When asked what essential item he always travels with, travel writer Stephen Scourfield has a simple answer: the promise of a nice cup of tea. While others like Michael Palin carry a leather satchel and Pico Iyer a fountain pen, Scourfield packs his favourite tea bags and a durable metal-and-enamel mug. He notes that hotel tea options are often insipid, whether cheap bags in tiny cups or fancy mesh bags with poetic descriptions. To ensure a proper brew, he also brings his own water boiler, especially useful in countries with questionable water quality. The Australian Department of Health advises boiling water for one minute to eliminate pathogens, extending to three minutes at elevations above 2km.
Top Three Portable Water Boilers
Korjo Water Boiler
Priced at $17.90 online, this classic immersion heater features a stainless steel element that hangs on a mug's rim. It's a sturdy, nostalgic device reminiscent of every aunt's emergency car kit.
Portable Electric Kettle
At $27.90 online, this double-walled kettle boils up to 400ml in about three minutes and automatically shuts off. It can also serve as a flask, keeping liquids hot for two hours. The cable stores inside for neat packing.
Bush Kettle
Double-skinned and conical, this stainless steel kettle holds about a litre and boils water over a small twig fire. The internal chimney design makes it efficient. Similar models include the Daymo Adventure-Q Bush Kettle ($149) and Aussie Bush Kettle ($239). The design dates back to the 1890s in Ireland, originally made by Patrick Kelly. Today, Kelly Kettles are sold in stainless steel, with sizes from 0.6 to 1.6 litres.
Vehicle Power Solution
Scourfield uses a Waeco 12V DC to 240V AC inverter permanently mounted in his car, allowing the electric water heaters to plug in. Portable inverter options range from $60 for 150W to $300 for 1000W, fitting into a drink holder or cigarette lighter plug.
After all that research, it's time for a nice cup of tea.
