I once stayed at a stylish hotel with a pool, located in a city in the U.S. near mansions of celebrities.
The hotel had a fitness gym in the basement, but despite being such a luxurious place, there was a problem: I found myself in trouble in the bathroom.
During my stay, I ended up having a fear of using the toilet for about a week, which mentally drained me and even affected my job.
This article may help you think about what to do in case of emergencies abroad, as things can get quite serious if you’re not prepared — especially when it comes to bathrooms, hahaha.
One of the issues that always crosses my mind when travelling abroad is, “Can I easily find a toilet?” The issue of toilets is a common concern for many travelers.
Like in Japan, if you’re in trouble, you can almost always find a clean, free toilet at convenience stores or large retail stores.
However, not all countries are like that.
Paper or $1
For example, during a trip to Amsterdam, Netherlands, I once rushed into a fast-food restaurant, thinking “It’s Amsterdam, a famous city, surely they’ll let me use the bathroom.” However, just before entering, an elderly woman stopped me. (Right there!)
She wasn’t a staff member, just an old lady with a bent back, and she charged me about 2 euros (around $1.50 at the time) as an entry fee to use the bathroom.
Because I was in an emergency, I had no choice but to pay, even though there was no toilet paper, and the water pressure was low!
I couldn’t believe I had to pay an entry fee for a bathroom without paper.
Looking back, I regret not doing proper research beforehand.
I can’t remember exactly: was it 2 euros? 1 euro? Whatever, anyway, it was a crazy amount for me, and I recall negotiating because I didn’t have exact change!
Why was the old lady even there?
Was she hired by the restaurant? I left the place feeling conflicted.
Here is another story from Asia
About 20 years ago, my friend travelled to Japan, and at the airport’s security check, they found “toilet paper” in her suitcase.
They asked her, “What’s this?” and ended up confiscating it.
Maybe toilet paper was rare there because toilets are so clean in Japan, and you do not bring toilet paper with you! They must have thought carrying toilet paper was so weird.
Also, you might encounter misunderstandings like in Japan, because a lot of the toilet manners and instructions are written in Japanese, and once a friend whispered to her, “I don’t know how to flush it.”
How about New York?
In New York, many building bathrooms are locked, and without knowing the code, you can’t use them.
It’s common to see people wandering around, unsure of the code.
This is likely a safety measure to prevent crimes in restrooms.
Top 5 places you can use a bathroom in the U.S.:
- Public facilities
- Restaurants
- Shopping malls
- Hotels
- Gas stations
Note: However, it’s best not to assume you can use these facilities freely.
It’s a good idea to ask the staff for permission first.
To avoid trouble with bathrooms when travelling abroad:
Research and preparation in advance: Before your trip, research the bathroom situation at your destination.
Check the types of bathrooms, how to use them, and how to dispose of toilet paper.
It’s also helpful to prepare items like toilet paper and hand sanitizer to bring with you for when you need to use the bathroom abroad.
Precautions when using public restrooms: Pay attention to cleanliness when using public restrooms.
Bringing items like toilet seat covers or portable toilet sheets will allow you to use the bathroom more hygienically.
Additionally, after using the restroom, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly to maintain cleanliness.
Essential items: There may be times when toilet paper is not provided at your destination.
It’s convenient to carry tissues, wet wipes, or pocket-sized toilet paper.
Also, having hand sanitizer or disinfecting wipes will help maintain a hygienic state.
Use of a dedicated pouch or bag: Having a dedicated pouch or bag to organize toilet-related items and hygiene products makes it easy to access them and keeps them neatly arranged.
For extra cleanliness, prepare disposable plastic bags to store used items.
Practice good manners: Respect the local toilet culture and manners of your travel destination.
This includes lining up, waiting your turn, and properly disposing of toilet paper and trash.
Always try not to inconvenience the locals.
What if you’re traveling to a place with no bathrooms?
If you are camping overseas, which some people enjoy, you can also refer to these camper-friendly measures:
Natural bathroom: In outdoor settings, you can relieve yourself naturally.
Choose an appropriate place, away from frequently travelled paths.
Dig a hole to dispose of solid waste, and after finishing, remember to cover it back up.
Portable toilet: If there are no bathrooms at the campsite or while you’re on the move, you can use a portable toilet.
These are compact and easy to carry, with special bags or systems to handle waste.
Follow the instructions for proper disposal and keep it clean.
Alternative methods: There are alternative methods you can use instead of a bathroom.
For example, if you have a camper, you can use the bathroom inside.
As a temporary solution, you could even create a portable toilet from a plastic bag.
In environments without toilets, it’s important to be mindful of the environment and avoid negatively impacting nature.
Always take your trash with you and respect the natural surroundings.
Also, make sure to follow local rules and regulations.
So, which country is the most convenient in the world?
Well, I have travelled a lot overseas, and now I think we can make our life as convenient as we want if we can prepare enough for any circumstances.
So, I recommend ‘’Search’’ for your comfortable life while staying abroad.
Enjoy NY!