Go Cups

What is a go cup?

A "go cup" is a thermal Travel coffee cup.

I can't see any problem with it, though you won't see Europeans carrying drinks around. In most places they serve coffee in small cups and they spend time sitting and enjoying it.

The last time I was in Paris a few years ago I saw my First carry-out cup of coffee by a French version of starbucks. I have no doubt that that phenomenom has increased. Which in a way is sad but life goes on.

(Unless Espresso stands have popped up recently) Depending on where you are going and where you are staying, you may find it difficult to find people to fill them for you. And no quicker way identify yourselves as tourists.

French friends and family and us often debate about Americans' "need" to consume their beverages and food in public and in cars. But the Canadians we meet lament about how much nicer the parc would be with a dble tall soy mocha clasped in our hands.

I'm not sure why you want them but would advise unless porting soup or coffee to the beach or a picnic, leave them. No matter what country, Europe has a cafe culture that Seattle can't even touch. Embrace it! Save your cups as something to look forward to coming home to. JMHO, though.

You could bring it, but unless you visit a Starbucks of McDonalds, I'm not sure where you would use it. Coffee is usually served in small cups, and people rarely drink it as an "on the go" beverage.

If it's what you want to do, no one in Europe will look twice. Don't worry about it.

The only go cups in Paris are those carried by the tourists.

The French still prefer to take the time, sit, relax and enjoy the coffee. I would recommend the same for your trip. Sit relax and get to know the city.

You will also find that many places you may be will not allow you in with your Go Cup - museum, stores etc.

As an American,I find it difficult to enjoy standing at a bar and doing a shot of coffee(as I saw and did repeatedly in Spain and Italy),much preferring to leisurely savor the warm cup in my hands,smelling the heavenly aroma,while strolling through city parks and past monuments.Rather than seeing it as a gulp-and-go frantic activity,I view sipping coffee and walking as a slow,enjoyable past time.You could always make your own coffee in your hotel room.Wanting to enjoy your favorite beverage on vacation does not mean that you are not appreciating a new culture!If your trip would be enhanced by bringing a favorite item from home, by all means, it's your trip, you're paying for it,do whatever you want.Drinking out of a go cup doesn't hurt anyone.Be confident and enjoy yourselves!

For our 4th trip to France we finally worked up the nerve to bring our go cups, and use them! Our first attempt was at the airport after getting our luggage, after a minute of explaining the server understood exactly and had no problem filling our go cups rather than her ceramic or paper ones. We used them repeatedly on the autoroute too. We never tried at a cafe, but would fill our cup at the hotel each morning and leisurely stroll around enjoying the village, town or city. WE still spent lots of time relaxing in the cafes and people watching, but I thoroughly enjoyed strolling through the park near the Eifel Tower on a chilly morning with my hot cup of coffee.

Hi Denise--I'm not sure if you are visiting Italy, but every morning I stood in line with all the Romans to get a cappuccino in a portable cup to drink as I walked. Lots of Romans grabbed cappuccino to drink on their morning commute. While lingering over espresso in the evening is common, breakfast is a casual affair that lots of working Romans take on the go.

I take my Travel Mug with me always, everywhere. I like my older Tim Hortons brown plastic mug with the loop handle.
I like it b/c it's a down low brown colour. The "Timmy's" logo is a conversation starter as a Canadian and our favourite National pastime - Hockey. (Not mine, though!)

It's plastic so I can reheat it in the microwave as opposed to the metal ones. Safe for the metal detectors. The handle can attach to my Day Pack with a biner clip. It's deep enough to fit my immersion heater to make my own soup or hot drinks to start the day.
I sometimes visit a local cafe and pour my drink into it so I can hit the road early. No one has ever frowned upon this anywhere I've travelled in Europe. It also saves the environment as I don't use a take out cup if they are even available at all...
I don't do this all the time. I do stop to enjoy a good Expresso or Galao from time to time. Afterall, that's all part of the European experience, isn't it?