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According to the World Health Organization, there are about 1.3 billion tobacco users in the world. However, smoking has become more prohibited globally due its health and environmental dangers. Most forms of transportation and public places have banned smoking. Some countries have completely outlawed tobacco products. Indeed, despite the number of smokers in the world, not a lot of opportunities exist anymore for a smoker to smoke while traveling.
But, if you happen to be a smoker about to travel, what do you do? How does a smoker navigate this world that is no longer made for smokers? Here are some things you must avoid:
Not disposing of your waste correctly
Cigarette butts are one of the most common waste polluting bodies of water. This poses a danger due to chemicals leaching onto the ecosystem and harming organisms. E-cigarettes, batteries, and cartridges also pose a threat to health and environment when not disposed of properly.
Take note of places for proper disposal of smoking waste. Never toss hot cigarette butts or ash in the trash. Do not flush cigarette or e-cigarette waste down the toilet or sink. You can bring a sturdy ashtray to make sure you put out your cigarette before disposing of it. You can try to look into efforts to reduce cigarette waste where you’re visiting, like Surfrider Foundation’s buttcans and pocket ashtrays. These can help you properly dispose of your smoking waste or contain them until you can safely throw them away.
Smoking in protected areas
Smoking poses a significant fire threat to forests and parks. Fires from cigarettes and smoking waste have caused costly and irreversible damages and destruction of vegetation and wildlife. That is why protective laws and regulations are set up for these places.
You can be prepared by reading up on the smoking laws of your destinations. Do not smoke in prohibited areas. Read rules before you go such as these in ‘Campground Rules – Read Before Going To Your Next Campground’. These will help you know about important restrictions.
Smoking in the open
Physical and social exposure to cigarettes and cigarette-like products can be hazardous. Due to these, smoking has been banned in many public places. Some countries have a complete ban on tobacco products. As smoking becomes taboo in many places, smoking in the open can be perceived as disrespectful or even unlawful.
At times when you cannot smoke in public, you can look into smoke-free alternatives like nicotine pouches. With alternatives like the Velo nicotine pouches listed on Prilla, you can tuck a pouch under your lip and satiate your nicotine cravings without smoking. You can also bring something to distract you such as fidget toys, snacks, or other handheld devices.
Ignoring packing laws
Although there are currently no restrictions on bringing tobacco products in your carry-on or checked luggage, vaping devices and e-cigarettes are a different story. According to the Transportation Security Administration, these are permitted in carry-on bags only and not to be checked in because of the lithium batteries most of them contain.
Make sure to pack your cigarettes and smoking products where they are visible and easily accessed. You can put them all in a see-through container just in case officials would want to examine them. You should only bring enough of what you will need to avoid redflags. Also, don’t forget to always check your destination’s laws regarding bringing smoking products.
With these reminders, hopefully it would be easier for you to navigate travelling as a smoker and enjoy your trips the best way you can.
