Top 5 apps for finding showers when travelling
Author
Pauline
Date Published
Between new encounters, feelings of freedom, surprising discoveries and exhilarating new horizons, travel is, more than ever, a way to escape, dream and grow. Beyond these very poetic considerations, we often forget the more practical aspects of travel, such as finding a clean and accessible shower during a trip. In recent years, several apps have attempted to address a major challenge for travellers: accessing water and toilet facilities without any hassle. Here is our selection of the 5 apps you need to know about in 2025 to find showers while travelling – and help make your getaway a success.
5 - Warmshowers
The Warmshowers app is one of the oldest in this ranking, as its community was created over 20 years ago. It is nothing less than the global benchmark for cycle tourists, or ‘cycle tourists’ as they are affectionately known. Warmshowers is based on a community of volunteer hosts who welcome passing cycle tourists, offering them a shower, a meal and a bed. Warmshowers has thus succeeded in the crazy challenge of creating a real community that is close-knit, friendly and very welcoming.
Please note, however, that access to hosts' contact details currently requires a paid subscription. Furthermore, membership of this wonderful community is strictly reserved for cycle tourists. This app is therefore only recommended if you are travelling by bike and are looking for a human connection beyond just a shower.
4 - Park4Night
Are you travelling in a motorhome, van or campervan? If so, the Park4Night app is ideal for finding a shower on the road... but that's not all. The app also lists thousands of spots, such as free car parks, campsites, dedicated camping areas and service areas, for example. The Park4Night database is very comprehensive, as it is regularly updated by members of its community. Practical information about each parking spot is often supplemented by details of the availability of toilets and showers.
Unfortunately, this app also has its limitations, as it remains focused on motorised travel. Information about the availability of showers is sometimes considered secondary and may therefore be incomplete.
3 - Go Rinse Yourself
This Montreal (QC) app aimed to democratise access to urban showers by creating a network of individuals and local partners. The simple, collaborative system seemed promising. Unfortunately, it failed to gain a foothold in North America due to insufficient growth and inadequate funding.
The example of the now defunct Go Rinse Yourself demonstrates the difficulty that such initiatives can encounter: meeting a real and existing need among citizens around the world, while establishing themselves in a new and difficult-to-structure market.
2 - Shower Share
The Shower Share app connects individuals willing to lend their bathrooms with travellers looking for a place to shower. The concept has several advantages, stemming from its obvious simplicity and its highly appreciated user-friendly aspect.
However, the initiative remains relatively unknown, and the active database is mainly based in North America and Asia. For the moment, this project does not yet meet the needs of European travellers. Still, it's worth trying if you're travelling to the other side of the world!
1 - BubblesMapper
Amidst these numerous limited, partial or simply abandoned projects, BubblesMapper stands out as an exception and a true societal innovation. The application is now positioned as a genuine ecosystem of urban mobility and well-being services. Not only does it provide a comprehensive list of toilets and washrooms in your vicinity, but also a complete list of local amenities: luggage storage, showers, water fountains, changing rooms, toilets, and more. Everything you need to make your travels easier and more comfortable.
This collaborative model involves both local authority initiatives and the participation of local businesses. It is therefore not just a practical app for finding showers during your getaways: BubblesMapper is a comprehensive service solution, designed for both travellers and residents of rural and urban communities.
In 2025, finding a shower while travelling is becoming increasingly easy, thanks in particular to dedicated app initiatives. While Warmshowers and Park4Night are excellent allies for your cycling or motorised vehicle trips, other apps, such as Go Rinse Yourself and Shower Share, demonstrate certain limitations to these initiatives.
In contrast, BubblesMapper stands out as a comprehensive, visionary solution that is firmly rooted in local communities. It is an application that completely rethinks access to essential services and infrastructure when travelling.
Whether you're travelling for business or pleasure, or simply don't have access to your own sanitary facilities, here are a few tips to help you find toilets and showers wherever you are
Walking for hours to find water during a trip, your throat parched under the scorching sun... Sound familiar? Being able to easily refill your water bottle can make the difference between an enjoyable trip and a miserable one.