The Inconvenient Shower Feature Tourists Should Get Used To When Traveling In Europe

There are plenty of unusual details about European bathrooms that can surprise even the most seasoned travelers. From the mysterious half-pane of glass that leaves half the shower exposed to the occasional absence of sink stoppers in your hotel room — these quirks make for some pretty interesting morning routines. But perhaps the most puzzling feature for U.S. visitors is the ubiquitous handheld shower head — a simple detail that transforms the simple act of showering into an impromptu juggling act.

Just ask Rick Steves. Known for his decades of travel tips, guidebooks, and TV shows, the travel expert and writer understands the challenge all too well. Warning other travelers about the pitfalls and peculiarities of European showers in his blog, Steves writes: "In Europe, handheld showers are common ... Not only do you have to master the art of lathering up with one hand while holding the shower head in the other, but you also have to keep it aimed at your body or the wall to avoid spraying water all over the bathroom." Sounds like a dangerous, soapy battle you probably don't want to lose, right?

The commonality of handheld shower heads in Europe isn't just a quirky design choice — it's a practical solution that's actually rooted in architectural and historic reasons. For starters, most European buildings, especially in historic city centers, generally have compact bathrooms where space comes at a premium. That said, these smaller rooms typically can't accommodate the luxury of fixed shower installations, which ultimately makes the flexibility of a handheld unit the perfect solution.

Along with convenience, European handheld shower heads also offer plenty of other surprising benefits that U.S. travelers might not expect. From directing the spray exactly where you want it go — a major plus when you're trying to do something like shower without getting your hair wet, for example — to potentially using less water in the process, these practical features make much more sense than you might think — even if it means sacrificing the convenience of a two-handed scalp massage.

Lastly, the handheld design also makes things like cleaning the shower itself much easier. This, as it turns out, can be an incredibly useful (and even desirable) feature — especially in busy hotels or short-term rentals, where cleaning staff need to turn rooms around quickly. And while you might not find a lot of common things you're used to during an Airbnb stay in Europe — think washcloths, air conditioning units, or garbage disposals — you can rest assured that the mighty handheld shower head will more than likely be there to greet you upon arrival.