Instant coffee is pretty bitter, foul tasting stuff. Swill might be an apt term.

I travel quite a bit and find that I can find a good cup of coffee anywhere if I look hard enough. But not necessarily a good cup of expresso.

Solution: I take a Nespresso machine in a soft case with 30 capsules when I travel. The 30 capsules I take include the occasional shot of decafe when I feel like enjoying one at night. I just purchased a Nespresso Pixie which is half the size and weight of the Citiz model I travelled with before. I'm using it in Brasil now, as the cafe do Brasil here can get a little too sweet at times.

I do not need to pay R$3, 3 Euros, or $3-4 USD for an expresso or lungo shot. A 2 week business trip adds that expense up fast, to where the Pixie has paid for itself in 2 trips. And I can enjoy it whenever I want to. Like instant coffee, all you need is a little good water.