I know this is going to sound funny because it does to me, but I wanted to get opinions from the experts (here), especially those who have traveled between the States and Spain.

At some time during my early research regarding Europe in general, I came across something somewhere that stated bathroom tissue used in Europe is not as soft and cushion-y as what we pampered Americans are used to. Eager to pass along any and all information to my S/O (before I thought he was only listening to half of what I was telling him anyway), I had forgotten I had even mentioned this and thought no more about it.

This afternoon I was going over some of the items I am planning on taking, some items I've decided to yank from my list, yada-yada-yada. He counters with: "Are you taking along toilet paper?" At first I was speechless. I told him I could bring a roll or two of travel-sized toilet paper along. (this being mostly a road trip, there might be one or two places we may end up where it might be needed and I can see the potential value in that.) But, no! He means, like, full rolls of the stuff we have here at home! I told him that we were staying in fairly nice hotels that do cater to tourists (a few of the Paradores and more well known hotels), and I would suspect toiletries would be the least of his concerns.

Now he is insisting on bringing the Charmin along and I'm sitting here in disbelief. This is a guy who thinks me bringing my straightening iron is weird, so go figure!

So, please, those who live or travel to Spain, can you tell me what the truth is to this? I know this seems a little, uh, indelicate and rather stupid, and I do apologize for that, but I'm having visions of our luggage being opened at security points across the world and rolls of toilet paper falling out much to our embarassment! (Or at least to mine!) What do I tell this guy to convince him that Spain is civilized?!?!

(And no, even though it sounds like it, this post is NOT a joke!)

Chele60: First let me assure you that nobody is laughing at you inquiry. I personally feel that the only dumb question is the one that did not get asked.

I have stayed in hotels in several countries in Europe including Spain. The issue that you bring to question, I feel is without merit. I have stayed at the Paradors, and their tissue is of equal or better quality than the US. The better hotels are going to have good soft tissue in their bathrooms also. If you get off the beaten path and stay in some "flea bag," there might be a question. For the most part anything rated 2star or better should not give you cause for concern.

Now if you should want to take a trip down to Morroco, God help you, your on your own.

You straightening iron may be another issue, as Spain is set up for 240 voltage and has different wall outlets. You can get an adapter at most Radio Shack stores. Just tell the clerk where you are going and what you need.

Stay safe and enjoy. Be sure to let us know how the trip went when you get home.

The days of tissue paper toilet paper is long gone in Spain.

I remember the first time that I visited Spain back in 1984 and was horrified by the "uncomfortable" toilet paper. In fact, I saved a few sheets and have it in my scrap book. Think party streamers.

Nowadays with globalization and everything else you will find a whole host of American products, including Cottonelle. So, you can lighten your load and leave the toilet paper behind! (no pun intended!)

Have a great trip!

Oh my lord! Tell him he needs to get out more!

In a public bathroom, the quality of the toilet paper (when there is some) is the same you will find in a public toilet bathroom in the US.

The quality of TTP is going to be pretty much the same you´ll find in US hotels. Let´s not kid ourselves, even in the US in a Hotel it is not typical that you´ll find Charmen (to expensive, they just plain don´t do it). And if you really don´t like it, you can find it here in the supermarket, there are all kinds cheap scratchy stuff to your nice and fluffy. Save the room in the suitcase, leave the TTP home!

I wonder what do you say to Customs or Security officals if they search your bags and find toliet paper in you bags? How many rolls do you bring for a two week vacation? Do you bring back home what you do not use?

Bill

I actually LIKE the bathroom tissue in Spain. It's MUCH firmer than that stuff that makes a paper-dust-cloud if you blow your nose with it.

Saludos, MadridMan

Years ago, the TP in Spain was horrid - not today. At one time you would actually find
TP that was waxed :o :o :o

Those dayes are long gone - and much as I giggled when I read your post - more with visions of a hulking 6 ft 3 broad-shouldered guy trucking around back-paks of Charmain - your question is not as uncommon as you think.

Have a great time - enjoy Spain - and bring a roll of TP back from Madrid to put those rumors at rest once and for all ...

First, thank you all for taking my post seriously! I do appreciate it. I have exactly 2 months from today to convince him this is a waste of suicase room, but....

As to the question of how many rolls to take? He's planning on 1. However! I went out to the Cortes Ingles site, and though I couldn't find the exact merchandise, I did find pictures of bathroom furniture with toilet paper featured and I figured that the paper pictured must be what is normally used? And it looks like what we have here in the states, so I will send that picture off to him - along with the assurances from the folks here!

Oh, and my straightening iron is dual voltage and I have the necessary plugs to adapt to Spain, so I should be good to go. (Hopefully, or just go with a curly a mop!)

Thanks again to all for the re-assurances! I just knew I could count on the folks here!

Michele, I just took a look at your blog and saw your questions on the shuttle service betweeen LA environs and LAX. When I was based in LA (and in SF and spending a good deal of time in LA for work) I used that shuttle alot! It's good - pricey but on time and a whole lot easier than navigating LAX. It's well worth it ...

Puna ~ Thanks for the confirmation regarding the shuttle to LAX! Always nice to know one is on the right path!