What happens on a guided tour, inside like the Vatican, or outside like the Colosseum/Forum, if you have to use a bathroom?
Tours can be 3-4 hours or more. Some people - not mentioning any names :-) - have senior citizen issues that are rather compelling at times. I assume that plenty of travelers are older -- what do they do?
Thanks.
Tours can be 3-4 hours or more
I don’t think I have ever been on a tour of that length that did not include a rest break. If you are concerned, you can ask your guide about opportunities to use the rest room. There are restrooms in the vatican museum and the forum. Most museums and tourist sites have restrooms.
Nearly every tour I've been on has an opportunity for a bathroom break. If you are really desperate, just mention something to your guide and they will help. Sometimes I'll just discreetly ask as the tour group is gathering just to know what to expect.
Most seniors and/or younger folk that know they have incontinence issues wear diapers or don't sign up for 3 or 4 hour tours.
Those are major sites that attract families with little children that need toilet breaks also; so they are adequately equipped with toilets.
Nothing embarrassing about your question. I have asked a similar question and so have others.
You or whoever are not the only person who has to use the toilet (as they say in Europe) sometimes often or with urgency. Lots of seniors on tours. As someone said, children ... and you know these kiddos. And there are those people who just have health issues. They do not always have to be old.
I would call the tour company or the attraction and make certain there are toilets available.
Remember to have coins on you just in case you need one and remember to ask about toilets and not bathrooms.
I think the rule of thumb is if you see a bathroom use it! There was a large bathroom right inside the Vatican entrance and I don't remember if there were others, As someone mentioned just let your tour guide know, or maybe email them before the tour to make sure there are restrooms throughout the site you are visiting to see if this tour is the right fit.
I was once on an all-day bus tour and they specifically said there are no restroom on the bus, to please use the restrooms at the sites we visited. On the 3 hour straight shot back to town, there was one gentleman who had to have the bus stop 3 times due to having to use the potty. The first time the group was sympathetic and understanding, but the 2nd and 3rd time, not so much. I don't know if he should have packed some immodium or what, but the bus driver and tour operator had to figure out where some bathrooms were and some of them were really shady looking areas, like maybe rest areas. It delayed our return by about 45 min. He did not apologize to the group nor did he leave a tip for the driver or guide. Adventures in Travel!!!
I think the rule of thumb is if you see a bathroom use it!
A useful quote attributed to several people, including Winston Churchill, over the years: "Never pass up the chance to sit down or go to the bathroom." Of course that's dependent on the existence of the opportunity.
That's a good idea to contact the company in advance.
Thanks, all!
Be aware that many (I'd say most) museums--even large museums--do not have toilets on every floor. I find them most frequently on the basement level, often near the lockers. Another place to look is near the cafe, if there is one. There's rarely, if ever, a charge inside a museum, but I always try to keep a mixture of coins available so I can feed at least €1.50 into an entry box at train stations, etc. These days, credit cards are often accepted (sometimes to the exclusion of coins), but I've experienced failures of those devices. It really is smart to take advantage of every opportunity, because the next expected opportunity might not work out.
As someone who has worked in the tour industry, I can tell you that professional guides and tour directors are trained in such a way to know that restroom breaks are necessary. It is rare to travel more than 2 hours without a break. Inside a place like the Vatican or museum. It's easy to find a toilet. And your guide will know where they are.
No need to wear a diaper.
I've also downloaded two "toilet finder" apps that include Rome. I don't know how up-to-date their data is, but it might help.
In the UK we have accessible toilets. Ones which are often open 24 hours when others are only open for certain hours, or are free when the regular toilets are paid for. Part of accessibility regulations in this country.
You need a special key (called a RADAR key). It should be pretty easy to get one if you need the key (and no-one will ask you awkward questions why). They usually cost around £5.
In the UK they can be mailed out to you (but that won't apply to overseas visitors). I have just had to admit defeat and obtain a RADAR key, as my body ages.
I was recently in Northern Italy. On a bike tour around Lago Maggiore we stopped for gelato. When members of our group asked about toilets the guide said that the public restrooms were "fine for men but not for women". He gestured to one of the cafes and suggested that the women "buy" an espresso. When my friend went to the cafe the staff told her to just use the restroom, she didn't need to buy anything. My husband used the public restroom. He agreed that it was not fit for women. No toilet seats, horrendous hygiene, almost no toilet paper. You get the idea.
