lkemerson

Well, this is of a delicate nature, but here we go.

I have Crohns disease, and while I tend to not get too awful ill while we are 'tripping' I do like to have a good general idea of how to, or where to find, public toilets in places that I am unfamiliar with.

We will be traveling to Venice, Florence, Pisa, Rome, Naples and Pompeii.

It may be a stupid question, but I need to ask it anyway.

1. How difficult is it to find a public toilet?

2. Are they clearly marked?

3. I understand you may have to pay to use (not an issue...when you've got to go, you have got to go), how much is it generally.

4. I read in ONE place that there is often a dirth of toilet paper in public toilets, do you take tissue with you, just in case?

In other countries I've not had too much an issue, this one time in London though...yikes.

So, forewarned is forearmed.

Thank you, in advance for any information you can give me on this topic.

Autoimmune, ugh.

nytraveler

You are best off using the toilets in a cafe, restaurant or major hotel than searching for public ones. (Fast food restaurants are good choices. And do expect to buy a drink or something in the cafe.)

And, as in the US, quality/supplies are uneven. So, always carry a pack of tissues with you.

KL467

I had no problem finding public restrooms. Yes, they are clearly marked.

I had to pay in Venice and Naples. Around .50.

At times, I had problems finding toilet paper and always carry tissues with me.

Have a great trip.

yk

Go take a look at Rick Steves' guidebooks (I'm not kidding!). His books have plenty of info on where to find public toilets.

frogoutofwater

I haven't been impressed with "public toilets" in Italy. At least in the few cities I visited, they often weren't equipped with seats (just a bowl) and in a few places, they were squat toilets (e.g. museums in rustic locations). Definitely take your own tissues. Scout out department stores and large hotels near the attractions you expect to visit and plan accordingly. Also, if you avoid targetting touristy restaurants and if you can learn how to say "Please may I use your toilet?" with a look of urgency on your face, you should have no difficulty using the toilet in a restaurant, even if you don't purchase anything there. Don't call it a bathroom or restroom - they'll just laugh.

kybourbon

Florence has "courtesy points" designated by this emblem.
http://www.comune.firenze.it/servizi.../c_p/point.htm
These are bars, cafes, stores that have available restrooms monitored by the city.

There is also a map of the public toilets and prices.
http://www.comune.fi.it/opencms/expo...ni_interno.pdf

I have seen a map of both, but can't locate it at the moment. I think it's available at the tourist office. I haven't seen this type of service for other cities.

kybourbon

I still can't find the map I was looking for, but here is a list of all the bars/cafes cooperating.
http://www.comune.firenze.it/servizi.../cpesterno.pdf

annetti

A couple years ago in Geneva we had trouble finding a public toilet near a street fair (right in the middle of the city.) We asked around, but there was not even a cafe in sight, but we did spot a restaurant with a sign on the door that said "No Public Toilets." We went in anyway and asked politely, if we could pay. We were uncomfortable at this point. They reluctantly, but (they clearly stated that they were not happy) gave us permission, but refused to take our money. It was not the best situation, but it did work for us in this case. So, if worst comes to worst, ask if they will take payment. They would have to be pretty unfeeling to turn you away. By the way, it was not like there were huge groups of people lining up outside their restaurant that day. In fact, it was an off-hour and there were not many customers inside.

travlintoes

Bookmarkig--Thanks!

Judy

hamlet

This doesn't answer any of your questions, but I just wanted to say something that may ease any apprehension you have about this.

Generally speaking I find the public bathroom in Italy to be much much cleaner than public bathrooms in the US. While the toilets may not have the seats I'm accustomed to, or may not have toilet paper, I definitely don't cringe as much upon entering the ladies rooms in restaurants, airports, shops, etc. in Italy. Is it because nobody used them so they couldn't mess them up?

Rhea58

www.thebathroomdiaries.com is a

world-wideguide to public toilets

GSteed

#1 choice, McDonald's. #2 Hotel lobby...

Eli

I second #1 and #2. #3 choice: enter any restaurant or a Cafee.
By the way, have you heard of Sulfasalazine? (Generic name. Ask your doctor).

tropicalkerry

One evening while in Venice, we were surprised to find the public washroom by the Accadamia Bridge locked, so it would seem some may not be accessible 24/7, despite charging for their use! Seems to me the cost was .5E
Also while in Sete, France, at the local department store, we asked(in French) for the washroom and were told there wasn't one! Not believing it, we asked another employee and were told the same thing.Surprised again!
Cafe to the rescue!

Nlingenfel

We did purchase 4 items in a cafe bakery in Venice, for about 12 euro and 1 lady had to use their toilet and they certainly were not happy with us. We just stood outside the toilet and let them glare. Sometimes you just have to be less inclined to be offended. And no they were not busy.

suze

It's easier to keep your eyes open and use the facilities as you find them, rather than having to specifically seek out public toilets. I'm sure you'll be in museums, cafes, restaurants, etc. just don't ever pass up an opportunity.

Yes, I carry a travel-size pack of kleenex. And small change in the event of needing and finding a public toilet with a small fee (Venice, in my experience).

Nonconformist

Toilets in museums are usually free and reasonably clean.

annetti

Not sure what is available in Italy, but in other cities , Starbucks, MacDonalds (as mentioned above), Burger Kings are all options, besides big hotel lobbies like the Four Seasons, Hiltons, etc. Good luck.

lkemerson

I'd like to thank you all for your replies.

kybourbon...man or woman, I care not, I could kiss you right now!

annetti...good for you, it would be unfeeling if they had turned someone in NEED away.

Rhea58...read and apply to yourself, comments made to kybourbon.

Eli...I have heard of the drug, and as I'm allergic to sulfa, can't take it.

I do have the Steves book, and will be taking it, so another good suggestion.

Crohns disease can strike at anytime, and has almost always been the case with me, does at the very most inconvenient times.

For that reason, I do scope out the territory, as I go along, but I also like to have a good idea of what's where, and what is the best way to handle that bad situation.

In doing that it gives me peace, which in turn...gives me a happier vacation.

Thank you

cathies

Hi, I use the toilets in 4 star hotels. There are always toilets somewhere in the ground floor lobby and I must admit, I just wander in as though I am a guest and use their toilets. I have a mental script planned in advance ie meeting friends there for lunch or some other story. I honestly don't think the concierge or front desk staff care at all. Who knows that I'm not going to stay there next time I am in town. I'm sorry that you have Crohns as I know it can be a difficult illness to manage. Hope you stay well while you are on your trip.