travel towel for europe

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Gear » microfiber travel towel

The Best Microfiber Travel Towel for your Next Adventure

Whilst most backpackers might fall short of the average of one shower a day, it doesn’t mean we don’t want or need a good wash! Ok scratch that, us vagabonds are in serious need of a good shower but taking one on the road isn’t always as straight forward as it is back home. Once you’ve negotiated the hostel shower, the local river or a bucket surrounded by bamboo in a Burmese village (yes, that was me) you’ve got to get dry.

Unfortunately those comfortable but heavy Egyptian cotton towels aren’t exactly backpacker friendly. Whilst I fully acknowledge that discussing towels might not be the most thrilling topic when you’ve got an endless array of adventures to plan. But trust me, your shoulders understand the importance!

The solution: a microfiber travel towel. They’re made with quick-dry material, they pack super small, and they are relatively inexpensive… a travellers’ dreams. In a nutshell – microfiber towels were literally made for backpackers and travellers.

However, as with most things, not all towels are created equally. Some don’t wash well or pick up an unpleasant odour. So I’ve done the hard yards for you and wrote this epic guide so you can quickly and easily find which microfiber travel towel best suits your needs.

Let’s get this party started!

Quick Answer: What are the best towels to take traveling?

• Sea to Summit Drylite Towel – Best Backpacking Towel
• Matador Ultralight Travel Towel – Most Compact Travel Towel
• Youphoria Sport Microfiber Travel Towel – Best Towel for Traveling Yogis
• Nomadix Towel – Best Non-Microfiber Towel for Travel 
• ECCOSOPHY TRAVEL TOWEL – Honorary Mention
• Jump to –> Travel Towel Reviews

Real Quick – What is Microfiber Material?

Ok, so before we crack on with showing you what the best backpacking towel is, we need to explain what one is first.

Microfiber is a synthetic fiber, usually made out of polyesters, polyamides, or blends. The grabby texture of the microfiber makes the towel more absorbent which, in turn, makes it great for swimming, traveling, exercising, any activity that makes you wet.

Right then, let’s get this microfiber towel review going!

Microfiber Travel Towel Reviews

Best towel for backpacking – sea to summit drylite towel, most compact travel towel – matador ultralight.

• Best Travel Towel for Yogis – Youphoria Sport

Best Non-Microfiber Towel for Travel – Nomadix

• Honorable Mention – ECCOSOPHY Microfiber Towel
• Best Microfiber Beach Towel – OCOOPA Microfiber Beach Towel

Why Invest in a Travel Towel?

How we tested the best microfiber travel towel, faq about the best microfiber travel towel, conclusion: the best microfiber towels for travel.

Check out our extensive review on our top four favorite quick-drying microfiber travel towels reviews below…

REI is one of America’s biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers.

Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals .

• Comes in multiple sizes
• Very lightweight
• A bit more expensive

Sea to Summit is known for making ultralight camping and backpacking gear, so it makes sense that they make a lightweight backpacking towel. The soft, quick-drying towel is compact and comes in three sizes. The small towel is 32” by 16”, the large is 48” by 24” and the extra large is 60” by 30”. All these towel sizes weigh under 7 ounces. This is a good choice for the traveler constantly on the trail when every oz makes a difference. We also rated it as the best microfiber travel towel due to the fact that it came in different sizes meaning you can pick the right one for your trip.

The drawback? The XL is expensive for a microfiber towel and is pricier than the other towels on this travel towel review.

Our team felt this was the best microfiber towel for travel particularly because it worked well in damp and humid environments which is ideal for places like Southeast Asia. On top of that the actual towel itself dries quickly after usage too. They also loved how well it packed down and fit easily inside their bags, in fact, it’s that small it could easily fit inside a jacket pocket!

• Super small and compact
• Lightweight nanofiber material
• Comes in powermesh storage bag

In case space in your backpack is really at a premium, then check out the mini Ultralight travel towel by Matador. Measuring 15″ x 15″ (or 39cm x 39cm) it quite literally fits inside your pocket. It is of course smaller than other towels if this list and it will take some time to fully dry your body using this. However, it absorbs 2.3 times its own weight so with a little patience you can work your way around your whole body.

Both the towel itself and its bag have buckle attachments so you can fasten to your bag or jacket and really maximise storage space. Made from an ultralight (25g) Nano Fibre material it is also fully machine washable and will hardly even fade.

Our team felt this was the best compact microfiber towel on the market because, well, it’s super compact, like, insanely compact! This towel could fit inside your pants pocket it’s that tiny! Our team were realists and felt being so small that it had a certain purpose and it wasn’t the easiest to dry their whole body with … but at a push it wasn’t impossible and for the ultralight packer they felt that bit of extra effort was worth the space saved.

Best Travel Towel for Yogis –  Youphoria Sport

• Holds moisture well
• Softer + more comfortable than others
• Bit heavier than others

This is a yoga-specific towel, but I think it makes great use as a backpacking towel as well because it’s highly absorbent and can hold up to 5X its weight in water. I also find yoga towels to have an extra soft feel and are less likely to attract lint.

They also tend to pack down even smaller than other backpacking towels. The downside is that its largest size weighs more than the other choices on this list. However, for all the yogis out there who plan to travel with a yoga mat anyway, this is a great choice.

Our team picked this as their best microfibre towel for yogis because of how comfortable it was not just to dry themselves with but to us on top of their yoga mats. The team also felt the towel was light, and compact but ultimately super durable, especially when used for both general drying purposes but for yoga and after the gym too.

Do You Want to Travel FOREVER??

Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!’.

• Made from recycled materials
• Very expensive for a towel

For the environmentally-conscious traveler, the Nomadix travel towel is about as ideal as it gets. This towel is made of 100% recycled materials – fibers from plastic bottles are processed into effective and comfortable nylon and polyester threads. These towels do not involve any sort of polymer-based microfiber yet they are still very good at what they do.

Nomadix towels are quick-drying, tough, and very packable. Coming in at a very reasonable 1 lb, these make for great towels to take traveling. Thanks to it’s anti-microbial and non-slip qualities, the Nomadix is very popular at yoga retreats and camping but you could conceivably use this towel anywhere: at the beach, gym, kitchen, and more.

The Nomadix is a bit more expensive than other towels and quite larger as well. That being said, the larger price tag is more than justifiable – this towel will last longer than most and you will definitely get more use out of it.

Our team were pretty interested in how this towel compared to microfibre as several members expressed that they would prefer something more environmentally friendly. Firstly they just loved the different colours and designs that the towels come in, something many of the other towels are lacking, which makes it look better when taken to the beach. In terms of usage, they felt it was just as absorbent as the microfibre towels and literally dried them in one swipe!

Honorable Mention –  ECCOSOPHY Microfiber Towel

• Very cool designs
• Double-sided
• Much larger than other beach towels

I’d give this beach towel props just for being so damn good lookin’! Look at those patterns! So bold and colorful! Who says a microfiber travel towel has to be flat-colored and boring, anways?

But it’s not just beautiful; the ECCOSOHPY beach towel is also useful, of course. Since it’s made of microfiber, you’ll get the absorptive qualities as well as the quick drying. It packs well enough although, given it’s size, it’s going to be much larger in your bag than most other towels.

I would also like to add that this towel would be fine for both sexes. ECCOOPHY markets it has a lady’s towel on their Amazon page but, honestly, I’d rock this anytime and anywhere in the world.

When it came to design our team just fell in love with the awesome patterns these towels came in, they felt they really created that backpacker vibe instead of looking a bit geeky like some of the other towels. our team just loved how lightweight and thin these towels were meaning they rolled down super small and took up almost no room or weight in their bags. They felt it absorbed water instantly and on top of that was ideal for people with longer hair.

Best Microfiber Beach Towel –  OCOOPA Microfiber Beach Towel

• Better than a typical cotton beach towel
• Very packable
• Perfect size

I like this towel because it’s big (80×57 inches), but because of the lightweight microfiber material, it packs down much better than a normal beach towel. Not only that but it does come in some smaller sizes too if you don’t need something that massive!

This is a great towel for lounging beachside. While not as lightweight as the Active Roots or Sea to Summit, the OCOOPA has large dimensions and is still a great choice for a quick-drying towel for travel, and an easy pick for the best travel beach towel.

Our team loved the slightly thicker profile of this towel which is what made it stand out as their best beach towel. Rather than just being used for drying themselves down after a swim, which it did an awesome job of, it was comfortable to lie down and lay on all day too. The durable material was also great given the extra abrasions using the towel on the beach results in.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

It may seem like an insignificant item to pack, but a good towel will be one of the most useful items in your backpacker arsenal.

In our normal lives, we use towels on a daily basis, really; to wash the dishes, ourselves, the car, when cleaning the house. Yet, we take them from granted because they’re always there and in a multitude! Thanks to industrialization, we have a cloth or rag somewhere nearby, buried in an old drawer or conveniently hanging on a hook or rack.

Unfortunately, backpackers usually don’t have this option. Because they are constantly going from place to place and because they are living out of a backpack (finite space), they don’t have the convenience of carrying a lot of towels on them. Hell, most backpackers are grateful just to get a free towel at their hostel!

Having your own towel for traveling the world can be immensely useful. Going to the beach? The towel will keep the sand off your ass and out of your portable speaker. Want to have a spontaneous yoga session? Throwdown your towel and chaturanga away. Need to dry out those hiking boots after a long walk? Use that towel to soak up any leftover moisture in those boots (maybe do that after washing yourself though)

Trust me: you will get a lot of use out of your towel while traveling, more than you might know right now. That means you need to have a good towel – the tougher it is and the better it is at absorbing, the more useful it will be. Luckily, it’s not so difficult to pick out a good one; you just need to refer below for some tips.

What to Look for in a Microfiber Travel Towel

• Lightweight – As with anything in your travel backpack, it’s important to invest in a lightweight travel towel. Less weight = awesome.
• Compact – A microfiber travel towel should take up as little room as possible. They should fold up smaller than a tank-top.
• Well constructed – There is such a thing as a good microfiber and bad microfiber.
• Quick Drying – The best towels for backpacking and traveling must have quick dry material.
• Absorbency – Even if a microfiber travel towel is lightweight and dries quickly, it’s useless if it doesn’t actually absorb liquids.
• Special features –  A loop makes it easy to attach the quick drying towel to your backpack as you hike, or hang it on a clothes hanger at your hostel.
• Additional accessories – A storage pouch for your microfiber towel helps you keep your backpack organized.

Towel Sizes

Quick drying towels range between XS-XL, and the dimensions vary as well! Different brands will have different dimensions of their sizes, so be sure to check the dimensions!

• Small or Medium:  Often used as a washcloth, hand towel, or to bring along for workouts. These make a great addition to your toiletry bag.
• Large:  Hair towel or small bath towel.
• XL:  Best recommendation for a full bath towel.

It’s worth investing in both an XL towel,  and  a small washcloth sized towel for your toiletry bag (washing your face, taking off makeup, etc.).

Sea to Summit DryLite Towel

• Price > $$$
• Weight > 1.3 – 4 oz.
• Size > XS to XL

OCOOPA Microfiber Beach Towel

• Prize > $$$
• Weight > ?310 g

• Weight > 2.4 – 12 oz
• Size > 20-40″; 28-56″; 32-72″

Other Travel “Towel” Options

Along with a microfiber towel, it’s totally worth packing a fashion-friendly sarong or large scarf to double as a large beach towel.

My boyfriend uses his scarf for a beach towel, to protect his neck from the sun, warm up in the cold, shield from dust, etc. I always travel to beach destinations with a sarong to double as a towel and beach cover-up.

Middle Eastern style scarves, traditionally referred to as keffiyehs or shemaghs,  are also super adaptable pieces of kit that can be used as a towel. Granted, their primary purpose is more for keeping sand out of one’s eyes and the cold out at night, but many people also use them as beach towels as well.

There is no perfect or exact science when it comes to testing out travel and outdoor gear. However, we feel our years of experience across our team mean we’ve got a good eye for decent gear.

When it came to picking out the best towel for backpacking there were a few different considerations we had. Including how lightweight it was, how easily and well it could compact down, how well it dried us and also, well, the smell test! If you get my drift! We were also concerned with how well it was made and how long-lasting it would be.

Finally, we also take into account how much each microfibre travel towel costs – for example, expensive items that perform averagely will lose points, but budget items may be given more leeway.

Still have some questions about the best travel microfiber towel? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

Are microfiber towels good for hiking?

Hell yeah! Microfiber is perfect for hiking and backpacking. It dries fast so you can use it again faste AND you can pack it without worrying that’it will make everything else damp. Having something that is quick drying means it’s much less likely to get smelly or moldy.

What are the best microfiber towels?

We have treid a lot of microfibre towers over the years and can confidently recomened the Matador Nana Dry . Its tiny, ultralight and quick drying.

Are travel towels worth it?

Oh yes. They are a godsend for travelers and hikers as they are quick drying, compact and light. I never travel without one.

Is microfiber environmentally friendly?

Microfiber is not biodegradable like cotton or paper towels but can still be disposed of in an environmentallt concious way.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

Microfiber towels are a more logical alternative to your good old fashion bath-towel for a billion reasons, but all you need to know are these five: they’re compact , lightweight , durable , absorbent , quick-drying towels for travel.

Let us know what you think about our epic review of the best quick dry towels for travel in the comments below! Do you have a favourite microfiber travel towel?

Ana Pereira

Share or save this post

I’m looking for a medium bath towel, wash cloth combo.

I just ordered 2 combo packs for our RV. Bath towels for me and the mister, a small one for the dog and one for the kitchen. A great deal at $18!

Awesome! Enjoy Adriana 🙂

This is awesome! Thanks for the heads up on the Active Roots. I have never heard of this brand and it looks perfect. My friend Brian & I are going to backpack the John Muir part of the PCT during the summer of 2018 for 10 days and I was looking for a new backpacker towel that works but is light and doesnt break the bank!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Advertisement

The Best Packable Travel Towels

By Ebony Roberts

We love a plush, thirsty bath towel , but a campsite or suitcase just isn’t the place for one—there, we want a quick-drying, packable travel towel.

After putting 20 such towels through 60 hours of testing—including an intense day of sand and surf at the beach—we’ve concluded the PackTowl Personal offers the best balance of drying time, packability, and odor resistance without compromising comfort and design.

A good option for nearly every towel-related scenario, it’s lightweight, extra-large, and supersoft, making it usable for both car camping and travel into the backcountry.

Everything we recommend

PackTowl Personal

The best packable camp towel.

Whether used for camping, hiking, traveling, or general outdoor adventuring, this towel is durable enough to handle extended abuse while remaining soft and comfortable.

Buying Options

With store pickup or REI membership (limited patterns)

(limited patterns)

Budget pick

Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

An inexpensive towel that gets the job done.

Good-enough absorbency and drying time for those on a budget.

You save $3 (23%)

PackTowl Luxe

A plush, comfortable towel.

Good for car camping, day trips, and hanging at the beach, this towel is made of an incredibly soft fabric that also repels dirt.

Scoring well in nearly every performance category, the PackTowl Personal towel consistently surprised us with its ability to handle the elements. It has an antibacterial treatment to help prevent odor, the “body” size (25 by 54 inches) is large enough to wrap around most folks, and it feels soft against the skin. It’s made of a tear-resistant fabric and was the best towel we tested at absorbing water and repelling dirt. Better still, sand from the beach remained on the towel’s surface so it was easy to shake off, leaving the towel clean after multiple uses. Its drying time was faster than most of the towels we tested and it packs down to a small size in a zippered breathable pouch, making it convenient for travel or camping.

The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel was nearly identical in design to many of the pricier models and scored just as well in our field tests. The only downsides are that its size large is smaller than most other large towels we tested, and it has lighter-feeling fabric. It didn’t handle our day at the beach quite as well and took a little longer to dry, but otherwise it’s comparable in comfort and packability. And, because it’s treated with an antibacterial coating—something not standard on budget (or even some pricey) towels—it passed our smell test with a perfect score. At just a fraction of the price of our top choice, it’s a good pick if you’re the kind of person who goes camping a few times a year and needs something affordable that works well.

If packing your towel down into a tiny space isn’t a concern for you, the PackTowl Luxe is about as comfortable as a towel can get. Although it does take up a bit more room and takes significantly longer to dry, its “body” size has the same dimensions as our top pick but has a plusher feel against the skin. Unlike similar big and luxurious camp towels, it didn’t smell after being put away wet. It absorbed water off the skin without trapping in the dirt and sand, which left it surprisingly clean for a towel with such a high pile. As it was easy to shake off, we enjoyed having it as a wrap and beach blanket, too.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: packtowl personal, how the packtowl has held up, flaws but not dealbreakers, an inexpensive towel that works fine: rainleaf microfiber towel, a plush, comfortable towel: packtowl luxe, microfibers and the environment, the competition, care and maintenance.

We spoke with three experts to get their takes on what we should look for in a good towel. Mark Knight, a product designer currently with Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) , has designed a number of outdoor products, including packable towels, and gave us a breakdown on what he considers to be important when creating products like these.

We spoke via email with Georgia Newsome, owner and operator of Coastal Bliss Adventures , who has worked as a backpacking, camping, and canoeing guide for the past 15 years.

And we spoke with Craig Oliver, product manager for health and safety at MEC. He was able to tell us what’s important from a consumer perspective. In addition to these interviews, we read a number of online reviews, pored over camping and backpacking forums, researched microfiber fabrics, and then selected and tested the towels we think cover most activities to determine which one was best overall.

Why doesn’t a regular, everyday cotton towel cut it for most outdoor activities? Knight offered us five reasons your cotton towel isn’t ideal: it’s too big, too heavy, might get damaged or stained, doesn’t get washed at the same frequency it would at home, therefore causing it to smell, and lastly, it’s not always used in the same manner as it would be at home. He added, “As a travel towel, there is also the added functional requirement of being quick-dry. When traveling, you can move around a lot, and a packed wet towel generally means a stinky towel.”

Packable towels are usually made from microfiber , although a few of the ones we tested are made from other materials (which didn’t end up performing as well). These materials are typically a blend of polyester and polyamide, aka nylon, and depending on the blend will produce a towel that feels more suede-like and slick to one that feels more plush like your average cotton towel. There are also packable towels made of nanofabric, which is composed of tiny nanoscopic fibers woven together—think the width of a human hair (or even smaller)—to create a fabric that is incredibly lightweight and small. Though they do the trick, nanofiber towels tend to have a slicker surface, which means they don’t feel much like the towel you’re used to.

According to Oliver, the most popular camp towel size is roughly equivalent to a standard household bath towel—about 26 by 52 inches after washing. Some towels were slightly smaller or larger, but we tried to stay within what would seem like regulation size for most people.

All the experts we talked to shared the opinion that the type of towel you’ll want to purchase depends on the activity you’re using it for. For backpacking or kayaking trips, Newsome told us that “lightweight, small packability and quick drying are the most important factors.” For car camping or other adventures, where weight isn’t an issue, she opts for a larger microfiber towel, and one with an antimicrobial coating, “which means for those longer road trips and tours this towel stays fresh smelling.” Knight’s opinion aligned with Newsome’s: “Some of the lightest towels don’t feel that great against your skin, but the weight means you will actually bring it in your backpack when on a long hike. If you are traveling around the world, weight might not be your primary concern, but comfort will factor highly, as you will be using the towel each day—unless you are a soap dodger ! So, a softer, slightly heavier towel may be the way to go.”

Just as important as how much water a towel can absorb—in other words, how well it dries you—is how well the towel dries after you’re dry. “Nobody wants to put a wet towel into their backpack,” Oliver said.

After surveying online reviews, forums, and user ratings, and asking people what type of towel they preferred for their own outdoor activities, we narrowed our field to 19 packable towels, then threw in a standard cotton towel as a plush baseline. We then tested the towels using seven criteria: price, comfort, design, wicking, drying time, odor resistance, and packability.

We washed and dried all of the towels, giving them all an equal starting point, then we scored them in each category. We didn’t score weight or size, but we did make note of whether these features made a difference when comparing similar options.

Comfort: This was a tough one because of the people we asked, some preferred a more textured fabric and others liked the smooth feel of the microsuede towels. We asked individuals to feel each towel against their skin, asked for their comments, and then asked what their overall top picks were.

Design: Here, we looked at how well the towel is made, and whether there were any particular features—good or bad—that made drying off more or less of a pleasure. Key among them was fabric quality, stitching, and what kind of hanging loop—essential!—the towel came with. We also looked at texture, an important attribute for both water absorption and grabbing dirt and grime, rather than just pushing it around. A too-slick towel won’t do much of anything except leave your skin feeling yucky and wet.

Wicking: One of the most important tests we conducted was how well the towel could wick away water and leave the skin feeling dry. When we took our test towels to the beach, we wanted to see how they performed against sandy salt water and whether they were able to clean the skin in addition to drying it.

Drying time: To determine which towel dried the fastest, we applied the same amount of water to each towel and then timed how long it took for them to dry. But how much water to use, and how dry is dry, exactly? We used 4 ounces of water, a quantity we settled on after having multiple testers shower and weigh their towels before and after use. Once the person was dry enough to feel comfortable putting their clothes on, we called that “dry.” We did this a couple of times with each person and used a couple types of cotton towels to get a base number. The average amount of water people removed from their bodies after showering was a ½ cup, or about 225 milliliters. We hung our entire assortment of high-tech, portable towels on the same line and recorded the time it took to leave each one dry to the touch.

Odor resistance: Another important criterion is how the towel smells after multiple uses. “An antimicrobial finish helps with odor management and decreases the frequency you need to wash the towel,” Knight told us. A towel may be used a dozen times before it gets properly washed, and if a towel smells musty or dirty after a couple of uses, it probably is. Many of the towels advertise a protective antibacterial coating and we wanted to see if these coatings actually made a difference.

Our test involved taking the towels to the beach, soaking them in 16 ounces of ocean water, wringing out the excess water as best as we could, and then placing each towel in a sealed plastic bag for 48 hours. After that, we opened the bags and took a whiff. Though most remained odor-free (especially those coated with an antimicrobial treatment), we were taken aback by how seriously a few of them reeked.

Packability: As important as drying you—and drying out—are, the other key thing a camp towel has to do is pack small for travel. Some towels came with cases, some didn’t. Our focus was simply how tiny a towel could get.

Price: More expensive doesn’t really seem like a good thing when it comes to something like a packable travel towel, given that there’s such a variance in price and that most towels pretty much claim to do the same thing.

The PackTowl Personal is our top choice because it handled every test we put it through. It’s the perfect option for nearly any outdoor activity that requires a towel. It’s large and durable while still being comfortable and comes with an antimicrobial treatment, which means it won’t smell after multiple uses. Its snap loop for hanging was one of the easiest to use, and the towel packs down to a small size, making it easy to travel with. Its drying time was comparable with that of the fastest-drying towels we tested, and it didn’t absorb dirt or sand into its fabric, an essential feature if you’re taking a towel into the backcountry.

Made of a soft microsuede, this towel was consistently chosen as a top pick by those we asked to rate its comfort. It is soft and light, but still has a bit of texture, so it doesn’t feel slick against your skin the way a nanofiber towel like the Matador NanoDry Shower Towel does. The PackTowl seems built to last, with a nicely seamed edge that should hold up over time. On top of feeling soft, it dried our skin much more readily than the non-microfiber towels we tested, like the Coleman or Outlier. It even dried a bit more quickly than other microfiber products in our test group. We were impressed by how well it repelled sand and dirt from being absorbed into its fabric. The sand that did stick to the towel was easy to shake off—which wasn’t the case of some of the other models we tested that looked like dirty rags after just a short time at the beach.

In our drying-time test, the PackTowl dried much faster than most, with the exception of the linen towel and the Biospired Footprint, which beat the PackTowl’s dry time by 30 minutes. (The towels we tested dried in a range from 1 hour, 45 minutes to nearly 4 hours.) We noticed that the towels with an additional antimicrobial coating took a little longer to dry. We think the extra odor protection is worth the few extra minutes of drying time. As the PackTowl dried, some water initially beaded on the surface, but was then absorbed, compared with towels that still had visible water beads after almost an hour of drying. (Beads of water were a good indication of extended drying times.) Water also dispersed evenly through the towel rather than leaving wet spots, which likely contributed to its fast drying time. We dried the towels in overcast conditions, and noticed that at just over 1 hour, 30 minutes the PackTowl was only minimally damp, and could be packed back into its carrying case if you were in a rush to pack up and go.

We tested the PackTowl’s “body” size, which weighed 6.7 ounces, fairly average compared with the other suede-type towels, and measured 25 by 54 inches, just shy of being the same size as our standard bath towel, and larger than many of the towels in our testing pool.

Wirecutter staffers have owned this towel for multiple seasons and it continues to hold up, with no loose threads or unraveled seams after use.

We didn’t love the PackTowl’s pouch: it doesn’t attach easily to a backpack, and the zipper seemed flimsy. But the pouch is made of breathable fabric, so it won’t trap moisture the way a plastic bag or pouch might. Although the PackTowl is antimicrobial, it did have the slightest ocean water odor to it after our 48-hour smell test, which is not something we noticed in previous tests.

Costing about half the price of our top pick, the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is a great choice for those that don’t want to shell out almost $30 for a towel. A major bonus is that unlike most of the inexpensive towels we considered, this one actually comes with an antimicrobial treatment and passed the smell test after being sealed up wet for two days. It’s also comfortable, easy to dry off with, and just as packable as the PackTowl.

It didn’t dry quite as fast as our top pick and that may be due to the fact that some of the water beaded off and remained on the surface before being absorbed directly into the towel. The size we tested (L) is also slightly smaller than some of the pricier options but still big enough to wrap around the average person’s body.

Because it is so inexpensive, there’s the option of upgrading to the XL or XXL sizes for just a few bucks more and still have it come in well below price of most other towels. On top of that, it has a functional carrying pouch that is both breathable and easy to fasten onto a backpack so you can pack the towel damp and hang it to dry when it’s time to hit the road.

That said, though it did well drying our testers at the beach, it didn’t handle sand as well as our top pick, leaving a good amount behind on both their skin and the towel itself. If you’re a serious outdoor adventurer who’s going to be putting it to work against the elements, we recommend a towel that can handle gritty, sticky stuff a bit better.

If size and volume aren’t issues and you’re looking for something more soft and comfortable, the PackTowl Luxe performed the best of the plush cotton-like microfiber towels. Not only did it dry the quickest of these towels, it was good at removing sand from the skin and didn’t absorb dirt and mud into the fabric. It also didn’t have any odor after the smell test. A few of the other thicker towels we tested simply reeked—testers used the term “rotten fish”—after a couple days crunched into a ball, but not the Luxe.

If comfort is a primary concern, this towel feels much closer to cotton, avoiding the slick skin-feel common to many microsuedes and nanofibers. As we did with our pick, the PackTowl Personal, we tested the extra-large “Body” size. Also like our pick, at this size the Luxe is a few inches larger than the others we tested of the same type, measuring 25 by 54 inches, offering that extra little bit of coverage.

