A smokers paradise

16 January 2008

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It’s the time of year when the brochures pile up on the coffee table and we all start to think about where we want to go for our annual summer holiday. Everyone wants something different from their chosen destination; some people want a throbbing club scene whilst others prefer somewhere remote and tranquil. However a quarter of the population might actually have one requirement in common.

Since the implementation of the smoking ban last July, it is not uncommon to see people huddled on the streets trying to get a quick nicotine rush before heading back to whatever they were doing. So if you want a holiday that gives you the freedom to smoke where and when you want this summer, FemaleFirst is here to help!

First thought for smoker-friendly holidays is of course, Cuba, the Caribbean’s most vibrant country and is renowned for salsa, cigars and rum. Aside from its fat cigars that smokers can top up on, it’s worth visiting just to see its beautiful colonial towns.

Although Cuba introduced a smoking ban in public places in February 2005, some restaurants still have designated smoking areas and it is without a doubt, a smokers paradise as Cuban cigars are well known as the best money can buy.

Captivating Cuba offers tours to cigar factories where you can see the cigars being hand-rolled, and watch as the manager reads the workers the news from the latest newspapers - an age old cigar factory tradition.

Other than the cigars, Cuba has many more luxurious goods to offer the paying traveller; Arabica coffee is rich and sought after, and the rum is legendary. Just remember not to bring too much luggage in your suitcase as its vital you have enough room to bring back a selection of these fine things!

If you are one of the growing number of ecologically and socially conscious holidaymakers then you can explore on a whole host of conservation-conscious tours in unspoiled landscapes can be booked from a number of hotels. At La Moka in Pinar Del a tree grows up through the lobby and its branches disappear through holes in the roof. Part of the hotel's electricity comes from solar panels and some of the food served is grown in hydroponic, organic gardens. La Moka is a starting point for numerous nature trails and a wonderful location for those interested in conservation and wildlife.

Dubai is another destination where smoking really can be sociable. The Middle East is home to the shisha pipes and cafes, restaurants and hotels throughout Dubai provide the elaborate fruit tobacco pipes for groups of friend to relax and chat around.

The Japanese view smoking as a hobby rather than an addiction

Although Dubai is one of the first Arab states to bring in smoking restrictions it is unlikely that any truly inhibiting restrictions will be implemented before the end of 2009.

So for those who want to escape Britain and the smoking ban this summer then what better way than to enjoy sharing a shisha pipe on the beach whilst watching the sun set?

No matter how much our government keeps battling to drive out the white stick, Japan remains pretty much a smokers' paradise with cheap cigarettes available 24/7 in most convenience stores. Packets of cigarettes can also be purchased from bars, tobacconists, street vending machines that turn themselves off from 11pm-5pm and even some pharmacies.

Cigarettes cost around £1.40 for 20 and have only just started to rise slightly in price. Cigarettes have only risen by 23 pence per pack over the last 20 years. Health warnings are massively understated compared with the west. People can smoke and drink in Japan from age 20.

The vast majority of restaurants and bars permit smoking. Some restaurants have no-smoking areas and there are a few totally no smoking restaurants but they are in the minority.

From 20 years ago when smoking was permitted just about everywhere including university lecture theaters, certain prohibitions have started to creep in; it is illegal to walk and smoke in some busy areas of Tokyo due to the risk of burns to passersby.