Hand Washing in the Room
The most common option is washing clothes by hand in the hotel bathroom. With a little detergent, dish soap, or even shampoo, you can get clothes acceptably clean. The trick is to wring them tightly in a towel afterward to cut down on drying time – otherwise it can take a couple of nights before the garments are truly dry.
Laundromat
In most European cities, coin-operated or staffed laundromats can be found. It's an efficient way to wash larger amounts of clothes at once, and the result is considerably better than hand washing. The downside is that you have to be there and wait, which takes time that could otherwise be spent exploring your destination.
Hotel Laundry Service
Many hotels offer laundry service where you drop off your clothes in the morning and pick them up clean and folded in the evening. It's convenient and smooth, but the price can be high – especially at more upscale hotels.
Local Laundry Shop
In many cities there are local laundry shops where you can drop off a bag of clothes and pick them up ready a few hours later. It's often cheaper than the hotel service and just as convenient – you have time to grab lunch and see a sight while the laundry is taken care of.
Airbnb or Apartment with Washing Machine
More and more travelers are choosing accommodation with access to a washing machine. This gives great freedom and the ability to wash when it suits you, without extra cost. However, it does require a bit more planning when booking.
Packing Clothes for the Entire Trip
Some travelers avoid the laundry problem entirely by packing enough clothes for the full duration of the trip. This solves the laundry question but creates another problem – heavy and bulky luggage.
The Smart Alternative: Tumbly
Regardless of which method you choose, doing laundry while traveling always involves time, planning, and compromise.
