Toilet stories.... now here is a part of travel you might not like to think about. If you are traveling in rich, "first world" countries, you probably do not need to worry too much about it. But if you're traveling internationally, you are probably going to run into a surprise or two. Talk to people who have been touring globally for a while and they're bound to have one or two great toilet stories.
In the U.S. almost all toilets will be "pedestal style". Some may be a bit run down but they will mostly look the same.
In Europe, most of the time you will find pedestal style toilets too. There are some pretty strange flush mechanisms so you may have to figure that out.
If you get out into the countryside or into less developed countries, it is just possible that you will run into some Toilets that are more like porcelain footprints with a hole. Seasoned travelers often say "Western style" and "Eastern Style" however you can run into either in any place in the world. You will not always have that "throne" so just make up your mind that you can deal with it.
It always pays to have some tissues or toilet paper in your pocket. Even if you find a toilet that has a dispenser, it could be empty. In more rural areas and more undeveloped counties, Toilet Paper may clog up the plumbing. In places like that, you'll see wastebaskets with dirty paper... put yours there as well.
Finding a public toilet can be harder abroad than it is in the US. If you are out exploring the streets, look for train stations or department stores. If there is an U.S. style fast-food restaurant, you can for the most part find a toilet inside. Big hotels will have one tucked away in the lobby somewhere and they are reliable for having TP. You can find one in restaurants too. If you are not a customer, ask politely and most of the time they will let you use their WCs. Never leave a museum or restaurant without going - even if you do not need to. Who knows when you'll find the next place to go.
Many large European cities have coin operated "toilet booths" on street corners. Public toilets often are pay toilets. Carry small change to pay for them. Some will be coin operated on the door whilst others will have attendants sitting by the door. Even if they do not insist on you paying when you go in, it's polite to leave a small tip... it is usually only the equivalent of about 25 U.S. cents. Do not expect them to have change... they might or they might just keep the change if you do not have anything small enough. It is another way for them to make a small amount of money... so plan ahead - don't give away all of your "little money". It'll come in handy.
Get used to every so often having women cleaners in the Men's rooms and occasionally men attendants in the Women's room. Lots of toilet stories come from these encounters but they are used to it so you might as well just get comfortable with it too.
When you get beyond Europe you will run into more and more of those "Eastern Style" porcelain holes-in-the-ground. Some will even be just that - holes in the ground. OK... if you've got to go, you have gotta go. Just deal with it and you will come home with some wonderful toilet stories all your own.
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