Many counties around the world are creating tighter regulations when it comes to smoking. Spain’s current initiatives have resulted in many beaches at popular tourist destinations adopting smoke- free policies, with Muro and Port de Sant Migue just a few in Ibiza implementing the rule. Other countries, like Japan, have banned outdoor smoking altogether, while places such as France aim to do so in the coming years.
Of course, these regulations can be burdensome for travelers who use cigarettes, as it means not being able to smoke for extended periods during your travels. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to make visiting these countries more comfortable. These are a few tips we can offer to make a trip to smoke-free destinations easier:
Avoid triggers
Triggers are circumstances that make smokers want to pick up a cigarette. The National Cancer Institute’s list of common ones includes social situations such as being surrounded by smokers, emotional circumstances such as experiencing high levels of stress, and lifestyle patterns such as enjoying a cigarette with breakfast.
If you want to avoid your usual triggers while traveling, try to lean into relaxation. Don’t be afraid to get a massage or spend a lazy day on the beach. This will help manage your stress and improve your comfort levels while helping break you out of your usual patterns. Enjoying meals at local restaurants and sightseeing will allow you to pass the time without needing a cigarette.
Pack smokeless alternatives
You don’t have to go cold turkey when visiting smoke-less destinations. Many nicotine alternatives on the market can provide the same effects as cigarettes. ZYN pouches from Swedish Match are popular because of their wide variety of doses and flavors. Users put one between their gums and lips to get the desired effects. The brand’s menthol pouches are ideal for those who want the more traditional tobacco taste, while the citrus is excellent if you want something new. Their products range from 3 mg to 6 mg, so you can find easily find a strength that suits your
travel needs.
You can also opt for Dr. Reddy’s Habitrol nicotine patches, which cities like Philadelphia include in their free nicotine replacement therapy kits. Habitrol’s 21 mg transdermal patches go on the skin, making them particularly effective and convenient for long-haul flights. Nicotine pouches and patches have the benefit of being discreet, smoke-less alternatives, so they are great to bring to countries with heavy smoking regulations.
Use cessation apps
Though these programs are often used by people looking to quit, cessation apps can be a big help when you visit a smoke-free country. They can help you track triggers, provide motivational advice, and monitor your progress. The smoking cessation app called quitSTART is a great example of this.
Free to download on the App Store and Playstore, it was made to support smokers on their journey to quitting. It has games and challenges to distract you from triggers and badges to make cessation feel like a more significant achievement. Even if you’re not planning on quitting long- term, this app can help you manage a smoke-free lifestyle when traveling to a smoke-free destination.
Respect local cultures
It is important to remember that the main reason not to smoke in countries where it is prohibited is to respect the local culture. Our article ‘Polite Perfection’ highlights many cultural differences that visitors must understand before traveling to a new destination. This includes small acts like greetings and even tipping. Smoking is another one many people don’t often look at, save for when their accommodations are strict about their no-smoking policies.
With that in mind, it is always important to research ahead of time. Some countries have completely banned smoking in public completely, while others allow it in designated areas. By knowing this, you can gain a better grasp of the culture and whether or not cigarettes are frowned upon. These practices will make you a courteous tourist and help you know what alternatives you can take to make a smoke-free trip possible.
Tighter regulations on smoking shouldn’t be a reason for your trip to get ruined. Understanding the culture, having nicotine alternatives, managing triggers, and using cessation apps will help you make the most of your trip without having the urge to take a smoke break. This ensures a fun vacation filled with happiness rather than cravings and irritability.
Image: Possessed Photography, Unsplash
