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Public Restroom - Travel Container

Posted by (US) on

EDITED: Got some great ideas! Thanks!
Edited #2: Please note that I'm well-aware of the wipes issue and do not drop them into toilets. I do a great deal of detailed historical research, here in Richmond, we're still using sewer pipes from Civil War era.
Edited #3 Just wanted to ensure I'm clear that I have no intention of using wipes. I've even seen various blog posts online that even indicate that used products shouldn't be dropped into toilets in Italy specifically due to the age of the sewage system. My month long visit to Europe Sept/Oct (air and Abba Voyage tickets bought!!) encompasses London, Stirling, Edinburgh, Paris, and Rome. I'm the one organizing the tour details for the people going with me, so I need detailed info that makes me as much of an expert matters as possible. I just happen to be highly skilled at historical research because of my day job, plus I'm a meticulous detail person who plans things down to the minute. My apologies to anyone who feels I'm taking advantage by requesting information. I am not.

I did a search, but came up with nothing that was recent or similar to my question, as mine might be an unusual one. I'm sure a lot's changed since I lived in Germany and visited Paris while in the service years ago (research say I probably won't see a man tip his hat while he's relieving himself in a street stall one of my more memorable moments in Paris, LOL)

I know that TP is pretty much non-existent in a lot public WCs in Italy. So, I'm looking for something simple to carry that can hold soap, de-sanitizer, and tissue/Kleenex. I was wondering if anyone has seen anything that's relative small/compact as opposed to the TSA things you can find online. I'm looking for a container that will hold just two small TSA-type and some TP/Tissues (or idea of what I can repurpose, e.g., ziploc freeze bag but would prefer something sturdier.)

Also, if someone's seen something like top-dispenser Kleenex container that would fix in a small plastic bags. I've downloaded a couple of public bathroom finder apps, but not had chance to peruse them, so there might be some tips there.

I've checked Rick's blog and other places, but coming up empty. Hive mind might be able to give me some ideas.

Posted by
7887 posts

I’ve traveled a lot in Italy, and yes some of the toilets don’t have TP. But, most of them are stocked with some.

I always have some TP in my purse at the start of my trip and just replenish it with a little from my hotel room, if needed. One comment - please don’t use Kleenex as TP if you are flushing it down the toilet. Use regular TP, so it is less likely to clog it.

For the hand sanitizer, I love these! I’ve brought them on a couple of trips and keep some in my car.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G1KP8C2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Posted by
7887 posts

One other comment. When you eat at a restaurant, use their toilet before leaving. It might improve your chances of finding toilets with TP. ; )

Posted by
14832 posts

I've bought some pouches similar to what Liz linked to in TJ Maxx so if you have one near you you might look there first. My set was 2 sizes...small, med and large. Jean has a similar name-brand set in slightly different colors (Travelon brand I think). They are extremely lightweight.

I usually save the Purell packet Delta hands out on the plane and stick it in my purse for things like this. I also travel with the small packets of Cottonelle and small packets of Wet ONes. They have about 10 in each.

Posted by
3515 posts

In all my trips to Italy, there has always been TP in the public bathrooms.
Soap and paper towels are what is sometimes missing.
You just need to carry some tissues and wetwipes.

Just a hint: a lot of public bathrooms have the on/off for water in the sink operated by a foot pedal underneath it.
Takes getting used to if you don’t know about it!
Also, you may find toilets with no seats, just the bowl.

Posted by
2604 posts

we pack a ziplock with some non-flushable wipes and hand wipes. Dispose in the zip lock and then into the trash

Posted by
34010 posts

please don't flush any wipes. Only flush paper. We have enough wipe-bergs already. Thanking you.

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