I need to get this off my chest: one of the most frustrating things about travelling outside Australia is paying for basic human rights—clean drinking water and toilets. Yep, I said it.
*What the actual f#k, rest of the world?
How do you sleep at night, knowing you're charging people for things that should be free for everyone? It absolutely blows my mind. And don’t get me started on the plastic bottle wastage that comes with this nonsense!
Here in Australia, drinkable water is everywhere—and it’s free. Some places even go the extra mile with free filtered water. Why? Because water is life! And toilets? Free, too. Cleaned daily, stocked with toilet paper, and accessible. It’s really not too much to ask for.
Now, I’ve travelled a lot, and nothing frustrates me more than being charged 50c at the door for two flimsy squares of toilet paper… only to walk into a filthy, stinky loo. Looking at you, Paris. I was desperate for the toilet, couldn’t find one, and the restaurants wouldn’t even let me use theirs. Seriously? In Oz, most places will let you use their loo if you ask nicely. (Legendary Aussie manners—our “please” and “thank you” game is strong!)
And don’t even try the “but who’s paying for it?” excuse. Councils pay for it. Who funds the councils? TAXPAYERS.Who’s using the toilets? TAXPAYERS. It’s a no-brainer!
I work with tourists, and they’re amazed at how many free toilets and water stations we have in Australia—even out on long, empty stretches of highway. Our main roads are dotted with rest stops that have clean toilets and water. Why? Because if they didn’t, there’d be… well, let’s just say bush wees and roadside surprises everywhere. And nobody wants that.
Staying hydrated is essential for health. Dehydrated people are more likely to end up in hospital with heatstroke—or just be sick, tired, and cranky. Why would you actively keep your people dehydrated? It’s not just cruel; it’s counterproductive.
Honestly, I once considered making a “toilets around the world” coffee table book. I’ve got stories! Like the time I was on the edge of the Zambezi River in Mozambique, desperate for a loo. I asked a local, and they cheerfully asked, “Wee or poo?” (Not a question I get asked every day!) I said “wee” and was directed to a bamboo enclosure filled with rocks. In the corner was a bucket of… water? Maybe? I paced in and out a few times, trying to work it out. Crocodiles made the river a no-go, so I squatted on the rocks and rinsed them down with whatever was in that bucket.
Another time in Africa, a local proudly showed me their brand-new concrete toilet block. Concrete cubicles, concrete floors… and a tiny concrete gutter leading to a hole at ground level in the back wall. I wasn’t sure if I was meant to squat and aim for the hole or what. I walked around the back to investigate and found the hole led to nothing. Just the land behind it.
And then there’s Turkey. Squat toilets everywhere! I lived there for a while and, to this day, I still can’t decide which way you’re meant to face. It’s a flip-a-coin situation every time.
But you know what? All these quirky toilets were free. Unlike the time in Africa when the minibus stopped for a toilet break. Everyone scattered into the bushes, but I saw a toilet and decided to be civilised. Big mistake. I stepped in and found myself ankle-deep in… well, everything that should’ve gone down the drain. No wonder everyone chose the bushes!
So, back to my point: water and toilets shouldn’t be a luxury item. End of rant.
