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Ok, so I'm super fussy about my tea (in spite of using tea bags most of the time) and I find that there is a faint taste of coffee if you make tea using those carafes.

Yes, you're right about that, even though it's hard for me to concede it.

I've never, ever met an American, however, anywhere in your great land who was, as you claim to be, super fussy about tea. Why do they look at me strangely and then with a resigned, Oh yes, you're Canadian" remark when I tell them I MUST have a teapot and the kettle that they point out to me won't do.

We've had some hilarious and endearing experiences, like the rental agent who drove all over St Pete's and then over to Tampa to find me a teapot, g-d love her and finally found two "tea for one" cups and little pots on top, or the other way around, for us. And another who gave us carte blanche to buy any teapot we found, no matter the cost, and they'd reimburse us--I think the only one I found was Royal Doulton or something like that and it got left behind.

This time, as I said, I'll wrap one of ours in bubble wrap and take it with stuffed with tea bags. It's the one thing I absolutely cannot stand, a tea bag in the cup--silly, I know, but I'm much too old to change my wicked ways now.

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Just returned from 11 days in Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg and in only one hotel (Bruge Belgium) did they not have coffee and tea facilities

Purvis, I wonder if it's because they get so many U.K. visitors because it's so close.

Forgot to mention that last fall (Sept. 2008) I was in Vienna, Budapest, and Prague and guess what all three hotels in these cities had tea and coffee making facilities. They're not very close to the UK. I think most hotels that cater to Americans, Canadians, and Brits are trying to make our stay as comfortable as possible and if tea and coffee making facilities are what works then they seem to be providing this perk. Purvis

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Originally posted by PURVIS 70:
Forgot to mention that last fall (Sept. 2008) I was in Vienna, Budapest, and Prague and guess what all three hotels in these cities had tea and coffee making facilities. They're not very close to the UK. I think most hotels that cater to Americans, Canadians, and Brits are trying to make our stay as comfortable as possible and if tea and coffee making facilities are what works then they seem to be providing this perk. Purvis

Purvis, I think it's a very good idea, don't you? And not such a hardship really for the hotels to provide this service. Thanks for the information.

I think the only hotels we had that provided this were the ones in Paris and Athens. We found when we stayed in the USA they had coffeee making machines in every room but no tea making facilities- and we are tea drinkers. We are very adaptable when away, however, and don't consider anything essential.

I went on the Highlights of Eastern Europe tour in June and all the hotels had tea and coffee making facilities. It was a very nice surprise to have this as I did not expect to have this in Eastern Europe. Just goes to show you should not pre judge places.

Starbucks now makes instant coffee in small packets and it's really GOOD. We have an immersion heater and make our own in the room.

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Originally posted by KimR:
Starbucks now makes instant coffee in small packets and it's really GOOD. We have an immersion heater and make our own in the room.

This is good to know. I'm a tea drinker, but the friend I travel with drinks coffee. Unfortunately, our one experience with immersion heaters (2) was disappointing. Both stopped working after about 2 uses. Next time I will buy a small electric kettle and somehow find room for it in my suitcase.

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Originally posted by luvtotravel:
Next time I will buy a small electric kettle and somehow find room for it in my suitcase.

LTT ~ I have a teeny-tiny (2 cup) electric travel jug that is approx the same size as a hair dryer. I L-O-V-E it.

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Originally posted by Dimpz:

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Originally posted by luvtotravel:
Next time I will buy a small electric kettle and somehow find room for it in my suitcase.

LTT ~ I have a teeny-tiny (2 cup) electric travel jug that is approx the same size as a hair dryer. I L-O-V-E it.

Exactly what I want. Please send immediately by express mail

Seriously, after the immersion heater fiasco I saw something like that on Amazon. It looked exactly like the one I use at home but smaller (mine is Braun, not sure if the little one was or not). The one I use for car travel is too big so I will be purchasing it before another overseas trip.

When I go to Egypt in 10 days (YAYYYY!) I will be bringing Starbuck's singles. Surely to God or Allah in this case, I will be able to get boiling water in the hotels and the cruise ship easily???

Susie Q

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Originally posted by Dimpz:

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Originally posted by luvtotravel:
Next time I will buy a small electric kettle and somehow find room for it in my suitcase.

LTT ~ I have a teeny-tiny (2 cup) electric travel jug that is approx the same size as a hair dryer. I L-O-V-E it.

Dimpz
Could you please tell me the brand of your electric travel jug? I am interested in buying one. I looked on Amazon and all the electric ones have car chargers. That won't do! I'm going to look at a couple of travel supply companies next. Thanks!

Kim,
This looks like the one I was looking at on Amazon last year although I don't remember it being so expensive.
http://www.amazon.com/Go-Europ...ET1K/ref=pd_sbs_hg_3

Thanks for the info Luv. Now that I know what it looks like I might be able to find one that's not quite as expensive.

Kim ~ The one I have is from an Australian company & is very similar to the one LTT supplied the link for.

Mine is a Korjo:

Travel Jug

The prices compares well with the one on Amazon & I would be surprised if you found on more cheaply - perhaps an immersion heater may be something to consider.