I will be heading back to Bonaire on the 29th of March for 12 days. Back in 2001 over Christmas/New Years we packed a lot of extra items including:
An artificial Christmas Tree complete with decorations. Christmas lights and Christmas stockings. A box of Clementine oranges for you know who. A 5# beef tenderloin. Vermouth and brandy for Manhantans and assorted packaged foods.
One of the things I want to bring this year is a portable charcoal grill.
Does anyone know what restrictions there are for packing food items and a grill?

Mark

Mark,,,last I heard food items should now be put in carry on's so they are easily checked....about the grill...I would imagine it would be ok packed, as long as the charchol is not the quick light type....No flamables are allowed on planes

doesn't need charcoal lighter...they've got brandy

Mark- Regarding the grill, are you sure you want to deal with the hassle of something so bulky? Thing is, they sell them for short money at 7-7 General Store. Actually, they have different sizes in all different price ranges. That's where I bought mine. FYI- Charcoal is also easy to find on island.

Leave the grill at home. You may also check on the fresh fruit, I don't know about Bonaire but most countries will not allow in any fresh fruit or plants. Other things you may want to think about bringing are two things that I always take on a tropical trip. 1. A nylon fold up cooler. Usually ends up being used as an extra piece of luggage on the way home (we always return with more than we took), but you could use it to carry the meat and such down, use it while there and fold it up on the way home. 2. A 60x72" foldup polyweave beach mat, saves towels and sand brushes right off.

Good Grief Mark;

Sounds like you must be sending a container in advance. Since we will be in Bonaire at the same time, why don't you give me you address and I will send over all my excess stuff to go in your container. I'll just pick it up when I get there.

Seriously though, I agree with Clint and Kate, buy what you need there. Every time down, or anywhere else for that matter, my goal is always to see what I can eliminate, rather what more I can bring. Support the local economy a little at the same time.

Dave

PS: I surely would not try to bring propane tanks for the grill, on the plane.

I think Jake has mentioned before that there are no restrictions on bringing in fruits and veggies. I heard that rules had changed for carrying food in baggage. Are you not allowed to carry food in checked bags or does it cause your bag to be pulled? I wanted to bring back some of the wonderful cheese I have been reading about and wasn't sure if I can put it in my checked bag or not.

We'll put that to the test today again, as Linda is flying back home from way chilly NH this afternoon.

The only issue I know of with food in luggage is that it may give false positives for explosive on bag scanners, which makes it more likely your bag will be searched if it is scanned by such a device.

As far as grills and the 7-7 store, the latter is no more. It was replaced by the Bonaire Super Store, and I don't recall seeing grills there last time I visited. Mark - as long as you make a little extra you're welcome to use my gas grill on the patio here ;-)

See you soon.

Jake

I agree on supporting the local economy. There were certains items that I brought down as "trade goods" if you want to call them.

As Jake can attest there are just some things you just can't get in Bonaire.

It probably sounds like I am a novice in airplane travel. I assure everyone that this hardly the case, this will be our 4th trip to Bonaire.

One of the things that I wanted to do while we were done was to probably throw a small gathering while we are there. So if anyone will be staying in Bonaire from the 29th of March to 9th of April watch for more postings.

Oh and Jake don't worry Patty and I will take you up on your offer ;)

One item we will bring is sushi making supplies (unless we can get them locally).

Mark

Tung Fung Store (known locally as the Eastern store) has started carrying sushi supplies - seaweed wrappers, rice and wasabi. I don't know current supply issues but they have had them for more than a month. Based on local gossip, we are all very excited about it.

I will check again before we make the trip.

Mark

No problems with food items yesterday including frozen Maine Lobstermeat and cranberry nut muffins. Security was zupped up at Boston but actually seemed more efficient. I was even complimented for arriving 3 hours before my flight. All the security staff was very pleasant. One checkin bag was hand searched after the x-ray. He cut off the tie wrap but replaced it after he was done.

It is good to be home and warm!
Linda

Somewhere in one of the threads, cheese and chocolate were mentioned as giving false positives to the sniffing machines. I don't think the fully trained dogs have the same problem.