It does come with a carrying pouch, and though not as stylish or durable as the Sea to Summit Pocket Towel ’s silicone carrying case, it’s adequate for what it needs to do. We consider this towel a solid option for car camping and day trips, when taking up a little extra space won’t matter.

Although durable and light, there’s an environmental downside to microsynthetic fibers: Every time you wash that gear, small quantities of its fibers are shed, ending up in our waterways and oceans. (Here’s a study from the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management on the issue.) For more about the problem and some advice on combating it, see our article Your Laundry Sheds Harmful Microfibers. Here’s What You Can Do About It.

We tested a standard white bath towel—the Fieldcrest Luxury Solid Towel, which has since been discontinued—that was the same size as the majority of the towels we tested. It performed as expected: It was great at drying skin and was comfortable, but it didn’t pack down and had a bit of a funky smell after our odor test. Surprisingly, it didn’t take that much longer to dry than some of the plusher microfiber models we tested and actually outperformed a few of the towels that are marketed specifically for camping.

Biospired Footprint Towel: This had been our runner-up pick, but the size we tested has cycled in and out of stock. If you do happen to run across one, it’s still a good towel, though. We had also tested, and dismissed, the Biospired Endurance Camping & Fitness Towel and the Biospired Trek Pack Towel; for what it’s worth, those towels also tend to have stock problems.

Matador NanoDry Shower Towel : For backcountry campers and hikers that are concerned about weight, this is by far the lightest towel we tested (2.4 ounces). It performed well, but it is very thin and not as comfortable as the others. We decided it was too specialized to be best for most people.

Outlier Grid Linen Towel : Made of a natural linen fabric, this towel was the fastest-drying towel, and it performed well at the beach. But it doesn’t pack down very small, doesn’t come with a carrying case but rather a thick elastic band, and had a faint smell after our odor test. Those drawbacks made it hard to justify its high price.

Sunland Microfiber Towel  (currently unavailable): One of the least expensive microfiber towels, but no antimicrobial treatment and very average performance.

Sea to Summit DryLite Towel : One of the slowest to dry. Another note of caution, many online reviews have reported a problem with the cobalt blue dye running. We didn’t run into this problem, but we tested an orange towel, so it’s likely the issue is with only the darker-colored towels. Another drawback is that the carrying case comes with a Velcro closure, making it possible to snag the fabric when maneuvering the towel into and out of the case.

Shandali Yoga Travel Towel  (currently unavailable): Average performance, no carrying case, and though it does have a little loop for hanging to dry, most of the towels we tested had a loop with a snap, making them more versatile.

YogaRat SportLite Sport + Bath Towel  (currently unavailable): Though this towel did dry quite quickly and was resistant to odor during our 48-hour test, the lack of an antibacterial treatment gave us odor concerns for people taking it on longer trips. And with no carrying case and a snapless loop, this towel was a few steps below our top choices in convenience.

Sea to Summit Tek Towel : Sand stuck to the towel, leaving it quite dirty. Drying time was slow.

REI Co-op Multi Towel  (currently unavailable, but we're looking into a possible new version): Everything stuck to this towel: dryer lint, grass, sand, and dirt, and even though we tested a darker color, it looked dirty after our day at the beach. It also didn’t smell great after our odor test, and it took over four hours to dry.

Lightload Towel : Not really built to be used multiple times, this towel is made of an almost paperlike viscose material, and although very small, once unpackaged it can’t be squished down to its original size (although it does fit in a smaller Ziploc bag). It is incredibly large though, dried quickly, and would probably perform as an ad-hoc firestarter or outdoor survival tool (non-cleanliness-oriented usage scenarios suggested by the manufacturer). Whether being able to set the world on fire is a worthwhile trade-off with this towel’s lack of odor resistance—it was the worst performer in our stink trial—is something we hope we’ll never have to decide.

Coghlan’s Deluxe Camp Towel (currently unavailable): This is the classic outdoor towel that’s been around campsites for years. Some backcountry campers still prefer these towels because they’re small, lightweight, and cheap, but they didn’t perform as well as the microfiber towels that we tested. They dry very slowly, stink up easily, and don’t feel good against the skin.

Coleman Camp Towel  (currently unavailable): Similar in nearly every aspect to the Coghlan’s towel, just with slightly different dimensions—neither is big enough to really function as a full-body wrap—this model also had the drawbacks of rough fabric, odor retention, and delayed drying. (It appears to have been discontinued.)

Most packable towels are designed to repel dirt and bacteria, so they don’t need to be cleaned after every use. Excessive washing can also break down the fabric and any additional antimicrobial technology the towel might be treated with. So, wash only when dirty and don’t dry your towel on high heat unless absolutely necessary; way better to hang it when you can and let the air take care of it.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Nicholas J. Bruce, Niko L. Hartline, Stephanie N. Karba, Elizabeth O. Ruff, Shreya U. Sonar, and Patricia A. Holden, Microfiber Pollution and the Apparel Industry , Bren School of Environmental Science and Management , September 30, 2016

Mark Knight, product designer for Mountain Equipment Co-opand member of the Outdoor Industry Association , email interview , April 21, 2017

Georgia Newsome, owner and operator of Coastal Bliss Adventure and Kilimanjaro Bliss , email interview , March 31, 2017

Craig Oliver, product manager for health and safety at Mountain Equipment Co-op , phone interview , March 29, 2017

What Are The Coolest New Small Gear Companies? , Outside , January 15, 2016

Anne Trafton, Tiny particles may pose big risk , MIT News , April 8, 2014

Meet your guide

Ebony Roberts

Further reading

The Best Gear for Travel

by Wirecutter Staff

We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

Essential Gear for Traveling Solo

by Ria Misra

Traveling solo is freeing but poses some unique challenges. Wirecutter’s picks help you travel comfortably and securely—and bring home great pictures too.

The Best Beach and Surf Gear: Towels, Totes, Coolers, and More

by Kit Dillon

After six years of relaxing in the sand and playing in the surf, we’ve chosen the best picks to help you enjoy a perfect beach day.

The Best Duffle Bags

After lugging 34 duffles through airports, to beaches, and on weekend trips, we chose seven bags that’ll carry what you need carried in a range of scenarios.

The Best Travel Towel Styles for Ultra-light Packing

Packing , Packing Tips

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

Long-term travelers aren’t the only ones that should pack fast-drying towels. They’re an absolute must-have in my packing list. Find out what’s the best travel towel for you to take on your next trip!

Best Travel Towels

Table of contents.

Many travelers don’t realize how essential a travel towel can be. It comes in handy when hotel towels aren’t up to snuff, or if you take an impromptu trip to a lake or beach. And as they’re quick drying, a travel towel is a must for road trips, camping, and trekking.

We’ve rounded up our favorite travel towels that will work for any traveling situation.

Best Fast Drying Towels for Travel

Venture 4th Microfiber Towel

Venture 4th Microfiber Travel Towel

The travel towel from Venture 4th is lightweight, quick drying, and compact. Whether you’re going to the gym, the beach, or camping, this towel is easy to toss in your bag so you’ll always be prepared for your next adventure. Plus, it comes in an adorable bag.

The high quality microfiber cloth provides an extra soft and gentle feel. Thin and ultra absorbent, this towel will dry you quickly and comfortably without taking up space in your bag or weighing it down.

You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly !

Sea to Summit DryLite Towel

Sea to Summit Quick Drying Towel

This DryLite Towel from Sea to Summit is exactly what you want in a travel towel: it’s soft but compact and quick drying. Available in five sizes from hand towel size up to a beach towel size. Ideal for backpacking, travel, boating or camping.

The microfiber has a super soft, ultra suede finish yet is still machine washable and easy to pack. It’s also lighter than your average towel so it won’t add weight to your luggage.

Packing cubes provide the perfect solution to protect your clothing from dirty towels.

OlimpiaFit Quick Dry Towel

OlimpiaFit Ultra Fast-Dry Towel

OlimpiaFit fast-dry towel , is made with premium material that shares the same smooth qualities as satin. They’re also super absorbent, odor-resistant, and won’t smell after drying. If you’re looking for a packable beach towel or swim towel, give this one a go! This towel is available in three sizes. The small is great for using as a hair wrap, while the medium and large can work as a beach towel or airplane blanket.

Turkish Towels are one so versatile for travel, these are TFG’s readers most recommended picks !

Rainleaf Fast Drying Microfiber Towel

Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

This super compact Rainleaf microfiber towel is made of microfibers and is lightweight and compact, making it a must for travelers, backpackers, and hikers. The fabric feels kind of like that suede fabric and can absorb tons of water while promoting rapid evaporation.

It’s amazing how much this small towel can soak up so much water and dry off your body quickly, cutting down your drying time in half.

Youphoria Sport Multi-purpose Travel Towel

Youphoria Outdoors Sport Towel

On the go and need a towel that can keep up? Try this one from  Youphoria Sport . This microfiber towel can dry up to 10X faster than normal terry cloth or cotton towels. Just hang it outside for a few minutes and you can quickly use it again.

Using the finest blend of microfiber, it’s thin, soft, compact and super absorbent, making it the perfect post workout or shower towel because of its unique non-abrasive feel.

Fit Flip Ultra Absorbent Travel Towel

Fit Flip Ultra Soft Travel Towel

Made from an 80/20 blend of polyester and polyamide, this Fit Flip microfiber towel is thirsty, soft, lightweight, compact, quick-drying and easy to clean. It’s compact enough to bring on your travel, hiking or camping without taking up much space in your bag.

It comes with a convenient mesh carry bag and hanging loop for easy and convenient packaging and drying.

Packtowl Personal Ultra-Soft Towel

Packtowl Personal Microfiber Towel

PackTowl’s Personal Towel is a silky-soft hand towel that’s perfect for the face and body with a microfiber blend that offers unmatched softness on your skin. The antimicrobial treatment reduces odor retention and increases the life of your towel.

This towel can soak up four times its weight in water. Just wring it out and it’s nearly completely dry. We love this towel because you can machine wash it and leave it to air dry in a short amount of time.

BOGI Microfiber Quick Dry Towel

Bogi Travel Microfiber Towel

This  lightweight backpacking towel from Bogi  is the perfect travel towel for any type of traveling. Made from microfibers, it absorbs 3 to 6 times its weight in water while providing comfort and durability. Drying quickly, you won’t have to wait around or carry a wet towel with you as you head to your next destination.

Incredibly thin and compact, its light weight makes it easy to take with you anywhere. The medium size is perfect to take with you on a run or hike, as you can fit it into a small day pack.

Gear Aid Quick Dry and Compact Micro-Terry Towel

Gear Aid Compact Micro-Terry Towel

Rigorous, outdoor adventures call for durable supplies, like this McNett Tactical towel . This towel’s high-density microfiber weave is aggressive yet soft enough to comfortably clean off oil, dirt, and perspiration from your face and body. This can easily double as a medical towel, blanket, or wrap.

One of its most unique features is the s ilver treated microfiber. This makes it not only light weight and super absorbent, but it also inhibits the growth of odor causing bacteria, eliminating the need to wash daily.

Wise Owl Microfiber Sports Towel

Wise Owl Microfiber Yoga and Travel Towels

This Wise Owl travel towel is lightweight, compact, quick drying and soft to the skin – everything you want in a travel towel. This makes them superior to regular cotton towels, especially when traveling or going to your sports practice. As these towels take up less than 25% of the space of a regular towel, they are easy to bring everywhere.

Available in five sizes, the smaller size is a perfect compact size to dry your hair, while the larger size can easily wrap around your body as a full-size towel or blanket.

SportLite Microfiber Hand Towel

SportLite Ultra Light Travel Towel

This towel from SportLite is the official towel of the  Los Angeles County Lifeguard Association, so you know it’s a good one! This towel utilizes 100% microfiber technology, making it perfect for the beach, the bath, airplane, or hiking.

People love this towel because it’s light, super absorbent, fast-drying, travel-friendly, and durable.  It comes with a convenient hang-loop sewn in, so you can hang it up anywhere.

4Monsters Microfiber Travel Towel

4Monsters Absorbent Towel

Gone are the days of using hostel towels, or waiting hours for your bath towel to dry. This absorbent, lightweight, quick-drying microfiber travel towel from 4Monsters is the solution to all your problems.

The microfiber cloth is smooth like silk, while the durable material is antibacterial and odorless. It even comes with a snap hook to hang wherever you want. It is a great travel towel for the beach, hiking, or city stays where you want your own towel.

Which of these is the best travel towel for me? The Sea to Summit DryLite Towel in a blue color, size large. (I’m 5’2″ 110lb and a size large just barely fits around my body.)

Here’s a quick review of the best travel towel options. You can read more about each one in the article above!

Why Should You Pack a Fast Drying Towel?

Here are some specific reasons to consider a quick-drying towel when traveling, whether you’re embarking on a short or long-term trip:

• Instead of packing a regular terry cloth towel on your travels, fast-drying towels take up less room and will dry in a fraction of the time.
• If you have a jam-packed itinerary and you plan to be in a new location every 1-2 days, then you need a towel that can dry quickly. The last thing you want is a wet towel in your bag after a morning shower.
• Fast-drying towels are perfect for beach vacations! Leave the thick, space-guzzling beach towel at home and get an extra-large travel towel instead. They don’t absorb as much as regular towels so they’re also easy to wipe and clear any sand.
• They dry your skin faster than regular towels because they easily absorb moisture. Time is valuable when you’re traveling!
• Budget accommodations such as hostels and guesthouses rarely provide towels. Even the odd Airbnb may only provide a limited amount of towels, so it’s best to have your own!
• They’re great for divers! If you’re a scuba diver this is the perfect way to get dry between dives without packing a thick towel. Fast-drying towels dry so quickly that should be nice and dry on back-to-back dives. If you’re interested in picking up any diving gear, check out our section on this fun and challenging activity!
• If you’re going camping, these are the perfect way to freshen up without adding bulk to your gear. If you want some extra packing tips, see our full category to find help with shoes, clothes, or gear

Note: travel towels are small in size because you can use them as a shammy to dry your body easily. However, if you want to wrap them around your body like a regular towel, then choose a size extra large.

What is your favorite travel towel? Share in the comments below!

For more tips and ideas on travel essentials, please read the following:

• Packing Cubes: Are They Really Worth The Money?
• 5 Flight Essentials For International Travel
• 8 Budget Travel Packing Essentials
• Top 10 Hostel Essentials – Don’t Leave these Our of Your Backpacking Checklist!

LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!

Hope you enjoyed this post on the best travel towels. Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

It would be fabulous ifC this post be updated to 2021 and include dimensions and weight of the towels.

Hi Susan, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us! ?

The Discovery Trekking towel stays soft and feels lovely on your skin. Unlike the other travel towels it is Not made of microfibre. It also smells fresh even when washed infrequently.

My husband and I both travel with a Turkish hamam style towel, a Pestemal. We’ve used them as floor mats, blankets, picnic blankets, towel-towels, and of course, at the beach. It’s our must have! They dry really quickly and are so soft; I’ve never missed a “regular” towel. I appreciate their generous size when unfolded, wraps around my size 12 frame with ease 🙂

They’re awesome! I just lost mine this weekend so I hope to get a replacement very soon 🙂

One important question that too often gets overlooked is how a towel FEELS on your skin when you use it. Can you honestly say that any of these compact travel towels was nice and comfortable to use? Would you actually use them at home after your trip? I challenge you to try a Snappy Towel and see the difference in how our snappytowels.com/collections/microfiber-travel-towels-sport-swim

That’s a great point. The way a travel towel feels makes all the difference.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Pack Hacker is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

13 Best Travel Towels For Any Trip

We’ve compiled a list of our favorite travel towels for your next trip, whether you're looking for a packable quick dry towel, the best camping towel, or everything in between.

Here at Pack Hacker, we review gear of all kinds. From backpacks to tech, we’ve done it all. However, something that we’ve learned while traveling is that a travel towel is a surprisingly helpful tool while on the road.

A travel towel is ideal for adventures where a towel isn’t laid out each morning for you and for trips where you’ll be utilizing Airbnb rentals, hostels, or staying with family and friends. Not having a way to dry off can be uncomfortable, but how do you choose which one to go with?

There are a ton of different materials, models, and sizes out there. Do you go with soft like microfiber or microsuede, or should you opt for a more durable option like linen? What about if you're looking for the best camping towel or a quick dry beach towel? The answer depends on what kind of trip you’re taking and what you’ll do when you get there. In this post, we’ll cover that—and more.

Whether you’re looking for a quick dry towel, something for the beach, or something that can do it all, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

• Matador Ultralight Travel Towel
• Sea to Summit Pocket Towel
• Nomadix Ultralight Towel
• Matador NanoDry Towel
• PackTowl Personal Towel
• Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
• PackTowl Luxe Towel
• Biospired Lightweight Footprint Pack Towel
• Outlier Grid Linen Towel
• Dock & Bay Quick Dry Towels
• Youphoria Microfiber Travel Towel
• REI Co-op Multi Towel Lite
• REI Co-op Multi Towel Mini

Best for: Full-time Travelers

Why We Like It: Best for Saving Space

When you’re heading off the grid, a travel towel is essential to ensure you have a way to dry off after a long day of hiking, a refreshing dip in the lake, or your first shower during camping. The Matador Ultralight Travel Towel is extraordinarily compact, so it can fit into your travel backpack , sling , or hiking daypack when you’re ready to hit the trail.

There are two sizes—a smaller one that’s roughly the size of a handkerchief and a larger one that’s approximately the size of a standard bath towel but skinnier. When compressed in the mesh carrier, the large towel fits into the palm of your hand and can still breathe to air dry while you’re on the go. It takes longer to dry than we’d like, though the size is the most significant factor here. Hypalon tabs on the exterior make it easy to fix it to the outside of your bag when it needs to dry, too.

Why We Like It: Best for Working Out

Whether you’re vacationing for work, play, or something in between, staying in shape while away from home is a great way to stay on your regular routine. Hotel towels can be scratchy and uncomfortable, and not every travel towel is cut from the same cloth (literally or figuratively) to be used in the gym or out on a run. The Sea to Summit Pocket Towel is extremely lightweight once removed from its case, so you don’t need to worry about lugging around a scratchy white rag, and it’s absorbent enough to wipe off sweat after a long workout.

There are four different sizes to choose from, and it’s exceptionally soft, so there’s a model that will be comfortable for everyone. The case is a rectangle, so it’ll pack into your bag easily. It also has quite a bit of branding, which we aren’t the biggest fan of—to each their own. The case isn’t nearly as lightweight as the towel. However, unless you’re a dedicated ultralight one-bagger, this travel towel is a must-add to your Vacation Packing List .

Best for: Relaxed Travelers

Why We Like It: Best for Showing Your Personality

If you’ve been disappointed by the color or design choices so far, look no further than the Nomadix Ultralight Towel. It’s not a very packable travel towel compared to the others on this list, but what it lacks in compressibility, it makes up for in neat designs. With a dozen unique and colorful options to choose from, there’s something for everyone. It’s roughly the same size as your bath towel at home, so you won’t be sacrificing too much surface area for packability. With an 88% recycled polyester and 12% nylon construction, we find the Nomadix is an excellent all-around towel when space isn’t your biggest concern.

Lounge on the beach, have a quick picnic while hiking, or dry off after diving into the lagoon near your Airbnb. Once you’re ready to head out, use the fabric loop to clip it to your pack, so it dries while you walk. One thing is for sure–you’ll have a unique travel towel at the beach!

Why We Like It: Best For Everyday Use

Sometimes you need a travel towel that you can always keep with you. The Matador NanoDry Towel offers just that, with its unique silicone case and carabiner (or a stainless steel key chain on the smaller model) on top, so you can easily take it anywhere. The larger size is similar in size to your bath towel at home but on the thinner side, whereas the smaller model is closer to the size of a bandana.

These travel towels are crafted from nanofiber, Matador’s fancy name for an 85% polyester and 15% polyamide mixture. We’ve found that it isn’t great for drying off entirely after a shower or dip in the hotel pool. Still, it’s a good towel to keep on hand for hikes, long walks across a new city, or for those who don’t mind being a little damp after a swim for the sake of having a minimalistic towel.

Why We Like It: Best For Long Trips

It can be difficult to find a travel towel that can go through multiple uses without being washed, which is essential if you’re one-bag traveling. However, we’ve got a solution for you. The PackTowl Personal Towel has a hook for hanging and utilizes its antimicrobial finish to ensure that microorganisms that cause stinkiness don’t take root within the fibers of your trusty travel towel. It’s crafted from microfiber, so it dries quickly, and you won’t have to wait long before stowing it in your pack.

Coming in at a similar size to what you’re used to at home, it doesn’t feel too small to use as a bathroom towel. Our main issue with the size is that it doesn’t pack down terribly small, but we think that the other features presented by the PackTowl Personal Towel make it a worthy addition to this list.

Why We Like It: Best For Size Variety

At the end of the day, if you bring a travel towel on your next trip, you want to ensure it can handle various tasks. If you fall into this category, the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is for you. It comes in a variety of models, ranging from dish cloth size up to something worthy of sprawling out on at the beach. Plus, there are a ton of fun colorways to choose from.

They’re crafted from microfiber and are pretty absorbent, though we’ve noticed that they can get a little stinky after a few uses, so it’s best to wash them fairly frequently. Whether you’re going to the gym, taking a camping trip, staying at a hostel without towels, or just needing something to pick up messes in between, the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel has you covered!

Why We Like It: Best For Quick Dry

A quick dry towel is a must-have for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and backpacking. Ensuring your travel towel is dry before departing on your next adventure ensures that it isn’t stinky when you use it in the evening or the following day. The Packtowl Luxe Towel dries exceptionally quickly, so it’s a great call for more adventurous travelers.

It’s crafted from a polyester and nylon mixture, making it incredibly soft and enabling it to dry you off adequately after a long hike, jump in the lake, or trek across a rainy city. Multiple sizes and colors are available, so there’s an option for everyone. It isn’t the most packable option on this list, though its features make it a competent travel towel.

Why We Like It: Best For Lightweight Travel

Not every travel towel needs to feel hefty or dry you off completely. Sometimes you just want something lightweight to have on hand should you get caught in the rain, get too sweaty, or spill something on your shorts after a trip to the local cafe. The Biospired Lightweight Footprint Pack Towel is just that, and it comes in multiple sizes to meet your needs. The towels are crafted from micro suede, which is extremely lightweight in your hand.

In addition to cutting mass out of your pack, they’re exceptionally quick-drying, too, so you don’t have to worry about it getting stinky after you wipe up a coffee spill after thinking you saw Mbappé walking across the Louvre. There aren’t many color options, which is a bummer if you like to add a little flair to your gear, but we think the pros outweigh the cons here.

Why We Like It: Best For Durability

Some trips call for durability at every corner, including when you choose a travel towel. If you want something that can handle the bumps and knocks of a rugged trip, go with the Outlier Grid Linen Towel. As the name suggests, it's made of linen, which is crafted from fibers from the flax plant, making it inherently tough so it doesn’t hold on to sand, dirt, and other tiny particles. Instead, unwanted malicious molecules fly off the fabric when you pick it up off the ground.

The strength of this travel towel has its drawbacks, namely in the softness department. It’s still comfortable, though not as much as the others on this list. There are two sizes to choose from, and no matter which you go with, it’ll handle you’re most durable adventures.

Why We Like It: Best For The Beach

For a lot of folks, travel means vacation. To elaborate further, vacation can sometimes be synonymous with sprawling out on the beach with a book in one hand and a drink in the other. To enure the safety of your book and drink, you’ll need a towel to sit on, and we’re here to help. The Dock & Bay Quick Dry Towel is crafted from 83% Polyester, a common synthetic material, and 17% Polyamide, which is extremely durable. It has a classic styling that looks at home at any beach in any decade.

There are several fun colors to choose from, so you can find something that fits your personality. This travel towel excels for lounging on the beach and will work to dry you off, but it's better at the former more so than the latter. The extra large size is probably larger than the towel you used after your shower this morning, and the large model is bang on with the size you’d normally get at a hotel, so no matter which you choose, you’ll have space to sprawl out. Just remember to put on sunscreen!

Best for: Frugal Travelers

Why We Like It: Best For Simplicity

Some people might say that generic is a bad thing; however, when it comes to a travel towel, sometimes generic is all you need. The Youphoria Microfiber Travel Towel is a standard microfiber towel that comes in many colorways and sizes to ensure you can find a match for your style and size needs. There aren’t any extra features to get in your way, but in terms of use as a travel towel, Youphoria has all the basics covered.

It even comes with a carrying case constructed from mesh, so you can let it dry while you’re en route to your next adventure. Whether you’re going across the globe or on a weekend trip, this towel will have your back and won’t break the bank.

Best for: Sustainable Travelers

So there you have it, 13 travel towels for nearly any trip. Whether you’re crossing the globe, hitting the hotel gym, or just going to the coffee shop, these travel towels will ensure you stay comfortable until you return. Who knows, maybe you’ll start using them at home, too!

August 3, 2022

Author: Eric Hergenreder

Eric has been across the globe, but his favorite place to explore is his home state of Michigan. His love for photography has taken him all around the Great Lake State, often writing about his travels so that others can enjoy them, too. Eric loves messing around with analog photography, watching soccer, and searching for the world’s best burger in his spare time.

Best travel towels 2023: light to carry & quick to dry

If you're traveling, pack the best travel towel that's specifically designed for hoarding in backpacks

T3's top three

• 1. Best overall travel towel
• 2. Best lightweight travel towel
• 3. Best absorbent travel towel
• 4. Best all rounder travel towel
• 5. Best large travel towel
• 6. Best fast drying travel towel
• 7. Best attractive travel towel
• 8. Best compact travel towel

Best carry-on luggage 2024: Jump Menu

00. T3's top 3 ↴ 01. Best overall : Lifeventure Hydro Fibre UltraLite Travel Towel 02. Best lightweight : Matador NanoDry Packable Shower Towel 03. Best absorbent : Trespass Wickerman Bamboo Sports Towel 04. Best all rounder : Sea to Summit Tek Towel 05. Best large : Mountain Warehouse Micro Towelling Travel Towel 06. Best fast drying : Bodhi Microfibre Towel 07. Best attractive : Syourself Microfiber Sports & Travel Towel 08. Best compact : Nike Cooling Towel

Looking for the best travel towel? Well, you've come to the right place! It’s adventure time, and whether you’re going to be battling your way through the Australian Outback, rambling through rural China or ascending the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, there’s one item that you can’t forget to add to your kit, and that’s the best travel towel.

It’s quite an unassuming item, but a necessary piece of equipment that you’ll be thankful for on the rare occasion where you can grab a shower or rinse yourself off in a waterfall (perfectly possible). Whether you’re looking for large, small, soft or one that you can take to the beach, you’ll find your next backpack necessity right here in our list for the best travel towel.

If you're looking into getting the best kit for your next trip, make sure to check out the best suitcases or if you're looking to travel lighter, we suggest the best backpacks and best travel bags . If you're travelling with a baby or toddler then we recommend travelling with the best travel stroller .

