Why Rick Steves Recommends Tourists Take Short Showers When Traveling In Europe

If you're dreaming of a long luxurious shower to unwind after a day of sightseeing in Europe, you might want to rethink that fantasy. Rick Steves, travel guru and expert on all things Europe, has a simple suggestion on his website: Keep your showers short. Why? Because those picturesque European hotels you booked might come with tiny water heaters and compact bathrooms – far from the sprawling, spa-like experiences Americans are used to. In short, its all about maximizing comfort in a space that's, well, often as big as your average closet. 

European bathrooms — often labeled "water closets" or WCs – seem to be built for efficiency. Picture this: You're in a bathroom so small that you can practically touch all four walls without moving. Showers in Europe tend to be walk-ins with handheld shower heads, not the large bathtub setups one might be accustomed to in the States. And don't be surprised if you find there's no shower curtain or just a half-glass divider, which makes controlling where the water goes a bit of a creative challenge. So, why short showers? With small water heaters and lower water pressure (often part of the eco-friendly efforts in Europe), a five-minute rinse might be all the hot water you get before the temperature drops — or worse, the entire bathroom turns into a slip-and-slide.

So, you've accepted your fate and are ready to embrace the quirky charm of European bathrooms. How do you ensure your shower experience doesn't leave you still soapy and frustrated? First, familiarize yourself with the shower controls – because "C" might stand for "caliente" (hot) in Spain, not "cold," for example. Be sure to set up your shower essentials prior to turning on the water, because once its running, you might need to move with a swiftness. If you're using a handheld showerhead (which is practically a rite of passage), practice soaping up with one hand while holding the shower head in the other. If you drop it, you might end up hitting your big toe or worse — spraying down your clothes, the toilet, and the rest of the WC.

Another key survival tactic: Bring your own towel and washcloth, especially if it's an essential ingredient to your bathing routine. European hotels, especially those further south, tend to provide smaller towels, and they won't necessarily be replaced every day. Accommodations often aim to be eco-friendly with towels and the amount of hot water provided. If your goal is to take a marathon shower, you might run out of hot water in the first leg of the race. Budget hotels may even offer shared showers, so you'll want to get in and out quickly to avoid long lines and cold water. At the end of the day, nothing beats a good travel story to share with friends back home — especially one about mastering the art of a short shower while keeping your clothes, well, dry. Happy showering!