I am having the hardest time trying to decide on what type of towel to bring on my 9-week trek through Europe... There are so many different materials and choices... I have thick hair and would like one of the really absorbent ones that also dry quicky! <BR> <BR>Could someone give me a run-down with my choices, pros & cons of each, approx cost, and where I can find them? <BR> <BR>Thanks for helping me decide! <BR> <BR>Carrie

Well, if that is your biggest problem, I suggest that you don't chance it. I am sure that this is a "tongue in cheek" question. Try to make it more interesting next time...or better yet, why not go without a towel and be surprised to see what the hotels may have, or even better, buy one there that is color-coordinated with your baggage, bike, or attache case.

On my last trip we bought backpackers towels from REI. You can probably get them at most any outdoor type store. It was about $25. I thought the thing sucked. Yes, it did dry quickly - because i never absorbed any water. I hated it and never felt dry when i used it. Yet my fiance loved it. People swear by them. Maybe you would need to pay for the more expensive version. I ended up getting lucky with towels in the hotel. When I go back i'll just bring a standard towel.

Suggest taking two thin cotton el cheapos instead of one thick-thirsty one. They are thinner therefore lighter, dry more quickly, and can be tucked into odd places. One for the bod, one for the hair.

There are 3 different types of travel towels I've come across. <BR> <BR>The first kind reminds me of a big piece of felt cloth, like what kids use for craft projects. I think this is the type that can be had at REI. I've never used it so I can't really critique it. <BR> <BR>The second kind of travel is very like a thin, cotton towel with the key difference that it's made of a synthetic material. <BR>Pros: It dries more quickly than cotton, it also absorbed more water than the thin cotton towel of the same size would have absorbed. <BR>Cons: Will mildew if your put it away wet in a plastic bag in your luggage. Smaller size not really adequate for both body AND hair longer than a short bob. <BR>They are available in 2 sizes from a company called Brookstone here in the US, cost is about $15-20 for the smaller size, $30 for the larger size. <BR> <BR>The 3rd type of towel is actaully called a swimmer's towel, available from Speedo. <BR>Pros: It comes rolled up in it's own plastic carry case. Its very small and very absorbent, works best when it is slightly damp, not bone dry. One advantage over the others is that you can continue wringing it out and it will abosrb more water. Other towels can't match that. <BR>Cons: resembles cardboard when dry, (not it's most absorbent state), will mildew if not rinsed everyday or so, must be used damp so it feels clammy, rubbery texture might pull or tear hair. <BR>Cost is about $12-$15 at sporting goods stores. <BR> <BR>Hope that gives you some ideas about what you have to choose from. <BR>

I'm delighted that you'll have nine weeks in Europe. Is it really a trek, a walking event? If you are staying in hotels and not camping, I think you'll have no trouble asking your hotel for an extra towel for your hair. What you won't find unless you stay in all four star hotels, is a WASHCLOTH. I pack a half-dozen washcloths in my baggage and dry them over the radiator while I have breakfast. Why are washcloths rare in Europe? Possibly people think they are too intimate a thing to not take your own. A German friend came to stay at my home and brought her own washcloth. It makes no sense to me either. After all, there is hot water and bleach in the world. If this topic has been covered repeatedly in the Fodor's posts, pardon my repetition.

Get two baby diapers (cloth) and sew them together to make one big towel. They do an excellent job for drying oneself after a shower and they dry very fast. Plus, they are thin and easy to pack.

What about a car chamois? Or am I just dumb?

I agree with Sandi. Wonderful response! How do you pack light if you have to carry your own towels? What do you do with them when you have to transfer to another hotel in another town or country? Bring your own washcloth but please don't be surprise that we don't use them. We are not surprised that you use them. Hope you are going to have a wonderful trip Carrie but keep in mind that one of the reasons why we like to travel is to see differences. I love this forum and reading such different point of views. Diversity is a wonderful thing. Look around and you will notice that we all are different but can always find those with similar interests. Like those who like to travel.