Fresh and locally-roasted beans, ground fresh and brewed in adequate quantity with freshly filtered water in a French press, is the way to go. Recently I traded in my blade grinder for a Braun burr grinder (which I bought at a Starbucks before Xmas, with discounts, for under $50) and the difference, when the grinder is set on coarse, is noticeable.

When traveling, you can pack a stainless steel French press travel mug (available through *$) and previously ground beans, and use your hotel coffeemaker to heat the water for your special brew. Take along some packets of mascaraibo sugar, and you can skip the hotel coffee packs forever.