We once watched a food-sniffing beagle wag in delight as an airline passenger removed her bag from the luggage carousel. Unfortunately, the dog smelled the Italian delicacies tucked inside the suitcase, and the treats were subsequently confiscated by border agents.
Importing certain meats, produce and other food items—even for personal use—is prohibited in the United States and Canada. It’s perhaps the biggest mistake travelers can make when buying souvenir food items abroad. But, based on our experience, it’s not the only one!
Here are five of our best tips for bringing food home from your travels:
- Check the list of prohibited items before you buy. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Government of Canada websites list foods that can—and can’t—be imported into the country. Save time, money and disappointment by checking it out before you make a purchase.
- Make sure it matters. Some food just tastes better when there’s a vacation wrapped around it. We’ve carted numerous jams and sauces home from trips only to find the “magic” didn’t come with it. Bring only those items that are truly one-of-a-kind or are otherwise exceptional. The olive oil from the small farm in Tuscany, the locally grown small-batch coffee from Costa Rica or the unique spice from the Istanbul Grand Bazaar are worth finding space in the suitcase, as long as they’re not on the prohibited items list and are appropriately packaged.
- Pack it properly. A friend recounted how someone else’s poorly packed red wine broke in the suitcase and then soaked into her luggage during the flight. (Ugh.) Don’t be that person. Pack liquids in waterproof bags or containers and make sure items are properly padded for the voyage. Avoid putting liquids (which includes honey and maple syrup) in the carry-on bag.
- Consider shipping your food items home. Shipping food souvenirs to your home address is a great option for wine and many other products. However, we’ve been spoiled by the internet’s free shipping offers in the U.S., so costs abroad may come as a shock. An assortment of tea from northern Thailand, for example, cost more to ship home than the price of the tea itself. It’s important to note that import and duty restrictions also apply to shipped items.
- Find it online from home. Specialty stores and online retailers often carry a number of foreign foods, which surprisingly may include that to-die-for jam, condiment or snack (French truffle chips, I’m looking at you!). This is an especially good strategy if you’re already bumping up against your luggage weight allowance or need space in the suitcase for other souvenirs.
Sampling the cuisine of other countries is one of the joys of travel. Bringing them home extends the memories. We’ve found these guidelines make the process much easier…even if we have to disappoint a beagle in the process.