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Sardinia vs Corsica: Key Differences You Need to Know About

Sardinia vs Corsica: Key Differences You Need to Know About

Just west of Italy are two islands, sitting one on top of the other. Nestled in the Tyrrhenian Sea in one of the Mediterranean’s most gorgeous stretches, these islands are distinct isolates that have their own histories, languages, and traditions.

To the north is Corsica, a French region that could soon obtain autonomous status. To the south is Sardinia, an already-autonomous region in Italy.

Despite the fact that France and Italy are some of the most high-traffic tourist zones in the world, few foreigners venture to Corsica and Sardinia. And while they each fly different flags, they’ve got more in common than not.

Though I haven’t made it to either country, I’m hellbent on having a grand adventure in Olbia, a Sardinian town that’s popular with domestic Italian tourists thanks to its stunning beaches and laidback lifestyle.

If you’re heading to the Mediterranean, a trip to either island is bound to tickle your travel itches—in more way than one.

Ready for your crash course on Sardinia vs Corsica? Dive in below.

Sardinia vs Corsica: key differences

Each island has its own language(s)

The beautiful little town of Corte on a summer morning, Corse, France. (Getty)

I don’t have the time to dive into the history of each island, but know that they’ve been populated for millennia, and have been part of empires, principalities, republics, and more.

Corsicans mainly speak Corsican and Ligurian, along with French. Corsican is a Romance Italo-Dalmatian language, meaning it’s very similar to Italian. The same for Ligurian, which became a common tongue when Corsica was part of the Republic of Genoa.

Meanwhile, in Sardinia, the main tongue is Sard, a Romance language that’s a bit more distinct than Corsican. Along with Sard, locals speak Italian, Sassarese, Gallurese, Ligurian, and even Catalan.

While you’re sure to notice elements of French and Italian culture on both islands, know that they have long and unique histories that have only recently made them officially French and Italian.

Sardinia is larger and more populated, making it busier

Photo taken in Bosa, Oristano, Sardinia, Italy (Getty)

Sardinia has a population of just over 1.5 million, while Corsica has less than 400,000 full-time residents. That makes it one of France’s least-populated regions. (More on this below.) Sardinia, by contrast, is home to larger cities like Cagliari and Olbia.

For this reason, Sardinia is the booming tourist destination of the two. It’s mostly a hotspot for domestic Italian tourists because the secret isn’t quite out. On top of that, its remote nature has made it a popular choice for celebrities who want a bit of privacy. You’ll see them lounging at five-star resorts and floating on boats in the cerulean blue sea.

Corsica has a stunning mountain range & gorges

The crystal clear Fango river near Galeria in Corsica with the snow capped mountain of Paglia Orba in the distance (Getty)

Sardinia and Corsica are both jaw-droppingly gorgeous, but Corsica is much more remote. Its mountains and gorges have flown under the radar for many tourists—even those in France who know about the island.

If you’re a fan of hiking, mountaineering, and otherwise getting into nature, don’t write Corsica off your list. While you need to manage the high temperatures in summer, it’s a feast for outdoor adventurers in the cooler months.

Monte Cinto is the highest peak on the island, which you can hike. I’d also recommend exploring the vast gorges of Spelunca, which stretch between two gorgeous villages.

Ancient history comes alive in Sardinia

Aerial view with drone of the Nuragic archaeological complex of Su Nuraxi di Barumini. The Bronze Age fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Getty)

You’ll find a balance of natural wonders and history on both islands—but Corsica is the better pick for adventurers, while Sardinia is ideal for delving into ancient history.

The island’s southern half was once home to the Nuragic civilization, which is remembered through unique beehive-like structures that dot the island, known as nuraghi.

Dating back to the Bronze Age, the Nuragic civilization outlived other neighboring heavy-hitters that you’ve likely heard of, including the Minoans and Mycenaeans. When you visit Sardinia, you can explore Nuragic sites like the village of Tiscali, letting you take a look at ancient history you won’t find elsewhere.

Both have world-class beaches & world-famous culinary traditions

Corsica, Bonifacio (Getty)

Overwhelmingly, when you think about Corsica and Sardinia, you should be picturing delicious meals and stunning coastlines. Though not many travelers make it to the islands, those that do often head back to revisit their favorite beaches and dishes.

In Sardinia, don’t miss out on Spiagga di Maria Pia, Cala Mariolu, Teurredda, and Is Arutas. When it comes to mealtime, don’t miss specialties like porcheddu (baby pig), culurgiones (stuffed pasta), and pane carasau (thin crispy bread).

