Packing Question
 

Will be going to Bermuda soon and want to pack a sutcase with soda, wine and other liquids in order to avoid the high costs in Bermuda. Can cans of soda or 2 liter bottles of soda be packed in checked luggage or will they run the risk of leaking or exploding?

I wouldn't. Even if they made it I can imagine how they'd spew all over when you opened them after being jostled in packed luggage. Is it even allowed?

I would put them in your carry on. I would be too afraid of the wine bottle breaking if it's in checked luggage. Those ramp agents don't treat baggage all that well.

Packed a gift bottle of hooch once in checked baggage -- despite it being wrapped in many layers of clothing, they managed to whomp it and it broke and the alcohol destroyed several pieces of clothing, either because of chemical reaction or because of running colors. A can of soda? Why bother -- is it worth the cost saving to risk replacing clothing?

Yipes HKP, what do you drink?!

Must be really special soda, huh? I mean if you're willing to lug a whole suitcase full of soda to another country? How much does a can of soda really cost in Bermuda? And how DO the locals afford to drink them!!
Is it even allowed to import a suitcase of soda into a country?

If you are on that TIGHT of a budget why not just stuff some Kool Aid packets in your shirt pocket?

If you are on SUCH a tight budget, why Bermuda?

I agree with others, soda?????

If you can't afford a soda in Bermuda, then perhaps you should not be going there?

Booze? buy couple of bottles at the duty free shop just before you board the international flight. They will pack it nicely for you in a plastic bag and you don't have to worry about anything...

unless you need more than couple of bottles.....?????

Years ago at a managers cocktail party
on Bermuda we were talking with another couple--he was so proud he brought a case
of beer and it fit in the overhead! You just never know!

To all of you who gave legitimate and helpful answers, thank you. To the few of you who gave flip and arrogant answers about why I should even bother to travel to Bermuda if I can't afford soda I have to wonder why you would even be on a site that people use to get helpful information. Your answers were not helpful in any way and were quite condescending and narrow minded. I am a 41 yr. old single female who has been able to pay for my own travel all over the world. Quite often I will travel alone and do it all on a Social Workers salary. I have been to China, Italy, India, Thailand, France, Argentina, Croatia, Egypt and many other places and when I travel I do not stay in hostels or eat my meals from food carts on the streets. I stay in at least 3 star hotels that are clean and centrally located and I have good meals in good restaurants that don't break the bank. How do I do this? I economize. If I can save myself $20 by bringing my own soda to Bermuda I can then take that money and put it towards a good meal or a piece of jewelery while in Bermuda. Or I could by a good rum cake or bottle of rum for someone back home. Granted I don't always enjoy having to economize but I don't have the luxury of having someone else (a spouse, significant other or perhaps mommy and/or daddy) paying for my trip as I suspect some of you folks with your arrogant answers do. Also, although I work hard for my money I do not make a fortune but it has not stoped me from seeing the world. Some of you need to get off your "high horse" and understand that with some planning even "riff raff" such as my self can go to Bermuda and rub elbows with deserving people such as yourselves.

Gee, a little reverse snobbery, maybe? Might be easier to pack a loaf of bread & a couple cans of deviled ham to sub for a couple lunches & buy your soda in Bermuda rather than risking leaking, exploding cans in luggage.

I saw no arrogance here except in YOUR post.

lilypoo, if you are such an experienced person on traveling all over the world economically why are you asking the packing question in the first place?
:?:?:?

Good question! I double-bag (heavy duty zip-lock freezer)each can or bottle. I then use 'ethafoam'plastic to wrap the bagged items. You can also wrap them with layers of either 'bubble-pak' or corrugated cardboard to ensure safe transport. Economy pack; wrap with paper towelling. Check cabin baggage limits as well as checked baggage limits. Consider re-bottleing (?) any glass containers with plastic ones.

Hey lilypoo...I have no problem with your intriguing question.
I just wanted to know how much a can of soda costs in Bermuda...so I went ahead and checked it myself:

Carbonated beverages Coke, Pepsi, Sprite, ginger beer, etc. per 2 liter plastic bottle, locally bottled. (President's Choice of Canada has an imported selection for $1.99 per 2 liter plastic bottle) $3.79

Pepsi Cola plastic bottle, 2 liter $3.45; 6 pack regular or diet $5.75

Maybe someone should start a new thread :
What is the cost of soda where you live?
:)

To Jamaltay. I don't think I have ever traveled to a place where a 2 liter bottle of soda is close to $4 so I am not used to packing it in my suitcase.

Buy your soda there...just drink 1/2 your usual amount. See? You'll spend the same amount as home!

I agree with katybird...with a twist. Drink water. It's better for you. Add some lime if you want flavour!
Think about the cost of either :
a) having to throw out all your clothes because you have a case of soda all over them...and having to buy new clothes (hmmm....mayhap that's not such a bad idea!)
b) having to clean all your clothes because you have soda all over them.

lilypoo

I think I know why you are 41 and a solo traveler.

Didn't your mommas tell you, if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything? Lilypoo asked a question, and most of you have been very rude back. Maybe the anonymity of this board makes you think it's okay to be a jerk.

As for the "I know why you are 41 and a solo traveller" comment...that was pretty low. She could just be single...or a widow. You never know.

To answer your question, wouldn't the lower pressure in the cargo hold cause a carbonated beverage in an aluminum can to explode? I once visited some friends who make the best homemade jam. They gave me a couple of jars to take home. I packed them very securely in my checked bag for the flight home, but when I opened up the suitcase, the jam had leaked out all over my clothes. Not a pretty sight.

Oh, and with or without the soda, have a great trip. Bermuda is a place I've always wanted to visit. :)

What about the weight restrictions for checked luggage? Soda is not lightweight!

I just hope <i> lilypoo </i> comes back here and tells us how she got that soda into Bermuda.
You know...enquiring minds <i><b>do</b></i> want to know! *-:)

bobrad. Why?

Lilypoo,
Are you back from Bermuda yet? Did you do a Trip Report? How was it?

I'd actually really like to know if you can pack soda can safely in luggage. Carry-on or cargo. Sometimes you find a cool foreign soda that you want people at home to try- personally I take a (plastic) bottle of Guarana home every time I visit Brazil. I love it! And what about beer bottles? I'm not worried about the mess, I can clean it up, but I don't have much space in my carry-on usually.