For those of us who do not smoke, bans and restrictions on smoking are a good thing, positive developments we have been waiting for for years. Nevertheless, more than a billion people worldwide still indulge in this habit, and thus may have a difficult time traveling for any length of time, never mind sitting on flights or trains or buses for maybe dozens of hours on end. As more and more countries introduce numerous bans on smoking while traveling, smokers may find themselves in rather uncomfortable situations, needing to satisfy that nicotine craving. Well, here are a few alternative nicotine options to make those journeys a little more bearable.
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Nicotine Pouches
Let us start with nicotine pouches, a good alternative to cigarettes that not only provide you with a controlled nicotine “fix”, but also address the oral needs you may feel, as other smokers also do. Using these is pretty simple too, like the other products sold at Zyn Canada, simply place it under your upper lip. This more passive approach is favorable to some, as it does not require conspicuous chewing, or sucking, and does not lead to the build-up of saliva, as some lozenges do. Some brands offer a range of extensive, varied but rather confusing flavors, but it should not be difficult for you to find something right up your alley, whether that be mint, coffee, citrus, or whatever else you prefer.
Nicotine Gum
Do you want something that will satisfy your nicotine cravings, is easy to use, and is convenient? Say hello to nicotine gum, ideal for use on the go as they are obviously very easy to carry around, and whenever you need a nicotine hit, simply pop a piece of gum into your mouth, which is available in two strengths; 2mg and 4mg, letting you choose between a lighter hit of nicotine or a stronger buzz. It looks similar to normal gum so it is very convenient to use without having to stress out about any local smoking rules, or travel bans. The only, amusing, downside to nicotine gum is when you are done and it is time for disposal, it can get a bit messy if you do not have any tissue readily available or a trash bin in your vicinity.
Nicotine Patches
Nicotine patches have been around for a while, the oldest smoking alternative that exists as a matter of fact, first developed in 1984, to help smokers who are going through cravings or are trying to quit, and now they make a great alternative to actually smoking if you are traveling somewhere. However, there are some drawbacks. They may irritate your skin, especially if yours is sensitive, and you may have to deal with other people’s unwanted judgment as nicotine patches, being on the skin, are obviously visible. Also, more tactile smokers may need to actually have something in their mouths or hands, so nicotine patches are definitely a viable option, but one with drawbacks depending on you.
Nicotine lozenges
Another great option to help beat the traveling smoking ban is the nicotine lozenge, a good alternative to nicotine gum if you would rather not be chewing for a long while, perhaps if you have company, or you just do not find chewing gum very attractive. Lozenges look pretty much exactly like little candies and deliver their nicotine hit to satisfy the craving you may get while sitting on a plane or train or whatever other mode of transport you are using. They also come in a variety of flavors and because they basically look exactly like candies you can use them virtually anywhere without having to deal with unwanted attention, official or otherwise.
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Alternative Vapes
Now “traditional” vapes would be an option, but they can actually be harmful, and in most cases, you will find that they are also banned along with cigarettes while traveling, making them rather useless if you are going somewhere. However, there is an alternative option, known as “breathe” pens, which do not contain actual nicotine or harmful chemicals, and even though the inhalation of vapor still may not be the healthiest thing you can do, it is still a decent alternative to smoking, especially if you are traveling and need to get a nicotine hit. It also helps if you are a smoker who needs the feel of having something in your hand or mouth, but of course, it will be visible to everyone around you.
Nicotine Nasal Spray
Nicotine nasal spray is another decent option, similar in size and shape to any other nasal spray against allergies or congestion or the like, but used very differently. You should know that you actually need a prescription to get these, usually prescribed to people who have severe nicotine addiction, so if this is an actual option for you, you should definitely ask your doctor or pharmacist for more detailed instructions on whether you should use them, and how, as there are a number of possible side effects like irritation in your nose, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, and a peppery, hot feeling in the back of your throat or nose. However, these symptoms should lessen after you have used them regularly for a week. Nicotine nasal sprays aren’t used like normal nose sprays, where instead of just inhaling the nose spray into your sinuses, you instead let the spray sit in your nostril, letting the nicotine be absorbed into the lining of your nose and thus into the bloodstream. An option for those who really, really need that nicotine hit, otherwise there are certainly gentler options.
Smoking bans and regulations while traveling are a boon for most people, but if you are one of the more than a billion people who still smoke, and need that nicotine hit on the longer journeys whether it is in the seat of a plane or a train or a bus or the like, there are alternative nicotine options you might want to take a look at. Hopefully, you have a few ideas now, and how to start looking.
