Where to shower when travelling: truck stops or portable showers?

Hauling cargo cross-country or simply seeking somewhere to rinse off on a long road trip? 

If you're wondering where to find a cold or hot shower when travelling, you're not alone. Booking into accommodation solely for a warm shower can seem like an unnecessary expense, especially for those on a budget. 

Fortunately, there are alternative options available that can save you money and still leave you feeling clean and refreshed. Truck stop shower facilities are one such alternative for truckers and travellers alike, but with the rise of personal portable showers, there now exists other more convenient options. 

Naturally, we'd love to see our Beach Showers transform the way we all shower when travelling, but let's objectively compare truck stop showers and personal portable options. 

Read on to discover whether truck stop showers or personal portable showers are the better choice for when you need to shower on the road. 

Truck stop showers 

Truck stop showers exist all around the world. Their purpose is to provide a place for truck drivers and travellers to cleanse themselves and rest up on their long journeys.  

These showers are located at designated truck stops along major highways and usually come with a small fee. 

Pros 

• Cost-effective: Truck stop showers are often reasonably priced, making them an economical option compared to hotel stays 

• Convenient option: They’re strategically located along major highways, outside a small town or near state parks, allowing easy access for travellers on long journeys 

• Shower essentials: Most truck stop showers come equipped with essential amenities such as soap and shampoo. You can also indulge in a hot shower, which might not be possible with your own portable shower 

• 24/7 : Many truck stops operate around the clock, providing flexible shower times for late-night or early-morning travellers 

Cons 

• Variable cleanliness: The cleanliness of truck stop showers can vary significantly, as they're used frequently by those who need to shower on the road. Some may find the facilities less than desirable at times and crave clean showers instead 

• Limited space: The size of shower stalls can be cramped, making it challenging for larger individuals or those with mobility issues to use the facilities comfortably 

• Wait times: During peak travel periods or busy times, you may experience wait times for a shower, which can be frustrating for those on a tight schedule who need to shower on the road 

• Basic amenities: While many truck stops provide essentials, they may lack more luxurious amenities such as high-quality toiletries, hot water availability or even working fixtures 

• Safety: Some individuals may feel uneasy about using facilities in potentially less secure environments, especially at night or in unfamiliar areas 

Personal portable shower 

A personal portable shower such as a Beach Shower has the potential to revolutionise the way travellers shower on the go. These portable options provide a compact and convenient solution for those seeking a quick rinse-off during their travels. 

Pros 

• Convenience: Personal portable showers can be set up almost anywhere, making showering on the road easy and eliminating the need to locate public showers 

• Customisable: Users can enjoy the flexibility of choosing the pressure and even the products they use, providing a more personalised shower experience 

• Privacy: Having a portable shower means you can enjoy showering on the road in the comfort of your own space, free from the potential discomfort of shared showering facilities 

• Hygiene: With a personal portable shower, you have complete control over cleanliness, ensuring that the equipment and water used are to your standards 

• Eco-friendly: You choose how much water you want to use and when. This means that opposed to free public showers, you only use what you need, thereby avoiding unnecessary water waste 

• Doubles as drinking/cooking water: With the release of our food-grade certified 10L Beach Shower, you can now enjoy drinking, cooking and showering on the road with the same water without fear of contamination or bacteria. 

Cons 

• Initial cost: Although personal portable showers can save money in the long run, the initial purchase can be seen as an added expense, albeit one that won't rock your wallet too much 

• Water supply limitations: Portable showers require a water source, which means that if you want to shower on the road or when camping, you must always ensure you have enough water available 

• Maintenance and cleaning: You are responsible for maintaining and cleaning your portable showers, which may be perceived as a hassle. Fortunately, our Beach Showers are easy to clean. Check out this guide for care tips 

Other freshwater bathing sources 

Of course, if you're not fussed about having a warm shower or you're driving through national parks or past open bodies of water, you can always take advantage of nature's freshwater sources. 

Many travellers and campers enjoy bathing in natural bodies of water as a refreshing alternative to showering on the road... so long as you're not in the frigid depths of winter, that is. 

Pros 

• Completely free: Nature's freshwater sources are free to use, and besides the entrance fee to national parks or state parks, you'll essentially be getting a free evening or morning bath (which is better?) if you stay overnight 

• Scenic location: Bathing in nature's freshwater sources provides a beautiful and serene backdrop, making it an enjoyable and unique road trip experience 

Cons 

• Generally far from major cities: If you're sticking to well-trodden paths during your travels, finding natural freshwater sources may require some detours off the beaten path, which might not be feasible for every road trip 

• Weather-dependent: As mentioned earlier, bathing in natural bodies of water is only an option during a warm-weather road trip. Using rivers or springs as shower alternatives in winter is not recommended 

• No amenities: Road tripping and using freshwater sources to shower comes at the cost of convenience. No amenities means you'll need to provide towels, bring a bathing suit/cossies and only use biodegradable soap 

• Potential hazards: While nature's freshwater sources may seem idyllic, they can also pose potential risks such as strong currents, slippery rocks or hidden debris. It's essential to assess the safety of a body of water before using it for bathing purposes 

In addition to lakes, streams and rivers, you can also try showering on the road at the following: 

• Community swimming pools 

• Hot springs 

• Recreation centres and most gyms (day passes required) 

• Camping sites 

• Public beach showers (for showering after a surf) 

• Boat marinas 

• Rest stops 

Final thoughts 

There's nothing wrong with using truck stop shower facilities to shower on the road, but wouldn't you prefer the convenience of your own personal portable shower? 

While truck stop showers, free showers and other freshwater sources have their benefits, they may not always be the most comfortable, easy or hygienic option. Personal portable showers provide a more customisable and private experience, making them an attractive alternative for travellers looking to save money and stay fresh on the go. 

Our Beach Showers are ideal for a long road trip, and because they’re compact and easy to use, you'll never have to wait for a shower while travelling again. 

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