In Corsica, make sure to visit Plage de Cupabia, Plage du Grand Sperone, and Palombaggia Beach. When it comes to famous dishes, make sure to try civet de sanglier (wild boar), veau aux Olives (veal stew), and brocciu (whey cheese).

FAQs: Sardinia vs Corsica

Giottani bay, with its emerald blue waters. Corsica. (Getty)

Do you need to rent a car to explore the islands?

You’ll have a much easier time exploring Sardinia and Corsica if you rent a car. Though Sardinia has triple the population of Corsica, many of its towns and cities are spread out.

While public transportation is functional, it’s not geared toward tourists. I highly recommend renting a car to stay dynamic on your vacation—who knows what far-out beach a local will recommend to you?

Sardinia vs Corsica: How long should you spend on each island?

Both islands are small and accessible by car, meaning you can explore them over the course of a few days. Though Corsica is much smaller than Sardinia, it’s more rustic, meaning you might spend longer on the road as you drive from town to town.

Either way, you can create a full week-long itinerary for either Sardinia or Corsica.

If you like to keep busy with tours, museums, and other experiences, four days on either island will be enough time to get the lay of the land and dig into its culture. That being said, if you want to lounge on the beach and eat well at restaurants overlooking the water, you could waste away for a whole summer on either island without batting a lash.

Italy, Sardinia, Spargi island, Spiaggia Cala Granara beach (Getty)

Sardinia or Corsica: Which is more affordable for tourists?

Sardinia is more affordable than Corsica when it comes to hotels, meals, and tours. Part of the reason is Sardinia’s existing tourism infrastructure. Because it’s more populated and popular with visitors, its hospitality industry is more developed and accessible.

Can you visit both islands on a single trip?

You can easily travel between Sardinia and Corsica via ferry (there aren’t any direct flights), which includes options to transport a vehicle. Plus, both islands are part of Schengen, meaning there’s no border crossing.

Theoretically, that makes it easy to travel between the islands on a single trip. That being said, unless you’re planning a trip to Europe specifically to visit Sardinia and Corsica, it might be easier to explore these islands by adding them on as a weekend getaway on a longer European excursion.

You can reach Corsica easily via Paris. The same with Sardinia and major hubs like Rome, Milan, Barcelona, and Paris.

Travel Tips: 4 Ways to Search for Places Using Another Alphabet

One of the most nerve-wracking parts of travel is navigating language barriers.

Language barriers can have a profound effect on your trip. At best, things get a little uncomfortable at times. Maybe you order the wrong dish or accidentally tell someone they’re welcome instead of thanking them.

At worst, you could board the wrong train, offend someone important, or wind up in a place where tourists aren’t welcome. You might even be the perfect target for a scam, whether being overcharged for a taxi or sold a fake ticket.

These risks are present any time you venture to a new linguistic zone—but they’re even more apparent when you visit a place that uses a non-Latin alphabet. When you can’t pronounce or even attempt to pronounce a word, it’s easy to feel confused, isolated, and out of place.

Even researching where to go, figuring out where to stay, and what sorts of experiences to book can feel like a part-time job when you’re heading to a destination that doesn’t use the Latin alphabet.

Ready to level up your game? Here’s how to search for places in destinations that use a non-Latin alphabet.

Americans heading to these countries are going to navigate a non-Latin alphabet for part of their trips. Additionally, you might want to search for places using the local alphabet to find spots that locals like. If only tourists use the Latin alphabet, your results might focus on tourist trap locations.

  • Japan. The primary Japanese alphabet is based on a blend of adapted Chinese characters (kanji) and native syllables, but it’s a complex operation. And there are two other alphabets in play. If you want to learn about the Japanese alphabets, start here.
  • China. Chinese characters are used to write various Chinese languages, along with parts of other alphabets like Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese. (The primary language spoken in China is Mandarin.)
  • South Korea. The Korean alphabet is known as Hangul. Like Japanese, it relies on certain Chinese characters along with a native syllabic writing system.
  • UAE. The official language of the United Arab Emirates is Arabic, but locals speak an Emirati version. The alphabet is called the abjad, which is written right to left in a cursive style.
  • Thailand. The Thai alphabet is usually called Thai script, which is based on consonants and vowels that create unique tones.
  • Greece. Don’t forget that some European countries use non-Latin alphabets, including Greece. (The other common alphabet is Cyrillic, used in Russia and Ukraine.)

