Toilet & Hygiene While Travelling: The Real-Life Version (Asia-Proof)

Let’s just say it: not every bathroom on your trip will be a magical travel moment. Some will be… character building.

If you’re travelling with kids (or you’re just human), this page will save you at least one “why didn’t I bring that?!” situation.

The #1 item we use the most

The urine bag

Yes, a urine bag.

It is so handy — especially in parts of Asia where:

  • there’s only a standing/squat toilet

  • the toilet is too dirty to use

  • you’re with kids who suddenly need to go RIGHT NOW

You can pee in the bag, then empty it in the toilet when you can. Not glamorous, but extremely effective.

Toilet paper is not guaranteed (learned that fast)

In many places there’s no toilet paper, so we always carry:

  • tissues / toilet paper (small pack)

  • and (optional but nice) a small pack of wet wipes

After a while you get used to the water rinse, but you still need a way to dry. So even if you’re becoming a “water rinse pro”… tissues still matter.

Asia money-saving tip: don’t buy expensive mosquito stuff at home

If you’re going to Asia:
Skip the pricey mosquito products before you go. It’s usually much cheaper once you’re there.

Bali-specific: swimming diapers can be hard to find (and expensive)

In Bali we found swimming diapers:

  • not easy to find

  • and when you do find them: expensive

We ended up re-using them because they were basically unavailable at times.

Menstruation essentials (because travel doesn’t pause)

Depending on where you are, period products can be:

  • limited

  • expensive

  • or just not the ones you prefer

I brought two options:

  • Oval disc

  • Menstruation underwear

And I also packed some tampons for long travel days (and as a backup for those “double-wear” moments when you’re stuck on buses, boats, or long transfers).

Mini hygiene checklist (copy/paste)

  • Urine bag

  • Tissues / toilet paper (always)

  • Wet wipes (optional but helpful)

  • Hand sanitizer (if you use it)

  • Period essentials you actually like (don’t rely on finding them everywhere)