Rick Steves' Helpful Heads-Up About European Bathrooms To Know Before You Go

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If you're out on the town while on vacation in some parts of Europe, you're probably enjoying some great meals and sipping lots of local wines. Maybe you've fallen in love with the ultra-fizzy sparkling water, and just can't get enough. When the inevitable call of nature hits, you visit the bathroom — only to realize that there is no toilet paper. This can, of course, happen in the United States as well. However, according to travel pro Rick Steves, bathrooms in Europe may not have as much available as we do here. 

On his website, he explains: "Like a spoon or a fork, this is another Western 'essential' that many people on our planet do not use." Although that may seem odd to us — and can be rather inconvenient — adapting to a new place is part of travel. And while an empty toilet paper holder when you need it most may be upsetting to you, there is a really easy fix to avoid getting stuck in an uncomfortable situation. 

According to Steves, "if you're averse to the occasional drip-dry, carry pocket-size tissue packs (easy to buy in Europe) for WCs sans TP." These little packs of tissues are easy enough to pack in your suitcase and to carry with you, and even easier to take on-the-go. Beyond that, you can also pack individual wet wipes designed for travel — like these Stall Mates flushable wipes available on Amazon. However, keep in mind that wipes that say they're flushable may not actually be flushable in European toilets. In fact, they're not great for the septic systems in America either. To be safe, simply throw them in the trash. Otherwise, you may have to learn how to apologize profusely for flooding the bathroom in the language of whatever country you're in. 

Missing toilet paper isn't the only tricky part about using European bathrooms. There are countries, like Türkiye and Greece, where you must avoid flushing toilet paper altogether because the pipes just can't handle it. Instead, you'll have to dispose of it in the wastebasket. Although it's normal to feel odd about it at first, a relaxed sense of humor will get you through. As Steves tells us: "The rule of thumb in those places: Don't put anything in the toilet unless you've eaten it first."

Another odd thing you may find in Europe is bidets, which look like tiny tubs with a spout. An alternative to toilet paper that essentially cleans and freshens you up with a spray of water, they're popular in Europe and Asia. In the U.S., however, although not common, some people are catching on. In fact, according to a report by the Washington Post, bidet sales skyrocketed during the pandemic during toilet paper shortages — and unsuspecting Americans ended up loving them. That said, using one isn't easy. So, if there is one in your hotel room, we suggest you practice so you don't end up ... damp. 

Beyond that, there are a few more quick tips for a successful bathroom experience in Europe. First, if you're out and about, it's a good idea to carry a few coins because some public bathrooms require that you pay before coming in. Additionally, in countries like Italy, public toilets might not even have toilet seats, which means it's best to hover if you can. Finally, for an even more unique bathroom experience, you can visit one or more of the most bizarre bathrooms that travelers should have on their bucket list.