I haven't seen this mentioned in the Forum so I will offer some things to not forget in packing for your European Tour. Pack a wash cloth or one of those colorful bath sponges. In most hotels that we have stayed during two tours, wash cloths were not offered. Also, pack some small rolls of toilet tissue to carry just in case the facility that you use is out. One more thing, toilet seat covers - pack these also for they no where to be found overseas.
There - I have said it . .

In many places you will be lucky to even find a sit down toilet and a seat on it would be a real plus. Other then in our hotel rooms we saw few toilets with seats. You have to try one of those Italian squat toilets just once to say you did it.

We bought an economy pack of washcloths from Walmart.. ..18 for about $3 and just left them in the room when we checked out. Restaurants and stores were the best places for rest rooms.

On the way to Lucerne, Switzerland our Bus avoided the Tunnel because of traffic and went over the Pass instead. At the stop at the summit, the men's facility had a hole in the ground and a place to put your feet. There was also a brush with a long handle to clean up. I am not being critical, just giving fellow travelers a heads up.

ummm, what exactly is an Italian squat toilet? And how on earth do I warn my 75 year old mother in law about this?

I was in Italy and in 10 other countries on 3 separate trips and never saw a "squat" toilet". . If you use the facilities at the rest stops and in restaurants and mueseums you probably won't have to use a squat toilet.When the opportunity arises to use a clean facility take it. Just save those .50 cent coins as most of the time the clean toilets are pay toilets!! LOL Don't worry,it's all part of the experience.

I remember the Italian Squat Toilets that I saw were white porcelein and the footholds were ribbed to prevent slipping. I took a picture of one but it was accidentally deleted.

I definately remember the squat toilets!!

The one that we saw and used was in SanGiacoma (sp?) Italy. Basically it is a porcelian hole in the floor. It has a spot for your feet on either side. However, everyone that we know that used it did not know if you should use it facing forward or backward. Later we learned we all used it backward.

It was one of the funniest spots of the tour as after paying to use the toilet we all huddled together to share our experience. It seems we were all nervous of slipping and falling LOL

Patricia