My Biggest Travel Fear
There are many things in this world that can be scary, especially when traveling. Some people are afraid of flying, some are afraid of boats. Some people are afraid of not being prepared, so they react by overpacking. What could my biggest travel fear be, you might wonder. Getting robbed? Kidnapped? Contracting a horrible disease? Shark attack? All scary, yes. But these don’t keep me up at night. So what fear haunts me in my nightmares?
Squat toilets.
That’s right, squat toilets scare me more than anything about traveling. While I did have to use one once in Dubrovnik, you can pretty much bet on not really encountering these monsters in western Europe, probably the same goes for Australia and New Zealand. If they started popping up in the States, there would probably be a riot. But Asia is a different story.
In modern cities like Hong Kong, you can easily find a western sit-down toilet. But in much of southeast Asia (as I’ve heard and read) you’re much more likely to find the dreaded squat toilet. For those of you not familiar with squat toilets, it’s basically a hole in the ground instead of a toilet. Also, instead of toilet paper they often have a sprayer or bucket of water and perhaps a ladle of some kind. This whole scenario totally creeps me out. On a regular basis I think to myself, “Why am I doing this? Why am I voluntarily putting myself into this situation for 9 weeks?”
First of all, what’s with the water? I get that water cleans, but then what, you just pull your pants back up while you’re still wet down there? Do you just stand around for a few minutes hoping to air dry? I’d really rather not have the public humiliation of walking around with wet pants, especially immediately following the trauma of using the squat toilet. Also, the use of water instead of toilet paper means also having to use your hand. This is why in many countries you don’t use your left hand for anything because it is assumed that you use it for unpleasant things. I might be able to overcome this procedure when it’s just #1 but for #2? I just don’t think so.
Even beyond the disgusting and awkward mechanics of using a squat toilet, there’s the comfort factor. You know, sometimes you just need to take a book in the bathroom and camp outΒ for awhile. Maybe you ate too much spicy food or something, we’ve all been there. It seems like it would be easier to drop that book (or my Kindle!) and there’s no saving that one. I also don’t have the leg muscles to squat for that long. Is there a weight machine at the gym that properly prepares travelers for squat toilets? Squat toilet boot camp classes? I really don’t want my leg muscles to give out on me before I’m done and end up falling over into that. Because while I could make peace with the dropped book I’d have to abandon, I can’t abandon my pants and walk out of there half naked.
I’ve heard that there are iPhone apps for finding restrooms, clean ones in particular, so I decided to do a little research. There are more than you’d think! There are quite a few specifically for Australia, some for London, some that cover the States and most of Europe. They have names like “show the loo” and “whizzer.” I got excited when I saw one called “sit or squat” but it didn’t have anything to do with finding or avoiding squat toilets. If anyone knows of an app that directs wimpy westerners like me to a “normal” toilet instead of a squat toilet, please let me know. I’d pay good money for that.
In the end, I know I won’t change my travel plans because of this. I will not let a toilet defeat me. Like any other fear, I’m sure (I hope) the fear is worse than the reality. Travel is not just about seeing the sights and eating the food. It’s about challenging yourself to overcome obstacles and become a stronger person. Or at least develop stronger leg muscles.
May 29, 2011 @ 10:32 PM
Oh, come on:) This shouldn’t be a problem for an experienced traveler!
Bring wipes with you and you’ll be ok – I even camped in the desert without any sort of toilet (just sand) and I was ok. Looks scarier than it is, but then you’ll have to deal with it so don’t stress in advance.:)
You’ll read that book somewhere else, LOL π
May 29, 2011 @ 11:07 PM
Experienced maybe, but not so much in that part of the world. I know I’ll adjust to it soon enough, thanks! Your comment about reading my book cracked me up!
May 29, 2011 @ 9:32 PM
Your a nut! hehehehe
May 29, 2011 @ 9:53 PM
Maybe π
May 29, 2011 @ 9:38 PM
Omigosh, I can so relate! My first encounter with a squat toilet was in Egypt and it was so awkward – the logistics when wearing shorts or pants was particularly tough (as opposed to wearing a skirt) – it took me a while to figure out how to make sure nothing ended up where it wasn’t supposed to be!