How to search for places using another alphabet

The simple way: translate your searches

If you’re in a bind and want to find a great sushi place in Tokyo, don’t search for sushi using the Latin alphabet. Instead, use a translation app to look for sushi in the Japanese alphabet or use Google’s voice search feature.

The former can help you transliterate Japanese words into written form (in either alphabet) in case you know the word for a place, but don’t know how to spell it in either language.

Just know that there’s not much recourse for you to check your work when you search for places using self-guided translation methods. If you’re putting together an itinerary this way, I’d highly recommend you ask your hotel concierge to double-check your work. 

The official way: use the tourism department

The most straightforward way to get reliable information about a destination that uses a different alphabet is from the tourism authority. English language resources aren’t hard to find for most countries around the globe, meaning almost every tourism authority has an English language page available.

I recommend starting here when you’re visiting a new place that uses a different alphabet. Not only can you read through the pages to find great recommendations, but these channels are often suited toward your cultural needs, as well.

In other words, you should be able to quickly glean which neighborhoods, sites, and restaurants are ideal for tourists like you.

The informal way to search for places using another alphabet: use forums and social media

The most common way for modern travelers to figure out where to go is from word of mouth. From travel creators to Reddit forums, direct recommendations on what to do and what not to do are your best friend.

As per my advice on trawling forums, always look for posts from travelers like you—they’ll have the most relevant tips.

If you want to lean on social media, you can follow accounts that revolve around your destination. Most posts showcase the best things to do and where to find them. Just make sure you’re looking at content with a keen eye; it’s easy to romanticize travel adventures, especially when you’re getting paid to make travel look easy.

The studious way: read travel guides

You can still rely on written travel guides when it comes to uncovering new information about your next destination—and there’s no better time to dig in than when you’re heading into the unknown. Lonely Planet, for example, still produces physical (and digital) guides for most destinations in the world.

Medieval Hotels in Europe: 5 Real-Life Hotels With Dark Ages Vibes

The Middle Ages spanned almost a millennium, stretching from around 400 BCE to the late 1400s.

We also remember this time as the Dark Ages, a period in which the Western Roman Empire fell, and life shifted to revolve around feudal lands owned by nobility.

Christianity overtook pagan beliefs, while the foundations for universities were formed in major hubs around the continent. These would eventually produce important scholars, architects, and leaders, spurring on the Renaissance. At the same time, natural disasters, witch hunts, and the Black Plague caused widespread chaos.

No matter how you look at the Medieval period, it’s got enough intrigue and drama to keep you hooked for hours.

And while we like to summarize the Dark Ages as just that—dark—this period spanned one thousand years, making it hard to summarize easily.

Despite the complexity of this long epoch, it’s stayed at the forefront in pop culture. Renaissance Fairs (or Ren Fairs) are a popular way that modern people like to celebrate the Middle Ages.

That being said, you don’t need to dress up as nobility and gnaw on a turkey leg to celebrate Medieval life. You can live and breathe the experience at these themed Medieval hotels across Europe.

Some offer a more aesthetic take, while others will toss you right into the Dark Ages.

Ready for the adventure of millennia? Book a stay at these medieval hotels in Europe.

5 amazing medieval hotels in Europe

Medieval hotels in Europe

The fairytale version: Castello di Petroia in Italy

Nestled in the heart of Umbria is Castello di Petroia, which was built in the 4th and 5th centuries BCE. Back then, the castle was designed to protect Gubbio, a nearby town, from invaders.

In 1422, the castle was occupied by the infamous Duke of Urbino, and then changed hands frequently over the next centuries. In 1920, it was bought by the current owners before being painstakingly restored in the late 1900s.

When you stay at Castello di Petroia, you can choose between nine rooms. The Medieval Tower and Nobilaire bedrooms offer the most authentic Medieval décor. If history is your focus, you can also book special services like a lord and lady welcome, along with a private candlelit dinner in the grand hall.

Heavy on history: Ruthin Castle Hotel in Wales

Completed in 1277, Ruthin Castle Hotel was originally built for King Edward I of England. It played a pivotal role in the War of Roses and other Welsh-English conflicts until the 15th century.

In 1508, it was sold to the famous Henry VIII, and then his daughter Mary I. After many other ups and downs, the castle changed hands, first being resorted and expanded in the 1800s before being converted into a castle hotel in the 1960s to promote tourism.

