How Rick Steves Turns Laundry Day In Europe Into Bonus Sightseeing

Laundry is probably no one's favorite chore and that is likely doubly so when you're on vacation. While it's possible to pack enough clothes for a two-week, carry-on-only vacation (as long as you're not someone who tends to pack 60 pairs of underwear), you will most likely need to wash your clothes at some point during your trip. But no one wants to spend part of a day sitting and watching their t-shirts turn round and round in the wash when they could be out sightseeing. Sadly, this is just a necessary thing you may need to do.

Luckily for those who need assistance in utilizing their time while also getting those stinky socks cleaned, everyone's favorite guide to all things Europe has a few ideas. Naturally, Rick Steves has plenty of time (and money) saving tips on attacking those stubborn stains without compromising too much precious time you could be out exploring the world. To get in some bonus sightseeing, Steves suggests on his blog that you nicely ask one of the attendants at the laundromat if they would be willing to transfer your clothes to the dryer once the wash cycle finishes. He recommends thanking them by offering a small tip as well. Aside from this, he has a few other tips on the most practical ways in which to do laundry while on vacation, while also saving time. 

Sure, you can definitely do laundry in your hotel sink in a pinch. While this can save you time and money, it doesn't necessarily get your clothes as clean (or as dry) as can be. If your clothes need a more thorough wash, and you're one of the lucky people who has never had to use a laundromat, now is the time to learn. According to Steves, every laundromat is different, with some offering full service (which includes washing, ironing, and folding usually), while others are self-service. Your price point will most likely dictate which option you choose. The full-service laundromats are on the pricier side because they do it all for you, and they likely charge by the kilo. You can also drop your laundry off and come back later, giving you much more time for sightseeing than doing it yourself. Another pricey but time-saving option is asking the hotel if they can take care of your laundry. It may cost more than you'd usually like to spend, but it's the price to pay if you'd rather save time. 

If these two options are out of your price range, Steves suggests visiting a nearby laundromat. Here, sadly, you'll have to sit and wait for your clothes to wash. However, Steves also has another suggestion on how to utilize your time in a productive and fun way. "Use this time to picnic, catch up on postcards and your journal, or chat with other customers," he wrote. Laundromats typically have Wi-Fi coverage, so you can also get some work or trip planning done while you wait.