stainless steel mugs because they’re sturdy and don’t require rigorous washing.“I usually don’t find a dishwasher while traveling,” she says.

Style/Lid type: We chose a range of different options, including mugs that are best for tea infusion, cup holders, single-serve coffee machines and more. All of the lids are also either leak- or splash-proof — a must according to Sahara Rose De Vore, founder of The Travel Coach Network. “With traveling, there’s a lot of bumps in the road,” she says. “You want something that, when it tips over, it won’t spill right away.” If it isn't whiskey, you shouldn't be drinking it at room temperature. Even river water on a warm day of hiking is refreshingly cooler than the ambient air temperature. Lukewarm coffee is a great way to get your whole day off to rough start, and nobody daydreams about relaxing by the pool with a tepid glass of 70-degree water by their side.Each travel mug is dropped multiple times to see how easily they dent, and if spills can be prevented. Hair Care Wellness All Hair Care Shampoos Purple Shampoos Thinning Hair Head Shavers Flat Irons Hair Dryers The S’well Stainless Steel Traveler Mug is inarguably one of the best-designed travel mugs on the market today. Thanks to S’well’s high-end, triple-wall technology, you can rest assured that your drinks will maintain their ideal temperature for hours on end. I found that it performed exceedingly well. Coffee stayed hot for 12 hours and, after adding refrigerated coffee without ice, it was still cold 30 hours later. Well designed and well insulated, the best travel mug will keep hot drinks toasty and cool drinks ice-cold, while also staying leak-free. From classic coffee-shop cups to thermos-shaped designs, travel mugs come in all shapes and sizes. At first glance, travel mugs can seem expensive. If you’re thinking about using one on your commute, you might find it hard to justify spending what might be five to ten times as much as an Americano from your local coffee shop. However, walking out of your door already holding a coffee will save you many more pounds in the long run and you’ll avoid those annoying queues.

Before cleaning, consult the product details or instruction guide to see if the item is dishwasher-safe. This is a common benefit of glass and plastic travel mugs but not stainless steel. If your mug isn’t dishwasher-safe, don’t worry. Cleaning is still quite easy. A simple daily cleaning only requires scrubbing with dish soap and a sponge or gentle brush. Avoid using steel wool brushes and harsh household cleaners on stainless steel mugs. For a more thorough job, allow a solution of vinegar and baking soda to soak inside the mug for several minutes, then rinse and clean with dish soap before using. Does the mug have a spill-proof lid? Arguably one of the most important features of a travel mug is a leak-proof lid. When you buy a reusable cup, look out for ones with vacuum-sealed lids and screw-on caps. The mug is only leak-free when closed, and due to the difficulty of opening it, many users are likely to keep it open, thus increasing the likelihood of a spill. But once you’ve conquered the lid, this travel mug couldn’t be better for robustness, temperature retention and style. A great choice for those who like a bit of colour.The Yeti Rambler comes in three sizes—10, 20, and 30 ounces—and each option is stylish, durable, and easy to clean. I own the 20-ounce model and appreciate that I can nearly get my hand to the bottom of the tumbler thanks to its wide rim. With a sponge or bottle brush in hand, I'm able to clean every nook and cranny. The Rambler is also dishwasher safe if you're not in the mood to wash it by hand. Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed a travel expert for guidance on what to look for when shopping for travel mugs and cups. She also consulted Select staffers for shopping recommendations. Oral Care Wellness All Oral Care Electric Toothbrushes Toothpastes Whiteners Floss Mouthwashes Water Flossers Like most Yeti products, the Rambler effectively keeps drinks hot for around 10 hours or cold for close to 20. It's also sold in more than 10 colors from neutrals to vibrant hues, so you can find one that suits your style. I tested the 16-ounce model firsthand and confirmed that it lives up to the brand's claims about temperature retention. Hot coffee stayed warm and drinkable for seven hours, cold coffee lasted 10 hours without ice, and ice water remained refreshing for more than 30 hours. With that in mind, temperature retention varies slightly depending on the size of the mug you buy.