Lizzie is T3's Home Staff Writer, also covering style, living and wellness. She works closely with Bethan Girdler-Maslen, T3's Home Editor, ensuring all the latest Home news, trends and recommendations are covered. Outside of T3, Lizzie can be found mooching around Bath, attempting (or at least trying to) a new DIY project or spending time with family and friends.

The best overall travel towel

Hydrofibre is the latest advance in travel towel technology. As we mentioned in the intro, it’s similar in texture to a softfibre towel, but it’s much lighter, so you won’t be lugging around more weight than you need to. For its pure functionality, it’s claimed our first spot as best travel towel. 

Read more below

The best lightweight travel towel

This travel towel is the perfect accessory for people who like to travel light. It weighs a mere 160g and can absorb over twice its weight in water. Better still, the nanofibre material dries super quickly - no one likes carrying wet towels in their bags, after all.  

The best absorbent travel towel

If you get weirded out by the idea of drying yourself off with something that doesn’t remotely resemble the texture you’re familiar with, try this one. It’s made from a mix of bamboo and polyester, so it’s highly absorbent, and despite being much heavier than hydrofibre, it is still technically lightweight.  

Best travel towels 2023 ranking

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

1. Lifeventure Hydro Fibre UltraLite Travel Towel

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Hydrofibre is the latest advance in travel towel technology. As we mentioned in the intro, it’s similar in texture to a softfibre towel, but it’s much lighter, so you won’t be lugging around more weight than you need to. 

It’s worth mentioning that this travel towel is treated with Polygiene, which prevents a build-up of odour producing bacteria – after all, a smelly towel won’t hang about when it comes to infusing it’s scent into the rest of your backpack contents. It comes with its own carry case, but reviewers say it’s small enough to squeeze into that last remaining space in your backpack if needs be. For its pure functionality, it’s claimed our first spot as best travel towel. 

• Back to the top ⤴

2. Matador NanoDry Packable Shower Towel

High-performance outdoor equipment manufacturer Matador's NanoDry Packable Towel is the perfect accessory for people who like to travel light. It weighs a mere 160g and can absorb over twice its weight in water. Better still, the nanofibre material dries super quickly, which is a boon when you need to make a move in a speedy fashion after you finish skinny-dipping in the lake. No one likes carrying wet towels in their bags, after all. 

3. Trespass Wickerman Bamboo Sports Towel

If you get weirded out by the idea of drying yourself off with something that doesn’t remotely resemble the texture you’re familiar with, try this one. It’s made from a mix of bamboo and polyester, so it’s highly absorbent, and despite being much heavier than hydrofibre, it is still technically lightweight. 

Microfibre towels can get smelly, but because this one’s made from bamboo, it’ll resist turning on you that much longer – it’ll still need washing occasionally to completely prevent it from becoming stinky.  If you’re looking for a towel that you can take to that desert island inspired beach, this one is large enough to lie on, too. 

The best all rounder travel towel

4. Sea to Summit Tek Towel

Thanks to its microfibre composition, this travel towel should feel faintly towel-like. Microfibre creates a large surface area, which means it’s capable of high absorbency and it’s also much quicker at drying than regular towels, too. 

The large towel is similar in sizing to our bamboo selection above, and it’s lighter in weight if you’re conscious that your backpack is starting to feel heavy. The only downside is it doesn’t have antibacterial properties. 

If you know you’ll be passing through some hostels with washing facilities, that’s fine. But you may want to think about the smell-factor if you’re planning on going completely off-grid for a substantial amount of time.

The best large travel towel

5. Mountain Warehouse Micro Towelling Travel Towel

If you’re conscious about covering yourself up in the all-sex showering unit (we don’t blame you), then this towel is pretty substantial in size. Despite being large, it can be compacted into a corner of your rucksack and the weight, too, is fairly light for a towel so hefty. 

Made from microfibre, it’s towel-like in feel, highly absorbent and fast drying, but it doesn’t possess antibacterial properties like our first and second pick, which means it could become smelly after a while. With a variety of colours available, you can make sure yours is easy to spot when it’s on the line. 

Check our Mountain Warehouse discount codes to save on your purchase.

The best fast drying travel towel

6. Bodhi Microfibre Towel

If you can get passed the fact that this towel has a suede-like feel to it, you’ll love that it’s very absorbent and can apparently dry even in the dingiest of hostels. The extra large size is the largest on our list, and with dimensions of 180cmx90cm, should allow you to completely cover up in the shared shower unit. 

It’s also good to know that it has antibacterial properties, so you can get away with not washing it for much longer than a regular softfibre or microfibre towel. It comes in a range of sizes, and can be squashed into your backpack last minute as you leave the hostel for your next destination.

The best attractive travel towel

7. Syourself Microfiber Sports & Travel Towel

Your list of items to purchase for your next trip is probably endless, so it’s good to know that there’s a cheap option when it comes to travel towels. With it’s fleece-like feel, it may be weird using it to begin with, but you’ll soon appreciate its fast drying and fast absorbing properties, thanks to its softfibre composition. 

There’s a range of sizes available, with the substantial extra large size able to compact itself into the smallest corner of your rucksack. If you’re looking to purchase a towel for washing and a towel for beach, this is the perfect towel for sunbathing on icing-sugar sand. 

The best compact travel towel

8. Nike Cooling Towel

If you’re planning on island hopping and hitting the beach, or trekking through the jungle, you’ll want a towel that’s super absorbent, with a cooling effect. Like its name suggests, Nike ’s Cooling Towel does just this. Engineered to lower your temperature and keep you fresh during a workout, it’s brilliant for hotter holidays as the fabric cools when wet to help regulate body temperature, while its woven texture helps sustain the cooling effect for a chemical-free activation. At 91.3 x 45cm it’s a little bit of a sunny shape, but it is machine washable and you’ll be glad you have it if you’re dripping with sweat on your travels.

What is a travel towel?

First-timers may be asking why you can’t just stuff a towel from the airing cupboard into your backpack , carry-on luggage or suitcase . One of today's best bath towels is not a good choice for travel. Regular towels aren’t designed to be used and then crammed immediately into a rucksack. They don’t dry quickly enough for starters, which means they’ll go smelly and mouldy after a while. They’re also big and chunky, so they’ll take up far too much room and weigh you down more than necessary.

Travel towels, on the other hand, are lightweight, fast-drying, and smaller in size. They’re also highly absorbent, with the capacity to soak up water far quicker than a regular towel. Many have antibacterial properties too, so your towel-drying experience will be damp-free, smell-free and as pleasant as showering in the middle of nowhere can be.

The texture of travel towels also takes a variety of forms. Hydrofibre is likely to be fleecy to the touch, but deceives you with its amazing ability to soak up water quickly then dry really fast afterwards. Softfibre is very similar to hydrofibre in the way it feels, but it’s slightly heavier and can absorb more water. Microfibre is popular because it provides the closest texture to a towel out of all three options. It’s the thickest and heaviest and doesn’t have quite the same drying capacity as softfibre, but is still certainly one to consider.

Get the T3 newsletter!

All the best features, news, tips and great deals to help you live a better life through technology

Lizzie is T3's Home Staff Writer, also covering style, living and wellness. She works closely with Bethan Girdler-Maslen, T3's Home Editor, ensuring all the latest news, trends and recommendations are covered. Outside of T3, Lizzie can be found mooching around Bath, attempting (or at least trying to) a new DIY project or spending time with family and friends.

• Aimée Bradshaw

Don't miss out on The Terminator

By Max Freeman-Mills Published 29 April 24

Thanks to local R&D, the Mercedes on the streets of China can be very different to those at home

By Mat Gallagher Published 29 April 24

The best travel backpacks for everything from weekends away and business trips to backpacking and hiking

By Jamie Carter Last updated 20 December 23

Whether you’re travelling, commuting or in the office, the best power banks keep your smartphone, laptop and everything recharged and ready to use

By Jamie Carter Last updated 15 March 24

T3’s roundup of the best underwater cameras available to buy right now

By Amy Davies Last updated 2 January 24

These are the best travel tripods – compact and lightweight enough to squeeze into a backpack, suitcase or even a pocket

By Jamie Carter Last updated 2 January 24

The best electric scooter can make getting around more fun

By Matt Kollat Last updated 25 January 24

Easy to use and difficult to break – choose the best camera for kids with our handy guide

By Gavin Stoker Last updated 29 February 24

It's time to grab a pair of the best headphones for travel, for long flights, train journeys, and car rides

By Spencer Hart Last updated 2 January 24

Attempting travel with a baby? The best travel cot will make sure you’re suitably armed, and they’re suitably snuggly

By Spencer Hart Last updated 4 January 23

Useful links

• When is the next Prime Day?
• Best 5G phones
• Best VPN services
• Best laptops
• Best smartphones
• Best mattresses
• Best phone deals
• Best mattress deals
• Best TV deals
• Discount codes

Best Travel Towels for your Next Trip

Being equipped with the best travel towels in your backpack is essential for a comfortable travel experience.

No matter if you plan on staying in five-star resorts or run down hostels, a travel towel will also prove useful. Be it for when the hotel’s stocks around the pool run out if you are heading off to the beach or on day trips outdoors.

Some of the best travel towels fold up incredibly small and there are plenty of options out there to choose from, including quick-drying materials or soft folding linens.

Having a travel towel can save you in the worst emergencies or it can simply become your go-to towel for the entire trip, whether you are backpacking or long-distance hiking.

There are a lot of options on the market, so to help you to make the right decision for your needs, here’s our guide to picking the best travel towels.

Top 5 Best Travel Towels

Table of Contents

Quick Answer: The Best Travel Towels

• The Best Towel For Travel: Sea to Summit Pocket Towel – Large
• The Best Towel For Hiking: Youphoria Outdoors Microfiber Quick-Dry Travel Towel 28″x56″
• The Best Towel For Backpacking: PackTowl Luxe Microfiber Towel
• The Best Carryon Towel: Sea to Summit Pocket Towel 
• The Best Travel Towel For Guys: PackTowl Personal Microfiber Towel (Comes in cool colors and patterns for men) 
• The Best Travel Towel For Women: PackTowl Personal Microfiber Towel (Comes in cool colors and patterns for women) 
• The Best Towel For Traveling With Kids: PackTowl Personal Microfiber Towel  (Comes in cool colors and patterns) 
• The Most Packable Travel Towel: Sea to Summit Pocket Towel 
• The Best Travel Towel For The Beach: Sea to Summit Dry Lite Towel (X-Large)
• The Best Travel Towel For Yoga: Youphoria 24-Inch-by-72-Inch Microfiber Yoga/Travel Towel  
• The Best Travel Towel For The Gym: Rainleaf Microfiber Towel, 30 X 60 Inches
• The Best Travel Towel For Camping: Youphoria Outdoors Microfiber Quick-Dry Travel Towel 28″x56″
• The Best Quick Dry Towel: PackTowl Original Quick Dry and Super Absorbent Towel
• The Best Microfiber Towel: P ackTowl Luxe Microfiber Towel

Towel Size Considerations

The best travel towels can be bought in many different sizes and you’ll need to decide what’s really necessary and how much space you have in your luggage.

Most towels marketed towards travelers range in size from XS right up to XL, extra small to extra large. The larger the travel towel, the heavier it is likely to be, and while materials have come a long way in recent years and can these days be easily compressed, a larger towel will still take up more space in your bag too.

If you are planning on staying primarily in hotels, where you are almost guaranteed to be provided with towels every night, then you may just want to bring along a small travel towel for emergencies or for when you are out and about.

You will want a towel on the smaller scale that packs up the light so you barely notice it, such as an XS or S size.

If you are a budget traveler or a backpacker and are going to be staying in accommodation on the lower end of the price range, or even camping out or roughing it, then you will want the larger towels.

Tall travelers will certainly want the XL size, but many travelers get away with the L. Lots of backpackers will invest in both an XS and a larger sized towel, one to use for quick washes and to keep handy when out and about and the other for proper showers or baths, etc.

Material Matters

The most important factor when choosing the best travel towels can be the material it’s produced from. Traditionally, bath towels are generally made from cotton or some blend thereof.

Cotton towels are what you will be used to, however, despite their comfort and versatility, their major downside in the travel sphere is their bulk.

Microfibre technology took off in recent years amongst backpackers and travelers, as the material can be compressed an incredible amount, allowing you fold up and store away the best travel towels using a fraction of the space of a traditional cotton bath towel.

Microfibre materials are also incredibly absorbent but at the same quick-drying, allowing you to dry it off quickly after a swim or a shower before stowing the towel away again.

Microfibre is also said to be more durable than its cotton counterparts, lasting much longer an equivalent bath towel would whilst on the road.

The downside of microfibre is the fact that it is not quite as comfortable to use as cotton. While it is durable, that uncomfortable factor can be enhanced over time as wear and tear get to even the best travel towels.

Microfibre also needs to dry out properly – which it does quickly – or otherwise, it can quickly become unpleasant to leave in your hotel or dorm room.

An alternative to both microfibre towels and cotton towels are linen towels, which are increasingly able to provide a great travel product. The main advantage, as well as the small, packable size, is the soft comfort and the fact that the linen doesn’t retain too many bad smells. You can expect to pay a lot more for a good linen towel, however.

Overall though, unless you have acres of space to spare, microfibre becomes the best choice for travelers in terms of versatility and price, as the best travel towels on the market will hardly break the bank either while providing you with a premium product.

Absorbancy in Essential

For travelers, absorbancy is a key factor, and choosing microfibre towels over cotton will automatically enhance your absorbancy factor by a long way.

This ensures that you are able to dry yourself off quicker, but it also means that the best travel towels in the worst scenarios can also function in other matters, such as drying up spills for instance.

Higher absorbency rates though, also come with their own peculiar disadvantages. Your chosen towel will not only be absorbing moisture and drying things, as it should be of course, but it also absorbs any bacteria that you haven’t quite washed away.

Over time, microfibre towels with high absorbency levels can become to smell rather horrendously, so it’s important to note that you need to dry your towel out properly.

While being very absorbent, microfibre also releases the odors and moisture quickly, but only in the right circumstances. If you fold your towel up before it’s had a chance to air and dry out properly, you’ll have a smelly towel for days, and other travelers won’t be complimenting your gear.

To overcome this, the best travel towels on the market while being super absorbent are super quick drying too, meaning that you should rarely end up in that situation in the first place.

Many of the best travel towels are also treated with anti-bacterial coatings, meaning that while they absorb the water, they also stop the towel from becoming a haven for bacteria and other nasty substances, ensuring that it stays fresher, for much, much longer.

Packing Size

Packing size can be important to consider, especially for long term travelers, as there is no point investing in a microfibre towel if it isn’t also small enough to compress and pack away.

Many of the best travel towels come complete with pouches or soft casings that allow you to really fold, roll or stuff your towel away, making it pack up as small as is physically possible.

Lots of these pouches will come with straps attached or ways to hang it on the outside of a bag, or from a washing line. You’ll also want to check that your actual towel has a sling for hanging it up on washing lines or from hooks, as this can be an added bonus when it comes to drying it out when you are on the road. 

Even if it packs up small, that doesn’t ensure your travel towel will be lightweight, so you’ll want to check just how heavy it is before making your purchase too, especially if you travel with carry-on only luggage.

Best Travel Towels Recommendations

The best travel towels will encompass all the best features that we’ve explained above, but you’ll quickly find that there are a lot of different brands out there offering very similar products that seem to meet the criteria.

To help you to decide which are the best travel towels for your own trip, here are a few of our favorite product recommendations.

Sea to Summit Dry Lite Towel

Sea to Summit is a well-respected name in the outdoor gear department, and they make equally respectable microfibre travel towels too to accompany their wide range of travel and camping equipment.

The Dry Lite Towel does what the name suggests. It’s an incredibly light towel, and it drys incredibly quickly. It’s absorbent, it’s lightweight and they dry quickly. There is a range of colors to choose from and while they aren’t the absolute cheapest option out there, it still won’t break the bank.

• Sea to Summit Dry Lite Towel (X-Large)
• Sea to Summit Pocket Towel – Large

Youphoria Travel Towel

The Youphoria Travel Towel is a great option for those who are looking for a versatile, yet an inexpensive piece of gear that will last a long time. It folds up light, weighs little and can be purchased in a range of different sizes depending on your specific needs.

The company markets their towels as being suitable for anything from hiking and camping to lazing on the beach and even yoga practice. It’s fast-drying, very absorbent and perfect for whatever style of travel you have planned.

• Youphoria Outdoors Microfiber Quick-Dry Travel Towel 28″x56″
• Youphoria 24-Inch-by-72-Inch Microfiber Yoga/Travel Towel  

Rainleaf Travel Towel

The Rainleaf Travel Towel is the perfect choice for a traveler looking to spend a lot of time at the beach. Although they aren’t the lightest or most compact towels, they are incredibly comfy and very absorbent, while also being quick drying.

The biggest draw for beach lovers is the fact that the Rainleaf towels are available in a wide variety of funky colors to suit your fashion needs too.

They are designed not only with practicality in mind, but style too, and for that reason have become very popular with travelers who aren’t perhaps so conscious about the size of their pack, but are concerned about the look. 

• Rainleaf Microfiber Towel, 16 X 32 Inches
• Rainleaf Microfiber Towel, 30 X 60 Inches
• Rainleaf Microfiber Towel, 40 X 72 Inches

For decades now Packtowl has been pervading outdoor lovers an exceptional lightweight, quick-drying, super absorbent and highly packable towels ready for whatever adventure comes your way while traveling.

These are the travel towels we carry and use while out exploring the world. They are lightweight, soft, extremely packable, and ultralight microfiber towels that are great for drying off.

Packtowls are go-anywhere travel towels ready for spontaneous dips in alpine lakes, long treks, beach trips, kayaking or a low-key trip to the yoga studio. You will be amazed at the quality of these towels and the amount of moisture they can absorb and retain while traveling.

• PackTowl Luxe Microfiber Towel
• PackTowl Original Quick Dry and Super Absorbent Towel
• PackTowl Personal Microfiber Towel  (Comes in cool colors and patterns) 

Not finding what you are looking for? Check out our favorite places to go shopping for travel gear.

• Shop Columbia – The industry leader in outdoor apparel and products; You can find anything from great jackets, gloves, hats, shirts, and travel pants.
• Shop REI – They offer some of the best outdoor gear around. We love REI since they have a year Love it or hate it no questions guarantee.
• Shop Moosejaw – Has a huge selection of outdoor gear at killer prices.

More Travel Gear:

• Best Sleeping Bag for Cold Weather – From Africa to Greenland
• Best Drones For Travel From A Real Drone User
• Best Travel Jackets (How to Choose the Best One for you Trip)
• Ultimate Travel Photography Gear List 
• Photography Gear Every Adventure Traveler Should Carry
• The Best GoPro Accessories for Adventure Travel
• Best Travel Rain Jacket to Stay Dry on the Go
• A Man’s Travel Clothing Essential- Bluff Works Pants
• How To Wear A Buff Headwear – It’s Easy!
• Best Hiking Backpack for your Next Adventure
• 85 Best Travel Gifts for Travelers
• Best Sleeping Bag Liners

Did you like this story? Share it!

Travel planning resources, about david stock.

I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

City Guides .\33 a132798-3f3b-4585-954d-7e70cf863447{fill:#231f20}

Backpacking europe packing list — my europe travel packing guide.

A comprehensive packing list and advice for budget backpacking and ultralight travel in Europe — including electronics, clothing, toiletries & accessories.

I wrote this backpacking Europe packing list because packing for travel can often be very difficult—especially for beginners. Many first-time travelers make the mistake of bringing too much gear so travel quickly becomes tiresome. Overpacking can also make you a bigger target for thieves because it’s harder to keep track of your belongings. This packing guide for Europe will help you know what type of clothes and gear you should bring and tips for packing light.

Hey Ladies! Check out our new Backpacking Europe Packing List for Women where I cover women-specific packing suggestions.

This Europe Packing List Includes:

• Quick Tips for Packing Light
• Travel Clothing For Europe
• Travel Accessories and Travel Backpacks For Europe
• Travel Toiletries For Europe
• Travel Electronics for Europe
• What Not to Bring To Europe
• Where to Buy Travel Gear

Quick Tips For Packing Light While Backpacking Europe

First, I suggest  limiting yourself to 20-22 lbs  worth of gear (including your backpack).

If you exceed 22 lbs (10kg), you run the risk of exceeding the carry-on weight limit for budget airlines. Even if weight limits aren’t an issue, I still suggest keeping your weight around 20 lbs for the sake of your back.

Quick Note About Looking Fashionable: I understand that packing light and being fashionable isn’t easy. I’ve written a guide on how to avoid looking like a tourist in Europe to help you dress well while traveling.

Cut The Clothing

Clothing is heavy and most inexperienced travelers bring way too much. There isn’t much difference between packing for two weeks or two months because you can simply do a load of laundry when needed.

• Ensure all your shirts and pants pair well with each other for maximum versatility. Choose dark and neutral colors because they hide dirt/stains better than light colors.
• I prefer dressing in layers if it’s cold. A big bulky coat isn’t practical unless you’re going somewhere extremely cold. A thermal base layer, long-sleeve t-shirt, sweater, and fleece jacket combo is more practical than a big coat. You can always add/subtract layers if needed.  Click here for the Savvy Backpacker guide to keeping warm in the winter.

Cut the Toiletries

Liquids, gels, and creams weigh a lot so packing full-sized bottles of shampoo, body wash, and other personal care items can quickly add multiple pounds to your bag.

I suggest limiting yourself to the basics—you can always buy things as you go.

Cut The Shoes

Many travelers pack multiple pairs of footwear but I suggest limiting yourself to two pairs if packing light is your goal.

Clothing Packing List For Backpacking Europe

Let’s start with clothing since clothes make up a bulk of what’s in your bag.

Travel Socks (5-8 Pairs)

I never skimp on socks when I travel.

Ask any experienced traveler and they’ll tell you the same thing.

I highly suggest spending extra money on quality socks because they’ll help keep your feet dry, odor-free, and blister-free. Unfortunately, nice socks can be expensive but I think they’re 100% worth it—plus, they’ll last for years so you can wear them for a long time.

Experienced travelers recommend quality wool socks—you can get lightweight merino wool socks for the summer and they’ll actually keep your feet cool and dry (heavier-weight socks are better for winter travel).

I overpack when it comes to socks so I’ll bring 6-7 pairs because I like the feeling of wearing a fresh pair every day.

Characteristics Of Quality Socks:

• Moisture-Wicking: Feet sweat and feet sweat a ton when you spend hours walking. Merino wool naturally wicks that moisture away from your feet—which assists in eliminating odor and blisters.
• Fast-Drying: Quick-drying materials can be washed in your sink and they’ll dry in a few hours.
• Odor-Blocking: Quite a few socks have anti-bacterial properties and merino wool does this naturally—even in the summer.
• Cotton Is Bad: Cotton naturally absorbs moisture and holds it close to your skin—which leads to blisters and foul odors.

A quality pair of socks can be worn twice before they start to stink (although you’ll want to rotate the days you wear each pair).

TIP: Switch your socks halfway through the day to keep your feet extra happy.

Recommended Sock Brands:

• Bombas Socks : I’m a huge fan of my Bombas Merino wool socks—I wear them nearly every day (I think I own 10+ pairs). They have a great warranty and I find them well-made.
• SmartWool Socks : SmartWool socks were my first “nice” socks and I’m still a fan.
• Darn Tough Socks : Made in Vermont, this brand of really nice socks will last for years.

Looking for more? Check out our article about our favorite socks for travel . 

Underwear (5-7 pairs)

I typically pack around five to seven pairs of underwear but I might pack a few extras since they don’t add much bulk. I prefer underwear that is made from synthetic materials which are designed to be quick-drying, breathable, and odor-resistant.

Here are some favorites:

• ExOfficio (Synthetic): ExOfficio is the #1 brand of travel underwear—they essentially invented the category. They typically cost around $18 to $25/pair but prices fluctuate. Available on Amazon  and  REI .
• The normal price is $22/pair but they are regularly on sale for around $15. Available at REI .
• Prices vary based on cut/style but you can find them for around $20/pair. Available on Amazon .
• They are a bit pricy at $42/pair but they’re top quality. Available at Wool & Prince .
• They usually run about $25-$30/pair via Amazon

For a more in-depth article about travel underwear, check out  our favorite travel underwear!

Shoes for Traveling Europe

I normally recommend only packing one pair of shoes if you’re traveling light but it is understandable if you want to bring two pairs. Check out my favorite travel shoes for specific recommendations .

You’ll be on your feet for hours at a time while in Europe so you  really  want a sturdy pair of comfortable shoes for sightseeing. These days I opt for supportive and stylish New Balance sneakers (something from their 900-series). But I also like leather sneakers that are comfortable during the day and look nice enough for going out at night. Nike, New Balance, Adidas, and similar companies all make leather sneakers like this.

Some people opt for sturdier “hiking” shoes since they’re usually waterproof and have an all-terrain sole. They’re not super stylish but they are usually pretty comfortable. If you plan on traveling during a rainy time of year, I would suggest this option. On that note, I suggest leaving the hiking boots at home unless you plan on doing some hardcore winter hiking.

Don’t forget a cheap pair of rubber flip-flop sandals if you’re going to stay in a hostel. You’ll want them for the showers. Trust me.

I highly  recommend that you leave your dress shoes at home. While sneakers would probably prevent you from entering any  super   swanky  nightclubs, I doubt most budget backpackers can afford the cover charge + drink prices at those places. And a smart pair of sneakers will get you into most places.

For a more in-depth guide to finding the best shoes, check out our guide to  fashionable and comfortable travel shoes .

Shirts and Tops

Button-up shirts (2-4)

I think long-sleeve button-up shirts are the best option when it comes to shirts (be sure to check out my guide to fashion in Europe for a more in-depth guide on being fashionable while traveling in Europe).

When looking for shirts keep the following things in mind:

• Versatile: Don’t bring fancy dress shirts but a nice casual button-up will work well all day and night. Basically, pick something that will look fine in a church/museum, in a café, and a bar.
• Non-wrinkle: It is hard to keep clothes unwrinkled while traveling so non-wrinkle fabrics are super nice.
• Easy to wash: Stay away from things that you can’t easily wash or that are high maintenance.
• Dark colors : Dark colors do a better job at hiding stains. Plus, most Europeans tend to wear darker colors, so you’ll blend in better with the locals.

Brands & Shirts I Like:

• Bluffworks has a few high-performance travel shirts but they’re a little pricey.
• Uniqlo has a number of cheap but decent-quality shirts.
• The  Outlier NYCO Oxford  ($120) fashionable and functional travel shirts.
• Wool & Prince makes some of my favorite Merino wool button-down shirts and polos in multiple colors—again these are fairly expensive.
• REI has a whole slew of clothes built for travel. Patagonia has a number of nice-looking and high-performance options.

Sweaters (1 or 2)

Lightweight sweaters are nice for dressing up or for cool nights. For maximum versatility, make sure your sweaters and button-up shirts all look good together so you can layer them.

If you’re traveling in the summer, it might be wise to save space by not bringing a sweater.

