Lynn

A friend said I should bring my own towels and toilet paper to Italy. She said the towels are paper-thin and TP is rare??? True?

Rex

Towels are a little smaller and thinner - - especially in very low-cost hotels.<BR><BR>TP rare? I have never encountered a shortage of toilet paper in a hotel in Europe, nor in America.<BR><BR>I wouldn't take either, unless you really want your own particular beach towel, and you're going someplace you plan to swim.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Capo

Hi Lynn. We had some pretty thin towels in our pensione in Rome, but they got the job done. <BR><BR>Toilet paper rare? Sure, why not? I mean, would you really want toilet paper that's well-done? :~) <BR><BR>Seriously, the shared bathroom in our pensione did run out of TP once and I suppose that could happen to you so, if it brings you peace of mind (since it certainly doesn't weigh a lot) bring a small packet/roll with you.

Sheila

Be sure to bring some wax paper too.<BR>It is the best! Cheers!

Lynn

Thanks, Rex. Capo - you have a point. Well done would imply crispy. Not a comfortable thought.

Helen Donegan

The thin towels are very popular here - said to absorb more and so dry you faster - like blotting paper. They don't look or feel as nice as thick, fluffy ones but they work.

Sissy

I don't know about the lack of toilet paper in Italy but they sure have a lack of Public Toilets there. I always take a packet of tissues with me and if I need to "go" I have some stuffed in my pockets just in case. I always take a camping Shammy with me too for use if I have a shower at an airport and it also can double as an extra towel if needed. I don't buy the story about thin towels being as efficient as absorbant fluffy ones though.

me

Lynn: PLEASE bring those little Kleenex packets with you. Not so much for your lodging, but for your public toilet needs. They take up so little space, and are really handy when you need them. You'll thank me...

Earnest

My understanding is that most hotels in both the US and Europe use toilet paper made from recycled Brillo. Bring your own everywhere.<BR><BR>Earnest

Pamela

What I am wondering about is the wax paper idea from Sheila. Instead of TP? Am I missing something?

Faina

Pamela, sand paper may work as well and double as a towel.

Capo

I use aluminum foil but I'm never sure whether to use the shiny side or the dull side. :~)

Pamela

No way, Capo, I only use aluminum foil wrapped around my head to keep out harmful radio waves.

mimi taylor

If you are renting a car, be sure to bring some for the road.

Manny

I think most towels in Europe are satisfactory. Wash cloths however are in most cases not provided so I suggest you pack one if that is your pleasure. TP is kind of rough so if you prefer your own soft brand by all means pack it. Suggestion in that regard is to save a roll or two after the roll is half gone so you can crush up the remaining part so it easier to pack. Hope this helps. Small tissue packs would work just as well.

peter

the toilet paper in italy has a very waxy texture to it. it seems to smeer more than cleanse. it was avaible but woh the hell wanted it. maybe bring your own t.p. would be a good solution

KT

Trust me on this, in the WCs of many bars in Italy, there is no paper, waxy, sandpapery, or otherwise. Unless you can time your functions so that you are at a more upscale establishment when the need arises, bring Kleenex.

John G

What kind of hotels are you people staying in that have no toilet paper?? Remember, you get what you pay for. I must have also been to a different Italy, one that has toilet paper and tap water that is drinkable. Isn't it so refreshing how Americans think that when they leave the US, they are going into the hinterlands? How did the Italians ever have a Renaissance or a Roman Empire without the help of American housewives in the search for decent toilet paper?

Capo

Pamela, *LOL*!! <BR><BR>John, for $60/night near the Spanish Steps I could easily deal with the one morning when toilet paper ran out in our shared bathroom. <BR><BR>The woman in our B&B kept us well-stocked. We even had enough left over to TP the Popemobile. <BR><BR>

Jill

I have a tip for traveling with TP--remove the cardboard tube so you can "squish" the roll flat--much easier to travel with (and conserve space)!