Travelling comes with so many responsibilities and there are even more factors you need to keep in mind if you are an active smoker.
Travelling comes with so many responsibilities and there are even more factors you need to keep in mind if you are an active smoker. Being a smoker away from home forces you to find solutions to potential issues that other people don’t even have to think about. But don’t worry about it. These six easy-to-follow tips will make sure you have everything figured out before your trip.
Get informed about cigarette costs
Before you even pack yourself for the trip, ask yourself if you can afford to buy cigarettes where you are going. Some places have very high cigarette taxes. So do your homework and check in advance to see what kinds of costs are awaiting you. In some countries, a pack of cigarettes can cost up to $12 which is a lot. Consider bringing enough packs of cigarettes to cover your stay. But keep in mind that more than a carton or two can be considered smuggling. The last thing you want on your vacation is to end up having problems with the police.
Pack an extra lighter
Another thing to keep in mind is to always pack an extra lighter. It’s not uncommon to find yourself in a situation where you’re ready to have a cigarette after a long flight and then realise you don’t have a lighter. You either lost it somewhere in the plane, or they confiscated it, or your last one just ran out of fuel, etc. This is why having a few lighters wherever you go can be very useful. Pack an extra lighter in the outside pocket of your checked luggage. This way it will be easily accessible and you don’t have to go through your whole bag searching for it.
Always keep a water bottle handy
Having a water bottle with you wherever you travel is important for many different reasons. Long flights can make you feel dehydrated and if you are travelling to a place of a higher elevation than you're used to, having a water bottle at all times can be a lifesaver. In addition to that, your smoking habits might just compound the issue even more. Be mindful of the water supply of the region you're travelling to. An extra bottle for your water pipe is something you would definitely want to keep with you if you are travelling to a region with questionable water supply.
Be understanding of non-smokers in your group
In case you are travelling with non-smokers be ready to make a lot of compromises. You will inevitably be facing some agonising decisions such as whether to sit in the smoking or non-smoking area, stay in the amusement park or leave to have a cigarette. All things considered, you need to acknowledge that not everyone around you is a smoker and is okay with being around when you’re smoking. So, before you go on a trip, set some ground rules with your friends who are non-smokers. Also keep different modes of travel in mind and how you can smoke your cigarettes on the trip while also being understanding towards other passengers. Be mindful of each other’s preferences and see what suits you best.
Travelling with e-cigarettes
When it comes to travelling electronic cigarettes there are some additional steps you have to keep in mind when packing for your vacation. First of all, don't forget to pack a charger. Also, depending on your mode of travel pick an appropriate charger that you can use on your trip. The next thing on the list is to pack extra batteries. Always have at least two batteries on hand. That way while one of them is charging, you can use the other one. Also, bring cartridges that contain your favourite e-liquid. This way you will ensure that you have a backup at all times. Lastly, you should consider investing in new and high-quality electronic cigarettes that can handle long journeys and will last you a long time, wherever you go.
Get informed about the airline policies
Lastly, you need to consider specific airline rules if you are travelling by plane. There are many questions that might come to your mind. Can I take my electronic cigarette on a plane? Can I put my e-cigarette in checked luggage? Can I charge my e-cigarette in the plane? Can I use my electronic cigarettes on the plane? All of these are very common and normal questions. In most cases, airlines will allow you to take your electronic cigarettes in your carry-on luggage, but it’s always best to check with the airline in advance, just to be sure. However, when it comes to batteries, they are banned worldwide in checked luggage, so make sure you pack them in your hand luggage. Also charging e-cigarettes on the aircraft is no longer allowed. Keep that in mind. And lastly, forget about vaping on the plane. It is strictly forbidden. Airlines such as Qatar Airways have even gotten people arrested for using their electronic cigarettes in their planes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many aspects to be considered when you're travelling as an active smoker. You have to take the mode of travel, your surroundings, different laws, and your health into consideration. Be mindful of these six above-discussed factors and you won’t have anything to worry about.
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