T-shirts (3 or 4)

While I prefer wearing mostly button-up shirts, I still like wearing T-shirts. They are good for around the hostel, sleeping, wearing under other shirts, and even wearing around town. I usually pack about four solid-color shirts since those are the most versatile.

I usually pack a couple of t-shirts made of lightweight merino wool since wool inhibits odor, resists wrinkles, and dries quickly so they can be worn a few times before needing to be washed. That said, wool T-shirts are expensive so normal cotton shirts are fine.

• Bluffworks has a nice quick-dry Threshold Performance T-Shirt for $45 that’s sweat-wicking and quick-drying. They also have a technical Piton Polo Shirt that’s $68.
• Uniqlo has a bunch of solid-color shirts for under $10. Their “U” line of t-shirts is usually around $15 but they’re made out of nice heavyweight cotton.
• Wool & Prince makes some excellent Merino wool t-shirts and polo shirts that I like. The short-sleeved shirts ($68) long long-sleeved shirts ($84) are expensive but I honestly love the fit and feel. Available at Wool & Prince .
• Unbound makes quality unbranded 100% merino wool t-shirts that come in black, grey, and navy. They cost $65 each — which is fairly affordable when it comes to merino wool. Available at Unbound .

Pants (2 pairs)

I normally only travel with two pairs of pants—usually a pair of dark jeans and a pair of neutral-color pants.

Dark jeans can be dressed up or completely casual—plus, they match everything. You can wear jeans for months without washing them and they still won’t stink. Plus, jeans are a staple in every European’s wardrobe. Some hardcore travelers don’t wear jeans because they are fairly heavy and take forever to dry. While they’re right, I still think jeans are perfectly fine for European travel.

Also, bring a pair of well-fitting neutral/dark color chinos (lightweight cotton). These look nice if you want to dress them up a bit.

Luckily, these days there are a handful of brands that make travel pants that look fashionable but are still durable. They were fairly expensive but they’re nice to have.

Here are a few recommended travel pants:

• Bluffworks makes solid travel clothing that is both functional and fashionable. They have two main styles of travel pants—the Original ($98) and the Ascender Chinos ($125). Both pants are super tough, breathable, moisture-wicking, wrinkle-resistant, lightweight, and they have hidden security pockets.
• Bluffworks also has a pair of super comfortable Departure Travel Jeans that look nice. They’re also lightweight, stretchy, and have a hidden zippered security pocket.
• Western Rise is another company that makes travel-friendly pants that are durable yet stretch stain-resistant. The AT Slim Rivet Pant is their most popular and they retail for $129.
• Uniqlo has cheap travel pants made from high-tech fabrics. The quality isn’t great but they’re cheap.

Shorts: Traditionally, European adults don’t wear shorts but it is becoming a little more common—especially in Southern Europe. I recommend avoiding khaki cargo shorts and athletic shorts because that’s the stereotypical American tourist outfit.

Swimwear:  If you go to the beach, then you’ll need something to wear.

Jackets and Rainwear

Obviously, whether you take a jacket or not will depend on when and where you travel.

• Fleece Jacket – A nice fleece jacket is great because has a great warmth-to-weight ratio. I suggest getting a black one because it will be the most versatile. Patagonia  has a lot of amazing options.
• The Patagonia Houdini weighs in at a crazy light 3.6oz and can be found online for $99. Available via REI  and  Amazon
• Outdoor Research Helium II is another lightweight rain jacket that only weighs around 6oz. It can be packed down the size of a baseball so it’s a nice summer jacket. It is a little pricy at $140-$170. Available via REI  and  Amazon .
• Helium HD Rain Jacket is quite similar to the popular Helium II but it is just a tad heavier at 9oz (which is still insanely light). Unlike other jackets, it has a few extra features like front pockets & pit zips. It sells for around $200. Available via Amazon .
• The Marmot PreCip Jacket is not the lightest jacket on our list (it still only weighs a respectable 11oz) but a bit more durable than others. Price: $100. Available via REI  and  Amazon .
• The Patagonia Nano Puff (11.9 oz) provides a lot of warmth for a light jacket. It’s also more affordable at $199. Available via  Amazon  and  REI .
• The Mountain Hardware “Ghost Whisper” jacket is only 7.2 oz. It is water-resistant, has pockets, and can often be found for under $180 — so it’s a bit more affordable than similar jackets. Available via Amazon  and  REI .
• Uniqlo sells synthetic down jackets for $60-$70. Don’t expect crazy features or ultra-lightweight, but it’s a good budget-friendly option.

Miscellaneous Items

• Sunglasses – Rayban sunglasses are a very classic choice.
• Scarf – Both men and women wear scarves in the summer and winter.
• Hat and Gloves

TRAVEL ACCESSORIES

Here are a few travel accessories you might want to bring along as you backpack through Europe.

Travel Backpack

Every backpacker needs a quality backpack and I’ve written extensively about my favorite travel backpacks . Here are a few of my top picks:

• Aer Travel Pack 3 Review
• Osprey Farpoint 55 Review and Osprey Farpoint 40 Review
• Cotopaxi Allpa 42 Travel Backpack Review

Packing Cubes

Get yourself some packing cubes because it makes backpack-living much easier. Packing cubes are small, lightweight bags used for packing your clothes into separate compartments. I separate items into different cubes — so I’ll put socks in one, underwear in another, shirts in another, etc.

These things make it easy to access all your clothes without having to rummage through everything. They also help reduce wrinkles and they help compress your clothing so you can fit more stuff into smaller luggage.

Here are a few Of my favorite packing cubes:

• Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes
• Eagle Creek Spectre Tech Packing Cubes
• eBags Packing Cubes
• AmazonBasics Packing Cubes

Read a more in-depth review of our favorite  packing cubes . 

TRAVEL DAYPACK

Bring a small backpack to haul around small items like your camera, rain jacket, etc. as you’re out for the day. Ideally, your daypack will easily pack into your main luggage during travel days. Here’s a list of my favorite daypacks to give yourself an idea of what to look for in a day pack.

eSIM or SIM CARD FOR FAST AND CHEAP MOBILE DATA

The cheapest way to get mobile data for your phone is by using a European eSIM or SIM card — this is much cheaper than using your home carrier’s International Mobile Data plan.

For example, an eSIM data plan will cost you about $3/day as opposed to $10-$15/day from your current carrier.

You can read about my  guide to using smartphones and data plans in Europe  but I recommend buying your eSIM/SIM card from  SimOptions.com or an eSIM from Holafly .

TRAVEL TOWEL

A  quick-drying travel towel  is a must because a normal towel takes hours to dry — which is no good when you’re always on the move (i.e. a wet towel shoved into a backpack will make everything smell musty). These travel towels soak up a lot of liquid but air dry in a few hours.

Here are two travel towels I like:

• PackTowl Personal Microfiber Towel
• Biospired Footprint Lightweight Microsuede Towel

SMALL FLASHLIGHT

A small keychain flashlight comes in handy in hostels so you don’t wake up everyone when you need to find something in the dark. They are also nice for navigating dark streets, illuminating your luggage, etc.

My top pick is the Streamlight 73001 Nano Light Miniature Keychain LED Flashlight —this thing is tiny while still giving off lots of light. Honestly, anything from Streamlight is going to be a solid product so check out their page on Amazon .

Jot down phone numbers, directions, addresses, restaurants, spending, etc. in a Moleskine Notebook ,  Field Notes , or  Rhodia notebook. It also makes a nice souvenir after the trip is over.

PADLOCK & RETRACTABLE CABLE LOCK

Keep your stuff safe when you’re staying in hostels. I like the  Master Lock Set-Your-Own-Combination Padlock  because it allows you to set your own combo.

Retractable cable locks  are handy for securing your bag to your bunk or a luggage rack.

TRAVEL SLEEP SHEET

Consider bringing a sleep sheet/sleep sack if you’re worried about the cleanliness of your hostel sheets. The cheapest option is a cotton Sleep Sheet.  Silk Sleep Sacks  are more expensive but they’re lighter, less bulky, and feel great to sleep in.

EARPLUGS & EYE MASK

Sleeping on trains/planes/buses/hostels isn’t always easy so consider packing an  eye mask . Earplugs are nice too (especially if there is someone who snores in your room). These  Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs  are comfortable for sleeping.

WATER BOTTLE

A  basic water bottle  works but flexible water bottles like the  Platypus Soft Bottle  can be rolled up when empty.

TRAVEL UTENSILS

A set of Plastic Travel Utensils is super handy for picnics since most grocery stores don’t provide utensils. I thought this titanium spork was kind of funny.

TOOTHBRUSH COVER

Steripod Clip-on Toothbrush Sanitizer cover works well to keep your brush sanitized by using some voodoo science. Or you can just get a normal toothbrush cover  if that’s how you roll.

DIGITAL LUGGAGE SCALE

A  digital luggage scale  is great for avoiding those costly overweight luggage fees.

PHOTOCOPIES OF IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

Make copies (physical and electronic) of your passport and other important documents. I email them to myself or save them to Google Docs.

ZIPLOC BAGS (MULTIPLE SIZES)

Separate your dirty/wet clothes with Plastic bags. It’s a good idea to put our liquids in a sealable bag in case of a leak. The large 3-gallon bags are nice for keeping your dirty shoes away from your clothes.

One of the best ways to avoid becoming a pickpocketing victim is to wear a  money belt ( learn more about avoiding pickpockets ). I don’t wear one but a lot of people do.

COLLAPSIBLE UMBRELLA

A  travel umbrella  is good in case of rain.

LAUNDRY STUFF

• Sink Stopper:  Pack a simple  Travel Sink Stopper  if you plan on washing clothes in the sink.
• Travel Laundry Soap : Bring some  Woolite Travel Laundry Soap  or  Travelon Laundry Soap Sheets  if you plan on doing laundry while traveling.
• Flexible Travel Clothesline:  A  rubber braided clothesline  is a nice way to air dry anything you need to wash. Additionally, the braided clotheslines are ideal because they don’t require any clothespins — just stick the clothes through the braids.
• Stain Remover:   Tide To Go Stain Remover Pens and individually wrapped Shout Wipes work really well on stains and take up no space in your bag.

LINT ROLLER

Keep your clothes lint-free with a lint roller and stop looking like a slob.

Research the cities you’re going to visit so check out a few  guidebooks . Our favorite publishers are:

• Lonely Planet
• Rick Steves
• Fodor’s

A small  phrasebook  is nice if you want to learn a bit of the local language.

ELECTRONICS PACKING LIST

Technology has changed how we travel so here are a few gadgets to help fuel your addiction to technology.

Quick Note: Europe and North America use different voltages so some American electronics won’t work in Europe. But don’t worry because high-end electronics like laptops, phones, cameras, etc. will all work fine with a plug adapter (see below). I suggest reading our guide to  traveling with electronics  for more in-depth advice about using electronic devices while traveling.

OUTLET PLUG ADAPTERS

Pack a few  outlet plug adapters . Continental Europe uses the same plug except for the UK — technically, Italy and Switzerland use a slightly different plug but the two-prong plugs (like seen above) still work. If you want to be safe you can buy specific adapters for those countries.

This simple set of adapters from  Ceptics  will work fine but you might want a plug adapter with USB plugs since most electronics charge via USB these days.

TRAVEL POWER STRIP

I’ve stayed in plenty of hostels & hotels have limited outlets so a power strip is a worthwhile investment. The Belkin Travel Power Strip with USB ports  is a popular option since it has USB ports but there are plenty of other  travel power strips .

PORTABLE PHONE CHARGER

Google Maps and Instagram will kill your phone battery so pack a portable battery. I use  Anker PowerCore 10000  because it’s tiny and affordable.

TABLET OR LAPTOP

I hate traveling with a laptop but I’m a big fan of traveling with my iPad.

Smartphones have changed travel forever — especially since there are many awesome apps. Here’s a guide to the  best travel apps  if you want to know what I use on the road.

Curious about data plans and using your phone abroad? Check out our guide to using Data Plans and Smartphone Phones Abroad

Having a book to read on those long flights and train rides is great but lugging a heavy book around is a pain. The  Amazon Kindle  is great for those of you who love to read. You can even download a lot of  travel guidebooks .

A pair of noise-canceling headphones are nice for flights and train rides but they’re a little bulky. I really love traveling with my wireless Apple AirPods—check Amazon since they’re often cheaper on sale there.

I also travel with a simple pair of in-ear headphones for airplanes. We’ve written about  our favorite travel headphones but anything will work.

TRAVEL TOILETRIES

Try minimizing the number of toiletries you bring because liquids add a ton of weight. Don’t forget that you can buy pretty much anything once you’re in Europe. Here is a general list of things you might want:

• Shampoo/Conditioner/Body Wash: I pour shampoo and body wash into these leak-proof GoToob travel-sized bottles . If I need more then I’ll buy it in Europe.
• Toothpaste & Toothbrush:  Don’t waste your money on a travel toothbrush — just bring a normal toothbrush and a  toothbrush cover .
• Shaving Stuff (Razors & Cream):  You can find pretty much the exact same products abroad but razors do seem to be a lot more expensive in Europe.
• Deodorant: Deodorant that I buy in Europe never seems to work as well so bring your own.
• Chapstick w/Sunscreen
• Contact Lenses/Solution/Glasses:  Contact solution is actually a pain to buy because it’s normally only sold in pharmacies. Plus it isn’t cheap. I’d recommend bringing your own if you can.
• Condoms:  Some souvenirs are no fun… so it’s better safe than sorry. I’d buy them before you go. Amazon has got you covered.
• Travel Fabric Freshener:  Your clothes will probably smell a bit funky after a while so travel-sized  Febreze To Go  is a good way to stay a little fresher.
• Travel Toilet Paper: Play it safe and pack some travel toilet paper in your daypack.
• Wet Wipes/Baby Wipes:  These are a lifesaver when you actually need them.  Cottonelle Fresh Flushable Wipes  are individually wrapped.
• Hand Sanitizer:  You’ll be touching so much dirty stuff all day, and you don’t want to get sick as you’re traveling.
• Body Powder:  Stop chafing caused by all that walking — especially if it is really hot. Anti Monkey Butt  is our favorite.
• Foot Cream:  Pamper your feet with O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Cream .
• Pepto Tablets:  Be sure to pack some Pepto-Bismol tablets for all that questionable street food.
• Band-Aids: Heal/prevent those blisters with Band-Aids for feet .
• Pain Medicine: Over-the-counter pain medicine (even basic stuff like Tylenol) is only from a pharmacy in Europe. This isn’t a big problem but it’s nice to have a few pills on hand.
• Prescription Drugs:  Ensure you have the original bottle/box in case you’re asked to prove the medicine is yours. Make sure you have enough medicine to cover your entire trip since it might be hard to get any refills.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance can be a great investment if you run into any trouble on the road because it helps cover your travel gear, flights, accommodation, rail passes, medical emergencies, and more. I use  World Nomads  but here is a  guide to buying travel insurance if you want to know what to look for when buying travel insurance.

Stuff You Don’t Need

There are a lot of things geared toward travelers that you probably won’t need if you’re traveling through Europe.

• Sleeping Bag : Sleeping bags aren’t needed unless you are camping or sleeping on someone’s floor.
• Sleeping Pad : Again, unless you’re camping or sleeping on the ground, you won’t need a sleeping pad.
• Water Filter : Europe has clean water so no need for a portable filter.
• Books : Books are bulky and heavy. Many hostels have a collection of books, and you’re normally free to swap. Travelers also swap books with each other.
• Beach Towel : Normal cotton towels take forever to dry and take up a lot of room. If you do bring one, make sure it is dry before you put it in your backpack because a damp towel will make everything in your bag smell really musty. I recommend a quick-drying travel towel .
• Hiking/Backpacking Food : There is no need for prepackaged travel meals. However, I throw in a couple of RX or Cliff bars just in case I get hungry while on the go.

WHERE TO BUY TRAVEL GEAR

There are so many places to buy all your travel gear so I wanted to put together a list of places to check out.

• Amazon seems to have just about everything and the prices tend to be pretty good.
• Zappos  has much more than just shoes — they also sell a pretty good selection of travel gear like clothes, jackets, socks, and backpacks. Their prices are sometimes a bit higher than other stores but their free super-fast shipping and dead-simple returns are often worth the extra cost.
• REI  is one of the largest outdoor retailers and they have a ton of travel gear. A lot of their stuff is more “outdoorsy” but they’re good for things like backpacks, socks, underwear, etc.
• Bluffworks sells travel clothing that actually looks like normal, fashionable clothes.
• Uniqlo is the king of cheap but fairly decent high-tech travel clothing.

More Packing Tips For Europe

Here are some more helpful packing articles that I’ve written:

• The Best Travel Shoes
• The Best Travel Backpacks
• The Best Travel Pants For Men
• Winter Packing List for Europe
• Best Waterproof Boots for Men
• Recent Posts
• The Best Travel Backpacks | In-Depth Buyer’s Guide & Backpack Reviews - April 28, 2024
• Best Prepaid UK eSIM | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 21, 2024
• How to Avoid Pickpockets in Europe — Tips for Outsmarting the Thieves - April 19, 2024

No Funny Business

The Savvy Backpacker is reader-supported. That means when you buy products/services through links on the site, I may earn an affiliate commission—it doesn’t cost you anything extra and it helps support the site.

Thanks For Reading! — James

Questions? Learn more about our Strict Advertising Policy and How To Support Us .

Related Reads

The best travel backpacks | in-depth buyer’s guide & backpack reviews.

A list of my favorite travel backpacks for every travel style.

Helpful Travel Tips & Articles , Packing

Fashion Advice: How to Avoid Looking Like An American Tourist In Europe

Fashion advice to help you look like a local when visiting Europe.

Packing , Product Reviews

Best Travel Shoes — Fashionable & Comfortable Shoes for Traveling

The ultimate guide to the best travel shoes that are both stylish and comfortable.

The Best Hiking Socks For Travel and Backpacking Europe

The best socks for hiking and travel.

City Guides

Choosing travel insurance, travel packing lists, budget travel newsletter.

The best budget travel tips sent straight to your inbox.

Join My Journey

Europe travel tips, advertising & privacy policies.

TheSavvyBackpacker.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

© 2010 - 2024 The Savvy Backpacker

Website Design by FHOKE

Best Travel Towels – Quick Dry, Microfiber, Camping & Adventures

Looking for the best travel towels? Then sit back and relax because you’ve come to the right place. Adventurous trips like hiking, sailing, diving and exploring jungles sound uber fun. The sweat trickling down the side of your forehead and beach sand on your body and clothes are proof of your hard work and victory. But unless you have the right gear, washing off that gunk and muck can be quite a pain.

Whether you’re camping at some of the best music festivals in Europe or beach-hopping different islands in South-East Asia , a good quality travel towel should be one of the top items on your packing list.

But why not just carry a regular towel? That’s because travel towels are so much better than normal ones. With your own towel, you also don’t have to worry about using hotel towels which may not always be clean and sanitized.

Travel towels are lightweight, quick-drying, simple to pack, and can be used for various different purposes. They also come in different shapes and sizes to suit your traveling needs. Most of them are made of microfiber material which allows them to absorb more moisture and air dry faster. The versatility of this product, now a need in the market instead of a luxury, is impressively endless.

Quick Top 5 Travel Towels

Packing in a rush? Here’s a list of some of the best travel towels that cater to different purposes. These towels are my favorite for their premium quality and different functions. Choose the appropriate one based on your traveling style and needs.

• The Best Microfiber Travel Towel – Youphoria Outdoors Microfiber Towel
• The Best Camping Towel – 4Monster Camping Towel
• The Best Quick Dry Towel For Travel – Micro-Miracle 2in1 Quick Dry
• The Best Compact Travel Towel – Olimpia Fit Microfiber Towels
• The Overall Best Travel Towel – Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

Also, be sure to read my guides on the Best Beach Hats and Best Beach Bags for your beach focused travel trips!

The 10 Best Towels For Travel, Hiking & Adventures 

Picking the right towel is important so you don’t waste your money. In this post, you’ll find the top ten travel towels with superhero-like qualities that will save you when you’re sweating or need cleaning up. Even if you’re not headed on an adventure-filled outdoorsy trip, these travel towels will come in hand at beaches, in cities and on the road.

Most of these towels have high absorbency, are antimicrobial, and made of gentle fabrics that are skin-friendly. They’re also fit for compact spaces and dry a lot faster than normal towels.

1) Youphoria Outdoors Microfiber Towel

The best microfiber travel towel.

Youphoria’s microfiber camp towel checks all the boxes when it comes to choosing the most perfect traveling towel. This multipurpose towel has you covered – literally and figuratively!

The travel towel is fast-drying, lightweight, and can be used for backpacking, camping, gymming, swimming and even hot yoga. This magical item can wick sweat and even sand. It can hold up to five times its weight in water and dries up to ten times faster than normal towels. And here’s the best part, the towel is made of the finest blend of microfiber that is thin, soft and compact, giving the towel an extra-soft feel.

This all-in-one travel towel by Youphoria comes with a carry bag and a quick-snap easy hang loop so you can hang it on a towel rack, tree branch at a camping site, or your umbrella at the beach. Choose from three convenient sizes (small, medium, or large).

Read Reviews and Buy Now

2) 4Monster Camping Towel

The best camping towel.

4Monster’s camping travel towel is really the ultimate monster because it fights the real baddies – germs and odor. This microfiber travel towel is made with special anti-germ technology, making it 100% safe and ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and camping.

It’s also more absorbent than normal towels, can be air-dried and reused multiple times in a day, and lightweight to pack in your backpack or wrap around your neck. The professional makers used 100% sterilized fabric and natural plant dyes, so the towel is gentle and friendly for normal to sensitive skin types.

Pretty for a gift too, 4Monster’s camping travel towel comes in a unique carrying case (the EVA box) which protects the towel, saves space in your backpack, and is easy to carry around. Choose from a wide variety of six different sizes (extra small, small, medium, large, extra-large, and extra-extra-large).

3) Micro Miracle 2-in-1 Quick Dry

The best quick dry towel for travel.

Micro Miracle’s 2-in-1 is hands down the best quick drying towel for travel. Hold your breath folks, this towel dries 300% faster than normal cotton towels AND it can dry while it’s folded or sitting in your bag.

Bye-bye, stinky wet towel smell in the car. You’ll never have to worry about waiting for this towel to dry. It’s anti-bacterial, luxuriously soft, and you can choose from a versatile palette of 13 different colors.

The towel is a 2-in-1 combo with an extra-large towel (60×30 inches) and a bonus small one (14×22 inches). Both the towels can fit in compact spaces and come in a carry bag (8×8 inches) weighing less than 11 ounces. The towel is also multipurpose and easy to clean – hand wash it or put it in boiling water.

4) OlimpiaFit Microfiber Towels – 3 Size Pack

The best compact travel towels.

OlimipiaFit’s travel towel pack includes three multipurpose towels in different sizes for the body (51×31 inches), head (30×15 inches), and face (15×15 inches). These towels can be used for backpacking, camping, gymming, sports and at the beach and are super soft and lightweight.

The best part about OlimpiaFit’s towels is that they fold down to almost nothing in the mesh bag that comes with your purchase. These towels can condense in size four times smaller than a towel of the same size.

The fibers are much thinner than a standard towel, making them absorb more water and dry three times faster than other towels. These microfiber towels have the smooth quality of satin, are odor-resistant, skin-friendly, and slip-resistant. We rate these travel towels as an ultimate option for someone looking for an all-in-one pack of towels.

5) Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

The overall best travel towel.

Like most travel towels, Rainleaf’s Microfiber towel is compact, lightweight, fast-drying, skin-friendly, and has high absorbency. It can be used as a travel towel, a sports towel and a beach towel so it serves multiple purposes too. It’s also ideal for outdoor activities like backpacking, camping and swimming.

The towel’s high absorbency rate means it can absorb five times more than its weight. It can be repeatedly used in a short time, making it a good option for multiple uses in one day. It also uses natural plant dyes and has a soft-suede-like feel on the skin and face.

For convenience, while traveling, the towel has a hanging snap loop and comes in a reusable carry bag. Choose from six different sizes and ten beautiful colors, also making for a great gift.

6) Matador NanoDry Towel

Available in three colors, the Matador NanoDry Towel is an interesting concept that looks at travel towels made of fabric other than microfiber.

This towel is made of nanofiber material which is a lighter material than microfiber. It also absorbs 2.3 times its own weight in water, dries faster, and is machine washable.

For convenience, the towel comes in a silicone travel case with a carabiner to clip onto bags when traveling. The towel also has a snap loop for hanging.

7) Nomadix Natural Park Map Towel

If you’re tired of the boring plain solid colors when it comes to travel towels, Nomadix’s Natural Park Map Towel is the one for you. This single-sided towel has a really smart and cool design of the National Parks of the United States on one side and solid charcoal on the other, also making it one of the best travel towels for gifts or holiday souvenirs.

It’s not just pretty on the eyes, the towel also serves multiple purposes. It’s fit for yoga or relaxing at the beach and is made with GRS-certified post-consumer recycled plastic. The recycled polyester and nylon material is not only environmentally friendly but also quick-drying, slip-resistant and super absorbent. The towel is premium quality and won’t stretch out over time either.

8) PackTowl Personal Towel

One more travel towel that’s not a boring solid color, the PackTowl’s Personal Towel comes in eight stunning colors and interesting designs. This towel can be used for multiple different sports and is most perfect for the beach.

Made with a blend of polyester and nylon microfibers, the PackTowl is super soft on your skin. The fabric can absorb four times its weight in water and continues to absorb water even when wet . The towel also dries quickly, has special antimicrobial treatment, and has a snap loop so you can hang it to dry while out.

9) PackTowl UltraLite Towel

Soft, lightweight and quick to dry, the PackTowl UltraLite Towel is another good choice for a traveling towel.

Every ounce counts when it comes to wet towels and even in the largest size, PackTowl’s UltraLite towel is less likely to weigh more than 5.1 oz. This impressive feature is due to the towel’s super absorbent microfiber fabric which soaks up to four times its weight in water and is quick to dry. In fact, it dries 80% faster than most same-sized cotton towels.

The towel has a hanging loop and is machine washable. It also comes in a zipped storage pouch for easy packing.

10) REI Co-op Multi Towel Lite

On the hunt for an extra-large towel that is still lightweight when packing? The REI Co-Op Multi Towel is designed to pack small and next to nothing.

Measuring 25×54 inches, it’s large enough to wrap your body after a swim and weighs only 6.4 ounces. The towel is suitable for camping and the beach. It easily wrings out almost completely, allowing it to also dry faster. The towel comes in a small carry pouch and has a quick-attach loop so you can hang it wherever you need to for it to dry.

