Flying with cereal
 

Mrs BamaVol cannot exist without a bowl of Total Raisin Bran for breakfast (guess why :D). Can we fly to Europe with a ziplok bag of cereal? Should we bring the unopened box? Should we look for it at the market in Rome? Should we accept a reasonable local substitute?

I've traveled with various foods in my luggage with never a problem. Why am I expecting trouble?

My mother is the same way about her cereal, so she brought an unopened box with her when I took her to Paris for Mother's Day. If you're stopped by Customs (which is rare), they often seem to object to opened packages of food, but will sometimes allow unopened, packaged foods.

Can't see any issues flying with it. Customs may object but if it is unopened processed food I would be surprised if they confiscated it.

Grains are no problem in most countries but some ban the import of grapes and raisins unless they are certified disease-free ... so it depends which country you are taking that raisin bran into. It is definitely illegal in some countries and will be confiscated, but most are ok with it. Sealed or not makes no difference, nor does the original packaging (certification is required, or sometimes you can pay for fumigation upon arrival, but that is generally expensive and takes many days -- not relevant to bringing in food).

I don't think you will have a problem in Europe. I think it would be easier to bring it in the box then have to repackage it if you are going to use the entire box.

I would also try the local one if there is something available. I am always amazed how different stuff we take for granted is in other parts of the world, who knows, you may end up bringing some back with you.

I guess we'll pack the smallest box we can find. Has anyone seen Total Raisin Bran in Italy? Personally, I'm not fussy about breakfast cereal and will eat whatever I find on the menu or buffet. I'm happy to go native and skip the cereal altogether if it isn't convenient. But, Mrs BV is a creature of different habits.

The little box size was really convenient when travelling with my 4 year old son. He's hungry.. out comes the cereal.^