When I hiked the Inca Trail a couple years later, I was dreading the squat toilets again, but by the end of the 4 days I felt like I was a pro – practice makes perfect. π
I recommend always bringing TP and hand sanitizer in with you – preferably in pockets or in some kind of purse/small backpack that you can put over your shoulder but that won’t dangle down.
May 29, 2011 @ 9:55 PM
Thanks for the tips Katie! I’m sure I’ll get used to it, I’ll be in SE Asia for about 9 weeks, but you’re right, the logistics do sound tough!
May 29, 2011 @ 9:49 PM
I couldnt stop laughing while reading this… I have read about them too and have always had the same thoughts and fears. Like for real how do people use them and what is with the water??? I fucking love this post… I cant wait to see the comments you get from it. I mean I have had crazy restroom encounters in Central America but no squat toilets… I know I will have a ball dealing with them and am sure have a blog post about them as well…lol!!!
May 29, 2011 @ 10:03 PM
Thanks Jaime, I’m glad I made you laugh! I’ve gotta make myself laugh, otherwise I’ll never get through it, right? π
May 29, 2011 @ 10:35 PM
I used to have this exact same fear π If I ever came across any in SE Asia, I wouldn’t use them. But after travelling through India, Nepal, China and Mongolia I quickly got over it. I don’t even need a toilet with doors anymore! lol. And these days…I even…*gasp!* prefer to use squat toilets if there are two options.
Why? In the aforementioned countries they’re often much cleaner than the western option, especially on overnight trains, where the western toilet usually doesn’t even have a seat.
You don’t need to get your special bits up and close and personal with any dubious porcelain. And once you get the hang of how to do it right and your leg muscles adjust, you can squat for as long as it takes to read a chapter of your book π
It even got to the point when at guesthouses in India if I had the choice between Western style bathroom or Indian style bathroom, I always chose the latter.
May 29, 2011 @ 11:10 PM
It’s good to know you got used to them pretty quickly. I know I’ll get over it, but for now it kind of freaks me out. I’ll definitely bring my own toilet paper! Thanks!
May 29, 2011 @ 10:36 PM
Oh and PS – just take your own toilet paper and throw it in the waste basket that is guaranteed to be nearby π I’ve never got the hang of using the spray gun or the bucket π
May 29, 2011 @ 11:57 PM
I’m a squatter convert! I also used to hate the thought of them, but then (at least regarding the clean ones), I started to prefer them. It’s less germy than sitting on a toilet seat and if you wear a skirt, it’s way easier. Pants = still problematic.
May 30, 2011 @ 12:11 AM
I’ve heard of many people who end up preferring them over western toilets, so hopefully I will at least learn to be ok with them. The pants situation does seem puzzling though.
May 30, 2011 @ 9:36 AM
Hahaha! I used to fear squatting toilets as well. I even spent 2 weeks in India without ever having to set foot in one, but then I went to Bolivia… I was in a really remote region where squatting toilets were a luxury, so I had to learn how to use them AND how to go in the bush, haha!
It seems really daunting at first, but once you do it once or twice it’s not a problem at all. It’s better than hovering over a dirty toilet! I just make sure to always carry a roll of TP – I’m not touching that bucket with water, it just cannot be clean…
May 30, 2011 @ 11:01 AM
Ugh I know, I can’t imagine what that water looks like. I’ll definitely bring toilet paper! Impressive that you made it through 2 weeks in India without having to use one.
May 30, 2011 @ 9:49 AM
I grew up with squat toilets – now, I can’t imagine using it again. But I figure if the time comes to use one, I’m hoping it’ll be like riding a bicycle. It’ll all come back to me. But I’m dreading that time to be honest. *shivers*
May 30, 2011 @ 11:03 AM
Jill, I always forget you’re originally from Indonesia. Funny how you’ve adjusted to western toilets enough to not want to use the squat toilets now!
