When you're on the road, you might not have your usual grinder settings memorized. Before you leave, note your current grind size and brew time. If you land and the coffee smells flat, don't change everything at once. Pick one variable—grind, time, ratio, or water temperature—and adjust just that.

If you're using a hand grinder, remember that different beans can feel different. A dense, hard bean might need a slightly finer setting than a soft one. And if you're using pre-ground coffee, skip it for evaluation—buy whole beans and grind on-site.