There’s nothing worse than being in a foreign country and you can’t find the loo! It can be a dreadful combination of not knowing the language and not being unable to see an obvious sign, or even when you do find one but it’s in a terrible condition.
On top of that, around 1 in 4 men and women over 60 experience incontinence, bowel and/or bladder issues, making travel a bit more complicated, though no impossible.
Don’t let it ruin your holiday – here’s some simple tips to making it an enjoyable, hassle-free experience.
1. Toilet finder apps
Before you leave your hotel, use a toilet finder app or map to check out where the toilets are on the way. Toilet Finder gives you access to over 70,000 toilets, and can tell you how far it is to the nearest one. The National Public Toilet Map website provides guidance to 16,000 public toilets across Australia.
2. Take some tissues, hand sanitiser and wet wipes
This is a must for any traveller going to any country: you need to have tissues, and lots of them! A lot of toilets will be running out of toilet paper so it’s useful to have them. In poorer countries, you might not get the luxury of hand wash or even running water so hand sanitiser and wet wipes come in handy.
3. Keep a lot of spare change
Toilets in Europe tend to cost about 50c so it’s worthwhile having some spare change for the toilet minder. I have also seen them in Vietnam and Peru so this tip is really useful anywhere!
4. Learn the language
Even if you’re just passing through a country, it is very handy to know what ‘Where is the toilet’ is in their language. For example, “Donde esta el bano” is how you ask where the bathroom is in Spanish. Even a photo on your phone will suffice.
5. Pack an umbrella even if it isn’t raining!
If you’re going to the outskirts of a city in a not so good area, you absolutely must bring along an umbrella. Not all toilet doors close properly so an umbrella can help to shield your body and give you some privacy.
6. Tiger balm
It sounds odd but if you’ve ever smelt a toilet in China, you’ll know what I mean! Take some Tiger balm or Vicks and rub under your nose before you enter a dirty, smelly toilet.
7. Avoid diuretics
Coffee, tea, alcohol, soft drinks and sports drinks will all make you want to go to the bathroom more frequently. Stick to water.
8. Squat toilets
In some countries, you may be faced with a squat or even a drop toilet. If you have difficulty reaching the floor, ask someone for assistance to find a Western toilet – most should have them knowing Western travellers come to the area.
9. Different toilet etiquette
For example in Indonesia and some other Asian countries, it is common to use a bidet instead of toilet paper, so you may be faced with an interesting scenario. Of course you can attempt to use the bidet but it may have germs and bacteria on it that you don’t want to touch. In parts of South America, it is advised not to flush toilet paper, due to poor sewerage, and you may need to throw your paper in a bin. It is a little bit gross, so prepare yourself!
10. Think public buildings, museums and restaurants
Desperate for a loo? These three places often have the best bathrooms. Simply ask politely and smile – they shouldn’t have a reason to say no.
Do you have any other toilet travel tips to add?