Other Recommended Reading

If you’re headed for a trip some time soon to attend a music festival, or just anywhere in America, check out my list of festival essentials, the best music festivals to visit before you die, and the most incredible Airbnbs to stay at. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

• 44 Festival Accessories, Gear & Must Haves | Festival Packing List
• The 10 Best Festival Hydration Packs, Rave Backpacks & Camelbaks
• Best Beach Hats | 10 Amazing Summer Hats for Optimal Sun Protection
• Best Beach Bags | 9 Incredible Beach Totes & Backpacks
• Best Camping Canopy | Essential Pop Up Tents for Your Next Adventure
• Top 15 Liveaboards in the Caribbean: Bahamas, Mexico, Cuba & More

Photography Gear

• Top 6 Stunning Black Sand Beaches in Iceland (2021 Edition)
• THE ULTIMATE MUSIC FESTIVAL CAMPING LIST | Festival Essentials
• 7 Music Festivals in Central America To Experience Before You Die [2020]
• The 20 Best Music Festivals in NEW YORK To Experience Before You Die

So Which Travel Towel Are You Investing In?

So there you go folks, a comprehensive list of some of the best travel towels to invest in. Now it’s your turn to pick the most suitable one for you! Consider your travel style, needs and budget before picking the most suitable one for you.

Travel towels are an important traveling essential and you want to ensure you have a good-quality one to stay clear and refreshed. A pair of facial and bath towels together will make all the difference in your traveling experience. And once you start using them, you’ll never catch yourself traveling without one.

Planning a camping trip? Check out my list of some of the best camping canopies .

THANKS FOR READING MY TOP PICKS FOR THE BEST TRAVEL TOWELS!

SHARE THESE TOWELS WITH YOUR TRAVEL BUDDIES SO THEY CAN ALSO INVEST IN GOOD QUALITY!

Work With Me

Privacy Policy

Destinations

Music Festivals

Travel Itineraries

Inspiration

Travel Gifts

Southeast Asia

• svg]:stroke-primary"> 826K
• svg]:stroke-primary"> 622K
• svg]:stroke-primary"> 246K
• svg]:stroke-primary"> 45K

The Best Hand Towels of 2023

By Jasmine Harding

Updated on May 11, 2023 3:56 PM EDT

13 minute read

Best Overall

Superior solid egyptian cotton hand towel set, best bang for the buck, white classic wealuxe home collection hand towels, best turkish cotton, smyrna turkish cotton original series hand towels.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

Hand towels are an essential item in any home. As their name suggests, they’re primarily used to dry hands, but they can be used to dry other surfaces or even clean up messes in a pinch.

Since hand towels are often used multiple times a day, it’s worthwhile to buy a set that is durable and feels comfortable to use. Options are available in a range of different materials and styles, ranging from budget-friendly polyester towels to luxurious decorative options. They also range in size; hand towel dimensions usually measure between 18 to 30 inches long by 15 to 25 inches wide. Whether you need to outfit a new home or to upgrade old towels, we’ve rounded up the best hand towels for bathroom use and other household tasks.

• BEST OVERALL: Superior Solid Egyptian Cotton Hand Towel Set
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: White Classic Wealuxe Home Collection Hand Towels
• BEST TURKISH COTTON: Smyrna Turkish Cotton Original Series Hand Towels
• BEST QUICK-DRYING: Everplush Diamond Jacquard Hand Towels
• BEST LUXURY: Brooklinen Super-Plush Hand Towels
• BEST DESIGNS: SKL Home Hand Towel Set
• BEST WAFFLE WEAVE: Onsen Waffle Hand Towel
• BEST SET: White Classic Luxury Hotel Collection Hand Towels

How We Chose the Best Hand Towels

As such a high-usage item, quality hand towels are worth the investment. Since there are affordable options, they don’t need to break the bank either. To parse out the best towels from the rest, we considered the hand towel material, construction quality, and price. We also considered the towel’s softness, texture, absorbency, and how quickly it dries, based on both the towel type and shopper reviews.

We prioritized towels made from high-quality 100 percent cotton since it balances softness, affordability, and durability. We did also include some other materials if they had perks, like a faster drying time or a lighter weight. Hand towels can be a lovely decorative accent in a bathroom, so we made sure our top picks look nice as well.

Our Top Picks

A must-have accessory in any bathroom, the best hand towels ahead feel pleasant in hand and are long lasting to hold up to everyday use.

Irresistibly plush is one way to describe the Superior Solid Egyptian cotton hand towel set. This set includes four thick hand towels made of 100 percent Egyptian cotton that is soft and pleasant to touch. Each towel measures 30 inches long by 20 inches wide and has a weight of 800 grams per square meter (GSM), putting them in the same league as fluffy spa-like towels. For more details on GSM, read the Texture section that appears below our product reviews.

These towels look as nice as they feel. A range of 23 colors is available, including a classic plain white as well as several solid colors. To add a decorative edge, the towels have a textured rope border. Though they feel luxurious, cleaning these towels is easy since they’re colorfast, machine washable, and dryer-safe on low.

Product Specs

• Size: 30 inches long by 20 inches wide
• Number of towels: 4
• Material: Egyptian cotton
• 800-GSM weight gives these towels a dense ultraplush and fluffy texture
• Easy to clean since they’re colorfast, machine washable, and dryer-safe on low
• Plush appearance with several solid color options and a textured rope border on each towel
• Some reviewers found the towels left a lot of lint in the washer and dryer

Get the Superior hand towels at Amazon .

Affordable but still high quality, the White Classic Wealuxe hand towels are an excellent set for shoppers who need a bulk pack of hand towels. This set includes 12 white hand towels, ideal for use in the bathroom or as a gym or spa towel. Each towel measures 27 inches long by 16 inches wide and is made of 100 percent cotton that is both soft and durable.

Built to last for heavy uses, the towels are double stitched to prevent them from fraying. They’re machine washable for easy maintenance and are also processed to be lint-free and fast drying. These features make this bulk hand towel set excellent for both personal and professional use.

• Size: 27 inches long by 16 inches wide
• Number of towels: 12
• Material: Cotton
• Includes 12 towels for a reasonable price; ideal for bulk buyers
• Double-stitched hems are constructed for long-lasting durability
• Bright white color is classic; suitable for both personal and professional settings
• Some users note that the texture is less fluffy and thinner than they appear in brand photos

Get the White Classic Wealuxe hand towels at Amazon .

The Smyrna Turkish Cotton Original Series hand towels are part of our top picks for the best Turkish towels because of their quality material and appealing design. Two hand towels are included in this set, each measuring 40 inches long by 16 inches wide and made of 100 percent Turkish cotton. This supple material gives the towels a soft and lightweight texture that’s also fast drying, perfect for heavy-traffic bathrooms.

These towels look as nice as they perform, with a decorative pattern and handmade tassels. They’re machine washable and prewashed so they won’t shrink after their first wash at home. A variety of colors is available to suit almost any bathroom decor.

What Our Team Says: Bob Vila Assistant Editor and product tester, Michelle Larson, says, “These are the softest hand towels I own. They’re my “fancy towels”, so I put them out when we have friends over. They’re much longer than a standard hand towel and super absorbent, so I especially love using them in the kitchen for big spills or hand-drying dishes.” Product Specs

• Size: 40 inches long by 16 inches wide
• Number of towels: 2
• Material: Turkish cotton
• Colorful pattern and handmade tassels add a decorative touch
• Machine-washable construction that is prewashed to prevent shrinkage
• Extra-long design means a larger surface area for hand drying and other uses
• Some reviewers note the towels can leave lint on hands

Get the Smyrna hand towels at Amazon .

Best Quick-Drying

Everplush diamond jacquard hand towels.

A lot of hand towels claim to be fast drying, but the Everplush Diamond Jacquard hand towels have some distinctive qualities to back up such claims. Instead of just cotton, this towel set is made from cotton and microfiber. Cotton outer loops give this towel its soft feel, while microfiber inner loops soak up water and then dry quickly. This construction makes the towels lightweight and gives them a plush texture. It also gives the towels their quick-drying and absorbent capabilities—each one can absorb eight times its weight in water.

This set includes four towels measuring 30 inches long by 16 inches wide. They’re machine washable and dryer-safe on low heat for easy cleaning. They look nice too with a subtle tonal jacquard pattern.

• Size: 30 inches long by 16 inches wide
• Material: Cotton, polyester, and polyamide
• Cotton and microfiber construction makes these towels very quick drying
• Feels like soft cotton but performs like microfiber
• Very absorbent, absorbing up to 8 times its weight in water
• Due to weave and microfiber material, the towels can trap debris such as lint and hair

Get the Everplush hand towels at Amazon , Lowe’s , or Everplush .

Best Luxury

Brooklinen super-plush hand towels.

Another high-quality hand towel set, the Brooklinen Super-Plush hand towels are an excellent choice for shoppers looking to bring the luxury of spa towels home. This set includes two white hand towels made from 100 percent Turkish cotton with a hefty weight of 820 GSM, so they’re ultraplush and soft. These long-staple cotton towels are constructed from a durable z-twist weave to help the towel fibers resist pilling and pulling.

Each towel measures 30 inches long by 20 inches wide and is suitable for use in the bathroom and beyond as a luxury spa or wellness towel. Other colors are also available for those who like to add a pop of brightness to the bathroom. To maintain these towels’ luxurious feel, they do require a bit of extra upkeep. They shouldn’t be bleached, and Brooklinen recommends machine washing these towels on cold and tumble drying on low.

• Ultraplush, luxurious, and dense texture, with an 820 GSM weight
• Uses long-staple Turkish cotton, which is soft but also durable
• Constructed with a z-twist weave to improve longevity
• More high maintenance than some other towels; can’t be bleached and requires cold-water washing

Get the Brooklinen hand towels at Amazon or Brooklinen .

Best Designs

Skl home hand towel set.

Give guest bathrooms (or any bathroom, really) an appealing finishing touch with this adorable hand towel set from SKL Home. Two towels are included, and each white hand towel is made from 100 percent cotton with a terry cloth texture. Absorbent and soft, they feel nice to the touch and look charming as well.

Each towel features a detailed embroidered pattern that makes them look right at home in any well-appointed cozy bathroom. The cute embroidered accents also make this small hand towel set a great one for gifting. To maintain their soft texture and embroidered detail, these towels should be machine washed in cold water.

• Size: 25 inches long by 16 inches wide
• Cotton construction with a soft and absorbent terry cloth texture
• Available in a variety of designs and colors to match most bathroom decor
• Detailed embroidery adds an endearing decorative touch
• Should be washed in cold water, so may not be suitable for washing with other towels

Get the SKL Home hand towels at Amazon , The Home Depot , Target , Tractor Supply Co. , or SKL Home .

Best Waffle Weave

Onsen waffle hand towel.

With an appealing waffle-weave texture and deep color, the Onsen hand towel performs beautifully and looks trendy. This hand towel is made from strong Supima cotton, which gives it excellent durability and absorbency. The waffle weave allows it to dry quickly as well, so this towel is excellent for busy bathrooms.

The Supima cotton material and open weave give this towel a luxurious look without the need for extra thickness and fluff. The towel measures 30 inches long by 16 inches wide and comes in a range of attractive neutral colors that are well suited for modern bathrooms. Onsen also sells bath towels and face cloths in this same material for shoppers who want to make a matching set.

• Number of towels: 1
• Material: Supima cotton
• Waffle-weave pattern looks nice and is fast drying
• Supima cotton material is soft, durable, and absorbent
• Available in a range of trendy, deep neutral colors to suit modern decor
• Does not feel plush or fluffy; some users may find the texture scratchy

Get the Onsen hand towels at Amazon or Onsen .

White Classic Luxury Hotel Collection Hand Towels

It’s hard to go wrong with this six-piece hand towel set from White Classic. These towels from the Hotel Collection look like they belong in a hotel or spa. They are available in a variety of colors, including a timeless white, and have a decorative textured stripe. Each hand towel is 30 inches long by 16 inches wide and made from 100 percent combed cotton. The combed texture gives the towels a soft and absorbent feel, and since they’re cotton, they’re also durable and reasonably quick drying. To hold up to heavy use, these towels have reinforced edges to prevent fraying.

• Number of towels: 6
• Hotel-quality look and feel with combed-cotton construction and a textured border
• Reinforced edges make these towels durable enough for home and professional settings
• White hand towels are bleach-safe; great for maintaining bright white color and sanitizing
• Some users note that some colors aren’t true to their description

Get the White Classic Luxury Hotel hand towels at Amazon .

Jump to Our Top Picks

What to consider when choosing hand towels.

While a hand towel is generally a straightforward product, there are a lot of factors that can go into choosing the best hand towels for a home. Since they are handled every day (often multiple times a day) and can last up to 5 years, it’s worthwhile to put some thought into buying a good set. With personal preferences and budget in mind, consider the towel’s absorbency, drying time, material, texture, and washability, which we break down ahead.

Material 

Some shoppers like a plush extra-fluffy towel while others prefer a thinner moisture-wicking option. There’s no “perfect” towel for everyone, so shop according to your preferences, starting with the towel material.

• Cotton: When it comes to material, cotton is a favorite for very good reason. Cotton is a natural material that balances a soft texture with performance and affordability. Long-staple or extra-long-staple is ideal. These terms refer to the length of the cotton fiber. Longer fibers are smoother and more flexible, which means they feel soft and are more durable. Egyptian, Pima, Supima, and Turkish cotton towels all have an excellent reputation (and the good-quality ones are at least long-staple). Also, look for combed or ring-spun cotton, which are refined to create a smoother texture.
• Linen: Another natural material, linen is a thinner, lighter weight, absorbent, and durable alternative to cotton that also feels luxe.
• Bamboo: Made from the bamboo plant, bamboo fabric is soft and absorbent, though it can tend to dry more slowly than other popular materials.
• Microfiber: A synthetic material, microfiber is very lightweight and absorbent, plus it dries very quickly. It’s durable and thin, so it’s a great material for both everyday use and for travel .

Good hand towels are absorbent, wicking water away from surfaces to get them dry. Towel absorbency doesn’t always correlate with thickness, though generally higher GSM towels are more absorbent. Consider the towel’s material and texture as well when evaluating absorbency.

One hundred percent cotton hand towels have an excellent reputation for being absorbent, as do microfiber towels. Certain textures, like waffle weaves and terry cloth towels, also do well at absorbing water. When considering plush towels, a longer staple (long-staple or extra-long-staple) is better at absorbing water than shorter staples. For a lightweight towel, waffle weaves tend to be the most absorbent.

Drying Time 

To prevent mold, mildew, and bacteria growth, it’s important to consider how quickly the towels will dry. Drying time can be influenced by the environment as well, like the frequency of use and humidity in the room. Choose a towel that can dry quickly in your given environment.

As expected, thinner towels tend to dry faster, so that’s the first attribute to consider. Certain materials dry more quickly as well, such as thin cotton and microfiber towels. Also, consider towel texture; for example, waffle weaves are both absorbent but also fast drying because of their thinner weaved texture. Hanging hand towels on a bar instead of a hook can help improve drying time for all towels.

The ideal hand towel texture comes down to personal preference. Some people like a plush and fluffy towel, while others like a thinner, textured feel. Denser and thicker towels tend to have a softer and fluffier texture while thinner towels may feel scratchier or smoother, depending on the material. Most towels soften with continued use.

Some hand towel manufacturers also share the weight of the towel, measured in GSM. This metric describes the towel density, which often ranges between 300 and 900 GSM. The higher the number, the denser, heavier, and fluffier the towel. For that ultrafluffy feel, go for a high GSM hand towel—a luxurious spa-like towel will start at around 800 GSM, while medium-weight towels are around 400 to 600 GSM. Thicker towels tend to be more expensive. Thinner, lower GSM towels are lighter, not as fluffy, and tend to dry faster.

Washability 

Like kitchen towels , hand towels should be washed frequently. They should only be used for a couple of days before swapping out for a clean one. Almost all hand towels are machine washable. Ideally, hand towels should be washed in hot water, which is the most hygienic option, though some more delicate towels may require a different water temperature. Because hand towels need frequent washing, durability is a major factor to consider when shopping for them.

To hold up to the wash cycle, the towel should be well stitched. Look for reinforced stitching or double-stitched corners, and read user reviews to get an idea of durability. Keep in mind that decorative trims like tassels can be more fragile or may not hold up nicely to many washes. Also, thicker hand towels are larger, so they’ll take up more space in both the washing machine and storage closet.

FAQs  

It’s worth it to invest in good hand towels; they’re more eco-friendly than disposable bathroom napkins and look a lot nicer, too. Even with frequent usage, the best hand towels can hold up for many years with proper cleaning and care. If you’ve found a hand towel set you love (or you’ve found the perfect decorative hand towels for guest bathroom use), why not take the steps to make them last? The tips ahead can help keep hand towels performing and looking their best.

Q. Where should I dry my hand towels?

The towel’s care label explains how to best wash and dry it. After washing them, and if the care label indicates, place the hand towels in the dryer at the recommended setting. Another alternative is to hang dry the towels. Make sure hand towels are completely dry before storing them.

Q. How do I wash my hand towels?

Wash your hand towels according to the care label directions. Most hand towels are machine washable and dryer-safe. Wash and dry at the highest temperature the towel can tolerate to better remove dirt and germs. To prevent cross contamination, discoloration, or other damage, wash hand towels with other bath towels and facecloths of like colors.

Q. How do I keep hand towels soft all the time?

Want to revel in having the softest towels possible? Using distilled white vinegar in the wash can help keep hand towels nice and soft. Opt for vinegar instead of fabric softener; fabric softener can leave a residue on towels that can make them less absorbent and scratchier-feeling over time. Adding ½ to 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle helps break down buildup on the towels. Also, dry hand towels in the dryer (as opposed to hang drying) to fluff them up and make them feel more soft and supple.

Q. Do I need to add bleach when washing hand towels?

It’s not necessary to add bleach when washing hand towels, but it can come with some benefits (as long as the towels are safe to bleach). Chlorine bleach can help sanitize towels and make white hand towels whiter. Oxygen bleach can also help brighten towels without the risk of the towels discoloring, which can occur when using chlorine bleach on colored towels.

Why Trust Bob Vila 

Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.

Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.

• South Africa
• Turkmenistan
• South Korea
• Philippines
• Timor Leste
• Afghanistan
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Northern Ireland
• Isle Of Man
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• North Macedonia
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Czech Republic
• Antigua And Barbuda
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Dominican Republic
• Puerto Rico
• Saint Barthelemy
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Martin & Sint Maarten
• Trinidad And Tobago
• Turks And Caicos
• US Virgin Islands
• Falkland Islands
• French Guiana
• El Salvador
• United States
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Cook Islands
• French Polynesia
• Accessories
• Bags & Backpacks
• Horseback Riding
• Photography
• Maintenance
• Airport Hotels
• Bed & Breakfast
• Budget Hotels
• Business Hotels
• Family Friendly Hotels
• Gay Friendly Hotels
• Luxury Hotels
• Pet Friendly Hotels
• Pool Hotels
• Romantic Hotels

13 Best Quick-Dry Towels for Travel

• Travel Gear
• 13 Best Quick-Dry Towels for…

While packing for a trip, you’ll need a few essentials. With that in mind, we’re sure you’ll agree that a travel towel is essential. Quick dry towels for travel are necessary for your trip. Whether you’re taking a road trip or vacation, you need them. Towels that dry quickly are a must-have when traveling. You can carry them about with ease because they’re so light.

Depending on the material, these options for a quick dry towel for travel can dry up in minutes. Cotton towels dry quickly enough to be reused multiple times. However, the perfect towels are those made of microfiber. Their suppleness and softness make them an excellent choice for a quick-drying towel. When picking up these towels, you don’t have to worry anymore. We’ve outlined the 13 best quick dry towels for travel for your convenience. We are sure you will make an incredible choice.

Table of contents

Snailman microfiber travel towel, olimpiafit quick dry towel, faleya.wzw microfiber camping travel towel, beach towels oversized, microfiber eagles american flag beach towel, youphoria microfiber travel towel fast drying lightweight, sand proof microfiber beach towels adult, syourself 2 pcs quick dry towel, super absorbent microfiber travel towel, flow hydro sport towel – microfiber quick dry swimming towels, chars quick dry beach towel double-sided printed microfiber, jml microfiber bath towel 2 pack, scorchedearth microfiber travel & sports towel set, gilden tree waffle towels quick dry lint free thin, exclusivo mezcla microfiber quick dry beach towel, nature of material, which towel dries most quickly, what does quick-dry mean on towels, how quickly do towels made of microfiber dry.

The Snailman Microfiber Travel Towel is a great travel towel because of its lightweight and ability to dry fast. This quick dry towel for travel will not take up a lot of room in your luggage. When folded, this towel takes up 70% less space than a regular one. If you soaked this towel to the brim, it would dry in no time! Double the drying time of a regular towel.

Taking it on a trip is a must-have item of clothing. It’s packaged in a handy bag, so you don’t have to worry about transporting it. In addition, a hang snap loop allows you to dry it wherever and whenever you choose. The list of the best quick dry towels for travel won’t be complete without this towel.

• Highly absorbent
• Lightweight
• Antimicrobial properties
• Air drying only

This towel set is meant to keep up with you in the gym, at the beach, or at a swimming pool. Quick-drying microfiber fabrics are used in the OlimpiaFit Quick Dry Towel . It comes with a mesh bag that may be hung on a wall. This makes it easy to transport and keep off the ground.

In addition, it dries quickly and absorbs four times as much as a conventional towel. When you’re done using this towel, it’s already dry. That’s not all! It’s also made of odor-resistant and breathable fabrics. This is an indispensable travel quick dry towel for your trip. Also, in the event that you don’t dry it right away, it won’t stink. If you want one of the best quick dry towels for travel, you should add this to your cart.

• Easy to store
• Soft texture
• Dries quickly
• Careful with the bag zip

The FALEYA.WZW Microfiber Camping Travel Towel is a reusable towel made from superior microfiber dyed with natural plant dyes. It’s not prone to deformation or fading. What if I told you something interesting? You can buy a 30″x60″ towel and get a 32″x16″ and a 16″x16″ towel for the same price. Most other companies will just provide you with one or nothing at all. This three-towel-in-one package provides the ultimate level of comfort whenever you need it. A perfect travel quick dry towel for all your trips and adventures.

Further, as soon as it becomes wet, it dries quickly. Apparently, it soaks up water up to five times its weight. It also features a quick-drying technology that makes it possible to dry in 10 minutes. It’s undeniably top-notch in comparison to other quick dry towels for travel.

• Dries really fast
• Has multiple sizes
• Microfiber material
• Lightweight design
• Only three sizes

This beach towel unfolds to a generous 30″x60”, making it large enough for both adults and children. The Beach Towel Oversized Microfiber Eagles American Flag Beach Towel can be used indoors and outside. Unlike cotton, this quick dry towel for travel is softer and thinner than most other fabrics. For the same amount of space as a standard beach towel, it’s incredibly Sandproof.

Regarding the 3D design on the towels, you don’t have to worry about it fading away. This travel quick dry towel features high-definition printing making the colors more vibrant and long-lasting.

• Quick drying
• Very lightweight
• Easy to pack
• Only one size

Consider this towel if you desire to purchase at least one of the best quick dry towels for travel. In inches, the Youphoria Microfiber Travel Towel Fast Drying Lightweight comes in three sizes: 20×40, 28×56, and 32×72. For a lightweight camping towel or a compact pack towel, Youphoria is here to help you. Obviously, a perfect quick dry towel for travel like this is made of microfiber material. This makes it possible to move it around easily.

Similar to others, it dries really fast as well. Its water-holding capacity is five times more than its own weight. For drying purposes, it may dry ten times faster than cotton material. It also features a quick-snap hang loop, making it simple to hang it up after use.

• Zipper case for holding a towel

Sand Proof Microfiber Beach Towels Adult are constructed of high-quality microfiber that quickly wicks away water. It’s safe for the environment and doesn’t emit any odor. It’s just the right size for adults and children alike. This quick dry towel for travel is made of similar cotton material, but it’s softer and thinner than a cotton towel. It’s quite different from a conventional beach towel. In other words, this towel is designed to make it easy to remove sand off the surface of the fabric. Also, it dries fast because of its small weight and compact design.

You’ll love this towel if you’re a fan of vibrant colors and patterns. Among the best quick dry towels for travel, this towel stands out. It also has a beautiful design on both sides. Despite its rough structure, this quick dry towel for travel feels soft against the skin. It’s extremely gentle and doesn’t crunch. We have you covered if you also desire a good towel for your car seat while traveling.

• Colorful designs
• Anti-microbial properties
• Great water absorption

With its ultra-thin construction, the SYOURSELF 2 PCS Quick Dry Towel dries in record time. It is soft and skin-friendly. This is possible due to the microfiber material used to make the garment. As a traveler, you need a quick drying towel with excellent water absorption capabilities. What makes a good quick dry towel for travel is its ability to dry fast and absorb water. The water absorption and diffusion pier allow it to dry more quickly. The microfiber travel towel absorbs four to eight times as much water as the typical microfiber towel and 5-7 times as much water as a regular towel.

The SYOURSELF travel quick dry towel includes a snap-for loop and may be folded into a small size too. The list of the best quick dry towels for travel can’t be complete without this towel. Further, you should know that you can also put it in a mesh bag to keep it cool always.

• Comes with a breathable mesh bag
• Dries very fast
• Stiffer than other microfiber towels

With their excellent quality, the Flow Hydro Sport Towel – Microfiber Quick Dry Swimming Towels are among the best quick dry towels for travel. You can even decide to use this as a travel blanket when on the road, at the gym, or even on a plane as a blanket. This travel quick dry towel is comfortable to wear, odor-resistant and light. In addition, it is also quick-drying and absorbent.

A standard cotton towel takes up seven times as much space as one of these! It doesn’t take up much space in your bag, which is a bonus! This quick dry towel for travel has only two sizes, which are large (60″ x 30″) and medium (48″ x 24″). The best quick dry towels for travel are made from microfiber materials. Similarly, this towel is made from 100% microfiber materials. So you can see that this quick dry towel for travel is special in terms of versatility.

• Soft on skin

The CHARS Microfiber Beach Towel is designed to the highest standards. Due to their bright and identifiable patterns, these towels are mostly intended for use at the beach. However, they can also be used for camping, backpacking, and other outdoor activities. Your friends are going to ask you where you obtained this beach towel.

Unlike other quick dry towels for travel, only one size of this microfiber towel is available – the extra-large one. A matching travel pouch is also supplied. If you desire to get a multipurpose travel quick dry towel, this is it!

• Cute travel pouch
• Purchasable in sets

The JML Microfiber Bath Towel 2 Pack is a must-have for every trip. It is extremely absorbent, making them an excellent choice for humid environments. Wet garments and swimwear can be dried by simply rolling them in this towel and letting them air dry! This is something most quick dry towels for travel can’t do.

One of the best options on the market for microfiber travel towels is this one. Only one color is available. However, they are 100% microfiber and come in two sizes. This awesome quick dry towel for travel is available in solid colors and stripes. Not just that, but an order comes with a free travel bag as an added bonus. However, you should note that long-term use or cleaning will degrade the softness of all microfiber towels. This is why we recommend washing this travel quick dry towel with a small amount of fabric softener.

