If you're buying beans from a local roaster on your trip, talk to them. Ask when the beans were roasted—fresher is better, but too fresh (within a day or two) can be gassy and hard to extract. Also ask for a grind recommendation for French press; most roasters will grind it for you if you tell them you're traveling.

And here's a question people forget: "Is this a single origin or a blend?" Single origins can be brighter and more delicate, which sometimes reads as weak if you're used to a heavier blend. If you want a robust cup, ask for something with a fuller body—often a blend or a darker roast.