May 30, 2011 @ 10:15 AM
The squat toilet totally freaks me out too! They have them in Italy sometimes (usually in outdoor public spaces like parks) and they are at least flushable and porcelain but unfortunately that doesn’t meant they are clean. Not to get too graphic but often people aren’t careful about where things land (thanks guys) and if you are wearing sandals… it can get ugly. Not to mention slippery!
Always carry tissues or TP and maybe stock up on hand sanitizer if you can? Good luck! I’m sure most of us will have to deal with it in our travels too, we can have a support group.
May 30, 2011 @ 11:06 AM
I like it, a squat toilet support group! I’ll be aware of the squat toilets next time I’m in Italy too!
May 30, 2011 @ 10:58 AM
omg, that is so funny. I would buy a bunch of unscented baby wipes and take with you just in case u need. Again thanks for sharing π
May 30, 2011 @ 11:13 AM
Thanks JR! And thanks for the tip!
May 30, 2011 @ 10:59 AM
Haha, I have the same fear!
I’ve only used a squat toilet once in ShenZehn, China… if you aren’t careful you drip pee on your shoes (lovely…) and if your wearing pants… well, don’t because the toilet floors are often wet from other people missing (maybe it was just that ShenZehn is pretty dirty…)
My tip is duck into a western hotel when you can. Buy a drink from the bar and go to the loo!
On the upside: by the time you’ve finished your stint in S.E Asia you’ll have leg muscles of steel! π
May 30, 2011 @ 11:16 AM
Hilarious! I will definitely be on the look-out for western hotels to use their bathrooms. I am looking forward to the stronger legs though!
May 30, 2011 @ 1:17 PM
I’m also keen to join the squat toilet support group if you and Annie get one started! I’ve only had to use one once in Istanbul, and it was only for #1. I went (#1) plenty of times outside during the Oz road trip, but #2 just sounds daunting, though everyone who’s done it seems to love it. All I know is that I’d have to find a way to tote around TP, which isn’t always easy. Looking forward to hearing how you tackle it π
May 30, 2011 @ 8:35 PM
Ok then, that’s 3 members for the S.T.S.G. (Squat Toilet Support Group)!! I’m sure I’ll have a post-usage post at some point π
May 31, 2011 @ 12:09 AM
Haha, awesome tease. I had no idea what this was going to be about. For the record, I refused to use the bathroom in a Shanghai restaurant because it was a squat! I was too nervous I’d make a mess of myself. I thankfully made it through the whole Shanghai visit without using one.
June 1, 2011 @ 3:17 PM
Thanks Lauren! Making a mess of myself is definitely something I’m worried about!
May 31, 2011 @ 12:27 AM
Love this post, Ali! I, too, avoided squat toilets during my week in China… I still cannot fathom how you’re supposed to use them if you’re wearing pants (and still stay clean)!
Though, maybe adults have the secret butt flaps in their pants like all the babies there do?? Haha. (Babies wear these pants with a slit or flap at the rear, so that when they have to do their business, they just squat on the ground and do it. It made for lots of bare baby bottoms in China!)
June 1, 2011 @ 3:20 PM
Thanks Amanda! I’m not sure I’d like butt flap pants! But I don’t really wear skirts, so I’m not sure how to deal with the pants situation either. I’m sure an instructional post will come out of this ordeal in a few months.
May 31, 2011 @ 8:45 AM
LMAO this is hilarious. I, too, am afraid of the squatty potties. I was forced to use one on a train in China last year (and by forced I mean that NOT going wasn’t an option)… not a good time. The train was wobbling back and forth and the floor was slippery. Yep… my feet slid out from under me. Lucky for me I had a firm grip on the pole they so graciously provided and I’m fairly tall at 6’1″ so my feet hit the wall in front of me before I went totally horizontal. It was in that moment I realized my legs were really burning and I had to figure out a way to back peddle. LOL I took the time to quickly flush before things went from bad to worse… and subsequently realized that the raw sewage was just being flushed out on the tracks below. So many things wrong about that morning, but… I have a funny story to tell now.