• Easy to care for
• Only one color

There are a few critical considerations to keep in mind to find the best microfiber travel towels. This travel quick dry towel satisfies all three of these criteria. It’s lightweight, soft, and has a high absorption capacity. Depending on your requirements, the ScorchedEarth Microfiber Travel & Sports Towel Se t is available in several sizes. As an additional bonus, there are six colors to choose from, plus a carry-on bag.

Its compact size and ability to absorb more water make it one of the best quick dry towels on the market. Additionally, this towel is perfect for a quick dip in the ocean or packing light for a trip. When it comes to getting the work done, this is one of the best quick dry towels you can ever get.

The Gilden Tree Waffle Towels Quick Dry Lint Free Thin are known for drying fast in a few minutes. They dry 40% faster than terry towels, saving time and energy. It’s made of long-staple cotton, which is 100% cotton. Due to its distinctive “honeycomb” structure, they can quickly wick away perspiration and keep you dry.

Amongst other quick dry towels for travel, this towel ranks pretty high. It takes up less room in the linen closet because of its smaller size. This wicking and breathable weave will keep you smelling fresh and clean when used in wet restrooms. A great travel quick dry towel like this always leaves you fresh and healthy.

Are you in need of a large towel? 60″x30″ is a perfect beach towel size for the Exclusivo Mezcla Microfiber Quick Dry Beach Towel . Its nostalgic appeal, classic striped pattern, and vibrant shade make it stand out well. When it comes to construction, it’s made of a microfiber blend (15 percent nylon and 85 percent polyester). This makes this travel-quick dry towel ultra-lightweight, silky, soft, and absorbent.

Other quick dry towels for travel dry fast but not like this one. This towel dries incredibly fast and has a better water absorption capacity than others. In order to save space and weight, it can be folded into a small portable storage pouch.

• Very durable

How To Choose The Best Quick-Dry Towels For Travel

The best quick dry towels for travel are the ones that keep you dry right after you use them. They take in water very well and quickly too. Before you buy a quick dry towel, there are a few things you should take note of. First, you need to know what you want to do with it. Other things to consider are the size, weight, and materials used. Let’s take a look at them.

A crucial consideration is a fabric used to make the towel. Cotton fabrics’ tight cotton loops make it unlikely that they will dry very quickly. Microfiber towels, on the other hand, dry extremely quickly. You can use them easily every time because they are lighter and thinner. Ensure that the quick dry towel for travel you choose is made of waffle fabric or microfiber. Some towels, like the best cooling towels, can also make you feel cool .

I think you would agree that larger towels are ideal for going to the beach. In other words, the size of your travel quick dry towel also matters. Quick dry towels that are thin dry more quickly than thicker ones. Before making a purchase, ensure you take note of this.

The amount of weight in your luggage counts a lot when you travel. It wouldn’t be a good idea to pay more at the airport simply for a towel. Make sure you purchase a towel that is lightweight, portable, and easy to pack. A towel that is excessively heavy can also take longer to dry. The best quick-dry towels for travel are very light, so they can dry fast when wet.

The best quick dry towels are those made of microfiber. They dry up five times faster than cotton towels. Their ability to absorb water up to its weight is extremely absorbent. Additionally, their lightweight design helps to speed up drying. We highly recommend getting the best microfiber towels if you want a good quick dry towel.

Towels that are “quick-dry” suggest that they are extremely quick to dry after usage. These quick dry towels for travel are often very soft, light, and absorbent. A few hours after use, they dry out and become usable.

They dry out quite quickly. So quickly that you wouldn’t even have time for a break before it is ready for use again. It has a much faster rate of surface drying than cotton. Additionally, it effectively absorbs more liquid than any cotton quick dry towel. The best part is that your skin only has to be patted with a towel to become dry.

Author:  Adam G

As a travel enthusiast and experienced adventurer, I have spent years exploring the world and discovering hidden gems in every corner of the globe. From backpacking through Europe to trekking in the Himalayas, I have chased my passion for travel and embraced every opportunity to learn about different cultures and ways of life. Now, as a travel writer, I channel my love of exploration into creating informative and inspiring content for fellow travelers. Whether you're planning a solo trip to a remote destination or seeking family-friendly activities in a bustling city, I am dedicated to providing you with the tools and knowledge you need to make the most of your journey. With a keen eye for detail and a love of storytelling, I bring each destination to life through vivid descriptions and engaging narratives, highlighting the unique experiences and attractions that make each place so special. So join me on this journey of discovery, and let's explore the world together!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Want to pack light but don't know where to start? Let's find the perfect size bag using this quiz !

Her Packing List

Packing Light

Best travel towel: we’re in love with turkish towels for travel.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using them, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps to keep this site running – thank you!

Putting those normal bath towels you use at home on your packing lists is a big no-no.

Being big, bulky, and slow to dry makes them terrible for travel. The last thing you want to do is have to pack up a wet towel into your luggage. On arrival, there’s bound to be a musty stench to deal with. Yuck.

To combat this problem, we’ve typically recommended the pack towel , but that option also has its downsides. Most are barely big enough to wrap around your body, some tend to pick up a musty scent after so many uses, and the feeling of the shammy-like material on your skin isn’t always smooth.

But, we thought this was the best option, the best travel towel, until…

We discovered Turkish bath towels.

Grab a Turkish towel from The Bali Market for 20% off.

Use code HPL20 at checkout.

Why the Best Travel Towel is a Turkish Towel

Are Turkish towels good for travel? You better believe it! While there are still times when that tiny microfiber pack towel serves a purpose, the HPL team generally ALWAYS recommends a Turkish towel when traveling.

But if you’ve never heard of them before, you’re probably wondering what the heck they even are!

What are Turkish Towels?

Fellow traveler Camille already told us that Turkish towels are her one little thing she can’t travel without , and I have to be honest, I became an instant convert after Knotty (an Australian brand) sent me a few to try out for myself back in 2015.

Known as peshtemals, Turkish towels were originally designed for use in public bath houses . In recent years, they’ve grown in popularity as beach/pool towels, travel towels, and even as gym towels (I take mine to the gym!) thanks to their large size, high absorbency level, and quick-drying nature.

But most of all, we love their ability to be packed down quite small – almost just as small as those teeny tiny pack towels you get at the travel gear shops!

Benefits for Travel

So let’s take a look at why Turkish bath towels are perfect for travel:

They’re thin . Even though they are cotton (which is not typically on our quick-dry clothing and travel gear list), they dry fairly quickly.

They actually cover you up . The size is not even comparable to pack towels, but since the material is thin, they still pack up small.

They’re soft on your skin . Unlike the sticky feeling of other pack towels, like my old faithful from Kathmandu , Turkish towels pat down more like a normal towel given the fluffy thread of Turkish cotton.

Absorbency is high . All thanks to Turkish cotton.

The Turkish Towel vs the Travel Towel

I received my first Turkish towels from Knotty here in Australia. The extra large size of their Turkish towels (100cm x 180cm / 39in x 71in) puts my old, large microfiber towel from Kathmandu to shame (it comes in at a measly 50cm x 96cm / 20in x 38in).

However, the only place where the pack towel still has the Turkish travel towel beat is in weight .

My faithful pack towel weighs a mere 125g, or 150g (5.3 oz) with the zipper pouch, while my giant Knotty’s towel comes in at 272g (9.6 oz).

Sure it’s only 122g more, but for those who see the benefits of packing ultra-light , you will want to make sure you have chosen a towel that can double as a scarf, or even work as a blanket on a plane.

My Knotty’s towels make for bulky scarves, but there are thinner and slightly smaller Turkish towels on the market if you’re willing to put in the time looking.

• Get 15% off a Knotty towel using code HPL16 .

Many Uses of Turkish Towels While Traveling

Now let’s have a look at all the different uses of a Turkish towel. (Note: You can imagine these being just as useful in your daily life!)

• Bath Towel – And they can actually wrap around you for optimal post-shower cover-up.
• Travel Beach Towel – Because they’re big and absorbent.
• Sarong – A sarong also serves many of these travel purposes , but the typical sarong lacks the absorbency of Turkish cotton.
• Blanket – For planes, trains and other situations where you might need a nap .
• Picnic blanket – Impromptu lunch dates in a foreign park are better with a big spread.
• Tie into a beach bag – No need to pack an extra bag. You can tie a couple of knots and the towel is now a bag.
• Privacy screen in hostels – Hang it from the upper bunk, or create a changing area in a part of the room. Or, use a privacy screen when needing to use the toilet outdoors .
• Scarf – Yep, you can wear it when you’re chilly.
• Baby Blanket – I can’t tell you how to do it, but apparently you can swaddle that little one in a Turkish towel.

How to Wear a Turkish Towel

The benefit that Turkish towels have over other travel towels is their multiple functions beyond drying off. Like a sarong , you can wear a Turkish towel many ways, making it both a clothing item and a towel. Here are just a few of the ways you can wear a Turkish towel on the road and at home.

1. Scarf – Because of the size, it makes for a large scarf, so you may have to loop it around a few times. There are so many ways to tie a scarf, so do some research on Pinterest. I did the simple wrap around, but you could also do the knot or loop. Be warned that because of the rectangular shape, you may have some extra fabric that makes certain scarf styles look a bit silly.

2. Blanket scarf or shawl – Wrap around your shoulders to keep you from getting chilly on a night out or, if you’re more ambitious, treat it like a blanket scarf. I laid the towel on my shoulders like I was going to wear it as a shawl, but once the ends reached my armpits, I tied a knot behind my back. Use these styles to cover your shoulders when entering a conservative site like a church or temple.

3. Bag – You may have to play around with it before you get it right, as I did. Tie edges of the middle together length-wise (hot dog style) before tying the longer ends together (hamburger style). I don’t recommend wearing your scarf as a bag if you’re carrying important things like your camera and passport, as it might slip out or hands might grab it, but is fine for going to and from the beach.

4. Sarong/dress – While almost as versatile as a sarong, a Turkish towel is thicker than the materials used on sarongs. Therefore, it may not be as flexible for tying. But I did manage to turn my towel into a dress. I wrapped both ends around me and crossed over to tie around my neck. It’s a bit short, so I wouldn’t wear it out much beyond a quick lunch or beach day. But you can even belt it to make it more flattering or pair with leggings for additional modesty.

5. Skirt – To use as a cover up, simply tie in a big knot at your hip and leave the slit. But I chose to turn my Turkish towel into a skirt I could potentially wear out as an additional clothing item. I took one end to my waist and then wrapped the other end on top of it, tucking it into the top when I reached the end. I then folded over the top for extra security. This is also great to carry in your bag if you need to quickly cover your legs to visit a temple or other holy site.

6. Head covering – Another essential style is the head covering, which you may need when traveling to certain countries. You’ll be required to cover your hair when visiting temples and mosques so it’s nice to be able to throw the Turkish towel into your bag and keep from being denied entry or forced to wear the full body robes they often rent. I took the middle and placed it over my head and wrapped each end around my shoulders.

Where to Buy Turkish Towels

• The Bali Market – US shoppers can check out those Turkish towels offered by The Bali Market. The color choices are on the soft and subtle side. Use code “HPL20” for 20% off your order!
• Knotty – The towels in this post have been provided by Knotty, an Australian business that gets their Turkish towels made and hand-finished in Turkey from 100% Turkish cotton. If you’re interested in snagging one for yourself, be sure to use code “HPL16” at checkout for 15% off!
• Etsy – Buy handmade Turkish towels from around the world on Etsy to support local shops. Here you’ll find even more options in terms of patterns, sizes and colors. There’s also more of a range in prices as well, starting under $10 USD and going up from there.
• Amazon – Amazon sells just about everything you could possibly need, including Turkish towels. Prime members get free shipping on many of these towels and you can also purchase in bulk for more savings.

Pin these to your favorite boards

Written by Brooke

I run the show at Her Packing List and love packing ultralight. In fact, I once traveled for 3 entire weeks with just the contents of a well-packed 12L handbag . When I'm not obsessing over luggage weight, I'm planning adventures or just snuggling with my pet rabbit, Sherlock Bunz.

More posts you may like

Ultralight Packing List: I Traveled for 3 Weeks with a 12L Handbag

Top Travel Dresses for Every Trip + How to Pack Them Right

How to Successfully Travel with Contact Lens Solution

The Best Convertible Travel Clothing for Women: Pack Less & Do More

Gear we use.

Speakeasy Hidden Pocket Scarves

Splice Reversible Jaisalmer Tunic

Eagle Creek Compression Packing Cubes

Tom Bihn 3D Organizer Cube

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Daypack

Turkish Travel Towels

Travel resources, hpl learnables.

H PL Packing Method – Learn to pack your lightest bag ever in this revolutionary packing course by HPL founder, Brooke.

Book Your Trip

Viator – Enhance your trip experience by booking from thousands of tours across the globe.

Booking.com – Search for hotels, hostels, and apartments using this one resource. Use it for flights, car rentals, and airport taxis as well.

Trusted Housesitters – Save money on travel accommodation by becoming a housesitter. Housesitters often have extra duties, like caring for pets and gardens.

Reader Interactions

May 18, 2015 at 1:41 pm

Aaah, this is AMAZING! The size comparison really drives it home when it’s hung up next to the PackTowel. The price is high, but they seem like investment pieces. Thanks for giving us a look at the Turkish towels, Brooke! Oh and p.s., summer is just beginning here in the U.S. (it’s 82 in St. Louis right now!) so seeing you in pants and scarf made me do a double-take!

May 18, 2015 at 7:19 pm

Haha I know, I feel like I should retake photos wearing different clothes! 😉

May 18, 2015 at 2:15 pm

I note that the Turkish travel towels are twice as large as your pack towel. That means that a Turkish towel the same size as your pack towel would be lighter. I estimate that the Junior size comes in at around 90g (more or less).

May 18, 2015 at 7:21 pm

Yeah I could easily do with a smaller Turkish towel, and one that is still able to wrap around my body would be the same or less in weight.

May 18, 2015 at 7:38 pm

I don’t think the HPL code is working. I was interested in how much shipping outside of Australia was and when I entered the code it said it wasn’t valid.

May 18, 2015 at 7:45 pm

Hi Nancy – Checking with Knotty right now.

May 19, 2015 at 12:53 am

Hi Nancy – code should be working now 🙂

May 19, 2015 at 12:23 am

Hi HPL subscribers, The Knotty discount code “HPL16” is up and running now 🙂 Love Knotty x

May 19, 2015 at 12:35 pm

Since hearing about Turkish towels from fellow HPL travelers, I’ve been thinking I should pick one up when I visit Istanbul in October. However, Turkey is the final destination of my 3-month Mediterranean Europe journey, so perhaps I need to find one ahead of time!

May 20, 2015 at 2:47 am

Hi there, how quickly do these dry? Do they dry as quickly as Pack Towls? Worried about using this for backpacking and it not being as quick to dry as the alternative, thanks!

May 24, 2015 at 5:58 pm

Hi there! I did a side-by-side test the other day and the Turkish towel actually dried a little faster than my pack towel! I soaked them both in the sink, wrung them out, and then hung them on a rack in the living room (to get that feel of them being indoors, in a hostel room to dry). I did this mid-day, and they were both dry by the evening, but the Turkish towel made it there faster.

May 20, 2015 at 7:46 am

Ive been looking at a Turkish towel for ages! But wasn’t sure! I just ordered one thanks to this post (and the discount code) thanks HPL 🙂 🙂

May 23, 2015 at 12:59 am

These are quite pricey compared to the ones being sold by Calaca on Amazon. I got one similar to the knotty originals for around $15 US. It says it’s 100% cotton and came very nicely packaged with a real glass Turkish eye!

May 24, 2015 at 11:02 pm

I can’t help but laugh at how relevant some of these posts are now that I’m BACK from my move to Costa Rica.

Honestly, this is the thing I was most glad I packed, and I nearly didn’t pack it! I bought it a few years ago because I thought it was beautiful, but it ended up being my most useful travel item.

I had my backpacker towel that was nice, but I honestly ended up preferring and using my turkish towel twice as much, simply because a) it dried me off quicker/more comfortably, b) was larger (I’m 5’11. This is always an issue for me and towels.), c) if left in the sun, it was dry in less than an hour, and d) it doubled as a blanket for me. In a lot of hostels, they only gave me a top sheet, and while it may be warm during the day, in many locations, it got pretty cool at night, so I was glad to have something to snuggle under that was breathable, but still warm.

I’m still glad I had both – especially my last 6 weeks which I just spent on the beach every day; it was nice to have my turkish towel for beach time and my pack towel for shower time. If I had just stayed in the mountains the whole time, however, I would be happy with just my pretty blue striped towel (just like the one in your photo!).

May 25, 2015 at 6:16 am

I have a Kikoy, which is similar but comes from East Africa.

June 2, 2015 at 9:18 am

I found a couple of turkish towels at Costco online – 2 for about $45. Not so many color choices (all white with different color borders). I fell in love with them and have been using them as my every day towels at home. I like that they wrap around me and dry quickly. I always take my own towel when traveling anyway, usually a microfiber XXL travel towel that I got from Rick Steves, but I’ll be taking my turkish towel on my next trip this summer. I plan to pack it flat in a one gallon zip bag with the air squeezed out, I admit I was skeptical at first about how they would dry me off but I think they actually work better than my microfiber towel. They are definitely more absorbent than a sarong. I’m a fairly light packer and am willing to take the few extra ounces this towel may cost me.

June 15, 2015 at 6:22 am

You can buy these MUCH cheaper directly from Turkish vendors on ebay! I also bought a big one at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul for about 10 $, it’s great.

June 28, 2015 at 11:20 am

I bought three of these Turkish towels on Amazon. Tried them out on my last holiday and they are definitely a thumbs up from me. I found them lightweight great for the beach and wrap around you better than towel. We even took one out with us when we went out one evening to put round our legs whilst sitting in an outdoor bar.

July 14, 2015 at 12:04 am

I love these towels!! I am leaving for Italy next week and already have one in my carry-on pack. I plan to use it for a blanket on the plane, a shawl/scarf when visiting places where I need to cover my shoulders, a picnic blanket in Tuscany, and an actual towel in Assisi when I relax by the pool! I got my in Los Angeles from The Folding Room, an on-line store. Love these things!! The only hard part is to choose a color!

August 11, 2015 at 1:45 pm

This is awesome! I’m heading to London and Amsterdam next month and I’ve been there before but this will be my first time staying in a hostel and I just ordered one of these towels. They sound fabulous – Thanks!

August 14, 2015 at 9:16 pm

I fell in love with these towels as soon as I read this article, so I bought one straight away!! I was wondering how you tied yours into a beach bag??

October 18, 2015 at 6:07 pm

Where can i buy these in australia . i live in brisbane qld

October 20, 2015 at 6:08 pm

You can buy them online at knotty.com.au

November 20, 2015 at 11:33 pm

I missed this post from your blog, but I was looking at the 99 gifts for women travellers and I saw the knotty which then brought me here. I went on to the knotty website and bought one. It will be perfect for camping and going on longer trips. Thanks for the 15% off code. ?

December 31, 2015 at 4:57 pm

Love these!! I’m from Canada and would love to know if there’s a place in Canada I could get one. They are expensive on amazon for Canada shipping.

January 5, 2016 at 5:39 pm

Hi Jeanine- If you search for Turkish Towels on Amazon.ca, I see some. Not sure of the shipping costs.

August 9, 2016 at 2:23 pm

Just got back from Australia and so glad I took a hammam towel – absolute life saver. Got mine from Sorbet.

January 3, 2017 at 8:54 am

I purchased three for £20 off Amazon in May last year to take when we went to Austria for a three week road trip. We were staying in rented apartments, so most places provided linens, but our last place was a hostel with really tiny towels, so these came in handy! They also worked great to put on the floor in the bathroom under our hung up sink washed clothing so we didn’t drip water all over the floor. Love the Turkish towels!

March 14, 2018 at 3:03 pm

Thanks for the tip! We just purchased a couple Bali towels after reading your post to travel with to the Dominican Republic this spring. <3

Leave A Reply Cancel reply

6 Products for Washing Clothes While Traveling

By Bailey Berg

If you’re going on a long trip, be it a summer in Europe or a cross-country road trip, it can be tempting to bring your whole wardrobe. But between baggage fees and weight restrictions, that’s not always possible or practical. One way to avoid overpacking is to wash your clothes while you travel. That’s often easier said than done: Laundromats can be hard to track down or inconveniently located, laundry services at hotels and on ships can be prohibitively expensive, and if you’re spending time in the backcountry, neither are an option.

Taking matters into your own hands isn't as much of a chore as you might think, though: There are plenty of tools that make doing laundry while traveling cheap and simple (and we're not just talking about Tide to Go pens ), without adding too much extra bulk to your luggage. Below, six on-the-road laundry hacks.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Scrubba Portable Wash Bag

The Scrubba is basically a dry bag with a ribbed interior that functions like a washboard. You put your clothes, some clean water, and detergent in, and rub the garments against the bumps for a few minutes before rinsing everything out. Not counting drying time, the whole process takes about five minutes—and it actually does a good job of cleaning your clothes. It’s fabulous for long-term travelers and for those on days-long camping trips , where packing light is optimal. Plus, it folds down to the size of a deck of cards, so it won’t take up valuable suitcase or backpack real estate.

Nasdom Travel Clothesline

If you’ve ever done laundry in a sink, you’re familiar with the creative exercise in finding enough surfaces to drape your dripping clothes over. This 13-foot clothesline, which comes with built in pins, is easily packable. The hooked ends make it sturdy enough to connect between bed posts, across a balcony, or even from the shower curtain rod to a towel bar in a pinch.

Travelon Laundry Soap Sheets

These laundry soap sheets dissolve in water, so there’s no chance of spillage in your bag (you won't have to worry about the TSA's liquid restrictions either). There are 50 sheets in a box slightly bigger than a raisin container, so you’ll be able to get a lot of mileage out of each pack. Toss one sheet into whatever vessel you’re doing laundry in—a sink, tub, or scrub bag—and it’ll turn into suds. Just be careful to handle the carrying case with dry hands, so you don't accidentally dissolve any of the delicate sheets.

PackTowl Personal Towel

It might not be the most high tech option, but a microfiber towel can dry your sopping wet laundry faster than a clothesline. Start by spreading the towel out on a dry surface. After you wring out as much excess water from your clean clothes as possible, lay a few items on top of the towel. Then tightly roll up the towel with the clothes inside and squeeze. The microfiber fabric will sponge up more of the water (it can actually absorb four times its weight in water). This is a good method for washing heavy garments like jeans or thick sweaters when you need them dry by morning. In addition to its normal functions, this easy-to-pack towel can double as a lightweight blanket on a plane or something to sit on at the beach .

Steph Koyfman

Alex Erdekian

Laura Walsh

Jamie Spain

Mudder Silicone Tub Stopper

For some reason, it always seems that when you actually need a plug for your hotel room or rental's sink, there isn’t one to be found. Use this universal drain cover in any sink or tub: It is heavy duty enough that it won’t move as you soak your clothes, reducing water and soap waste, but light enough that you won't mind tossing it in your suitcase on trips when you know you'll want to do laundry.

Urpower Garment Steamer

Sometimes doing laundry while traveling comes out of necessity; but other times, it just feels good to freshen up your outfits. Some fabrics, like linen, love to wrinkle in transit; use this travel steamer to smooth out delicate outfits. It’s fairly portable, clocking in at just over eight inches tall and two inches wide. We think it’s worth the luggage space to make sure your outfit looks smart, especially if you’re traveling for a destination wedding or business trip .

Packing List

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Uncover Europe’s Timeless Charms

Medieval towns, stylish locals, the craggy Mediterranean and culinary adventures – Europe is a cultural continent steeped in ridiculously beautiful scenery and history.

Travel Europe

Finding my inner French girl

A floaty Parisian fashion show as light as air inspires me to find my inner French girl.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

• Travel Products
• Activity + Adventure
• Beach + Water Activities

The Best Beach Towels We Tested, From the Ultra-soft to Personalized Picks

An absorbent, sand-repelling towel is the key to a comfortable day in the sun.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

You Might Also Want

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Kimberly Souza

A beach towel is a quintessential summer accessory that can come in handy for a wide variety of activities, whether you’re spending a day at the beach, hanging by the backyard pool, or hiking to a remote lake where you plan to cool off with a dip. Nothing is worse than a towel that doesn’t absorb water well or is super bulky and takes up most of your bag. We tested 21 beach towels in search of the best balance of quality, absorbency, durability, texture, and overall value. 

Our favorite beach towels excel in portability and quick-drying abilities while also offering high-quality, luxurious feels, making them great for travel and almost any adventure. Some snagged top spots for their fantastic performances in categories like sand-repelling and size during the testing process.

Best Overall

Coyuchi mediterranean organic towel.

• Quality 4.9 /5
• Absorbency 5 /5
• Texture 5 /5
• Durability 4.4 /5

Softer and fluffier than the average Turkish towel, this premium pick impressed us with its light weight, packability, and impressive absorbency.

Although this Coyuchi towel is plusher than many of a similar style, non-Turkish towels are still the heftiest option.

The Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towel snagged the award for best overall beach towel for many reasons, including its large but packable design, premium material, and ability to absorb water well but still dry quickly. It’s the perfect companion for almost any type of adventure and ideal for travelers who don’t want a towel to take up too much space in their bag. The soft, luxurious organic cotton immediately blew us away with the amazing feeling on our skin, and it washes well even after being put through the wringer. Even after using it on a river bank with dirt and rocks where it got stained, the towel came out of the wash looking like new. We’ve tried many different brands of Turkish towels and have generally been disappointed in their absorbency, but this one far exceeded our expectations, soaking up water quickly and drying when hung in a very short amount of time. 

Although the price point is on the higher end, this towel is a worthwhile investment that we believe will retain its functionality and soft texture for years to come. We also love how easily it packs up for outdoor trips and that we were able to fit three people on it to comfortably lounge at the beach . 

The Details: 39 x 71 inches | 100 percent organic Turkish cotton | Gentle or delicate cycle with cold water, air-dry or dry on low-heat setting

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Best Microfiber

Decomen microfiber beach towel.

• Quality 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

It dries very quickly.

The texture is soft but doesn’t feel like a traditional beach towel.

We love the colorful designs that the Decomen Microfiber Beach Towel comes in, but our admiration isn’t just about looks. This affordable option excels in absorbency, and its quick-dry abilities are impressive as well. It’s oversized yet packable due to the compact material, which held up pristinely for us after numerous washes. Easy to transport in the included stuff sack, this towel is a great option for almost every type of activity, whether you’re poolside or doing yoga at the beach. The bright patterns make it easy to spot if you leave your towel to take a dip in the ocean too. The material is soft and dries faster than our cotton beach towels. We also loved that sand from the beach was easy to shake off, so it didn’t end up in our cars or home.

The Details: 36 x 72 inches | Polyester microfiber | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Stephanie Petit

Best Sarong Hybrid

Eccosophy microfiber beach towel.

• Quality 4 /5

It’s reversible with many print options, and it’s equipped with a hanging hook and a storage bag.

The length isn’t as well-suited for taller people.

