Latest news with #Saenz
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
Sweetwater mother, husband arrested during ongoing investigation into alleged child sex crime
SWEETWATER, Texas () – A Sweetwater mother and her husband have both been arrested during an ongoing investigation into a child sex crime. Shyrell Hennessey was charged with Injury to a Child last week in connection to the arrest of her husband David Saenz. Saenz was arrested at the beginning of the month on charges for Promote Prostitution of Person under 18, Indecency with a Child Sexual Contact, Online Solicitation of Minor Sexual Contact, and Sexual Performance of Child Produce/Direct/Promote. The Taylor County Sheriff's Office says the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating Saenz after receiving a Cypertip that he may be committing child sex crimes. During the investigation, the sheriff's office states a 16-year-old victim was interviewed and claimed that Saenz was requesting 'lewd photos and videos' and had also sexually abused her. Saenz also confessed to the allegations, according to the Sheriff's Office. Both Hennessey and Saenz remain held in the Nolan County Jail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
4 strategies to manage inventory and supply chain operations in 2025
This story was originally published on Supply Chain Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Supply Chain Dive newsletter. Supply chain operations managers face a very different environment today than they have in the past. As they contend with post-globalization, natural disasters, new labor pressures and additional factors, leaders must employ new strategies, said Hernan Saenz, global head of the performance improvement practice at Bain & Company. 'The way we have done supply chain in the past is probably not going to work in the future,' Saenz said. As an example, traditional algorithmic approaches to inventory management don't account for turbulence in the supply chain, he added. As operations leaders shift toward new ways of managing the supply chain, here are four strategies they can use in 2025 and beyond. Against the backdrop of current risks, supply chains need to be more adaptable, and having a smaller or well-prioritized portfolio makes it easier to achieve such flexibility. This makes SKU analysis more important than ever, Saenz said. FDH Aero, a parts distributor in the aerospace industry, has learned this lesson. The company used to buy parts in large volumes when it found a good deal, without considering the value to its own business and its customers. But in today's world, with inflation and a higher cost of money, the company shifted its approach, said Bob Loycano, VP of supply chain. Starting a year and a half a ago, the company began segmenting its inventory, identifying which SKUs are most or least valuable, and which have the highest or lowest velocities. 'It allows us to invest in the right parts and not make terrible investments on the wrong parts,' Loycano said. Every three months, the company redefines its parts stratification strategy as new contracts come in or others expire. It also uses this analysis process to organize its warehouses so the highest velocity items are closest to the door and items used least often are in the back, Loycano said. While just-in-time (JIT) inventory can be effective in stable times, 'in turbulent environments, it gets you into trouble very quickly,' Saenz said. Therefore, many supply chains dropped JIT inventory strategies early in the COVID-19 pandemic. 'The way we have done supply chain in the past is probably not going to work in the future.' Hernan Saenz Global head of the performance improvement practice at Bain & Company Buffer stock continues to be important in 2025 due to raw material constraints and long lead times in some industries. 'A lot of the lead times today are pretty far out there – much, much more than they've ever been,' FDH Aero's Loycano said, noting that items that used to have six-month lead times now might take a year or more to arrive. FDH Aero's current inventory approach is 'the opposite of just in time,' according to Loycano. However, while the distributor is focused on keeping buffer stock of its most important high-value SKUs, it doesn't overbuy low velocity parts. 'That's not a good use of our money to have inventory just sit there for years until the items are completely sold out,' Loycano said. Demand planning and forecasting are nothing new, but advanced technology can take these practices to the next level, said R. Ravi, professor of operations research and computer science at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business. 'Prediction is bound to get better,' Ravi said of the use of generative AI in particular. The technology can also take data that exists but has not been collected or categorized, and use it to create inputs for planning and forecasting models, according to Saenz. Generative AI can provide benefits in plants as well. While manufacturing operations have been using predictive maintenance for about a decade, generative AI can better read sensor signals and inputs to predict an impending part failure or fault, Ravi said. Generative AI can also output data in a more legible way, making it easier for managers to see when it's time to conduct maintenance. 