Dan
June 1, 2011 @ 3:23 PM
Dan, I laughed my ass off reading your comment! First, “squatty potties” is hilarious! Second, the image you described of trying to use the toilet on the train sounds like a comedy sketch. Glad you survived π
May 31, 2011 @ 11:32 AM
Too funny π I’d love an app to find clean toilets!! Maybe it is time to upgrade my phone finally.
I really, really don’t liek squat toilets either. When we visit Marco’s family in China they are everywhere and you sort of get used to them, but I love when we touch down in America again and there’s a clean normal toilet in the airport. Sometimes in China though I’ve been to places where they had regular toilets and I wished they were a squat toilet instead. What? Me? Wanting a squat toilet? Yes. The reason? It’s easier to squat over a squat toilet than to squat over a regular toilet that’s so dirty you are afraid to touch anything π
June 1, 2011 @ 3:24 PM
Thanks Sabrina! I’ve heard that too, that sometimes the squat toilets are preferable simply because there’s less chance of touching anything dirty.
June 1, 2011 @ 5:51 PM
This is the thing- I totally relate. When we were in Beijing- I got pee sprayed on me from another person next to me! It was the most disgusting experience of my life. I’m not kidding… if I wanted to cry! And there wasn’t any soap in the bathroom to wash it off!!!
Best advice- bring your own toilet paper and that fast drying hand soap with you always!! oh, and good luck!
June 1, 2011 @ 9:07 PM
OMG that is one of the most horrifying things I’ve ever heard! I can’t believe you didn’t cry! I’m glad you survived it though!
June 2, 2011 @ 8:00 PM
It will definitely work your butt/leg muscles a bit. I mean, even in super developed countries like Japan they have squat toilets – with paper, but still. Do or die at some point? I went camping a lot as a kid so I guess I’m lucky in that regard. π
Best of luck with you and your squatting!
June 3, 2011 @ 3:23 PM
I’m sure I’ll get used to it π Thanks!
June 3, 2011 @ 12:01 AM
This is seriously my biggest problem, too! It’s so nice to see someone else concerned about this, haha. I’m actually afraid of a lot of things–planes, skybridges… But squat toilets? Ugh. Of course I won’t let anything stop me…but it’s always there. Looming.
June 3, 2011 @ 3:24 PM
Looming…hilarious!
June 4, 2011 @ 12:44 PM
Squat toilets aren’t my biggest fear but they certainly rank up there!
June 7, 2011 @ 3:12 PM
Thanks for reading!
June 4, 2011 @ 5:39 PM
Hi,
Indeed – kind of creepy scenario, I’m happy I don’t like to push it that far with the challenges. Hehe, it’s really funny but indeed, a big travel fear for me too, I hate those kind of toilets too. Thanks for sharing!
Maria
The Twitter 10: June 2011 | The Working Traveller
June 10, 2011 @ 4:46 PM
[…] My Biggest Travel Fear Some people may not think squat toilets are as scary as a great big bear (or a full grown man snuggling up with one) but Iβm with the newly married Mrs Couch on this one. […]
June 22, 2011 @ 3:52 PM
Ha! I hated squat toilets with a passion. But you do get used to them – by the end of our SE Asian travels, I stopped coming out of the bathroom with a string of obscenities and complaints and wouldn’t even mention that it was a squat, which is how my husband knew I was adapting. Some bathrooms give you a choice and use the term “European-style.” My advice is (1) always, always, always carry hand sanitizer and a pack of tissues and (2) if you’re wearing pants, roll them up at the ankles in advance of entering the stall, try to pretend that all of the liquid on the floor is water, and hold the waistband of your pants as far away as possible from you. Splatter is your worst enemy, so try to go as low as you can. My thigh muscles are the bomb now.
