Toilet Travel Tips, Laviators and other Weirdness
So I'm back after the wildly fun and intriguing Blogher and TBEX conferences. Fun because I got to meet all my travel tweeps in person and intriguing because the ideas and discussions flowed non-stop. One of my fave discussions was with Heather of Gadling's Galley Gossip and her Laviators mile high headshots club. You see, lots of activities take place in airplane bathrooms than just mile high club activities. Heather believes that I'll soon be joining her exclusive group but it's just not happening cause the fly in fly girl doesn't stand for sky trippin' bathroom antics. But when I spied the Poo-Pourri personal wipes (fresh and clean for in between!) pictured above in our TBEX swag, I figured that bathroom banter might make a helpful travel tip post. Because I'm surrounded by a crazy amount of anal virgo friends, I know that there are lots of travelers that dread strange public toilets, nasty sinkholes passing for restrooms and the hellish scene of porta-potties. I'm also married to a man who will go an entire day without using the restroom because he refuses to enter into any public toilet facility. So for all of you that face toilet trauma during your travels, I've created some great tips:
First of all, whether you're traveling domestically or internationally, check out Sit Or Squat. This nifty guide lets you plug in a zip code or city and the nearest public toilet will pop up, complete with map. Or if you find yourself stranded without any suitable amenities, try packing the Travel Loo shown above. This portable,unisex, device looks slightly kinky to me but if you're the type that can't stand the thought of strangers lurking outside while you do your business, this just might do the trick.
If squatting doesn't agree with your thigh muscles, a Travel Toilet Seat offers a cushy answer to your prayers. It folds up into a handy carrying pouch and supplies salvation for germaphobes anywhere.
For the all out-public-poo-phobes, consider a Travel John foldable commode/chair. A solid waste collection kit (EEW!) is included along with a padded seat and a top flap. The steel-framed chair weighs four pounds so it's not the lightest travel option but I can't think of anything closer to your own private bathroom than lugging a personal toilet with you.
Comments
Jaimie, I know what you mean. I'd never be able to decide between the loo and an extra pair of shoes! I'm glad I don't have to make that choice. Thanks for dropping by.
I would love to read a post about what you learned and what you experienced too:)
However, bathroom tips are certainly a necessatity when traveling. I only wish I could be bringing these around with me whereever I go!!!!!!!!
Too many nightmarish bathrooms.
Marina, I'll do a short wrap-up post about the conferences. Hey, you can always carry the travel loo around with you for those nightmarish bathrooms, it's compact.
It was so great to see you and talk about a million and one things with you. I have a million and one more to say.
Eileen, I know you're whateve about bathrooms, it's the adventurer in you. We will have to meet in NY to continue the conversation...
For now we'll content ourselves with bathroomy comments and the like.
Everyone loves going to a vacation. It is a good activity or bonding with family and friends. It is very to check on the things you need to bring. Start with the most useful like clothes, toiletries and stuff you need. Select a vacation bag that is comfortable for your belongings and also comfortable for you to bring.