If you want a pure Medieval stay at Ruthin Castle, book their History and Heritage Break program. Not only can you take a closer look at Medieval history in the castle, but you can also learn more about the town’s best stories from the Middle Ages.

A true fortress: Hotel de la Cité in France

Hotel de la Cité is a luxury hotel located inside a famous and massive Medieval fortress town, Carcassonne, in France’s L’Occitane region.

Carcassonne’s fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s famous enough to draw visitors from around the world—but within that fortress is a second citadel, Hotel de la Cité. Once a bishop’s palace, it’s now an opulent hotel that includes a balance of neo-Gothic and Art Deco design.

Think: modern luxury in a Medieval package. If you’re looking for more straightforward fun from the Middle Ages, you can venture into the fortress for themed events like jousting and feasts.

Pure medieval fantasy: Hotel Detenice in the Czech Republic

Detenice is a medieval town in the heart of the Czech Republic, which was founded back in the 11th century. Today, you can find many buildings and landmarks that date back to these first centuries, from the chateau brewery and the medieval tavern, to the architecture and décor around town.

Hotel Detenice is a celebration of the town’s long history. Though completed in 2009, the rooms are a faithful representation of what you would have found in the Middle Ages—just with electricity and a few other modern amenities, like a functional toilet.

The real star of the show is the Medieval tavern and the larger-than-life shows that the grounds host throughout the year.

Fanfare for the masses: Warwick Castle in the UK

This castle stretches back to the era of William the Conqueror. From a humble wooden fort, the castle took shape in the early 1000s.

It played a crucial role during the Hundred Years’ War before being turned into a country house in the 1600s. Since the 1980s, it’s been slowly converted into an entertainment venue and hotel.

The grounds now include an are for accommodation, along with arenas and show grounds. Warwick Castle hosts some of the UK’s most famous historic shows, including the Falconer’s Quest, which is a larger-than-life bird show that includes vultures and bald eagles. There’s also a Sword in the Stone show and other Middle Ages-themed exhibitions.

The World Tour of Oopsies: Chapter 2 – The Bucket Shower

[The World Tour of Oopsies is an ongoing series of travel stories about my first decade of travel. During these adventures and misadventures, I unlearned many things I thought I knew about life. Welcome to my miseducation.]

Part I / Koh Pdao

While still staying on Koh Pdao with my host family, and sometime around the scorpion bite (see Chapter 1), I experienced a transformative moment.

A bucket shower.

It wasn’t actually the bucket shower that tripped me up. Though I was new to the setup in which you scoop water from a large basin and toss it over your body between scrubbing, it wasn’t overwhelming for me.

Did I miss warm water? Sure. But after days spent working in high temperatures, cold-water bucket showers were a refreshing treat.

I’m talking about the first communal bucket shower I took.

I wasn’t alone during this homestay on Koh Pdao; I was joined by another traveler from my group, a young woman nicknamed Sushi. For the first week of our stay on the island, we bathed separately.

That being said, we did just about everything else together. We slept, we ate, we washed our clothes, and we hung out with our host family. In those weeks, we became like host sisters. We relied on each other as confidantes, offering support when we got our periods, and that one time I got stung by a venomous scorpion. (Again, see Chapter 1.)

Sushi also helped me learn the ropes a bit faster because, though her nickname was Sushi, she had immigrated from China to California at a young age. Though we were both very American, she had a cultural key to Asia that I didn’t, having come from the more homogenous Midwest.

Still, I didn’t think much of our differences until Sushi insisted we take a bucket shower together.

Part II / The bucket shower

I fended off Sushi’s request to take a bucket shower together more than once. The idea of showering naked with a friend just didn’t make sense to me. I could shower on my own, and thanks to that handy little bucket, I could splash water any place I couldn’t reach.

Sushi eventually pointed out that nobody had washed my back since we’d gotten to Koh Pdao, at which point I got a little suspicious.

Wash my back? That had to be code for something, right?

I grew up in a Catholic family in Missouri. Even verbally, we didn’t show a lot of affection. Something like a hug was reserved for a graduation or a funeral. The idea of washing together with another person while fully naked (in a platonic sense, at least) had never drifted onto my radar.

But I was in a faraway place—a magical, safe place where everything I’d ever known was up for reinterpretation.

So, I took my towel and followed Sushi into the washing room. We disrobed and took turns using the bucket to rinse ourselves, then scrub. Sushi washed my back with soap, then rinsed me down with water. I did the same for her.

