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1. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   13 Feb 2018

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   Hi Everyone,
   
   On Saturday I am going to Mexico for a week.  Lucky me!  I was just thinking that this will be the very first time I have travelled as a non-smoker.  It used to be that wherever I went, I stressed about how I could make it through a trip, how fast I could get my luggage, when I could get my next fix.  It's actually a lot of pressure!  But not this time.  My lungs no longer throb and ache.  Once I get through security, I will be able to relax without fighting the craving to have a smoke.  I am so relieved.
   
   I have a lot to do so I probably won't come onto this site much before my trip.  But I want to tell each one of you to stay strong and keep the quit.  Enjoy each and every day, and breathe easy.  We are all worth it!
   
2. brieffree

   

   1478 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   14 Feb 2018

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   Hi Treepeo
   
   Good luck in Mexico, enjoy as Non Smoker.
   
3. manderson4

   

   187 posts
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   28 Nov 2017
   14 Feb 2018

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   Enjoy your Trip Treepeo, you have earned it.
4. marianne, quit coach

   

   278 posts
   Registered:
   30 Nov 2017
   14 Feb 2018

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   Hello Treepeo,
   
   Lucky you indeed!  Have the best trip.  It will be a unique trip for you as a non-smoker, hopefully not stressful as you don't have to think about having a cigarette as you say.  
   
   We will think about you as you are enjoying the warmth.  
   
   Marianne
5. ocean

   

   286 posts
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   29 Nov 2017
   14 Feb 2018

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   Ah Treepeo, that's so exciting!  Your first foreign trip since you quit!!  Don't get carried away with those fancy umbrella drinks.  When I was younger I relapsed after a year and a half thinking that I could smoke and drink while in the tropics, and I blamed it on the fancy umbrella's and zombies.  Well, nope, I couldn't and here I am in middle age trying to still get off those things. But I was young and stupid then, and you're so smart so you know that already.  I'm so happy you get a whole change of scenery, what a treat!  Smell the Ocean for me, no pun intended, lol!!  We'll miss you on here.
6. dedi

   

   49 posts
   Registered:
   29 Jan 2018
   14 Feb 2018

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   Enjoy your trip treepeo....
7. missy05

   

   17 posts
   Registered:
   15 Jan 2018
   14 Feb 2018 in reply to treepeo

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   Have a wonderful time. I have gone on trips before as a non smoker but was never able to maintain my quit while away. I have never actually been able to make it through a summer. It’s my major weakness. I pray everyday that this will be the year I will finally beat it. 
8. lillian, quit coach

   

   220 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   15 Feb 2018 in reply to missy05

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   Hi,
   
   It is definitely something to look forward to missy05, one day like treepeo, you'll be heading on a trip grateful and relieved that you don't have to smoke! That freedom soon will be yours too.
   
   It is possible.
   
   You know your triggers and you have Smokers' Helpline supporting you along the way. This is your year.Summer 2018--here you come, one day at a time.
   
   Treepeo, wishing you a lovely trip and cheers to this great bunch of community members!
   
   Lillian
   
   
   

   Last modified on 15 Feb 2018 12:04 by lillian, quit coach
9. treepeo

   

   832 posts
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   29 Nov 2017
   15 Feb 2018

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   You know, there was a time when I wouldn't have even considered staying at the resort I will be at, because it is a totally non-smoking facility.  But now, as a non-smoker, my world has opened up dramatically, and I can stay wherever I like.  Cool, eh?
   
   And Ocean, I will remain vigilant in the face of those wonderful, yummy umbrella drinks!  It shouldn't be too bad, because when I quit cold turkey, I kept drinking coffee and also alcohol right off the bat, so I faced some of the biggest challenges right off the bat.  But as I always say, we can't get complacent, because if we let our guard down, that's when we can get into trouble.  And remaining a non-smoker is of the utmost importance to me.  So if I get into trouble, I will tell my sister to sit on me until I come to my senses!
10. clepage

    

    251 posts
    Registered:
    30 Nov 2017
    16 Feb 2018

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    Hi treepeo
    
    You have yourself a great trip in Mexico!  Have lots of fun and yes you will enjoy it better as a non smoker.
11. treepeo

    

    832 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    25 Feb 2018

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    Hi Everyone,
    
    Well, I made it back from Mexico safe and sound.  Whew, so happy.   I am not terribly fond of flying, but it was worth it.  I had a great trip.
    
