By Kerri Winick GALTime.com Staff
Let's face it; packing for vacation is hard enough. (The outfits! The accessories! We never seem to have enough space.) Factor in long check-in lines and growing baggage fees at the airport, and travel can be one bumpy ride! It's one Mariel and Matthew Stern recently avoided…even after packing for a destination wedding in Jamaica! With a wedding party that included more than 50 people, the thought of lugging all that luggage made them just "plane" crazy!
"It was just too much of a hassle to bring 11 giant pieces of luggage and boxes and things that were oddly shaped onto the commercial flight with us," says Matthew.
Their solution? Ship it! The couple used a luggage delivery service. A growing number are available. They promise to pick your gear up at your door and drop it off at any destination, whether it's domestic or international, a hotel or a vacation rental, even a cruise ship! Many companies will even take care of customs paperwork. Anne Banas with SmarterTravel.com says these services are really taking off.
A list of the services available.
"They have guaranteed, on time delivery. Plus, travelers can save a lot of time checking in at the airport. You can even save a bit of money by taking public transportation, whereas you might not have to get a cab or park at the airport."
Banas says these services will also help you breeze through security at the airport and avoid growing baggage fees. (Checking two suitcases can cost you up to $120, depending on the airline.) Most will even coordinate plans with your hotel. Think this is just for the luxury traveler? Think again! Zeke Adkins with Luggage Forward says even budget-weary families have stopped dragging bags.
"We see it have more appeal with the mass market. In 2009, we shipped about 30 bags for every one that we shipped in 2004," says Adkins.
Cost varies depending on the company you use, where you're traveling, what you're shipping and how quickly you need your luggage delivered.
"Our fastest service domestically is an overnight service. That's also our most expensive service. We do offer a 2-day, 3-day, 5-day and 7-day service, which would descend in price accordingly," says Adkins.
Some companies also charge by weight. Mariel and Matthew used Luggage Forward to get their stuff both to and from the island. It not only saved them dollars, it kept them grounded when traveling with children and a handicapped family member.
"The idea that we had nothing but a purse, and everything else was going to be in Jamaica for us, it just alleviated so much of the anxiety and the pressure," says Mariel.
While shipping your luggage can be a stress free way to fly, Banas says it's important to do your homework. "It can be more expensive and to get the best price you have to pack your bags and start shipping in advance, usually about four to five days in advance." It may not be worth the price with one or two bags but if you're traveling with a large family or a group, you may want to check these services out. Also, check out the company's insurance policy. That way, if something does happen to your belongings, you'll know what your options are.
Mariel and Matthew shipped a week in advance, and say the service really paid off. Next time they're loaded with luggage, they plan to use it again.
"We got a lot of convenience, a fabulous trip, and really, a hassle free experience," says the couple.
Another new service that may help you avoid all that hassle at security? Let's say you're sporting a simple carry-on. You may have found a creative way to squeeze in that last pair of shoes, but squeezing your beauty products into 3 oz. tubes and bottles? Searching for mini-versions of your favorite finds? Don't even get us started! Now, you can skip the mess (and the headache) with Suite Arrival.
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