Traveling tips for smokers on how to make a vacation a little easier while still considerate of others.
Also, if a traveler knows of which parks, restaurants or hotels they will be staying in it is advisable to call ahead and find out what the smoking regulations are or whether they have designated smoking areas. Littering is against the law so it is also advisable to extinguish cigarettes in appropriate dispensers, which should be available in smoking-allowed areas, or carry a portable ashtray.
The legal age for purchasing cigarettes is 18 in all states, and many businesses have adapted a policy to card every smoker regardless of how old they look, or to card everyone who looks younger than 25. Be prepared to show proof of identity in the form of a license or state ID in order to purchase cigarettes. Also be prepared to carry your own lighting devices because not all places give out free matches with a purchase of a pack of cigarettes. Pay attention to signs because most places adequately display no-smoking signs (a picture of a cigarette inside a red circle with red line through circle diagonally). These rules do not just apply to cigarettes but also cigars, pipes or chewing tobacco.
On commercial planes or busses it is advisable to ask ahead when reserving/purchasing the tickets for a seat in the smoking section. Planes also have a time that is allowed for smoking, such as after take off and all smoking must cease before landing. On large ships, such as cruise ships, smoking is generally allowed since there are large outside areas. But smoking may not be allowed in restaurants or shops on board. Again, when purchasing or reserving the tickets it is good idea to ask what the smoking regulations are. If you are traveling in a small group such as on a charter plane, tour bus or with a tour group ask ahead if smoking is allowed. If so, ask to be in the designated smoking area. On smaller boats such as ferries, tours or fishing boats smoking may not be allowed since the passengers are in a more confined area. When booking such passage or tours ask someone. Be on the look out for smoking and non-smoking cars on passenger trains. The cars are usually well marked; when purchasing tickets make sure to mention that you want a smoking car.
And, just in case you are stuck on a flight or tour where you can absolutely not smoke try these tips to help you through the cravings:
1. Prepare mentally for the nonsmoking flight with positive thoughts and images of clean air and a clear head.
2. Remember that no one else will be smoking around you.
3. Think about something that makes you feel good. Relax your shoulders. Inhale as slowly and as deeply as you can. Hold your breath while you count to four and exhale slowly, letting out all the air from your lungs. Slowly repeat these steps five times.
4. Keep hands busy. Make a list of reasons for quitting smoking, doodle, or do airline magazine cross word puzzles.
5. Get up and stretch as often as possible.
6. Bring along low calorie snacks such as sugar less gum, fruit, popcorn or fresh vegetables.
7. If you usually smoke while drinking coffee, soft drinks or alcohol during flight, try switching to fruit juices, water or milk.
8. Lean back and sleep.
When traveling to countries outside the United States, be aware of or on the lookout for smoking laws, they may differ than laws in the US. Also consider that brands will differ so you may want to stock up on your preferred brand before leaving the US. Ask ahead before chartering with a tour group or other form of transportation such as a bus or plane. In many cases people use travel agents to assist with vacation planning and a travel agent can let a potential traveler know what the smoking regulations or restrictions are.
