If you have ever had felt uncomfortable about airport security rummaging through your luggage and possibly finding some of your unmentionables- you may want to consider this.
If you have ever had valuables lost or stolen from your luggage-you may want to partake.
If you have prayed, stressed and sweated on the plane about whether your luggage would arrive at the airport with you-this may be a stress reliever.
If you are tired of backaches, sore shoulders and general fatigue from lifting and dragging heavy bags around on vacation-you’ll definitely want to check into it.
If you have ever actually had your luggage lost and had to spend part of your trip and extra money, purchasing clothes and toiletries- you may be the perfect candidate.
For what you ask?
For shipping your luggage!
It is not that crazy anymore.
Many travelers find it is an easy, stress-free, backache free alternative to any and all of the above scenarios, though it does still generally remain a more expensive option.
However, since the airlines are now charging for checking bags, and even slapping on extra fees for over-sized bags, the difference between shipping and checking, might not be as large as it used to be.
Shipping bags generally makes more sense for domestic travel. International shipping is still out of reach for most, in this budget travelers humble opinion.
There are luggage companies out there that specialize in shipping luggage and odd sized items like skis, musical instruments or golf clubs. They offer very personalized service, but it comes at a hefty price. They are Luggage Forward and Luggage Free. If you can afford their fees-more power to ya!
But as a budget traveler, I’d like to suggest UPS, FedEx or DHL.
Fast, reliable, door-to-door service, at much better rates.
The more organized you are, the better you plan and the more advanced notice you can give, shipping at a reasonable cost is most certainly within reach!
Since I prefer DHL, I used them to price a 30 pound suitcase, 24 x 14 x 9 to go from my home in upstate NY to Savannah Georgia.
If I shipped on Tuesday and wanted it the next day by noon, it would cost me $ 158. 43.
But the price goes down from there.
The best rate? If I choose the 2 day ground option, arriving Thursday by end of day, it would only be only $17.14.
Not bad eh? I think it is totally do-able.
The key here is to plan, be organized and time it just right.