It was really that simple. And almost two decades later, I remember it well because, up until that point in time, that sort of care didn’t exist in my world.

I came from a place where nudity focused almost solely on sexual contexts. Women I had known my entire life wouldn’t have gotten naked with me, even in a utilitarian, platonic bucket-shower way. Or if they did, it would have been palpably tense.

Part III / Touch

Very quickly after the bucket shower, I realized travel would teach me more about myself than it would about the world.

Later on, when I studied culture academically, we explored this idea through Edward Said’s book Orientalism. Let me make a full-length academic book very short and generalized for travel purposes: when we travel, we situate the world according to our pre-held beliefs, rather than letting what we experience change how we understand the world.

We filter what we experience through our own pre-held beliefs, like a light through a prism. The light that enters is one and the same, but the prism’s conditions change how light is refracted through it. The prism is culture, geography, language, history, and all the other factors that generate a people; the light is consciousness.

If you want a less existential and more academic take on that concept, read Orientalism. Or take a bucket shower with a new travel companion on your next world tour.

TL;DR my world tour of travel stories: Fellow travelers will shape you just like your journey, if you let them. Also, don’t fear the group bucket shower.

10 Cheap Places to Stay in London: Hostels, Hotels, Boutiques, & More

London isn’t an easy place to visit on a budget. At least, not without doing some digging.

While you might normally focus your travel research on finding hidden gems and booking sneakily cool tours, you need to think about lodging first when you’re planning a budget trip.

Similar to transportation, room rates are likely to be your priciest item across the pond. And finding cheap places to stay in London without getting stranded in the boonies is even tougher.

Though modern by almost every metric, London is massive, ancient, and hard to navigate at times. In other words, finding a good lodging in a solid neighborhood for an affordable price is… well, almost impossible.

Looking for cheap places to stay in London? Start with these ten selections, many of which are recommended by London’s official tourism group, Visit London.

10 cheap places to stay in London at a glance

10 cheap places to stay in London for budget travelers

The Mad Hatter

Located less than 500 feet from the River Thames in London’s coveted Southwark neighborhood, The Mad Hatter is a fantastic BnB stay. In London, that means you’ll be sharing the grounds with a popular pub where you can enjoy home-cooked meals all day long. Nearby, you’ve got great spots like Convent Garden and the Tate Modern.

The Brook Green Hotel

Gorgeous, modern, and stately, the Brook Green Hotel is situated in a lovely Victorian building. Nearby are some of Sheperd’s Bush and Hammersmith’s most walkable streets, along with the famous Hammersmith Apollo venue.

CitizenM Southwark Bankside

Though slightly more expensive than the pub-centric BnBs listed above, citizenM Southwark Bankside offers a very stylish and contemporary flair. If you’ve stayed at a citizenM spot before, you likely know the setup. If not, expect bright colors, modern features, and tons of amenities, like Prime streaming. It’s also in a great location, only minutes from Tate Modern.

Good Hotel London

If you’re okay drifting a bit farther from the City of London in the center of this hub, then Good Hotel London can offer you a fantastic stay at a slashed price. The grounds are hyper-modern and trendy, while also feeling cozy. There’s also a larger charitable scheme at play; the hotel helps train unhoused locals and funds education projects as far away as Guatemala. There’s also a rooftop terrace that overlooks the Thames.

Hotel Indigo London Tower Hill by IHG

If location is big, it doesn’t get any better than this City of London stay. You’re smack in the center of the big city action. Despite those clean IHG design features and modern amenities, this IHG stay still offers a highly affordable standard room. As an added bonus, every room design is distinct, giving you a little boutique flair.

easyHotel London City Shoreditch

Looking to spend as little as humanly possible? Head to easyHotel, located in the Shoreditch neighborhood near the Old Street and Barbican tube stations. It’s one of East London’s coolest new affordable lodging spots. Though you need to pay for basic amenities like Wi-Fi, the baseline prices at easyHotel are absolutely unbeatable.

Astor Museum Hostel

If you can be wooed by a hostel stay, head to the Astor Museum Hotel. Its located across the street from the British Museum and a short walk from Convent Garden, offering a great location. You can book a mixed room or a private basic twin room. Just make sure to book your stay quickly—this affordable and popular hostel fills up fast.

