packing for a month vitamins

I don't know what kind of trouble you're anticipating. We just got back from a month in Europe. I counted out what I would need of four kinds of pills (otc) I take every day, plus a few extras. They didn't take up all that much room. My husband brought his prescription meds, three kinds. No problem.

The bottles can be quite large, so in order to save space, I put our vitamins into clear zipper-type bags and write the name on the bag with a Sharpie. I count out the number we need for the days of the trip plus a few more "in case." I also pack extra zip-bags in case on breaks and to use for snacks, etc. And I pack a Sharpie. :-) No one gave them a second look goigng thru security.

Maybe your vitamins are available in Europe. Have you checked?

I guess you mean, "Will big bottles of pills for which I don't have a printed prescription result in an embarrassing Customs fiasco?". In general the answer is, No. But to be realistic, any factor that increases the chance of a search, including, alas, being in a minority group, looking counter-culturish, and so on, is much more important than what an X-ray machine in the U.S.A. saw.

I have a 3"x4"x6" clear plastic bag in my checked luggage that is filled with 50-tablet size bottles and blister-packs of OTC medications. I haven't had my bags opened in 20 trips to Europe. I would suggest that you do what I did, and eliminate some of the least "essential" pills, or reduce your dosage for the month. Many doctors say that Americans have the richest urine in the world! You might even live to tell the tale.

Have you read Rick's books enough (.. say, in the library) to know that you are going to be (probably) walking under a green sign that says "Nothing to Declare" to exit the secure area of the arrival airport? Once in a great while, I've had my bag x-rayed again there, but they have never asked me to open the bag. When we arrived in Rome last week, the area of the green sign was completely un-staffed.

I just count out what I need for my trip and throw them all in one baggie. I have never been asked about them. If they were, by some crazy chance, confiscated, what is the worst that could happen? You buy more when you get there. You aren't talking about prescription drugs.

If you are concerned about the baggie option, you can always get a small(er) bottle of the vitamins you use that will cover the time you are gone and then reuse it for future trips of a similar length. That way the pills are clearly identified if anyone bothers to look. If that small(er) bottle has enough room to add a few more pills instead of just a month's supply, you could always add the extras in -- just in case you get stuck in Europe somewhere and can't get home right away. I don't take any vitamins, but I always plan for that with my prescriptions meds, hoping it will happen.

Thanks everyone. This is my first time out of the states and don't really know what to expect customs wise. I appreciate all the advice. Baggies will do fine.

I second Nancy's throw-them-in-a-baggie method. Really, 30 vitamin tablets do not take up much room. More importantly, don't forget some other OTC meds like Imodium (which you hopefully will never need but will be glad to have if you do), Alleve, etc. You can cut out and take along one panel from the box that the OTC meds come in if you need to show anyone what the pills are (I take the panel that has the directions for usage). Although you didn't mention prescription meds, if you are bringing any along you can either take them in their original containers or peel off the labels from the plastic bottles and stick them on an individual baggie with the specific med inside. I have never had a problem/been asked about the meds in over 20 years of travel to Europe.