Your Guide: Bathrooms Abroad

Let the adventure begin!
But first, let’s make a pit stop.

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of international travel. Exploring centuries-old streets, wandering through bustling markets, marvelling at jaw-dropping landscapes—it’s a dream come true.

The last thing on your mind? Bathrooms.

Until, suddenly, they’re the only thing on your mind.

Whether you’re sipping espresso in a Roman piazza, navigating a Moroccan souk, or boarding a ferry in Greece, you might find yourself in unfamiliar territory when nature calls. One of the great joys of travel is immersing yourself in new cultures—but with that comes little surprises.

For some, this unfamiliarity can stir up a bit of anxiety. Bidets? Wet rooms? Paying to use the bathroom? Don’t worry—we’ve got you. Think of this blog as your savvy travel companion, here to demystify the world of international bathrooms. Because when you’re prepared, even the most unexpected bathroom moments becomes part of the adventure. 😉

Let’s flush away those bathroom anxieties!

How often are bathroom breaks on tour?

Ah, the age-old travel question—right up there with “Can I fit one more souvenir in this suitcase?”

Here’s the scoop: our comfortable coach buses do not come equipped with toilets. But we’ve planned around that. While commuting, we make frequent stops to stretch our legs, grab a snack, and use the facilities. In addition to this, most (if not all) of our visits and excursions include access to bathrooms. You’re rarely far from relief.

The longest you’ll go without a bathroom is typically 2 hours—but just like your mom used to say: go when you can, not when you have to!

In other words, if you see a bathroom and you’re even thinking about it—take the opportunity. Your future self (and your bladder) will thank you.

Do I have to pay to use bathrooms abroad?

Some countries do charge a small fee to access public restrooms, especially in busy cities, tourist sites, or train stations. The modest fee covers cleaning and upkeep, but it can catch you off guard if you’re not prepared.

We recommend keeping some small change or local currency handy, just in case. While it may be frustrating to pay for something that’s free in North America, think of it as your good travel karma—a tiny contribution to keeping that bathroom clean, stocked, and ready for the next traveller in need. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind… and a functioning bathroom.

How can I find a bathroom while travelling?

Sometimes nature calls at unexpected times. Luckily, finding a bathroom abroad isn’t as tricky as it may seem once you know where to look.

Your National Guide is your go-to expert when it comes to the ins and outs of the country you’re visiting. They know the local customs, the best spots to stop, and even how to ask for the bathroom in the local dialect. Your Group Guru, as a well-seasoned traveller themselves, is also a great resource for bathroom-finding strategies.

There are also apps you can download to help you find bathrooms abroad:

Flush – A public toilet locator with over 200,000 listings worldwide. Works offline, making it ideal for travel.
Where is Public Toilet – Especially useful in Asia and Australia, this app includes opening hours, accessibility info, offline maps, and user comments.
Toilet Finder – Includes ratings, photos, and location details, making it especially handy in big cities.

🌏 Quick Travel Tip: Learn how to say “bathroom” or “toilet” in the local language. It can make a big difference when you’re in a pinch!