The Z Hotel Soho

You can find cheap places to stay even in Soho, one of London’s most prestigious neighborhoods. The Z Hotel offers a basic and modern stay, letting you immerse yourself in one of London’s coolest neighborhoods—without breaking the bank. Just keep in mind that the rooms are small, but they come with thoughtful features, like under-bed storage.

Zedwell Underground Hotel Tottenham Court Rd

Wonderfully stylish and minimalistic, this hidden gem hotel (that’s located underground) takes you straight into central London’s Camden area. The hotel includes basic amenities like Wi-Fi and 24-hour concierge, too. Just know that the rooms are very small, as with Z Hotel. They’re literally called cocoons.

The Corner London City

Nearby all the fun in central London, The Corner offers large, comfortable rooms with plenty of light. There are also other unique features, like the rain showers with water-saving technology. There’s also a large restaurant on the grounds with the same name where you can grab a bite or even cocktails.

The Truth About Airplane Drinks: Is Drinking Airplane Coffee Bad?

Airplanes are magical in that they fly us around the world, shrinking journeys that would have taken months into a single day.

On the other hand, airplanes are also a prime spot to get magically sick as a dog.

If it’s not the airborne bacteria and viruses soaring through the cabin, it might be your own poor choice in food and beverage that tilts you into tummy-ache and headache territory.

Staying healthy on planes and in the days following a long plane journey is difficult, even when you take the right supplements and bring the right snacks with you. Above all, many travelers recommend avoiding airplane coffee, tea, and ice at all costs, citing poor cleaning practices and bacterial growth in the storage containers.

What’s actually going on with an airplane’s potable water supply? And do you actually need to avoid airplane coffee, tea, and ice like your life depends on it?

Follow the water

Airplanes use massive water tanks to store potable water that is used to make coffee, tea, and ice throughout the journey. Most vessels have a 200-liter tank or multiple tanks with a similar volume, but that depends on the airplane, passenger count, and route.

Some of this water is also diverted for lavatory usage, meaning the vast majority of planes have a single potable water supply. (Don’t worry, water supplies are transferred to separate vats away from the main tank before being diverted to the lavatories.)

So, what’s going on in that big, bad tank where all the potable water is stored?

Here’s the first good news. That water supply is usually kept chlorinated to ensure it’s safe to drink, just like our tap water.

According to pilots, attendants, and other flight staff, these tanks are also regularly cleaned. Usually, the cleaning process involves dumping a diluted bleach agent into the tank, then flushing it out multiple times. (No scrubby-scrubby, unfortunately.)

Let’s move on to the equipment used to serve you beverages. The water tank is the main concern for passengers who are concerned about bacteria, but don’t forget about the coffeemakers, kettles, and ice trays. If those aren’t cleaned, a sparkling water tank doesn’t mean much.

The arguments for drinking airplane coffee

It probably doesn’t come as much of a shock, but airplanes are subject to tight regulations—at least, when it comes to how they operate. (Those regulations are much more lax when it’s time to get compensated for a delayed flight, but I digress.)

Within operational regulations are cleaning practices.

Here’s the argument for drinking airplane coffee, tea, and drinking beverages over ice: airplane water tanks are regularly disinfected and cleaned in separate processes. There are also new types of treatments that are helping improve water quality, including ozone treatments.

On top of that, most coffeemakers, kettles, and ice trays don’t last long thanks to overuse, meaning contamination isn’t a huge issue there, either. I’ve also seen arguments that the high temperatures used to make coffee and tea can help kill any problematic bacteria and viruses.

The most sterling badge of approval seems to be the fact that pilots still drink airplane coffee regularly. If it was going to get you sick, it would have taken down leagues of pilots by now.

(In a highly meta moment, I’m actually publishing this article while on an international United flight, and I am drinking the coffee, my friends.)

The arguments against drinking airplane coffee

Based on the information above, you could make the argument that airplane coffee won’t make you sick—but that’s a far cry from it being actually good for you. Just because it won’t kill you doesn’t mean you should drink it, in other words.

Though an airplane’s potable water tank is subject to regulation, it’s also subject to human error.

Was the right amount of chlorine used to disinfect the water tank? And was the tank thoroughly cleaned with bleach, then flushed enough times? It’s a finely tuned process that’s easily thrown off by a single mistake.

If you’re suspicious of water quality on airplanes, it’s best to avoid drinking airplane coffee, tea, and ice. That being said, if you have faith in the process and don’t usually get sick on planes, I wouldn’t worry too much about enjoying a hot beverage.