Most European countries have dropped travel restrictions which means it’s finally time to get out and go on an adventure and many have already begun. An article at Forbes points out that commercial flights in the EU increased by 156% from March 2021 to March 2022. EU countries are reporting huge increases in bookings for tourism. It’s obvious that people are itching to get out to a destination. But since it’s probably been a while, some travelers may be a little rusty with the proper dos and don’ts of their destinations.
One pitfall travelers often forget is smoking, with various countries having different smoking laws. For example, in Spain, there is a total ban on smoking – except for in smoking clubs. In Ireland, smoking is punishable by a fine of up to 3,000 euros. It can be difficult and very expensive for smokers to break a smoking law in any of these countries. But, there are always ways to get your nicotine fix or to feel like you’re smoking. For instance, you can enjoy tobacco-free shisha even when you’re traveling to places with strict smoking regulations.
So, if you are thinking about traveling anytime soon, here are some ideas for beating smoking bans.
Nicotine gum instead of smoking while traveling
Since you’ll be traveling to beautiful destinations like Copenhagen or Rome, you’ll need something that is easy to use and convenient – like nicotine gum. Gum is ideal for people on the go because they are easy to carry around. Whenever you feel like enjoying some nicotine, just pop a piece of gum in your mouth. They are available in two strengths: 2mg and 4mg. This way you can choose between a lighter hit or a stronger buzz. Nicotine gum looks similar to regular gum so it’s easy to use without having to deal with any local smoking rules or bans. The downside to gum is when it’s time to throw it away, it can be messy unless you have some tissue readily available and can find a rubbish bin nearby.
Nicotine pouches – a smoking alternative
A newer product that is also small and can help beat smoking rules is the innovative nicotine pouch. Pouches are little tobacco-free porous bags. You place them under the upper lip and they deliver nicotine. They don’t require any spitting (like chewing tobacco) and they are becoming widely accepted as a nicotine option. In a blog post on using nicotine pouches in public by Prilla, the article confirms that they’re allowed in most spaces that have banned cigarette smoking including restaurants and public transportation. Pouches are not lit up, thus are not smoked, and do not annoy people in the surrounding area or destroy the quality of air in a room. Therefore, if you’re traveling around the world, nicotine pouches can be used just about anywhere, so long as they aren’t openly prohibited.
Nicotine lozenges – a traveling alternative to smoking
Another product that can help beat the global smoking ban is the nicotine lozenge. An IJHS article on nicotine lozenges points out that lozenges are a good alternative to nicotine gum for users who do not find the activity of gum chewing acceptable. Lozenges look just like little candies and deliver a dose of nicotine to satisfy a craving that might develop while traveling. They also come in different flavors and because they are similar to candies, you can use them discretely just about anywhere.
Conclusion on smoking bans
New rules and bans regarding smoking in different places may prevent smokers from relaxing during their adventures. But the good news is, there are some ways to circumvent the rules and still get your nicotine fix.
Try any of these alternatives out and enjoy your travels despite the bans on smoking.