Traveling was highly restricted during the height of the pandemic, but that has changed in recent months. The UN World Tourism Organization observed that the number of international tourist arrivals more than doubled in January of this year compared to 2021. Despite some obstacles, including new COVID-19 variants, going places seems to be a greater possibility this year than it was since the pandemic started.
However, other restrictions are being enforced for travellers today. Some countries like Spain are banning cigarette smoking on beaches, while other nations such as the United States and New Zealand have implemented laws prohibiting smoking. This means that smokers must consider other options when going to such countries. If the place you are travelling to has stricter policies, then these tips may come in handy:
Smoking on transportation
Most transportation options no longer allow smoking, whether on buses, trains, planes, or boats. There are very specific limitations in certain places. For example, Manitoba prohibits the smoking of tobacco products or e-cigarettes in motor vehicles when children under 16 are present.
Similarly, in countries like Switzerland, smoking is completely banned in public transport buildings and vehicles, including outdoor railway platforms. However, exceptions include outdoor areas of boats, so if you are travelling on the water, you may smoke within the vicinity. There are also smoking rooms allowed in airports. Where to smoke
Where you can smoke really depends on the country you’re visiting. South American countries like Brazil are 100% smoke-free in certain places, but you can smoke in restricted areas like restaurants and other indoor public places. Other places such as Germany are laxer with their tobacco legislation, so cigarette smoking is more permissible.
In Canada, you can only smoke in designated areas outside or in private residences. This is also to avoid certain risks like fires, as we’ve discussed in our post titled ‘Risks to Be Aware of While Ground Camping’. For this reason, campgrounds are among the public places where smoking is absolutely prohibited.
What smokers can do instead
Despite some lax rules on smoking here and there, the reality is that the majority of the countries you will visit today prohibit cigarette smoking. If you’re travelling, then it may be a good idea to consider alternatives.
One advantage here is that there are many different nicotine products out there. Aside from the popular nicotine patch, you can also try nicotine lozenges like Nicorette. These take effect fairly quickly and come in different flavors. Alternatively, nicotine pouches can be used in public according to Prilla. Both options are discrete and easy to use, so they make great alternatives for cigarettes while on vacation.
Does smoking carry any penalties?
Most places that prohibit smoking will enforce penalties, though the strictness of how they will implement these sanctions may vary. The most common one you will encounter is paying a fine. The amount will depend on where you are in the world.
Fines typically increase with repeated offenses, so be aware of this when you are planning your travels. It helps to research the smoking laws and penalties of the place you are visiting, so you can be prepared.
The Bottom Line
Smoking is a part of some people’s daily activities, and travelling is no exception. However, having a cigarette can be a little tricky depending on where you’re going, so it’s best to be meticulous about it when planning your trip. Other than looking up areas where you can smoke and fines that you should avoid, it’s also helpful to research nicotine alternatives just in case you may need them. They can make your trip easier and safer, especially if you’re backpacking in the great outdoors.