We love that the Eccosophy Microfiber Beach Towel can be used as both a towel and worn as a sarong and comes in an array of vibrant prints. Produced out of recycled materials, this towel is a great eco-friendly choice. It folds up to a compact size that fits nicely within the included bag, and a hook for hanging tops off the convenience. The length did fall a bit short for lying down, but the material is very durable and won us over when it didn’t collect sand. The microfiber material is known to excel at absorbing water but also dry quickly, and this towel lived up to the hype.

The Details: 71 x 35 | Microfiber | Machine wash separately before first use, do not use fabric softener, bleach, or iron.

Travel + Leisure / Megan Hartig

Best Oversized

Ocoopa diveblues microfiber beach towel.

• Quality 4.5 /5

It’s big enough to use as a beach blanket, and the sand-repelling quality makes it even more of a crowd-pleaser.

The material is very thin, so it doesn’t provide padding on rocky beaches.

The extra-large Ocoopa Sand-free Beach Towel won the award for best-oversized towel not just for its roomy design, but also because it’s incredibly quick-drying despite being thin and lightweight. We found it perfectly compact for transporting and easy to put away after use. One of our favorite features is that the towel doesn’t retain sand, so you don’t have to worry about endless shaking at the end of your beach days . The material is ultra-absorbent, dries fast, and doesn’t change in quality, texture, or color after washes. This towel is an excellent option for one to two people to lounge on comfortably, though it’s a bit large to use for just drying off.

The Details: ‎57 x 80 inches | Microfiber | Machine washable, air dry or tumble dry on low

Travel + Leisure / Andrea Tenborg

Brooklinen Beach Towel

• Quality 4.8 /5
• Texture 4.8 /5
• Durability 4.8 /5

It’s ultra-soft and durable.

For the first wash, you’ll want to be sure to wash it with like colors, as the dye can potentially bleed into other items.

We love the ‘70s vibe and inspired-by-water design that the Brooklinen Beach Towel sports. More importantly, this towel is extra-plush, with a velour front that has an ultra-soft and luxurious feel that’s perfect for lounging on by the pool , the beach, the park, or anywhere you want to fully relax. Made in the U.S., these beautiful towels are stylish and functional, with fantastic water absorbency and quick-drying abilities. This is a spacious towel with enough room for even tall beach-goers to lay down on comfortably. It performs well when drying off, absorbing water and then drying quickly when hung up. We also appreciate that it only gets softer after each wash.

The Details: 34 x 70 inches | Cotton | Machine wash warm. Only non-chlorine bleach when needed. Tumble dry low.

Travel + Leisure / Kimberly Souza

Best Personalized

Lands' end school uniform beach towel.

It's snag-resistant, and you can customize it with a monogram, an embroidered design, or both.

The blue color began to pill after a few washes.

The Lands’ End School Uniform Beach Towel is our favorite personalized towel for its extensive customization options as well as its large size that allows most people to lounge without having to put their feet or heads in the sand. It’s nice and thick, making it plush to lay on, and it absorbs water very well for when you want to dry off after a swim. Despite being generously sized and extra-soft, it doesn’t feel heavy to lie on and dries quickly in the sun. Although we enjoyed that it retained its soft texture even after several washes, we noticed that the blue color we tested did have some pilling. Still, this towel offers a great value and comfort while also featuring a wide-range of custom embroidery options, including everything from nautical designs to patriotic patches and monograms as well.

The Details: 39 x 78 | Cotton | Wash instructions: Machine wash cold

Travel + Leisure / Katrina Cossey

Best Turkish

Sand cloud beach towel.

A portion of profits from each sale on this super-soft towel are donated to marine conservation.

The texture isn’t quite as luxurious as our best overall pick.

We love how packable the beautifully designed Sand Cloud Icon Coral Restoration Foundation Beach Towel is without sacrificing its ability to absorb water. The stylish towel is super soft with fun tassels and dries quickly after use. It held up extremely well after washing, even after we spilled a drink on it. The tassels stayed intact, and the stains came out in the wash with no fading of the colors. It doesn’t hold sand in it either, so there’s no risk of dragging the beach home. Perfect for travel or adventures where you don’t want to bring a bulky towel, this is a stellar option that still gets the job done.

The Details: 36 x 67 inches | Organic Turkish cotton | Machine wash on delicate or gentle using cold water with like colors. Hang to dry or low tumble.

Travel + Leisure / Sarah Naftzger

Best Sand-free

Venture microfiber beach towel.

Since towels tend to get dirty at the beach, we love how easy this one is to keep clean.

The thin material isn’t as comfortable for lounging as some beach towels.

We love that the Venture Microfiber Beach Towel doesn’t hold sand or dirt, making it easier to clean and less of a mess post-adventure. Despite being very packable, this microfiber towel is large and fits nicely into the included travel bag. It performs well with water absorbency and drying very quickly. It met our durability standards by having no loose threads, no bleeding when washed, and stitching along the edges that remained intact after our trips to the beach. Even after several washes, the colors stayed vibrant like new. The built-in snap loop at the top is a nice bonus as well, allowing it to easily be hung on a hook for drying. Plus, there are so many stellar design options you may have trouble choosing just one.

The Details: 78 x 35 inches | Microfiber | Machine washable

Other Beach Towels We Liked

Three other beach towels we tested didn’t quite make the cut for our list of top picks but offered some stellar features that might make them a great fit for some beachgoers.

L.L.Bean Seaside Beach Towel : This towel was longer and roomier than most, and we liked how soft and absorbent it is. Unfortunately, it wasn’t that quick to dry and showed signs of threadbare after just a few washes.

Travel + Leisure / Abby Mercer

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Glaze

We tried out 21 different beach towels over the span of two weeks, taking them on various adventures like going to the beach, traveling, and lounging by the pool to see how they performed in the real world. We’ll continue to use each towel for six months after the initial testing period, updating this article with our insights along the way. After washing them according to instructions prior to use, we traveled with the towels to assess their portability. We saw how they performed while in use, particularly for lounging and drying off to test comfort, space they provided, absorbency, and how quickly the material dried. If they were used in sand or dirt, it was noted how much sand stuck to the towel and how easily it came off. Next, the towels were evaluated on how well they washed and whether stains remained, threads pulled, or fading occurred over time. With all of these factors in mind, the beach towels with the highest testing ratings were selected for this roundup.

Tips for Buying a Beach Towel

Look for a material that suits your needs.

Beach towels that perform well are typically made out of cotton or polyester, which is found in microfiber towels. Cotton towels are soft to the touch, absorb water well, and dry quickly. These can range in thickness, with Turkish cotton towels offering the thinnest profile, ideal for travelers looking to pack lightly. Microfiber towels are crafted from a polyester blend and dry much more quickly than any other towel, making them a popular option as well. Known to be super absorbent and very thin and packable, they’re great for a variety of activities like camping and travel. They’re more sand-resistant than cotton towels too, so you won’t be finding sand everywhere for days after using them. The downside is the texture, as they generally don't feel as soft as using a cotton towel and offer less comfort for lounging since they are thinner. 

Double-check the size

To avoid having your head or feet hanging off your towel and in the sand, grass, or dirt, it’s key to check the sizing of the beach towel you’d like to buy before purchasing. If you’re a taller person, it might be wise to get a larger, oversized towel for comfort purposes. A larger beach towel will make it less packable as well, so it’s a good idea to find the best balance for your intended activities. A standard-sized beach towel is around 63 x 31 inches, though bigger towels around 70 x 40 inches are fantastic to provide more room for lounging. Whatever size you purchase, prioritize being able to lie on it comfortably. 

Consider portability

No one likes toting around a bulky beach towel that takes up a lot of room, so portability is a main factor to consider when looking for the right one as well. A towel that folds up to a compact size is ideal for travelers looking for something lightweight that doesn’t take up a lot of room in their luggage. Some towels come with a carrying case for ease of transporting as well. Turkish cotton and microfiber towels are both excellent portable choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many different ways to fold your towels for storage and travel, but rolling a towel saves the most space. Start by laying the towel flat and folding one corner down, creating a triangle. Then, fold the towel in half lengthwise, and again the opposite way up to the bottom of the triangle. Then, roll it from one end to the other tightly, tucking the endpoint piece into the rolled towel.  

You technically could use beach and bath towels interchangeably, though overall, bath towels tend to be more soft and plush since beach towels are built to stand up to sandy outdoor environments. Beach towels also tend to be much larger and often more lightweight than bath towels, so if you use a bath towel on the beach, it's going to be small in size, heavy to carry, and may experience wear and tear more quickly from the elements like sun, sand, and chlorine. You could use a beach towel in your bathroom if you'd like, though it may not be quite as soft or absorbent as a bath towel.

If you have a beach trip in the works or just want to be prepared for warm weather activities, here are some other items you may be interested in.

Business & Pleasure Co. The Beach Bag : Stash your towel and other beach necessities in this lightweight beach bag. It's essentially one large pouch, but it also has one interior zipper pocket for smaller items, and the bag itself is foldable if you need to pack it in a suitcase.

Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair : This is at the top of our list of all the beach chairs we've tested , impressing us with how easy it was to carry thanks to its built-in backpack straps. We found it comfortable to sit in; loved that it has the ability to recline; and found the built-in accessories useful, including a storage pouch, an insulated cooler pouch, and a detachable headrest.

Beachbub All-in-one Beach Umbrella : This heavy-duty umbrella is our pick for our favorite beach umbrella because of how portable and sturdy it is. Not only was it easy to set up, but it was also comfortable to carry around inside the included carrying case featuring a padded shoulder strap.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L contributor Lauren Breedlove scoured our testing insights to find the best beach towels for various water-based activities. A traveler, camper, and beachgoer herself, she also used her personal experience in finding the right products for everything from lounging by the pool to packing light for a multi-month trip abroad. Combined with testing insights, this list of the best beach towels was created.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Related Articles

The 11 Best Beach Blankets of 2024

Lay the foundation for a fun and comfortable outing

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong

When headed to the beach, a proper blanket is essential. It creates an area for lounging, sunbathing, and picnicking. It should also stave off the sand. Blankets can suit various circumstances, from doubling as stylish towels to creating a moisture-proof barrier. We’ve scoured the internet to round up beach blankets for every need, considering the size and shape, fabric, waterproofing, and usability to bring you the best of the best for all your summer adventures.

Final Verdict

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, wildhorn outfitters sand escape beach blanket.

Carrying bag

Quick-drying

Built-in sand anchors for stability

Gets wet easily

Material absorbs heat

The Wildhorn Outfitters Sand Escape Beach Blanket is affordable, especially considering its large size. At 9 x 7 feet, the blanket offers 63 square feet of sand-free space, providing ample room for all your beach gear and family members. Four integrated sand anchor pockets help keep the blanket on the ground even in high winds. Our product tester, Kimberly Holland , noted that the "fabric is thin and lightweight, but it's durable and resistant to tears or snags from keys or hooks."

It has an integrated stuff pouch and compression straps (attached so you'll never lose them) and packs away to just 6 x 7 inches for hassle-free storage. There are also additional pockets where you can store your personal items, which Holland used to hold her keys, cell phone, and sunscreen on the beach. The blanket is rugged and constructed from ultra-lightweight, tear-resistant parachute nylon, which should boost its longevity. However, our tester mentioned that the material was not breathable enough to prevent sweat from sticking and felt hot underneath the sun. Based on these tests, a benefit of the blanket is that it was easy to hand-wash. Best of all, it sheds sand well—just shake it off at the end of the day.

Dimensions: 9 x 7 feet | Weight: 1 pound | Care: Machine wash on cold

  Tripsavvy / Kimberly Holland

Best Budget

Camco handy mat with strap.

Summery colors

The Camco Handy Mat costs a fraction as much as some of the other blankets on this list but remains a firm favorite. It's made from durable, mildew-resistant polypropylene, making it difficult to stain and easy to clean. Fabric edging prevents fraying, while the mat is UV-stabilized to guard against fading over time.

"The mat's texture is similar to that of a palm weave but with plastic and feels akin to the thickness and weight of a well-made straw hat," says our product tester, Suzie Dundas , when testing the blanket on her local rocky sand beach. "Because of that, it afforded a bit of extra padding and made it difficult to feel small rocks and bumps beneath us. It's also a very tight weave, so it kept us dry when sitting on damp grass."

Essentially, this blanket proves that cheap doesn't have to mean poor quality. It measures 5 x 6.5 feet and folds into a compact 10.5 x 15-inch tote, complete with a hook-and-loop flap, handles, and a pocket on either side. Unfortunately, Dundas found the material too thin to withstand large gusts of wind without folding at the sides but says that it's a breeze to carry to the beach and even easier to fit in your linen closet afterward.

Dimensions: 5 x 6.5 feet | Weight: 1.2 pounds | Care: Spot treat with soap and water

Most Stylish

Scuddles outdoor picnic blanket.

Comfortable fleece fabric

Easy to carry

Doesn't get hot

Folding into original shape is a challenge

Top fabric snags easily

If you plan on making a statement on every beach you visit , opt for the Scuddles Blue & White Striped Tote Blanket for flawless retro style. Its soft polypropylene weave boasts artfully faded blue, white, and chocolate stripes, while fabric edging helps to prevent fraying—keeping your blanket looking smart for longer. When you're not using it, the blanket folds into a tote with a woven handle and a color-coordinated, messenger-style flap. "We appreciated that this blanket folds into its own carrying case thanks to a built-in handle and hook-and-loop fastener strips," said product tester Kimberly Holland. "It's compact enough to tuck into a larger bag but lightweight enough for a helpful kid to grab once you get out of the car."

It's as practical as it is stylish, with a waterproof backing that keeps you dry (and is amazingly easy to clean). The polypropylene is also resistant to mold and mildew—a significant bonus if you forget to air it properly before packing it away. When open, the blanket measures 5 x 5 feet, providing plenty of space for couples and families of up to four people. Holland also noted that the backing offers a bit of cushioning, which helps soften the surface if you "happen to spread the mat on a spot with a few rocks or shells." Compared to many other synthetic mats, our product tester also found it cool enough for those hot days underneath the sun.

Dimensions: 5 x 5 feet | Weight: 1.6 pounds | Care: Spot treat with soap and water

Best Circular

Icosamro round beach towel.

Chic aesthetic

Comfortable fabric

This circular blanket makes a stylish statement on the shore or by the pool with bold fern leaves and fringed edges. The polyester microfiber material is soft enough to double as a towel; however, it creates a smooth barrier when used as a blanket. At 59 inches wide, the blanket is big enough for several kids or adults to find seats. The blanket’s lightweight material allows quick and easy packing. Weighing slightly more than 1 pound, you’ll easily be able to carry the blanket along for a day at the beach.

Dimensions: 4.9 feet (diameter) | Weight: 1.21 pounds | Care: Machine wash

L.L.Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket

Water won't seep through

High quality

This double-sided waterproof blanket plays double duty. The 100 percent polyester fleece top turns the blanket into a cozy throw, while the 100 percent nylon and polyurethane-coated underside keeps moisture out. Reviewers applauded the blanket’s waterproofing features and attested that it holds up after washing. The coating also helps keep sand from gathering on the blanket. Measuring 80 x 72 inches, the oversized blanket easily seats four adults or wraps around two people. An included stuff sack makes the blanket portable for beach-side excursions.

Dimensions: 6.6 x 6 feet | Weight: Not listed | Care: Machine wash and dry

Best Sand-Proof

Cgear original sand-free mat.

Resists environmental debris

Not very soft

Built for heavy-duty use, the CGEAR Sand-free Outdoor Camping Mat features materials initially developed for the military. The mat is composed of tightly woven material that keeps out sand, dirt, and dust. An additional coating of polypropylene creates the ultimate sand-free ground pad. Reviews applaud the sand-proofing and confirm that it brushes off easily when dry. While the mat may not be the most comfortable mat to sit on, according to our product tester, Suzie Dundas, it still does its job. Not only did Dundas applaud its ability to keep off sand and dirt, but she was also impressed by the mat's resistance to water. This helps keep annoying sand off the blanket and makes for more comfortable and clean lounging after a swim.

The blanket also stands up to UV damage, so you should find it long-lasting and durable. This blanket won't blow away either, even in the heaviest winds. Heavy-duty D-rings keep it staked to the ground even when gentle shore breezes turn into gusts. The blanket comes in various sizes, from the small, which suits two people, to the extra-large, which seats 10. It's versatile whether you need it for a day at the beach or carting it along on an outdoor adventure , as it rolls up "like a sleeping bag" for easy portability.

Dimensions: S: 6 x 6 feet, M: 8 x 8 feet, L: 10 x 10 feet, XL: 12 x 12 feet | Weight: S: 2.8 pounds, M: 5.6 pounds, L: 7.5 pounds, XL: 11.7 pounds | Care: Spot clean with soap and water

TripSavvy / Suzie Dundas

Best Oversized

Sun ninja sand free beach blanket.

Stuff sack with bottle opener

Extremely light, especially for size

Machine or hand wash

Not the coziest fabric

This extra-large blanket is ideal for group beach adventures. Triple-stitched ripstop nylon provides a durable landing zone for up to seven seated adults. It is water-resistant, not waterproof, meaning you'll get a quick-drying barrier that shakes off sand easily, though you wouldn't want to place it over any previously damp surfaces. There are two ways to secure the blanket to the ground: four ground stakes for use on grass and four corner pockets to fill with sand on the beach. If the wind really starts to kick up, combine these two methods for even better stability.

Dimensions: 10 feet x 9 feet | Weight: 1.6 pounds | Care: Machine or hand wash cold

Best For Travel

Coalatree the kachula adventure blanket.

Tons of fun colors

Easy to clean

Relatively heavy

Those who prefer a lightweight blanket that's easy to carry should opt for The Kachula Adventure Blanket. This sustainably made blanket only weighs 1 pound and 9 ounces and has a pocket to hold your valuables. Reviewers loved how functional this blanket is, too. When stuffed inside the included travel pouch, it can transform into a pillow and comes with a detachable hood that transforms the water-resistant blanket into a poncho. While this blanket fits three people comfortably, it can also attach to other Kachula blankets using the carabiner hooks for extra space. It's available in 10 different patterns. This blanket will have you beach-going like a pro .

Dimensions: 4.16 x 6 feet | Weight: 1 pound, 9 ounces | Care: Spot clean with soap and water

Best Lightweight

Matador pocket blanket.

Durable fabric

Hard to fold into bag

For those who are looking for a simple, compact, and lightweight blanket to toss in your bag for trips to the beach or on a hike , the Matador Pocket Blanket is a solid choice. It only weighs 3.5 ounces, so you could leave it in your backpack or purse for those "just in case" scenarios. While it's not really a "snuggle up by the campfire" type blanket (it's decidedly more of a tarp material and weight), it helps keep your stuff off the wet ground.

Dimensions: 5.25 x 3.66 feet | Weight: 3.5 ounces | Care: Spot clean with soap and water

Best Waterproof

Urbaneco outdoors lightweight beach blanket - oversized.

Fun patterns

Built-in compression sack

Material can get hot in sun

The UrbanEco Beach Blanket is reasonably priced, especially considering its large size. At 107 x 77 inches, that's a lot of sand-free space for friends and family, gear, and more. The material is water-resistant and easy to shake the sand off. It's perfect for windy days, thanks to its double-anchored design. There are six yellow plastic stakes and four corner sand pockets, so your blanket isn't going anywhere. There's also a hidden zipped pocket for small valuables like car keys and phones. When finished, it rolls into a compact and easy-to-carry storage bag.

Dimensions: 8.91 x 6.41 feet | Weight: 2.09 pounds | Care: Machine wash on cold

Best Turkish Cotton

Cottonna turkish cotton oversized beach blanket.

Comfortable

Remains cool under sunlight

Easy to fold and pack up

Not the lightest pick

Turkish cotton is great for the beach because it's light (compared to terry weave), gets softer with use, and air-dries quickly. This pick's unique, hybrid construction provides the best of terry and Turkish towels to deliver a luxe and functional fabric—ideal for sandy beach-going, spa days, and around the campgrounds. A generous footprint of over 6 square feet easily accommodates a seated group of friends or a lounging couple plus gear. While the makers don't include any specific treatments, rapid drying helps keep the sand at the beach.

Dimensions: 6.67 x 6.67 feet | Weight: 3 pounds | Care: Machine wash

Friends and family can gather comfortably on the Wildhorn Outfitters Sand Escape Beach Blanket . It is designed to withstand wind and easily shakes clean when it's time to pack up. Camco Handy Mat is another cost-effective option that is durable and functional.

What to Look For in a Beach Blanket

Size and shape.

Think about how much stuff you plan to put on your beach blanket—and then add a few more square feet. (Larger families with loads of gear will want a larger footprint.) Most beach blankets come in either rectangular or square shapes, though one of our picks bucks convention with its circular footprint.

Beach blankets are made from various materials, including water-resistant polyester, fleece, parachute nylon, and microfiber. Even the most rugged models typically have softer fabrics on top, and some employ fabrics and fabric treatments that keep sand from clinging to the blanket.

For some folks, simple protection from the sand will suffice. For others—especially bigger families headed to the beach —added features like sand anchors and stakes might help keep the blanket in place. Pockets are also great for those who love playing in the waves and want a secure spot for their valuables.

Double-check your blanket for washing instructions; if present, follow those directions. In general, you can wash your blanket in a washing machine. Use cold water, and wash it on a gentle cycle. It’s best to wash the blanket separately from other items. Don’t add fabric softeners; these chemicals could destroy any waterproofing or technical fabrics in your blanket. Tumble dry on low or air dry.

Beach blankets and towels differ in materials, fabric treatments, and size. Beach towels are generally cotton, which is soft and absorbent. Plus, even larger beach towels typically fit a single person or child. Beach blankets incorporate technical materials, such as polyester, fleece, parachute nylon, and microfiber, or have fabric treatments that make the blankets water-resistant and relatively sand-proof. Beach blankets are also much larger than towels and made for multiple people to gather on them. 

First, look for a beach blanket with materials that keep sand from sticking. Sand tends to stick more to moist items—like beach towels—so waterproofing materials or fabric treatments will keep sand from getting tracked onto your blanket. Use the incorporated stakes or place heavy objects on the blanket's corners to weigh it down. If wet, sandy feet or hands keep tracking sand onto the blanket during your day of play, use baby powder on your skin to rub off the sand.

Author  Jessica Macdonald  is a freelance writer specializing in travel, scuba diving, and wildlife conservation. She is a two-time winner of The Telegraph's  Just Back  travel writing competition and has written extensively for various magazines, travel agencies, websites, and PR companies. 

Some included products were tested for real-world insights.

The 9 Best Beach Chairs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 11 Best Waterproofing Sprays of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 11 Best Beach Bags of 2024

Scuddles Handy Mat Review

The 9 Best Camping Cots of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Ricdecor Mandala Large Round Beach Blanket Review

The 14 Best Backpack Brands of 2024

The Best Beach Tents of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 10 Best Beach Canopies of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 8 Best Beach Wagons of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Men's Travel Shoes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Packing Cubes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 10 Best Patagonia Jackets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 6 Best Beach Umbrellas of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Fanny Packs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 10 Best Anti-Theft Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

• - K-town Now
• Asia-Pacific
• - Storm Tracker
• Middle East
• Map of Memorials
• Entertainment
• - Video Games
• Europe Travel
• - Quick Trips
• - After Hours
• Pacific Travel
• The Meat and Potatoes of Life
• U.S. Travel
• Storm Tracker
• Rewards for readers
• Get Stripes
• Stripes Lite
• Archives/Library
• Special Publications
• Mobile Apps
• Email Newsletters
• Digital Access
• Home Delivery
• Marine Corps
• Coast Guard
• Space Force
• Archive photo of the day
• - Schedules Europe
• - Scoreboards Europe
• - Schedules Pacific
• - Scoreboards Pacific
• - Pacific Sports Blog
• - Military Matters
• - Force for Hire
• Out of Uniform
• Communities
• Stripes Europe
• Stripes Guam
• Stripes Japan
• Stripes Korea
• Stripes Okinawa
• Our Other Websites
• In Memoriam
• Month of the Military Child
• Best of Germany
• Best of the Pacific
• Letters to Santa

Tours from Europe bases

This flower-water stairway is on the garden island of Mainau in Lake Constance, Germany. RTT Travel Ramstein plans a trip there May 12. (iStock)

Base tours offer an easy way to see Europe with other members of the military community. Here is a sampling of trips scheduled as of May 3, 2024. Please update this information and add tours by sending an email to Marcus Klöckner at [email protected].

SHAPE TRIPS AND TOURS: Call 06544-3884. Email [email protected] or visit www.shape2day.com.

ANSBACH OUTDOOR RECREATION: May 7, Tuesday evening cycling with ODR, $5; May 18, Neuschwanstein castle area, $579 adults, $139 children ages 3-11, $119 children ages 2 and under; May 23, Costa Brava (Spain), $449 adults, $399 children ages 3-11, $199 children ages 2 and under; June 5, sunset paddling with ODR, $25 adults, $5 children ages 12 and under; June 13-17, Paris, Normandy, $439 adults, $389 children ages 3-11, $149 children ages 2 and under. DSN 467-3225/CIV 09802-83-3225 or MWR Central DSN 467-1780 or CIV 09802-83-1780.

BAUMHOLDER OUTDOOR RECREATION: May 4, Paris, $129 adults, $119 children ages 11 and under; May 4, Rhine river boat cruise, $79 adults, $49 children; May 5, Utility Vehicle Tour (UTV), $155-$195; May 11, Keukenhof, tulip gardens, $129 adults, $119 children; May 11, Black Forest tour, $79 adults, $49 children; May 12, Baden-Baden, spa day, $75; May 19, Tongeren (Belgium), antique market, $79; June 1, Champagne tour Epernay (France), $149. DSN 485-7182 or CIV 06783-67182.

GRAFENWOEHR OUTDOOR RECREATION: May 11, Mother’s Day fishing event, $29 adults, $19 children; May 25, fishing season opener, $20-$25; June 7-9, fishing course, $65 adults, $40 children ages 10-18; June 15, Father’s Day fishing event, $20 adults, $10 children. DSN 314 475-8529 or CIV 09641-83-8529

KAISERSLAUTERN OUTDOOR RECREATION: May 23-27, Croatia, $1,329-$1,469, $269-$949 children; May 23-27, Memorial Day weekend in London, $1,049 adults (single room), $829 adults (double room); May 24, Normandy and Omaha Beach, $749 adults (single room), $599 adults; DSN 493-4117 or CIV 0631-34064117.

RTT TRAVEL RAMSTEIN: May 10-12 and June 5-7, Prague and Karlovy shopping, 459 euros adults (single room), 369 euros adults (double room), 299 children ages 3-11; May 11, June 8, July 27, Candy Coated Cologne, May 12, Mainau Island, 129 euros adults, 109 euros children ages 3-11, 99 euros children ages 2 and under. CIV 06371-463650 or see www.RTTtravel.com.

RTT FLIGHT TOURS/RAMSTEIN: Call 06371-463650 or see www.RTTtravel.com.

SPANGDAHLEM INFORMATION, TICKETS AND TRAVEL: DSN: 452-6567 or CIV 06565-61-6567.