    So I was away for a week, and I only saw 4 smokers that whole time.  It was really clear to me that smoking is just not socially acceptable any more.  And oh my goodness, was I ever glad that I quit when I did.  I spent so much time in the airport, because being an international flight, you have to get there 3 hours early.  And for the very first time, I had no cravings while waiting for my flight.  And I could relax on the airplane without having my lungs start to ache.  And waiting for baggage was fine.  And I hopped right into an airline limo, without having to light up outside to get my fix first.  Holy cow, such freedom!
    
    Now I will admit that I did get 2 cravings when I was socializing with my family and friends.  But they were really fleeting, and were also really mild.  My lungs still act up sometimes, thinking they want a cigarette.  But I know that if I had one now, my lungs would burn and I would cough like mad.  In other words, it would not be the nirvana this addiction makes you crave.  I have a feeling that I will always have moments from time to time, and I am just going to have to keep resisting.  But it is so worth it.  Being a non-smoker rocks!
    
    For those of you who travel, just wait until you go away for the first time as a non-smoker.  Trust me, you will love it!  It is yet another benefit of quitting.
    
12. ocean

    

    286 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    25 Feb 2018 in reply to treepeo

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    Welcome back Treepeo!  We missed you.  I hardly ever come across smokers anymore and I actaully like to smell second hand smoke if it's outside and I'm just walking past it.  I always have enjoyed the smell every time I've quit.  But I'm so glad that I haven't smelt it much this last seven weeks!  It's out of sight, out of mind!  So glad to hear you had a good time.  I know your family smokes, so was it hard to be with them when they smoked?
13. valerie, quit coach

    

    46 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    25 Feb 2018

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    Glad to hear you enjoyed your smoke-free trip Treepeo!
    Like you said the odd craving or thought of wanting a cigarette will happen occasionally and it will become easier to manage them with time.
    
    As you and Ocean mentioned smoking is not as present in today’s society and surprisingly when you are a non smoker you quickly notice these things.
    
    Have a great smoke free evening everyone!
14. treepeo

    

    832 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    26 Feb 2018

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    Hi Ocean,
    
     I come from a big family.  I have 10 brothers and sisters.  It just so happens that the sister I was on the trip with doesn't smoke.  But even if she did, I know I would have stayed strong.  I have worked too hard to get to this point to blow it now.  And you know, when I was on the plane, you are really squished in there.  Thank goodness I didn't reek of smoke, or the man sitting beside me would have probably been gagging the whole time.
    
    Having said that, I'm like you.  I kind of like the smell of smoke when I pass a smoker on the street.  But when I am in my sister's apartment when she smokes, I find it totally overwhelming, and I can't wait to leave.  These days, it really bothers my eyes, and my chest starts to feel tight.  And my clothes stink.  I have to change when I get home, I just can't stand the smell.  Holy cow, I can't believe how much I have changed in 14 months!
15. got to

    

    8 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    04 Apr 2018

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    Treepeo.....Congrats on rewarding yourself with a trip of beach, ocean waves, palm trees and fun in the sun....Traveling IS so much different and better as a non-smoker, for me now, I am able to enjoy my trips rather than stressing out on where I could have my next smoke.  That planning to have a smoke constantly would ruin my whole vacation and if I could not fit a smoke in I would double my efforts on finding a place to smoke as my anxiety increased often messing up other peoples plans cause they had to wait for me while I had a smoke somewhere...Super that you had a great time and enjoyed yourself....Still Rockin my Quit.....GOT TO 
16. camiloo

    

    7 posts
    Registered:
    19 Nov 2019
    24 Sep 2020

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    Traveling as a smoker can be a challenge. That's why I was extremely motivated to stop smoking. Planning smoking breaks and finding hotel rooms with a balcony was always a challenge for me. I prefer travel by car. The best way to explore areas you wouldn't reach by train or bus.
    

    Last modified on 24 Sep 2020 10:08 by Quit Coach 16