We have all been there. You arrive at the beach, the gym, or your hotel room only to realise your towel is still at home. Here are practical solutions for every situation.
At the Beach or Pool
Immediate options:
- Buy a cheap beach towel. Tourist areas always have shops selling affordable towels. Not the best quality, but they work.
- Use your t-shirt. Cotton shirts absorb water reasonably well. Wring it out and keep using it.
- Air dry. On a warm day, sitting in the sun for 15-20 minutes will dry you off naturally.
- Ask a lifeguard. Some beaches and pools have spare towels or can point you to the nearest shop.
Prevention tip: Keep a compact travel towel in your car boot. They fold small and stay there until you need them.
At the Gym
Immediate options:
- Check reception. Many gyms sell or rent towels. Some have a small stock of loaners for members.
- Use paper towels carefully. Not ideal, but they work for wiping down equipment and a quick pat-dry.
- Use your workout clothes. A dry t-shirt from your bag can work in a pinch.
- Skip the shower. If you are heading straight home, a quick wipe-down and dry clothes may be enough.
Prevention tip: Leave a spare gym towel in your locker or gym bag permanently.
At a Hotel
Immediate options:
- Call housekeeping. Hotels always have spare towels. This is the easiest fix.
- Check the pool area. Hotel pools often have a towel station where you can grab extras.
- Use the bathrobe. Most hotels provide robes that work perfectly well for drying off.
Prevention tip: When packing, put your towel in the bag first. That way you cannot forget it.
While Travelling
Immediate options:
- Visit a local shop. Supermarkets, sports shops, and department stores all sell towels.
- Buy a microfibre travel towel. Available at camping and outdoor shops. Compact, quick-drying, and useful for future trips.
- Use the hotel towels. If staying in accommodation, you should have towels provided.
- Try a pharmacy. Some pharmacies sell small hand towels or even travel towels.
Long-term solution: Invest in a proper travel towel. They pack down to the size of a paperback book and dry in minutes.
Emergency Towel Alternatives
When you really cannot find a towel:
| Alternative | Best for | Downsides |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton t-shirt | General drying | Gets saturated quickly |
| Sarong or scarf | Beach, travel | May not be absorbent |
| Paper towels | Quick wipe-down | Falls apart when wet |
| Newspapers | Sitting on wet surfaces | Does not dry you |
| Shade and patience | Warm weather | Takes time |
The Ultimate Prevention: Emergency Towel Kit
Keep a small emergency kit in your car, desk drawer, or travel bag:
- Compact microfibre towel - folds to pocket size
- Small pack of wet wipes - for quick freshening up
- Plastic bag - to store a wet item if needed
With this kit, you will never be caught towel-less again.
Quick Buying Guide
If you need to buy a replacement towel immediately:
- Supermarkets - cheap and cheerful, usually around £5-10
- Sports shops - better quality gym and travel towels
- Department stores - full range from budget to premium
- Beach shops - tourist markup, but convenient
- Online (if you have time) - best prices and selection
"A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have." - The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
And here on Earth, the same principle applies. Now you know what to do when yours goes missing.