What To Know About The Toilets Before Staying At A Hotel In Southern Europe

As humans, we all need to use the toilet sometimes. However, doing your business can look pretty different in Europe compared to other parts of the world. You might have to pay to use the restroom in some places across the continent, and in certain countries, you should be careful to never flush toilet paper. In Southern Europe, you should also look out for an accessory often accompanying the toilet: the bidet.

Bidets originated in France as a way to stay fresh between showers. Today, you can still find bidets in some parts of France, as well as in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, especially in hotels and homes. Bidets are so commonplace in Southern Europe that even many international chain hotels will have one installed in each bathroom.

If you're unfamiliar with the porcelain appliance, you might mistake it for a second toilet or a sink at first. Bidets typically have a wide bowl with a faucet attached and are low to the ground. You'll most often find them sitting next to the toilet, with a bidet towel rack placed on the wall nearby.

Though bidet-like fixtures can vary across Europe, the ones found in Southern Europe tend to have a similar design and work the same way. To put it simply, bidets are meant to be used after you've done your business in the toilet and need a little extra help cleansing your nether regions. Instead of grabbing a roll of toilet paper to wipe off, turn on the bidet faucet and take a seat. To rinse your bottom, face away from the bidet with the water aimed at your tush. If, instead, you need to clean the front, straddle the bidet while facing the wall. Note that the angle of the nozzle can often be adjusted as needed. For extra cleansing, use some soap and your hands to wash the area. Then, dry off using toilet paper or one of the provided bidet towels. Not all accommodations will offer separate towels, so you may want to pack your own washcloth when traveling in Europe.

Bidets can take some getting used to, but once you give them a try, you may just wish you had one in your bathroom back home. They can be more hygienic than relying on toilet paper alone, and they tend to be better for the environment. You might even discover other uses for bidets during your trip, such as freshening up after a hot and sweaty day of sightseeing or even rinsing off dirty feet.