STUTTGART OUTDOOR RECREATION: May 11, MWR adventure tour: Hirschgrund Zipline, $120 adults, $105 children ages 12-16; May 18, MWR adventure tour: white water rafting, $200 DSN 431-2774 or CIV 0703-2774.

WIESBADEN OUTDOOR RECREATION: June 14-17, Berchtesgaden, $459 adults, $399 for children ages 3-11, $299 children ages 2 and under; July 3-7, $799 adults, $739 for children ages 3-11, $599 for children ages 3 and under; July 16-Oct. 5, hunting course, $269. DSN 337-5760 or CIV 06117-055760; email usarmy.wiesbaden.imcom-eurospe.list.mwr-outdoor-recreation@mail.mil.

USO ROME: Daily: 8 a.m., Rome, 36 euros adults, 28 euros ages 2-8; 9:30 a.m., Borghese Gallery, 45 euros adults, 35 euros children; 3 p.m. daily, Love and Death in Rome: 2,700 Years of Scandals, 40 euros adults, 33 euros ages 5-17; daily: 10 a.m., Vatican museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, 65 euros adults, 46 euros ages 5-17; 9:30 a.m. daily, ancient city (Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill), 60 euros adults, 45 euros children ages 5-17; 7 p.m. daily, Rome at Twilight, 29 euros adults, 23 euros ages 5-17; 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily, Underground Rome, 46 euros adults, 38 euros ages 5-17; 2 p.m. daily, catacombs, 45 euros; Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Arts and History Elite Walking Tour, 35 euros adults, 28 euros ages 2-12; Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, Rome by Night with dinner and music, 75 euros adults, 60 euros ages 2-12; Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, Jewish Ghetto, Tiberina Island and Trastevere, 35 euros adults, 28 euros ages 2-12; Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, Baroque Rome and Caravaggio, 35 euros adults, 28 euros ages 2-12; Mondays, Florence (semi-private walking tour), 52 euros adults, 39 euros ages 5-17; call CIV 06-397-27419 or visit www.rome.uso.it.

Netherlands

SCHINNEN: (+31) (0) 46-443-7561 or DSN 360-7561 or email [email protected].

ROTA OUTDOOR RECREATION: May 18, canyon descending; May 24, Almunecar, multi-adventure trip; June 1, Los Alcornocales, hiking Garganta del Capitin; June 8, canyon descending; June 15, Bay of Cadiz, sailing and windsurfing, $100; June 18, night kayak & Sancti Petri castle tour, $85; June 22, Los Corrales Beach, stand-up paddle board & kayak, $60; July 6, Tarifa, quad tour, $130; July 13, canyon descending, $85. Outdoor Recreation (ODR)DSN 727-3101 or CIV 095682-3101/3208.

ROTA ITT: May 4, Marbella and Puerto Banus, $35; May 11, Los Patios in Cordoba, $40; May 18, Sevilla historical tour, $70 adults, $55 children ages 2-14; May 25, Ronda, $35. Tickets and Travel. DSN 727-3101/3208 or CIV 095682-3101/3208.

Sign Up for Daily Headlines

Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets from around the world.

Sign Up Now

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Buy for others

Buying and sending ebooks to others.

• Select quantity
• Buy and send eBooks
• Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Follow the author

Budapest travel guide 2024: Navigating the Heart of Europe's Hidden Jewel With things to do in Budapest, where to stay, itinerary with maps and many tips on Budapest. [Print Replica] Kindle Edition

• Language English
• Sticky notes Not Enabled
• Publication date April 20, 2024
• File size 19099 KB
• Page Flip Not Enabled
• Word Wise Not Enabled
• Enhanced typesetting Not Enabled
• See all details
• Kindle Fire HDX 8.9''
• Kindle Fire HDX
• Kindle Fire HD (3rd Generation)
• Fire HDX 8.9 Tablet
• Fire HD 7 Tablet
• Fire HD 6 Tablet
• Kindle Fire HD 8.9"
• Kindle Fire HD(1st Generation)
• Kindle Fire(2nd Generation)
• Kindle Fire(1st Generation)
• Kindle for Android Phones
• Kindle for Android Tablets
• Kindle for iPhone
• Kindle for iPod Touch
• Kindle for iPad
• Kindle for Mac
• Kindle for PC
• Kindle Cloud Reader

Popular titles by this author

From the Publisher

Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D2BNFG1C
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 20, 2024
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 19099 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Not enabled
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• #12 in Budapest Travel Guides
• #13 in Scandinavia Travel
• #24 in Eastern Europe Travel

About the author

Lorenzo canali.

I am a storyteller, photographer, and fellow traveler. Ever since I was a kid all I ever wanted was to travel around the world like the great Ferdinand Magellan who traveled around the world. Right now I have been to over 50, countries I am eager to share my passion for exploration and empower others to embark on their own adventures.

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

No customer reviews

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

The Rick Steves guide to life

Travel mogul. Philanthropist. Legal weed champion. The real Rick Steves is so much more complex than who you see on TV.

EDMONDS, Wash. — At first glance, it is hard to tell that Rick Steves is protesting.

In the center of his hometown, America’s favorite travel host is perched on the edge of a fountain roundabout engaging in some friendly civil disobedience. As cars circle the intersection, Steves smiles and waves, looking more like an Elf on a Shelf than an angry picketer. This is his way of reminding people he wishes they’d stop driving here.

Steves’s family moved to Edmonds when he was 12, and the 68-year-old is still happy to call it home. Rather than relocate to his beloved Europe, he dreams of bringing some European sensibilities to the edge of the Puget Sound, less than 20 miles north of Seattle.

When he’s not traveling around Europe, writing about Europe or running his multimillion-dollar European tour company, the prolific TV host and author likes to squeeze in some local activism. The roundabout routine is his push to block off Edmonds’s very American Main Street for pedestrians. If you squint at it, you can see what Steves sees: This would be the perfect place for a lively town square.

“I like a lot of things about Europe, but I love the urban energy of Europe. I love the piazza,” Steves said in a wistful tone you might recognize from PBS. “We don’t have a piazza.”

Unfortunately for Steves, the voting majority of the city does not love the idea of parking their SUVs farther away to shop. So despite his Boy Scout enthusiasm, the most famous man in Edmonds must keep up the perch-and-wave. This is not his only crusade.

Spend any amount of time with Steves, and you’ll encounter a total ham who loves a zany bit. But if you ask him about serious issues such as car-free zones, he’ll bring up other causes that are dear to him: affordable housing, supporting the arts, creating senior centers for the elderly to age with dignity.

He’s anti-Trump and pro-cannabis. He does not care if that is bad for business.

The average Rick Steves fan has probably missed this side of him. On TV, they see an always-sunny history lover who makes going abroad feel approachable for the average American. That’s an incomplete picture, like thinking you know Paris because you’ve seen the Eiffel Tower on YouTube.

Meet him in Edmonds, and he’ll fill in the rest.

It may look like a lot of gallivanting, but being Rick Steves takes a lot of work.

He spends three months of the year overseas, researching, writing, recording, refining tours, updating guidebooks. If he’s not planning or producing content, he’s often doing promotional events across the United States. This year, Steves is celebrating the 40th edition of his first book, “Europe Through the Back Door.” Over the course of his career, he has built a privately held company that generates $120 million in revenue a year, published 110 books, filmed 12 seasons of “Rick Steves’ Europe” and produced more than 750 podcast episodes.

“It’s just like coordinating a three-ring circus,” Steves said.

That is: really fun, sort of exhilarating and extremely complicated. To pull this off, Steves does not observe the French 35-hour workweek. He’s a workhorse with a reputation for keeping a frenetic pace year-round.

“It’s more of an American work culture,” Amy Duncan, Steves’s communications director, told me. “He’s an unapologetic capitalist, but he is also a socialist.”

He makes enough money to fly first class, but he sits in only economy, claiming that he doesn’t mind being cramped.

“It never occurred to me that I’m suffering,” he said. “As long as I’ve got an aisle and a seat that reclines, I’m happy.”

Actually, Steves believes airlines should have only one class. It’s part of his egalitarian worldview. He’s also anti-points and anti-miles, refusing to sign up for airline loyalty programs because he believes that they bully us into complicating our lives.

Steves also enforces a self-imposed “ carbon tax ” on his tour company, which takes more than 30,000 people to Europe annually. For every customer, Steves invests $30 to atone for emissions created by their flights between the United States and Europe. Last year, that added up to $1 million donated to a portfolio of organizations, Steves said.

“I don’t need to be a slave to the quarterly profit statement. I want to be around and profitable in 10 years from now in a world that you can travel in that’s stable,” Steves said. “This is a smart investment, and it’s an ethical expense that I should pay for.”

Rick Steves will tell you he’s motivated by making money; the more he can earn, the more good he can do with it.

“Vicarious consumption, that’s one of my things,” Steves said.

After amassing a windfall from the 2001 George W. Bush tax cuts for high earners, Steves donated $1 million to support the local symphony and performing arts center. In 2005, he used retirement savings to buy a 24-unit apartment complex for the local YWCA’s use as transitional housing for women and children. He figured he’d eventually sell the complex and live on the earnings. About a decade later, he changed his mind and donated the complex valued at $4 million.

He also gave more than $4 million to help build the Edmonds Waterfront Center, a vibrant gathering place for seniors where his daughter had her wedding in 2021. And he gave another $2 million for a similar center in the nearby city of Lynnwood, which broke ground in mid-April .

“Rick puts his money where his mouth is,” said Nancy Leson, a former Seattle Times food critic who used to let Steves’s daughter babysit her son. She has appreciated his regular presence in the community, which has entailed hosting events for local politics at his house and shopping at the farmers market .

“He changed travel,” local resident Karen Howe said on her way into the Waterfront Center with a friend. She has used Steves’s guidebooks for years. “He’s introduced us to places that most of us would never think of going.”

Steves hasn’t won his piazza battle, but he has brought European touches to Edmonds. At the Rick Steves’ Europe headquarters, there’s an E.U. flag hanging from the mocha brick facade. And gargoyles that drain rainwater, just like at the Notre Dame cathedral.

“Gargoyles scare away evil spirits,” Steves points out, unable to suppress his inner tour guide.

Here Steves employs more than 100 people: editors, audio producers, tour specialists and cartographers such as Dave Hoerlein, his first employee. That’s excluding the fleet of guides and drivers he contracts across the pond to shepherd tour customers.

Inside, he bounds through a maze of cubicles, his neck craned forward, always at an eager pace. His 6-foot frame appears leaner than in previous seasons of his life, but his signature look is familiar. No, not khakis and a button-down. That’s vintage Rick. These days, he wears dark jeans and a button-down, plus a thin scarf and leather sneakers.

During a day of meetings, Steves’s fjord-blue eyes lit up at the minutia of the business. He went over new maps with Hoerlein. He and longtime co-author Cameron Hewitt addressed problems such as finding a “less glitzy” stop on the Amalfi Coast that’s not Sorrento. They discussed whether a place is worth visiting after it’s gotten too popular, and Steves indulged in some gallows humor.

“It’s going to be like holding the corpse of a loved one who just died,” he said.

His critics argue that the “Rick Steves Effect” can turn a charming village, restaurant or museum into a tourist magnet. Matthew Kepnes, the travel writer behind the blog Nomadic Matt , points to the Swiss town Zermatt, which he says Steves put on the map, and has since dealt with overtourism . You’re bound to bump into groups with Rick Steves guidebooks in Italy’s increasingly crowded Cinque Terre.

Whether Steves is actually to blame for changing a place is up for debate. There are plenty of destinations he’s covered that haven’t been inundated with swarms of Americans (see also: Gdańsk).

Steves says he assesses whether a place wants tourism, if it can handle it gracefully. If it doesn’t or can’t, he may mention it but not promote it.

He has faith — maybe too much — that his clients share his values.

“Does [my work] change the personality of a town? It can. Am I a dramatic impact on Europe? No,” he said.

“There’s a handful of places I really promote aggressively that I’ve had a serious impact on, but otherwise ... my travelers are the kind of people that take only pictures and leave only footprints. ... They’re good travelers.”

You don’t have to spend much time in Edmonds to see why Steves never considered leaving.

The city — population roughly 42,000 — sits on a majestic inlet. You can get to a major international airport in about an hour. The community is so courteous, it has an “umbrella share” program in case people forget their own on a rainy day. As Steves walks around town, he greets people by name. He lives within walking distance to both his favorite diner and a pétanque court, the French answer to Italian bocce. He plays bongos at his church on Sundays.

In 1967, Richard “Dick” Steves moved the family here because he was worried about Rick Junior.

“I was hanging out with dangerous kids and going down the wrong trail,” Steves said. Seriously.

His dad, an Army veteran, got by in the upscale suburb as a piano technician and importer. When Steves was 14, his parents dragged him on a work trip to Europe to visit piano factories; it was a radical experience that sparked his lifelong passion for travel.

Back in Edmonds, Steves started teaching piano, eventually turning his savings into trips abroad of his own — not only to Europe, but also to Turkey, Nepal, Afghanistan. He went to college nearby, earning degrees in European history and business from the University of Washington, where he played in the Husky Marching Band.

After graduating, Steves figured he could keep up his routine: give piano lessons during the school year, then travel during the summer. He started teaching travel classes in the same recital hall where his piano students performed. This was back when there was no internet and there were few guidebooks to consult for trip planning.

The classes were a hit. At 25, Steves turned his lecture materials into a 180-page book, and self-published “Europe Through the Back Door,” in 1980.

Four years later, he hosted his first European minibus tour group, serving as both bus driver and guide.

His businesses have evolved; his bus tours now take up to 28 travelers, a number Steves says is a sweet spot between making the tour more affordable yet enjoyable for customers and profitable for the company. But his mission has remained the same: to be the best resource for European travel and help Americans travel better.

“I just focus on that and I love it,” he said. “It takes my life out of balance — which is not good — but it lets me do a lot of stuff that I believe in and that’s good.”

Steves has been open about the challenges of being a travel mogul. As he built his empire, he was also raising a family. Being “married” to both took a toll. In 2010, Steves and his wife, Anne, divorced after 25 years of marriage.

Up the hill from his junior high, Rick Steves’s modest beige home offers a window into his many lives. There are family photos on the walls, from older relatives to his baby grandson, Atlas. He hosts political fundraisers on the sprawling deck. A painting of Kerala, India, nods to one of his favorite countries. (People forget that Steves did four editions of “Asia Through the Back Door.”)

Next to his grand piano, there’s a stuffed creature that Steves calls his “Silver Fox” baring its teeth and wearing novelty sunglasses with cannabis leaves on the lenses — a nod to two of his interests: taxidermy and marijuana activism.

“It’s the civil liberties. … It’s the racism. … Everything about it is wrong,” he said of keeping weed illegal.

As for the toothy fox, Steves doesn’t do typical souvenirs anymore, but he makes an exception for stuffed animals.

“The wooden shoes and the pewter Viking ships are so obvious,” he said. “I like to do something a little more organic and a little more striking, and it takes me back there — I like it.”

He’s a very good piano player. He can also play the sousaphone and the trumpet — which he did regularly during the pandemic, performing taps for his neighbors at sunset.

The coronavirus was a nightmare for the travel business, but a miracle for Steves’s love life.

After running in the same social circles for years, he and Shelley Bryan Wee, a prominent local bishop, started dating at the end of 2019. They had a lot in common. Both are progressive Lutherans. Both are divorced with adult children. But neither worked a typical 9-to-5, and one of them spent three months of the year in Europe.

Then shutdowns happened. Steves, who couldn’t remember whether he’d ever had dinner in the same place 10 nights in a row, spent 100 nights at the same table with Wee. It solidified their relationship.

“Shelley is a constant,” Steves said. He still struggles with the balancing act between work and love.

When the stars align and they’re both in Edmonds, Wee cooks, and Steves plays sous-chef. They walk Jackson, Wee’s labradoodle, creating their own version of the passeggiata, Italy’s traditional evening stroll. They play table tennis before dinner.

When the world reopened, they started traveling together. They’ve made time for a few big vacations: a trip to Morocco, where they were caught in a windstorm that blew the windows out of their car; a luxury barge cruise through Burgundy, France, “that was embarrassingly expensive,” Steves confessed, followed by a week hiking in the Swiss Alps; and another hiking trip between remote lodges on Mont Blanc.

Before their first trip, Steves edited the contents of Wee’s suitcase, because packing light is part of his philosophy.

“What do you say?” she asked. “You’re talking to Rick Steves.”

Editing by Gabe Hiatt. Additional editing by Amanda Finnegan. Design editing by Christine Ashack. Photo editing by Lauren Bulbin. Videos by Monica Rodman. Senior video producer: Nicki DeMarco. Design by Katty Huertas. Copy editing by Jamie Zega.

More travel news

How we travel now: More people are taking booze-free trips — and airlines and hotels are taking note. Some couples are ditching the traditional honeymoon for a “buddymoon” with their pals. Interested? Here are the best tools for making a group trip work.

Bad behavior: Entitled tourists are running amok, defacing the Colosseum , getting rowdy in Bali and messing with wild animals in national parks. Some destinations are fighting back with public awareness campaigns — or just by telling out-of-control visitors to stay away .

Safety concerns: A door blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leaving passengers traumatized — but without serious injuries. The ordeal led to widespread flight cancellations after the jet was grounded, and some travelers have taken steps to avoid the plane in the future. The incident has also sparked a fresh discussion about whether it’s safe to fly with a baby on your lap .

• You can still find affordable flights to Europe this summer April 18, 2024 You can still find affordable flights to Europe this summer April 18, 2024
• See how jamón gets made in the heartland of Spanish pork April 16, 2024 See how jamón gets made in the heartland of Spanish pork April 16, 2024
• What to know about Schengen zone, Europe’s ‘border-free’ travel system April 3, 2024 What to know about Schengen zone, Europe’s ‘border-free’ travel system April 3, 2024

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Autism makes travel a challenge. Here’s how I learned to cope

Busy places and unexpected events used to send me into meltdown on holiday. An autism diagnosis helped me to adapt my plans and rediscover the joy of travelling

W andering hand-in-hand through the medieval streets of Bologna, my boyfriend and I were in awe of the sweeping porticoes and distinctive rust-red brickwork of the city. It was our first holiday together. We’d wanted to find somewhere beyond the obvious that would marry our respective interests in architecture and history. Bologna was the perfect fit.

We admired the Church of Santa Maria della Vita , with its imposing baroque interior, lavishly decorated in colourful frescoes and marble carvings. We caught a little red and blue express train up into the hills to the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca , and climbed the bell tower of the Basilica di San Petronio for panoramic views across the city.

But after one particularly long, hot day on our feet, with our stomachs clamouring to be fed, my mood began to shift. With the setting of the sun came the rising of my rage, as we struggled to agree on where we wanted to eat. In a city nicknamed La Grassa (“the fat one”), we weren’t lacking in options; in fact, it was the sheer number of well-reviewed eateries that was overwhelming.

Eventually we decided on pizza, and my boyfriend anxiously led us through sun-dappled alleyways, seeking out a little hole-in-the-wall spot with stellar reviews on Google. Looking back now, I’m ashamed of my reaction once we arrived. Instead of excitedly tucking into the steaming, cheese-drenched deliciousness before me, I burst into tears, refusing to order. And why?

Because they were slices .

In my mind, getting pizza meant that we’d be presented with a whole pizza. The idea of just grabbing a slice or two felt abhorrently wrong. It truly felt to me, in that moment, like I was being asked to do the impossible. Instead, we had to find a standard bistro and get me the right kind of pizza. Scrolling through photographs from that trip for this article, I find a snapshot of my boyfriend opposite me at the table, looking as if he’d just (barely) survived the fury of the Visigoths during the sacking of Rome.

It wasn’t until three years later – in spring 2020, when I was diagnosed as autistic – that this fragment of my life story, and many others like it, finally began to make sense.

B eing autistic means that life is a challenge, every day, in myriad tiny ways most others cannot see. Autistic people often grapple with sensory, social and communication challenges that manifest differently in each of us. As a toddler, for instance, I couldn’t stand the touch of grass on my skin. My parents could pop me down on a blanket by our tent during camping trips, safe in the knowledge that I wouldn’t stray. The same went for sand – putting me down to build a sandcastle on the beach only led to banshee-esque wailing until someone picked me up. When I got older, I preferred to stay by the tent and read my books than risk the chaotic din of the campsite playground. I’ve also always found it difficult when confronted with the unexpected. That could be anything, from a last-minute change of plans to something simply not turning out the way I’d pictured it in my head.

Relentlessly busy places are a terrifying prospect for those of us predisposed to sensory overwhelm. The best way I can describe how I experience this sensation is to ask you to imagine that the whole world has climbed into your chest. It then sits there, heavy and loud and bright, thrumming with energy, too much energy, more than any one person could hold within themselves. And yet, that’s what’s expected of us, day in, day out.

Fortunately, societal awareness of how autistic people interact with public spaces has grown over the past few years, thanks to the rise of lived experiences shared on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. The thriving autistic creator communities online were a lifebelt for me when I was first diagnosed, providing both insights into my own behaviour and suggesting coping mechanisms.

Initiatives such as the sunflower lanyard scheme are also having a real impact on how employees in train stations, airports, bus terminals and so on are trained in making these places more accessible to those with hidden disabilities. What I have learned is that many challenges can be overcome with sufficient planning and support from those around me. Through much trial and error over the last four years, I’m making real progress towards learning how to adapt my holiday plans to accommodate my needs. I now have a self-made kit for mitigating sensory overwhelm that I take with me whenever I travel: sunglasses, noise-isolating earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones, a fidget toy or two and a safe food to snack on (a favourite cereal bar, for example). Having avoided meltdowns by using these items in the past, I now can’t imagine travelling without them.

The process of writing my book, The Autistic Guide to Adventure , has provided many useful insights too. Designed to introduce younger readers from the autistic community to a variety of different outdoor activities, the book suggests how to best approach them from sensory, social and communication perspectives.

Take kayaking, for instance, a popular holiday activity in the UK thanks to our miles upon miles of public waterways and easily accessible coastline. I’ve kayaked on family holidays since a young age. Before I knew I was autistic, however, I’d never have thought to give myself extra time to get used to sitting in a new boat in a new location, testing the feel of a buoyancy aid or holding the paddle properly. Yet something as simple as taking the opportunity to do that – on dry land, before the kayak even gets near the water – can make a real difference to how comfortable and confident an autistic person might feel about trying this new activity. Most activity providers are understanding and would be happy to facilitate this, if you let them know in advance.

Other simple adaptations to recreational activities include using walking poles for all levels of hiking – not only on mountains – and bringing an inflatable for wild swimming. These help to maintain balance, something that many autistic people find hard because of difficulties regulating their vestibular system.

after newsletter promotion

There will never be one single trip or destination that’s perfect for every autistic person, because our individual strengths, struggles and support needs are so different. But if we each plan ahead and choose what to do or where to go based on our known sensory sensitivities, communication preferences and social battery life, every trip has the potential to be perfect just for us .

M ost recently, my boyfriend and I took a much-anticipated trip to the Arctic Circle, visiting Tromsø. There’s a key difference between this holiday and our stay in Bologna five years earlier: the weather. It’s common for autistic people to have strong preferences when it comes to temperature – in my case, I’ll always choose cold over hot.

That’s why Tromsø in December was a sensory dream for me. Plunged into polar night, the light was never brighter than a muted lilac haze for a few short hours around midday. The temperature was consistently below freezing; the snow lay piled in marshmallow-soft heaps along pavements and roadsides. It was as far a cry from the lively streets and humid air of summer in Bologna as you could get, and it was perfect.

Learning from previous experience, we planned exactly where we wanted to eat during the trip. We spent several cheerful mealtimes huddled by the fire pit at Raketten Bar and enjoyed Pølse , a hotdog stand in a sunshine-yellow kiosk dating back to 1911.

Autistic people often prefer the company of animals to other humans, but it’s not something I’d ever thought to factor into my travel plans before. In Tromsø, we ended up spending three out of our five days on activities involving animals: huskies, whales and reindeer. It was, without a doubt, one of the best decisions we could have made.

The joy of losing myself in a frenzied pack of newfound canine friends radiates from my face in photos from the day we went husky sledding.

Given that travel is something I treasure, it’s a relief to realise that my ability to do it is not limited by being neurodivergent. On the contrary, I truly believe some of my many travel experiences have been – and will continue to be – enhanced by the fact that my brain works on a different wavelength. When I close my eyes, I can still see the play of lavender light on the snow-capped mountains surrounding Tromsø. I’m immediately transported back to a place that felt like home to my soul, soothed without having to take even a step outside.

The Autistic Guide to Adventure by Allie Mason is published by Jessica Kingsley (£14.99 ). To support the Guardian and Observer, buy a copy at guardianbookshop.com . Delivery charges may apply

• Europe holidays
• Travel writing

Most viewed

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Fitness & Wellbeing
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance Deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Betting Sites
• Online Casinos
• Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

An underwater tunnel could connect Europe to Africa by 2030 – at a cost of a £5.1bn

Crossing aims to open in time for morocco, portugal and spain to host the fifa world cup – but regular seismic activity poses a risk, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

A new 17-mile underwater tunnel could link Europe ’s high-speed  rail  network to North Africa by 2030 – if a €6bn proposal goes ahead.

The tunnel would introduce a high-speed train service by connecting Spain ’s existing rail lines to Morocco’ s 200mph Al Boraq route that opened in 2018.

A route departing Madrid , Spain, for Casablanca, Morocco, would travel via Algeciras and Tangier and pass under the Strait of Gibraltar.

While an average flight from Madrid to Casablanca clocks in at one hour and 50 minutes, the full train journey would reportedly take travellers five hours and 30 minutes to switch continents.

Now strategic planning is underway, developers hope the tunnel could open in just six years, in time for the three countries – Spain, Portugal and Morocco – to host the 2030 Fifa World Cup.

It is estimated that the project would cost north of €6 billion (£5.1 billion) to construct, although official costs are unknown.

The Spanish government confirmed €‎2.3 million (£2 million) EU feasibility funding to study the ‘ Europe-Africa Gibraltar strait fixed link ’ just last June.

At the time, Spain’s transport minister, Raquel Sanchez, said: “We are going to give impetus to the studies of a project of maximum geostrategic importance for our countries and for relations between Europe and Africa,

“We are beginning a new stage in the revival of the fixed link project across the Strait of Gibraltar, which we launched in 1981, hand in hand.”

The revived project was first seriously proposed over 40 years ago, in 1979, and could resemble the Channel Tunnel between Dover and Calais.

Surveys of the area by the Moroccan National Company for Strait Studies (SNED) and the Spanish Society for Fixed Communication Studies across the Strait of Gibraltar (SECEGSA) have also revealed several logistical challenges.

At its deepest, the strait dives 2,950ft (900m) down and regular seismic activity on the Azores–Gibraltar geologic fault presents an additional risk.

According to SECEGSA, over 12.8 million passengers per year could benefit from the crossing as well as an increase in trade of 13 million tons of cargo between the two continents if the tunnel is successful.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre