Taking vitamins and supplements when traveling internationally

I'm really looking forward to our annual dive trip to Roatan, Honduras but I am worried about taking all my vitamins and supplements this year. Has anyone traveled outside the country with all this stuff?!?!  The security at the airport was ridiculous last year, I can only imagine how bad it is this year.

We stay for 2 weeks so I'm talking about quite a supply. I don't know if I should leave everything in the original bottles or if I can make up my regular daily packs. I have a fear of packing everything in checked luggage and find it's missing when I get there. TSA is good about leaving a note saying they went through your stuff but not so good explaining what they took and why! If I pack it in carry-on, am I going to need a letter from the Dr.? Would it help if everything was brand new with the seals intact?

What do you do?

I always put my daily doses in their separate bottles and in my carryon and some in the checked bag.  I've never had a problem and I always get stopped and scanned because of my partial knee.  TSA has never questioned the vits.  I also put them in a big ziploc in case the bottle tops aren't tight.

I just did this for my flight to Orlando in December and the cruise I took and not problems.

I work at airline headquarters and I travel internationally.  Leave everything in the original packaging!!! 

In fact, if you can purchase trial size bottles or individual serving foil packs that is even better.  This is true of your vitamins as well as any protein powder you take...maybe especially of the powder.  It should be unopened.  Powders are viewed as especially suspicious.

Traveling to some countries you are better off having them in your carry-on.  They will be taken from your bag upon arrival under the guise of suspicious susbtanance only to be used/sold by locals.  Of course this is true of anything, not just vitamins.  I'm not familiar with Honduras on a personal level and can say that we do not get many complaints of that there, so you'll probably be fine.  But, I would take precautions ot be on the safe side rather than putting a damper on your trip.  I always travel with my meds (vits and scrips) in my carry on bags.

The only reason you need a letter from the doctor is when traveling with liquids and needles....diabetics would need a physician statement.  Otherwise, obey the liquid restrictions and any you do take place them in a quart size baggie for separate screening.  The TSA website and the site for the airline you're traeling will list the restrictions. 

There are some additional precautions on international flights back into the US right now.  You may not be allowed a carry-on bag on your return flight.  Most countries are only allowing a "personal item" in the cabin.  This would be a normal size purse in most cases, but no duffle or backpacks.

Thanks for the info, TxMom. This will be my 18th trip to Roatan so I'm very used to TSA and their idiosyncrasies. Their website was totally useless when I checked there for info. I didn't think about foil packs for the vitamins, I'll check with BA and see what they have to offer. The only thing I'll have a problem with, I think, is the hot protein chai tea mix. I understand about the powders being in the original sealed packaging, but what about the return trip? Should I just try to buy the smallest package possible and leave it when I return home? I'm thinking especially of things like Benefiber and Miralax. The owner of the dive shop on premises had a lap band done about a 18mo ago, she may have a source on the island for some of the things I need.

The island of Roatan is no better than most other countries, the strangest things disappear from luggage! Now that you can't lock your checked bags it's a crap shoot. I try to carry all my UW camera equipment in the carryon because that's one thing that does get resold...usually to tourists who had theirs stolen by whoever had access to their bags! I'm sorry to hear that bag will probably have to be checked for the return trip....the luggage monkeys at IAH aren't too careful or particular and also like to take things.

Thanks again..this helped alot.

Okay I have a solution to your problem!!!!

I am a nurse, I think you should let me come with you as your personal assistant...i can carry all of your medical supplies and give you all your meds on a timely basis....

We can coordinate with your PCP and Surgeon as to the care plan that best fits you....lol

A girl can dream...cant she??? I hope you have a wonderful trip...just know im back here in Texas green with envy.....

Thats the best suggestion i can come up with since ive only  flown once as a teenager...

Sounds like a great plan....you're hired!

Hmmm, Deedles??  When will you be in Roatan?  I'm going to be there Wednesday, Feb 10. 

Royal Carribbean.

Janet

I'll be the June 5 - 19. We stay at CoCo View Resort on the south side. How long will you be on island? If you need a good local tour guide to get you away from the cruise ship owned shopping, Alex Gomez is the best! I've been going there for about 12 years and know alot of the locals.

Come go diving with us!!