Gluten-Free Travel: Let's talk Toilets! Gluten-Free Travel

Let's talk Toilets! Gluten-Free Travel

Before I leave on any vacation I do a little research first. Of course, what can I eat is always a big one…especially since we enjoy experiencing the foods particular to wherever we roam. I do draw the line at bugs and raw proteins though, even if two of my travel mates occasionally enjoy a taste. I also research toilets and bathroom etiquette. My travel mates think that’s pretty funny…but they’re not ashamed to take advantage of my research, trust me. Am I obsessed with toilets? No, I’m not. But living with Celiac Disease all my life, two pregnancies and being born without ‘outdoor plumbing’ as my Mom called it, I’ve learned to pay attention to where the toilets are.

Here in the States public restrooms are pretty easy to find. There are rest stops along the highways…and Fast Food places are always an easy stop. Grocery Stores are too. Gas stations…if the doors are outside you’ll need to go inside and ask for the key. Stores and Shops…you may see little signs in the front window stating restrooms are for customers…just become a customer and you’re good. Hotels and Motels are options for emergency stops…the bathrooms are usually right off the main lobby…perhaps near the pool area.

PAY TOILETS: I can’t remember the last time I saw a pay to go bathroom here in the States. But I’m certain there are still a few around. They used to be just simple coin meters placed right on the stall doors. At large festivals and fairs you’ll often see Bathroom Attendants with tip jars. Show them you’re glad to have a clean place to stop by putting something in their tip jar. And don’t be too surprised if you see them put their hand out for you. They’re actually trying to earn a living by cleaning up after you. And trust me, at some of these large events that's a lot tougher than you might realize.

In other countries you may be asked to pay a few coins to use the facilities…don’t be a stingy tourist. It’s possible that attendant is trying to earn a living to put food on the table at home. If you see little packets of paper offered…take one. Toilet Paper or Paper Towels…it generally means that item is not available inside. These are the times when it becomes very important to carry your own toilet paper and antibacterial wipes. Depending on the country you’re visiting you may be able to find a toilet…but on occasion not much else. Be prepared.

CRUISE SHIPS: Their main goal is your comfort and safety…they want you back…so clean, easily accessible, toilets are just about everywhere. On board, in customs, in port, on excursions…finding a bathroom is generally not a problem. The further you get away from the ship things may begin to change a bit…but don’t be afraid to ask. Touristy areas can be very accommodating…again, they want you back.

TO FLUSH OR NOT TO FLUSH: That is the question. There are still many places in the world where the indoor plumbing is not designed to handle anything more than human waste. So flushing the used paper is taboo. If that’s the case you’ll often see a small sign on the door (if there is a door) and a trash bin right near the toilet. If you forget to toss the used paper and end up flushing it instead, don't panic. But do try to remember the next time.

ALWAYS GO BEFORE YOU GO: In many countries businesses frown on people wandering through just to use the bathroom. So a good rule of thumb whether you’ve been shopping, eating or drinking at an establishment is to always use the facilities before you leave.

SQUAT OR SIT: Yes, this is the option depending on the country you’re visiting. I remember as a child wondering about the footprints I’d occasionally see on the toilet seats at the Shopping Mall. Some countries use raised commodes, or toilets, while others still prefer squat toilets that are truly not much more than a hole in the floor with places on either side for your feet. Even if you’re lucky enough to find a familiar raised commode don’t count on there being a toilet seat. We spent two weeks in Peru from Lima, to Cusco, to Aqua Caliente, to Puerto Maldonado, and back to Lima. Everywhere we went it was the same...no toilet seats...in restaurants, in market places, in stores, even in the eco lodges. It didn’t matter the quality of the establishment – we were taking our chances when visiting the restrooms.

So remember…just because you’re comfortable using whatever system you may have grown up with, doesn’t mean the rest of the world is the same. Be prepared to be flexible, make adjustments as needed and certainly don’t let any minor inconveniences spoil your trip. You’re on vacation to enjoy yourself…not worry about potty time. With two bad knees I’ll never use one of those squat toilets…so you won’t see me traveling to any country that uses them. But that would certainly never stop me from traveling to any other country…and yes, I actually used that toilet in the Amazon Jungle. Notice the small trash bin nearby? And no I did not forget to flush...we were in the middle of the Amazon Jungle. No plumbing...just an occasional bucket of water to clear the pipes. And in spite of that it was an absolutely amazing trip! Next year I guess I'm going to learn how to use a Bidet. I've never used one before but apparently they're in the house we rented in Portugal.

I remember visiting a friend once who was very proud that her home had indoor plumbing. On the second floor no less! Turned out it wasn’t much more that a toilet with a piping system that connected to the outhouse in the back yard…and a bucket of water!

Now if you really want to talk to someone who is obsessed with toilets check out the Toilet Guru!

Carolanne LeBlanc