June 22, 2011 @ 5:33 PM
Thanks for the tips! I’m really not looking forward to having to deal with the squat toilets, but the improved leg muscles sounds like a good side effect at least!
July 10, 2011 @ 11:36 AM
All I could advise u is to be calm and cool. When u face a NATURAL CALL , u could be like this way only. Nature will take care of everything. U just have to be a witness and come out with a testament. Best of Luck.
Blessings!
July 12, 2011 @ 2:31 AM
Thanks!
August 8, 2011 @ 3:37 PM
That was a very interesting article. There is nothing wrong with your fear.
August 12, 2011 @ 3:06 AM
Thanks Bob!
September 19, 2012 @ 9:12 AM
Hahaha. This is so funny. I never knew someone would have fear of a squat toilet until I accidentally came upon your blog. As i live in singapore, I grew up using both toilet. Prefer squat toilet when I’m in the public as sit toilet are usually contaminated. And normally all toilets have both types so tissues are usually provided unless it’s a coffee shop. But I still prefer my sit toilet at home! π
September 19, 2012 @ 3:34 PM
Thanks Alicia! I can totally understand about sit toilets being dirty, but that’s why most girls learn to perfect the art of hovering so we don’t actually have to touch it. As for the toilet paper, I’ve just learned to always have tissues on me, no matter what country I’m in. Glad you got a laugh from my post!
September 27, 2012 @ 7:50 PM
I guess since I’ve done some pretty extensive backpacking through the forest (ahh nature!) I’ve gotten kinda used to the squat and go approach. Except there are so many factors to take into account like hill gradient, underbrush, animalsss. haha The thing is that when I go on a backpacking trip I have come to peace with the fact that I will be completely and utterly gross for the next week(s) before I get to civilization so that helps me accept it. Walking among humans, as opposed to trees and chipmunks, with a wet butt is definetly harder for me to do. It’s never pleasant but you gotta make light of it.
September 28, 2012 @ 10:05 PM
Like most fears, this wasn’t nearly as scary as I thought it would be. There are plenty of guesthouses in SE Asia with western toilets. Camping like you’re talking about has never been my thing, so I’ve never really experienced that. And yes, you definitely have to make light of things, which is how I ended up with this post!
Bathroom Travel Hassles
December 18, 2012 @ 8:04 AM
[…] have a sprayer for cleaning yourself up afterwards because they don’t use toilet paper. Squat toilets were my biggest travel fear, and although I still insist on staying in hotels or guesthouses that have western toilets, I have […]
November 21, 2014 @ 9:21 PM
I’m an avid user of squat toilets, and on my side I have a totally different feeling from yours.
FIrst, and very important, squat toilet use toilet paper too! I can’t imagine using water and hand to clean up.
Second, comparable to your disdain with squats, I’m very much disgusted with sit toilets. Your skin is in actual contact with the toilet itself, unlike squat. How could you stand that in public toilets? And then the splash! How could you take the faeces water splashing right back at you? We don’t have that problem with the squats.
And finally, about comfort. In a sit position, your rear hole is only half open and the bowels are constricted. Squatting lets the hole be fully open and the intestines more relaxed. To me it is definitely the natural and most comfortable way to go!
November 22, 2014 @ 11:14 PM
John, I *completely* understand where you’re coming from! And I understand your arguments in favor of squat toilets. But it’s all perspective, right? I’ve only ever used sit toilets until I was 31 traveling in SE Asia. Now, I don’t mind using them when I just have to pee, but I don’t think my leg muscles are strong enough to squat long enough to do more than that! I’m sure I’d get used to it if I had to. As for the toilet paper issue, I’ve heard plenty of stories of places where the norm is to use water with those sprayers or with their hand. I’ve been in plenty of places with squat toilets without toilet paper but they had two buckets of water next to them. I was told one is for flushing, basically, and the other is for cleaning yourself up. I always bring my own tissues in with me. I wrote this post years ago, and I’m better at dealing with squat toilets now, though they’re still not my favorite.