Non Smokers Travel | The Problems Smokers Face While Traveling

With more and more states and local municipalities forcing the smoking-friendly areas out of bars, restaurants, and even hotels, smokers who travel frequently for work or pleasure may find it difficult to find a place to smoke. Smoking is also banned on airlines, trains, and virtually all forms of public transportation with the exception of some cruise ships. Here are some coping techniques that you can employ to survive traveling without suffering a nicotine withdrawal fit or getting a hefty fine for illegal smoking.

Surviving Air Travel

Many smokers have discovered that taking the overnight flights not only reduces their fare but saves them from nicotine withdrawal as well. After all, your body is used to not smoking for long periods at night while you are asleep. smoking photo Try to schedule an overnight flight. Awake upon landing and enjoy your morning cigarette once you have collected your bags and exited the terminal.

If an overnight flight simply won't work due to scheduling constraints, you will want to keep your hands and mouth busy. Take along some snacks and stock up on gum and candies. Be sure they are sealed in their original packages to avoid problems with security. Take along a puzzle book, silent hand-held gaming device, or other diversion to occupy your hands. An engrossing book can also work to distract you from the urge to smoke during your flight.

Hotel Accommodations

If the hotel offers smoking rooms, call far in advance to reserve one. If smoking in hotels is against the law where you are traveling, inquire at the front desk if there is a cigar or hookah bar in the vicinity. Due to the nature of their business, cigar or hookah establishments are often granted special permission to permit smoking on their premises. There, you will be able to smoke indoors. It is, of course, only polite to make a small purchase while you are there.

Should smoking be verboten in all buildings, ask the concierge where smoking is permitted outside. There may be a designated courtyard or bench. Be sure you are within the confines of the area at all times and do not leave butts behind if there is no ashtray. You could be cited for littering. Put the cigarette out, make sure it is cool to the touch, and throw it away in a trash receptacle.

Smoking on the Street

In some cities, it is technically illegal to smoke outside. The state of California is notorious for this. Desperate for a cigarette, you could be arrested for smoking on a deserted street. In cases like this, look for out-of-the-way areas. Keep a sharp eye out for filters lying on the ground in protected corners or behind buildings, as this is a signal that smoking is often overlooked in the area. Be safe, but realize you may have to conceal what you're doing to avoid harassment.

If You Are Harassed

The best thing to do if you are approached by a passerby, a security guard, or a police officer concerning your smoking is to quickly bend down and extinguish the cigarette on the ground, never on a nearby building where it will leave an ashy smear. Hold on to the rest of the cigarette so you are not littering. Apologize to the person and ask them where smoking is permitted. If they are abusive and not a member of law enforcement, you are within your rights to apologize and simply walk away. Should you be cited by a police officer, cooperate fully. Speak respectfully to the officer and be sure to apologize.

Smokeless Nicotine Products

Should you be truly desperate, you may be considering a smokeless nicotine product such as nicotine gum, lozenges, or patches. While these may take the edge off your craving, they are also notorious for causing violent diarrhea and gastrointestinal distress. These side effects are bad enough in the comfort of your home, let alone in a strange place where you will be out in public and unsure of where the restrooms are located. If you want to try these methods, test them at home first to gauge your body's reaction before using them while traveling.

Traveling presents its own set of unique challenges for smokers. By making sure you are following the rules about smoking locations, seeking out alternatives, and keeping your hands and mouth occupied, you will be able to master your addiction well enough to travel without anxiety.

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