'Prediction is bound to get better." R. Ravi Professor of operations research and computer science at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business Overall, interest in AI applications for supply chain management is rising, with 74% of leaders saying they have or plan to implement the technology into demand planning, according to a 2024 McKinsey & Co. survey of 88 supply executives. The key, according to Ravi, is to make sure AI is solving an existing problem. 'You should ask yourself why you are buying something or doing something before being dazzled by something new and shiny,' Ravi said. Since the pandemic, supply chain executives have been solving the 'problem of the time,' Saenz said. 'We're never going to get out of chasing our own tail unless we step back.' Saenz advised leaders to rethink their supply chains for a non-global, non-linear and unpredictable world. Conducting so-called zero-base exercises is an important way to do that. The exercise involves starting from scratch to look at budgets and/or strategies, instead of using past data or assumptions. For example, zero-basing warehouse operations could entail devising an optimal layout and exploring the best technology on the market to track inventory versus making incremental improvements based on existing operations. Zero basing allows managers to design a supply chain with disruptions and shocks and the capabilities to handle them built in, rather than 'repairing it because it broke,' Saenz said. These types of exercises are a sign that the world of supply chain operations is in the midst of a big shift from tactical to strategic. 'The profession is going to get a lot harder, but also a lot more interesting,' Saenz said. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Yahoo
Texas man sues deputies who shot him while on the phone with dispatchers
BOERNE, Texas (KXAN) – Ronald Smith, 40, sat with his legs crossed outside the Guadalupe Valley Memorial Cemetery on Highway 46 – his right hand held his cell phone, and his left was in the air when deputies zeroed in on him with guns drawn. Body camera video shows that before Guadalupe County Sheriff Deputy Hunter Saenz could make it all the way across the busy highway to Smith, his gun was up – and he was yelling commands. 'Show me your hands! Put your hands up! Put your hands up!' Saenz said in the video. Footage shows Saenz screaming to another deputy, Jimmy Gonzales, who arrived and parked in the middle of the highway, to cover him with lethal force while he switched to his less lethal weapon – a pepper gun. Smith's face was ducked between his raised hands. His phone was connected to 9-1-1 dispatchers. He screamed, 'I have two people pulling a gun on me,' just as Saenz, who had been yelling verbal commands for just under a minute, shot him in the face with a pepper gun. The interaction caught on body camera footage is now the subject of a federal lawsuit alleging the two deputies used excessive force against Smith during the police stop in June 2021. A claim the legal team for both deputies denies. Saenz said in his offense report that he was initially attempting to check on Smith, who he says he saw walking along the highway. Saenz said he began following him on foot when he allegedly saw Smith jump over a barbed wire fence and start running in a nearby field. Austin police officer pleads guilty for use of excessive force during 2021 arrest Smith's attorney, Andy Cano, said in the lawsuit that the interaction between Smith and Saenz actually started when the deputy nearly hit Smith with his cruiser – and Smith flipped him off. The Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office told KXAN that 'due to pending litigation, (it) was unable to comment on this matter at this time.' Attorneys for the deputies seen on video did not respond to KXAN. But said in court records — the deputies 'did not know that Smith was unarmed,' and they 'acted reasonably based on the information they had at the time of the encounter.' University of Texas Law professor Jennifer Laurin said she has mixed thoughts on what the video shows. 'On the one hand, it appeared that the officers had an inclination to reach for some less extreme tools in their training toolbox,' Laurin said. 'On the other hand, it is significant in terms of being sort of contrary to principles of de-escalation that the first point of contact between the police and Mr. Smith, once Mr. Smith was stationary, was sort of peak force threatened.' Deadly I-35 pileup comes amid push to make it harder to sue trucking companies The federal lawsuit alleges Saenz and Gonzalez not only used excessive force but also 'worked to assert a bogus criminal charge' against Smith after shooting him. The footage shows that deputies first considered arresting Smith for allegedly running across people's property, but after asking neighbors, they found none wanted to press a trespassing charge. The footage shows Saenz then telling Smith he is not being arrested but will be placed under emergency detention to be medically evaluated. In the end, deputies opted to arrest Smith and charge him with evading arrest, which was later dismissed. 'They are Monday morning quarterbacking: why do we have this guy? What can we charge him with?' Cano said. 'They are trying to justify, retroactively, their conduct.' The original lawsuit filed in 2023 was against all three deputies seen on body camera footage and the Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office. The claim alleged malicious prosecution, false arrest, and excessive force. Court records show a judge dismissed the claims against Guadalupe County and one of the officers who participated in Smith's arrest. The court is allowing the excessive force claim against former Deputy Saenz and Deputy Gonzales to proceed to trial. The legal team for Saenz and Gonzales is currently appealing that decision. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Intercept
28-02-2025
- Politics
- The Intercept
Trump Administration Abolishes Rules Protecting Trans Prisoners
The Trump administration has officially eliminated guidelines that protect transgender people in federal prisons. It is the latest step in implementing one of President Donald Trump's executive orders targeting trans inmates and detainees in federal custody. In a brief directive circulated to federal Bureau of Prisons employees on Thursday, a copy of which was reviewed by The Intercept, the acting director of the federal Bureau of Prisons, William Lothrop, rescinded the agency's Transgender Offender Manual. The guidelines were removed from the BOP website in late January, but the agency has continued to cite them in ongoing lawsuits over Trump's executive order. Lothrop's memo, dated February 25, cancels the Transgender Offender Manual 'effective immediately' and orders it removed from the BOP intranet and prison libraries. BOP did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 'The Transgender Offender Manual was based on constitutional protections and federal law, so I think it is a very dangerous step backwards,' said Richard Saenz, an attorney at Lambda Legal. The guidelines had been last updated in 2022, reversing changes made during the first Trump administration. They had instructed prison wardens and staff on minimal protections for trans inmates, consistent with federal regulations and the Prison Rape Elimination Act. The policy reflected the 'increased risk of suicide, mental health issues and victimization of transgender inmates.' Under the prior guidelines, protections included considering housing placements for trans and intersex prisoners on a 'case-by-case basis' to 'ensure the inmate's health and safety,' as well as shielding trans women from being searched by male guards and forbidding staff from deliberating misgendering inmates. In separate guidance circulated last week, a copy of which was also shared with The Intercept, the BOP acknowledged that Trump's executive order 'does not supersede or change BOP's obligation to comply with Federal law and regulations.' Saenz also emphasized that the Trump administration cannot erase constitutional protections for incarcerated trans people. 'It's attempting to defy these well-established protections' for inmates' safety and adequate healthcare, Saenz said of the BOP's rescission order. The new guidance says nothing about how BOP will proceed with plans to move trans women to male facilities, which is currently being challenged in court. 'The risk of serious violence Plaintiffs face if transferred to men's facilities is known to BOP and is why these individuals were permitted to live in female facilities in the first place,' lawyers for a dozen trans women in federal custody wrote in a court filing earlier this week. On Monday, a federal judge blocked BOP from transferring the women to male prisons, finding this likely violated the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. The BOP's new guidance for trans prisoners is also silent about gender-affirming care, which Trump's executive order also attempts to eliminate. On Monday, the judge also ordered the BOP to maintain the same medical care for the dozen inmates that the bureau received before Trump took office. But under the new agency guidance, search accommodations for trans inmates 'are no longer authorized.' BOP staff must 'refer to individuals by their legal name or pronouns corresponding to their biological sex.' The new guidance also prohibits inmates from receiving 'clothing accommodations,' such as 'undergarments that do not align with an inmate's biological sex.' The rescinded manual allowed trans inmates to select undergarments that reflected their gender identity, and wardens could approve other items on an individualized basis. Under the new guidance order, inmates who previously purchased commissary items can keep them, a reversal of moves by some wardens earlier this month to confiscate clothing items. Although the immediate impact of rescinding the BOP guidelines is unclear as lawsuits proceed over Trump's executive orders, advocates fear the signal that such moves send to corrections officials around the country. 'These unconstitutional and dangerous attacks by the Trump administration should not be seen as a green light for state systems to follow along,' Saenz said. 'These actions and this hostile, hateful rhetoric does not change the fact that there are laws protecting trans people.'
National Geographic
18-02-2025
- National Geographic
The best travel coffee mug in 2025
By clicking on the featured links, visitors will leave and be directed to third-party e-commerce sites that operate under different terms and privacy policies. As a participant in multiple affiliate marketing programs, National Geographic will earn a commission for certain purchases. See full disclaimer below.* For millions of busy Americans, coffee is life. According to a 2022 OnePoll survey of 2,000 Americans , three out of four coffee drinkers say they probably couldn't go a day without having their beloved cup of Joe. If you're in the same camp, then having a reusable travel coffee mug in your kit is basically a must. We love coffee travel mugs because they're more cost-effective and sustainable than single-use coffee cups. Many coffee shops, including Starbucks , even offer a small discount on coffee if you bring your own mug—a perk we always appreciate while traveling. There are tons of travel mugs out there, so we spent hours sifting through reviews and spoke with several travel experts to find the best travel coffee mugs. With its vacuum seal top and lightweight stainless-steel construction, the Yeti Rambler is a natural top choice. Of course there are tons of great options for different needs. Read on to find the travel coffee mug that's best for you. The best coffee travel mug There's lots to consider when shopping for the best coffee travel mug, and much of it depends on personal preference. However, experts offer a few key features to look for, among them durable construction via either stainless steel or ceramic. Some travelers may find handles more comfortable, while others may want the packability of a streamlined silhouette. If you're road tripping or renting a car, look for a travel mug that fits standard cup holders. Read on for the details on our top picks. Best travel coffee mug overall: Yeti Rambler 20 oz. Photograph courtesy Amazon Yeti Rambler 20 oz. Buy it now on Amazon Why we like it: During our search, the Yeti Rambler kept popping up as a fan favorite. 'I never leave home without my Yeti mug,' says Samantha Saenz, a writer and founder of the travel blog Eat Well. Adventure Often . 'In addition to being a great vessel for cold brew or instant lattes, I love Yeti because they're reusable, durable, and decently lightweight to pack.' Saenz is far from alone. The Rambler has 93,000 reviews on Amazon, as well as a five-star rating. Most customer reviews mention the mug's ample size, overall durability, and top-notch temperature control. 'The vacuum insulation works amazingly well—my coffee stays hot for hours, and cold drinks stay icy all day,' says one Amazon shopper , adding that the Rambler is 'worth every penny.' Other customers praise the mug's seamless interior and unique lid design, which you can open with one hand. Keep in mind: Reviews on the mug's 'leakproof' construction are mixed, however, many say the lid prevents major spills in most quick tip-overs. The Rambler doesn't have a handle or a straw. Product details: Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 20 oz. | Weight: 12 oz. | Special features: Dishwasher safe, vacuum insulated Best travel coffee mug with a handle: Hydro Flask All Around Travel Tumbler Photograph courtesy Hydroflask Hydro Flask Travel Tumbler Buy it now at Hydro Flask Why we like it: This high-quality tumbler has double-walled vacuum technology, plus a comfortable handle. It also looks great, with multiple colors and designs, and comes in two sizes: 32 and 40 ounces. Despite its large size, this travel coffee mug fits most standard cup holders. Customers say they were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the flexible straw and that it doesn't give off an aftertaste like some straws can. Keep in mind: The All Around Tumbler is made for cold drinks, so it's best to stick with water, iced coffee, and cold brew coffee. Product details: Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 32 & 40 oz. | Weight: 1.2 lbs. | Special features: Dishwasher safe, vacuum insulated ( Take one of these 6 water bottles on your next vacation ) Best heated travel coffee mug: Ember Travel Mug 2+ Photograph courtesy Amazon Ember Travel Mug 2+ Buy it now on Amazon Why we like it: When it comes to 'smart' drinkware, Ember has been ahead of the curve for a while. This updated style builds upon everything customers loved about the original Ember mug, starting with the ability to control temperature remotely through an app. Noteworthy improvements include a larger cup size, scratch-resistant exterior, extended battery life, and the option to add Apple's Find My technology, which lets you use your iPhone to locate the mug if it gets lost. Amazon customers especially like the mug's temperature readout and touch controls . Keep in mind: Because this travel mug is a smart device, you can only handwash it. Additionally, it requires regular charging on a compatible charging pad to work. Because of its unique technology, it's also pricier than standard reusable coffee tumblers. Product details: Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 12 oz. | Weight: 1.2 lbs. | Special features: Temperature-controlled smart mug, Wi-Fi enabled, hand wash only Best personalized travel coffee mug: Miir Flip Traveler Mug Photograph courtesy MiiR Miir Flip Traveler Mug Buy it now at Miir Why we like it: The Flip Traveler is the perfect blend of form and function. It's made with durable stainless steel and has double-walled vacuum insulation that can handle both hot and cold drinks. But the best part is the sleek design. The Miir website allows you to choose not just the color and size, but also fun graphics and text. Keep in mind: The Flip doesn't have a handle or a straw, but the lid is designed to be leakproof. Product details: Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 12, 16, and 20 oz. | Weight: Starting at .62 lbs. | Special features: Hand wash recommended; lid is dishwasher safe on top rack ( Yes, you can pack just a carry-on to go abroad ) Best small travel coffee mug: BruMate 15 oz. Muv Photograph courtesy BruMate BruMate 15 oz. Muv Buy it now at BruMate Why we like it: As far as small travel mugs go, the 15-ounce Muv packs a punch. Aside from its sleek look, it has a laundry list of cool features, including a unique locking lid system designed to make it easy to take the lid on and off for cleaning or refilling. The 'MagFlip' feature helps keep the mouthpiece open while you're drinking. According to the brand, this travel mug is insulated, keeping drinks hot for over four hours or cold for more than 24 hours. We also appreciate that the cup is made to resist scratches, has a slip base, and a comfortable handle. Keep in mind: Because this travel tumbler is shaped like a traditional coffee mug, it won't fit in a standard cup holder. Product details: Material: Stainless steel; some parts made from recycled water bottles, according to company | Capacity: 15 oz. | Weight: 1 lb. | Special features: Unique lid locking system; dishwasher safe (top rack) Best stainless steel travel mug: Greens Steel Beast Stainless Steel Vacuum Tumbler Photograph courtesy Amazon Beast 20 oz. Stainless Steel Vacuum Tumbler Buy it now on Amazon Why we like it: With its hefty build, sweat-free design, and extras like stainless steel straws and a cleaning brush, this tumbler is aptly named. It's made from high-quality stainless steel (304 grade, 18/8), double walled insulation, and a copper lining, all of which help lock in the temperature of your beverage. More than 78,000 Amazon customers give this travel coffee mug a near-perfect 4.5 star rating. 'I have purchased Stanley, Yeti, Simple Modern, and Beast tumblers throughout the past eight years,' writes one shopper . 'My first Beast was purchased two years ago and I have remained loyal since.' Keep in mind: The Beast isn't designed with a built-in handle, but you can purchase one separately. Product details: Material: Food-grade stainless steel (304, 18/18 | Capacity: 10, 20, 30 & 40 oz. | Weight: 12 oz. | Special features: Dishwasher safe. Set includes two stainless steel straws (one straight, one curved) and a straw cleaning brush Best iced coffee travel mug: Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Photograph courtesy Stanley Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler Buy it now at Stanley Why we like it: This popular brand's Quencher has more than 54,000 positive reviews on Amazon—and not just for its looks. The brand says this travel coffee mug is made with double-wall insulation for hours of temperature retention plus mostly recycled stainless steel. We love that the lid rotates to three positions helping to reduce spills and leaks. 'I love that it's spill proof and so easy to carry when moving quickly and juggling other things like my luggage and duffel bag,' says Vanessa Gordon, publisher of the travel and lifestyle website, East End Taste . 'I tend to be a bit clumsy and spill my drink when traveling … this mug has been such a huge game changer.' Customers praise this travel mug's durability and ' top notch insulation ,' among other features. 'Even in the hottest weather, my water stays refreshingly cold all day, and I've even noticed that it helps keep my beverages at the perfect temperature longer than other tumblers I've used,' says one review . Keep in mind: The Quencher comes in a variety of sizes, but most Amazon customers say they prefer the 40-ounce because it doesn't feel too bulky or large in a standard cup holder. Product details: Material: Made with 90% recycled BPA-free stainless steel, according to the brand | Capacity: 14, 20, 30, 40 & 60 oz. | Weight: 0.6-1.8 lbs. | Special features: Vacuum insulated, rotating lid, reusable straw, dishwasher safe, lifetime guarantee ( 6 easy ways to avoid plastic while traveling ) Best ceramic coffee travel mug: Ello Ogden Ceramic Travel Mug Photograph courtesy Amazon Ello Ogden 16 oz. Ceramic Travel Mug Buy it now on Amazon Why we like it: This is a great option for travelers rushing to catch a flight or train. With a 16-ounce capacity, it holds more than enough coffee and has a built-in silicone sleeve for insulation that also feels comfortable to grip. The lid is built with an opening operated with a sliding panel that helps prevent splashes while you're sipping on the go. Customers report that this travel coffee mug is easy to disassemble and clean; all parts can go in the top rack of the dishwasher. Because it's made of ceramic and silicone, it's safe for the microwave. Keep in mind: This travel mug comes in one size (16 ounces). Some reviews say this mug is not fully leak proof, noting beverages may spill if the mug is tipped over. Product details: Material: Ceramic interior, silicone exterior/boot | Capacity: 16 oz. | Weight: 0.9 lbs. | Special features: Slider lid; BPA-free, top-rack dishwasher safe, fits standard cup holders ( These are the travel essentials we're most excited about this year ) Best budget coffee travel mug: Simple Modern Insulated Tumbler with Lid & Straw Photograph courtesy Amazon Simple Modern Insulated Tumbler with Lid and Straw Buy it now on Amazon Why we like it: Travelers who want the aesthetics of a Stanley mug without the hefty price tag, may want to consider this Simple Modern tumbler. This style comes in lots of attractive colors, patterns, and sizes ranging from 16 to 28 ounces. Like other high-quality tumblers, it's made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel and vacuum insulation. On Amazon, more than 25,000 reviewers rave about this travel mug's quality, giving it an average five stars. One reviewer says this one 'out-performs' all other travel coffee mugs they've tried. Keep in mind: This style doesn't come with a handle, but you can try this version , which comes in 30- and 40-ounce sizes. It has a slightly different design for just a few dollars more, but it's one of my favorites. Product details: Material: Premium 18/8 stainless steel | Capacity: 16-28 oz. | Weight: 1.5 lbs. | Special features: Includes two straws and a straw lid, dishwasher safe, standard cup holder How we chose the best travel coffee mugs We know the options for travel mugs can seem overwhelming. That's why we did the work for you, sifting through countless brand reviews, style features, and product details to bring you the best of the best. • Third-party reviews: We scoured Amazon, Reddit, and brand websites to see what customers really had to say about their favorite (and least favorite) travel mugs. • Expert insight: We spoke with digital nomads, travel writers, lifestyle bloggers, and accessories experts about the most important features to look for—and what to skip. • Brand notoriety: We looked at options from well-established brands as well as up-and-comers to strike a balance between popular picks and underrated favorites. Tips for buying a travel mug for coffee While many reusable travel mugs have similar features, we recognize that even slight differences can have a big impact on your travels. We've broken down four major factors to consider before you add any travel mug to your cart. Material Most travel coffee mugs are made with either stainless steel or ceramic. 'Stainless steel is usually going to be the most durable, since it can handle being dropped, without damaging the mug,' says Greg Heinemann, founder of the travel accessories brand, Heritage Gear . 