Although it’s natural for you to want to let loose while on vacation, it’s still important to conduct yourself in the right manner on your travels. This is especially true if you’re a smoker.
In fact, given recent concerns about preserving cultures and the environment, a study on tourism published in the International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development states that travellers are now increasingly focusing on minding the environment and giving back to the local community while travelling.
Following these principles guarantees that you stay respectful while on your trip and can enrich your experiences without compromising your personal habits.
You can follow this same logic even if you’re a smoker. If you’re wondering how to become a responsible traveller for your next trip, look no further. Below are some tips that can help.
4 Travel Tips for Smokers
Travelling is one of the most rewarding experiences life has to offer. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, hitting the road allows you to explore different cultures, try new foods and broaden your perspective on life.
However, if you’re a smoker, travelling can be daunting — especially due to stricter smoking regulations implemented across the globe. Let’s discuss some essential travel tips every smoker should know.
Research local smoking laws
Responsible travel involves researching the local smoking legislation of your desired destination. Countries like Thailand have policies in place to minimise secondhand smoke and preserve the environment.
That said, smokeless options like nicotine gum and nicotine pouches can become a recourse if you want to follow local laws as a tourist respectfully.
An article published by Prilla explains that in countries like India, nicotine pouches are widely used by smokers or people looking to quit altogether. As such, they are easy to purchase when you’re craving a smoke.
Ultimately, doing your research lets you prepare a contingency plan (such as using smokeless options) while observing the rules during your travels.
Stick to local smoking haunts
Despite the smoke-free laws currently observed in many Asian countries, you’ll be glad to know that there are accommodations that still allow you to smoke.
Findings posted on NCBI about smoking in Japan show that, although the country has an indoor smoking ban, restaurants and bars can still provide designated smoking rooms to customers.
So aside from researching local laws, you can scour travel sites and find accommodations, restaurants, and other tourist spots with smoking areas. You can also consult the staff at any of these spots for any hidden local gems that may not be advertised online.
This way, you get to maximise your trip while staying mindful of your smoking habits.
Remain Courteous to Non-smokers During Your Commute
Travelling responsibly means utilising public transport to cut costs. In Spain, for instance, you can get around Barcelona with the Hop On Hop Off bus, which can be used up to several times daily.
Of course, if you’re a smoker, the smell of smoke on your clothes can cause non-smokers to be uncomfortable as they commute to a tourist spot.
Apart from that, in Asia, although Indonesians view smoking as an essential part of social interaction, they frown upon secondhand smoke. More specifically, they dislike the smell of cigarettes.
Aside from using discreet nicotine alternatives like the pouch, you can avoid smelling like smoke by carrying an odour-eliminating spray. This way, you can remain courteous to non-smokers during your commutes.
Discard Your Cigarette Waste Properly
As a smoker, it’s a given that you should discard your cigarette waste properly. In renowned vacation spots like Bali, local authorities strictly require smokers to clean up after their waste.
For that reason, numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants provide ashtrays in their designated smoking rooms. It’s also highly encouraged that you dispose of your cigarette butts in the rubbish immediately after you smoke.
If by chance, there aren’t any ashtrays at a food establishment, then it’s best to carry a portable ashtray with you. This way, you can conveniently discard your cigarette waste in the appropriate places and avoid littering during your travels.
Conclusion
Smoking is a personal choice, and if you do smoke, that doesn’t mean you can’t travel responsibly. By following these four tips, you can enjoy your travels while still being considerate of those around you.
What are some other ways smokers can travel more responsibly? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I’d love to hear more tips I might have missed.
