My 2 cent adive for a Newbie

[happ]

I am only few weeks into this and would like to share some adive that I have and the mistakes I made.

1. Have enough juice around so you dont have to buy analogs. (this is the first mistake I made) As it may take a few days or more to get juice from some vendors. It is a good idea to have some around if you run out of a flavor you like and sometimes they taste better after a few weeks so dont throw one out you did not like right away. I bought a cherry cinamon juice that all I could taste when I first got it was the cinamon after a week the cherry is coming out and it tastes that much better. I also was lucky and found one local vendor (hopefully you have one) that actually has a shop and is open on Saturday and Sunday and has 50 or so sample bottles set up on tables to try. I thankfully had a few clean atomizers and got to try a bunch before I bought a big bottle.

2. Order sample packs of juice from several different vendors. Do not buy the big bottles unless you know you like the flavor. Also order some at different PG/VG ratio to find which vapor production and throat hit you like the best. Read some reviews on juice from the different vendor boards. I found some flavors this way that would have never tried or even heard of.

3. Have at least two batteries around and always keep one charged. This sounds obvious but once you have forgotten to charge a battery or not a passthrough and had to wait a couple of hours starring at the charger you will not make that mistake again.

4. Save yourself some more money by trying different cartomizers and atomizers before you buy a bunch. I thought one of the more expense popular ones would be best but tried a differnt one later and found that I got better flavor and vapor from a differnt one. Once I found the one I like I ordered a bunch to have around incase one went bad. Also a few colors helps to so you can put one flavor in one color and another flavor in another color. ( I still like to switch up the flavors a bit especially as my taste buds are coming back). But think I will next find a tank that works with the cartos I like.

5. Avoid smoking friendly places that you may not feel comfortable using your ecig. I went to a casino in the first week not smoking and man that was tough first the smell then all the people smoking right next to me. I was not ready to use the ecig as I saw no one else using one. I just did not want to have to explain what it is to everyone as I was still a newb and did not have all the answers about ecigs. I just went to the restroom once in a while and had a few vape sessions. Maybe next time I go I will bring flyers about ecigs so I would not have to answer a ton of questions. Can you imagine the number of people that would consider converting at a casino...

6. Not sure about this last little bit of advice but will know more after this weekend but go to local vape meets. I am sure they are all over the place. I have a local one this weekend and the rumors is there will be a seminar on making your own ejuice. Not sure I am ready to tackle this yet but certainlly interested in the process and hopefully get some tips and tricks to save some time in money if I do try this.

Some questions I have that maybe other could answer are:

Traveling through airports with an ecig? Any experiences or advice. Can I bring it in a carry-on or a checked bag? Can I take it internationally? Or do some countries not allow them?

 

[Wil]

Very good advice!

I've travelled through a few airports without problems. I usually try to put my PV in my carry-on, and it typically doesn't get noticed among the other electronics. Once I forgot, so I had to put my Provari with an eGo-C atty (big and strange looking) in the tray "naked". TSA guard asked me what it was and if she could swab it. I replied "It's an electronic cigarette, and feel free". She was friendly, swabbed it, and sent me on my way. I've also passed through courthouse metal detectors that way without issue.

There are some countries (Singapore comes to mind) that are rather draconian with them. I haven't been out of the country since I switched (most unfortunately), so I can't provide any first-hand knowledge on this. I'm sure someone can, though... there are threads dedicated to this topic.

 

[dearme]

I have not heard of any trouble flying. Take out the batteries and put in separate ziplock. Put your liquids in your liquid ziplock. You can put your ecig in the 'in the pockets tub'. I, personally, would not trust my ecigs in checked baggage. Most airport security are familiar with ecigs and will not give them a second glance. If you are very nervous, take an addressed padded brown envelope as an 'in case' measure.

 

[happ]

The envelope is a great idea incase so you could send it home or to your destination. I like to be prepared.

 

[azzaman]

Great post and very helpful for beginners.

 

[Wil]

For my first trip, I packed enough gear to get me through my trip in my checked bag, and enough to get me through my trip in my carry-on, just in case there was a problem with either... No problems, and I don't do that anymore. I was more worried about being stuck in a strange town without vaping gear than I was losing my stuff...

For what it's worth, if that were to happen, there are often people in this forum willing to help out if you put the call out. I've never asked, but I've offered to help a couple of people stuck in NC without liquid or gear, and someone has always beaten me to it.

 

[mooreted]

Good advice.

I haven't any trouble travelling with my ego, bottle of juice and extra cartos.


Sent from my easy chair using brainwaves.

 

[DaveP]

It's funny how you forget and take contraband items to the airport. I forgot and took my pocket knife to catch a flight to Vegas. I realized it when I stuck my hand in my pocket and felt it there. I usually put it in my luggage, but it was already through the wall and one the conveyor. I asked the porter about whether they would take it away from me and he wasn't sure, but it had a 3" blade. He said I could mail it home on this side of the security line. I handed it to him along with a tip and told him to enjoy it. He smiled and I didn't have to deal with finding a place to mail it home.

It was a cheap Chinese lock blade that cost me under $10 to replace.

 

[Revealed]

If I remember correctly, it has been three or four years since I used to travel very often on business, I thought that airport security didn't allow you take in any liquids passed the checkout point? I seem to recall having to throw away even my water or coffee, prior to going through the metal detectors.

 

[dearme]

You get an allowance for liquids. I think it 3 oz. per item, but you have to separate them out, and together they all have to fit into one quart ziplock bag.

You still can not take water or soda thru security.

 

[Rickajho]

If I remember correctly, it has been three or four years since I used to travel very often on business, I thought that airport security didn't allow you take in any liquids passed the checkout point? I seem to recall having to throw away even my water or coffee, prior to going through the metal detectors.

Can't be more than 3 ounces per container. Coffee and water - which are larger than that - don't cut it. But it's still subject to discretion. There was a recent case of a cupcake in a glass jar (That's actually how the bakery sells them.) being confiscated, because the frosting was seen to be a "gel like substance" - which could be an explosive in disguise. Does make me wonder if there would be issues with thick VG liquids I use...

 

[DaveP]

My how times have changed. I remember walking through airports with almost no thought of security or what I could take with me. It was a free feeling, as I think back ...about the only things you couldn't take were guns and explosives, but no one did that anyway.

Your family could also go out into the walkway and meet you as you got off the plane.

 

[vikeme28]

great post happ!! let me know how the vape meet went been thinking about going to one myself. The cities is probably closest I will ever see up around Fargo/moorhead.

 

[Endor]

Traveled with mine right after I got it. Ego-c in bags top pocket with my cell phone and three 12ml bottles of juice in the baggie. Didn't even get a second look. I only do carry-on.

That was a US domestic. I may have another trip to Europe in my near future (no more buying the carton of analogs at the duty free!)... anybody done this with an ecig yet?