'Another big plus is that stainless steel doesn't absorb flavors or odors, so it'll keep the flavor as well as the temperature [of your beverage]—and let's face it, both are equally important,' adds Sunil Gupta, a co-founder and senior travel consultant at Luxury India Tours LLC . Ceramic travel mugs, on the other hand, are similar to standard coffee cups, making them particularly well suited to hot beverages. They tend to be wrapped in a protective outer layer like silicone to prevent breakage and lock in temperatures. Often, they're safe for the microwave, unlike stainless steel. Be aware that not all parts of a tumbler may be made of the same material. While the base or interior may be stainless steel or ceramic, the lid, straw, and other accessories could contain plastic, silicone, or other materials. Read the product details and care instructions closely. Keep in mind that some travel coffee mugs must be handwashed, while others are only safe for the top rack of the dishwasher. In some cases, only certain parts of a tumbler can be placed in the dishwasher. Insulation Most travel coffee mugs promise 'premium insulation' that will keep drinks hot or cold 'for hours.' Take a closer look at the product details to see what that actually means. Does the brand share how many hours the mug can maintain temperatures? What kind of a top or lid does the tumbler have? For example, slide-lock lids and straw covers will prevent heat from escaping. If you're eyeing a stainless-steel mug, look for one with double-walled vacuum insulation. This will keep air from getting in between the layers of the travel mug, which can cause it to lose its temperature retention quickly. Size and shape The size and shape of the right travel mug depends on where you're going and how long you plan to be there. If you're heading out on a short trip, then a smaller, more compact cup with a handle and a lid may be the way to go. If you're facing a long flight, you may want to opt for a larger mug that can stay hot or cold for long periods of time, yet isn't too bulky to carry. Consider how much coffee you typically drink in a day and whether you want the versatility of having hot or cold coffee while you travel. Will you be renting a car and need a standard-sized mug that will fit in the cup holder? Do you prefer a handle or will a tumbler style work better for packing? Will the shape of the tumbler make it easy to tip over? Features Travel coffee mugs come with tons of extras or just basics, like a simple lid. Knowing which features are most important for your travels depends on personal preference. If you love techy products with all the bells and whistles, then you may want to try a smart mug like our favorite heated travel mug Ember . On the other hand, if you're looking for a versatile mug that holds hot and cold beverages and can double as a water tumbler, try the Stanley Quencher or the Beast . Either way, pay close attention to the features list when making your decision. Is it truly leak proof or simply leak resistant? Is it entirely dishwasher safe, or does that only apply to certain parts of the product? Frequently asked questions What is the best type of mug for coffee? Most of the travel experts we spoke with agree that while it all boils down to personal preference, there are a few basics to look for. 'A mug that holds temperatures well, without being too hot or cold to hold is ideal,' says Heinemann. Leak-proof or leak-resistant construction is also important. That way, Heinemann notes, you won't have to worry constantly about leaks while traveling. 'Size is another important factor,' he says. 'Make sure it holds enough liquid but isn't too big that you can't easily travel with it.' 'Space is precious to me since I live out of my suitcase, but if I'm honest, coffee is even more precious,' says Meg Wubbenhorst, a global traveler, petsitter, and blogger behind My Mega Travels . 'I like my coffee grande-trente-enormous.' 'To me, [sturdiness] is more important than packability,' Wubbenhorst adds. 'Those collapsible cups wouldn't work for someone on the go like me.' What type of mugs keep coffee hot the longest? While outcomes will vary from product to product, your best bet is to look for a high-quality stainless-steel mug with double-walled vacuum insulation and a lock-top lid. This will trap the heat in for longer, reducing the likelihood of spilling hot coffee everywhere. For this, the BruMate Muv may be a good option for most travelers. Kaitlin Stanford is a freelance writer and editor from New York. She has covered various topics from trending news to women's health for Yahoo, Parents, and Bustle, among others. *Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.
