Travel Mugs Make a Sweet Valentine Gift
Travel mugs has become a part of our daily lives. Are you looking for the best travel mug? Durability is not the only thing that you have to consider in a travel mug. You also have to include in your checklist the following: design, size, features, materials, colors...
You may find Travel Mugs here that will suit your needs. Travel coffee mugs of different sizes, different designs, different features, and different materials.
In the photo is Contigo Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Travel Mugs in Silver and Green - 2 Pack
Things to consider when buying a TRAVEL MUG
Why do we need to consider the size?
Where and when will you use your travel mug?
Does size matter?
Yes. Definitely. SIZE should be the first in your checklist.
Are you the kind of person who is always on the road? Do you consume 10oz of hot coffee or a few more cups? Will you keep your travel mug in your car or will you use it just to keep your drink hot/cold while in the office? Will you use it while you commute?
The person who's always on the road has different needs with a person who will only use his mug while in the office. Being on the go, you will need enough space for your beverage until your next stop.The latter has accessible source and can refill his drink once in a while. Thus, he does not need a huge travel mug. The same thing goes for people who can only consume less coffee while he commutes.
If you plan to use the mug inside your car, you also need to check the size of your cup holder. See to it that the mug you choose fits your cup holder to prevent any mess.
Below are Travel mugs sorted from 52 oz to 14 oz
What is your Travel Mug Made Of?
There are a variety of materials used to make a Travel Mug. . .
The MATERIAL used in your Travel Mugs is important.
Travel Mugs are available in Stainless steel, Porcelain and Plastic -- which is the the least expensive.
Plastic VS Stainless Steel
Stainless steel mugs are much expensive than their plastic counterpart but they are more durable and easier to clean. Plastic mugs are porous. So on frequent use, the plastic absorbs the coffee/tea which can affect the taste of your beverage. Also, the plastic cannot keep your beverage hot/cold as long as the stainless steel mugs.
If you need a mug that can keep your beverage hot/cold for a longer time, you may choose a stainless steel travel mug with double wall insulation.
Porcelain vs Plastic
Like Plastic, Porcelain Travel Mugs break once dropped. Since Porcelain Mugs are not porous and with a very smooth surface, they are easy to clean. They can also keep your beverage hot/cold thus, preserves the flavor. However, make sure that your mug is really made for drinking as there are Porcelain Mugs which are designed as artworks -- they are glazed which may contain chemicals -- that can mix with your drinks.
TIP:
Based on reviews, and what I have researched, "It's better to use your hard-earned money on something that can last longer. Even though it may cost you a few more dollars, in time... you can still save more."
Porcelain Travel Mugs
Plastic Travel Mugs
TIP: If you have chosen to buy a Plastic Travel Mug, always wash it RIGHT AFTER you used it. Do not let it sit in your kitchen sink unclean to prevent the beverage to sip into the plastic's pores which may cause a bad smell.
Stainless Steel Travel Mugs
The best mug for your hard-earned money
I love purple and this mug has certainly captured my attention. It's product features boast a Patented AUTOSEAL lid which means that it automatically seals between sips to ensure no spills. It also has a vacuum insulated double wall stainless steel that can keep your beverages hot for 4 hours and cold for 12 hours. I think these features alone are awesome!
Why do you need to consider the Design?
The Design of the Travel Mug is VERY important.
(1) The LID -- its main function is to prevent leaks and spills. It also helps to retain heat. Especially for commuters, we can't afford to spill our coffee on anything. So we should find something with leak-proof lids 
There are 2 types of lids: 
(a) The "Snap-on Lid" -- is common to Travel mugs. However, if you accidentally dropped your mug, this type of lid may pop open -- and there goes the spill. 
(b) The "Screw-on Lid" -- is safer and more secure since they don't come off easily even when knocked off provided, it was properly closed. Based on my research, this is the type of lid recommended by most users.
(2) The BASE - You can either use a cup holder so you don't have to hold onto your mug or you can find a mug with a non-slip wide base that reduces the chance of tipping over and spilling.
(3) The HANDLE - Do you prefer a mug with or without a handle? Having a handle gives you an option to easily tuck the mug in your backpack. However, it may be a problem if the handle will not fit your cup holder. So you have your choice.
(4) The STYLE - Do you want a colorful mug? Something funky? Or do you like it simple?
Style vs Durability
Stainless steel travel mugs stands for durability and less stylish. But it has a superior performance compared with other types of travel mugs. For people who take their mugs on a mountain climbing, hiking, camping, long drive -- this type of mug is recommended. It can keep your beverage hot/cold for a longer period of time. There is also a low risk of having your drink spilled. This type of travel mugs are unbreakable.
Ceramic Mugs which are stylish are recommended for short-drives, and home and office use. This type of mugs has different attractive designs. But they break if dropped.
TIP:
Travel Mugs are usually double walled. When you buy one, find one with a silicone plug in the bottom so you can easily drain the water that enters in between the walls of your mugs. If these water were not drained, molds can grow inside.
Features of the Travel Mug
Aside from the features that has already been mentioned, you may add these in your checklist:
(1) Is it dishwasher safe?
(2) Is it double walled? Double walled Travel Mugs can keep your beverage hot for a longer period.
(3) Is it environment friendly?
(4) Is it well insulated? Well insulated mugs prevents burns since they are still cool to touch even with hot beverage inside. Well insulated mugs doesn't "sweat" and doesn't leave water rings on your table or your car.
(5) Is it customizable?
These are just checklist that can help you in choosing your perfect travel mug. In the end, choose whatever mug that suits you. :)
