bubbalat

This may sound crazy, but since we're staying at one hotel for the entire 2 weeks, I was thinking I could save room in my luggage for more clothes if I mail our toiletries to the hotel.
Has anyone ever done this?
Thanks!

janisj

First of all how much 'toiletries' do you need for 2 weeks? All the liquids should easily fit in the quart zip loks you are each allowed. Second -- they do sell hair gel in Italy if you get desperate . . .

PalenQ

the cost would be more than buying those exact same things in Italy. Anything you need you can buy there and now with dollar at low against euro just as cheap probably - just head to the local supermarket for anything in general.

BigRuss

Uh, that's Euro low against the dollar. If dollar was low against the Euro, the exchange would suck for an American (or Commonwealth resident whose dollars have the face of a queen on them).

That said, the option doesn't just "sound" crazy. A hotel will provide certain toiletries. The amount of bag space that your remaining toiletries will require should be low - no point in dragging the Sam's Club industrial sizes with you overseas. If you have specific needs that require specialty toiletries, that's a different issue, but your plan will cost more than it will be worth.

nochblad

This is the time of the year when there are nettle shoots, camomile flowers, lime tree blossom (tigli) so you can get everything you want.

Or does the first of April have a different date in America?

Sassafrass

Have you been to Italy before? You will find the same products there as in the states, and some that are not. Local Salons and pharmacies will have wonderful products. The cost of shipping would likely be as much as the cost of buying new.
You probably won't need as many clothes as you think. You can do laundry or have it done.

That being said, if you are staying in Positano, I know it has what you need, but I have no idea if things are a bit more expensive there, because I have not shopped in tourist areas in the AC,

PalenQ

Uh, that's Euro low against the dollar.>

Umh yeh!

Christina

You should only need a few small items for a couple weeks. I am sometimes surprised how long only 2 oz of facial moisturizer can last, or those small travelsize tubes of toothpaste. A travel size deodorant can easily last 2 weeks, also. I can easily take all my toiletries for 2 weeks in my carryon (but I am not high maintenance and also don't have to wash my hair that often). Even if you did wash your hair several times a week, that is only a little more and isn't going to have any major effect on room for clothes in your suitcase (sounds like you are checking that one, anyway).

All I take is about 2 oz of facial moisturizer, 2 oz of general hand/body lotion, a small travel-size deodorant, a small tube of toothpaste (maybe 2 of those for 2 weeks, I save the ones I use at home when they are close to the end and take those if I want a little more than the travel-size), and shampoo/conditioner. I only take enough for 1-2 hair washings as my hair is dry. IN addition, in certian time periods, I may pack a couple small sizes of sunscreen. Now if you plan to use that a lot, that may make sense to buy in your destination as you can use up a lot of that if you are in the sun a lot.

janisj

>> If you have specific needs that require specialty toiletries, that's a different issue,<<

And - IF there is some super duper $100 shampoo you just can't live without, you can pour enough out of that 24 oz bottle into a 2 or 3 oz which would be more than enough for a 2 week trip.

StCirq

No, I sincerely doubt anyone has done that, as it makes very little sense, and yes, sounds crazy. First of all, how many toiletries do you really need? Second, anything you might need is readily available in Italy. Third, you can't really pack a whole lot of clothes into the space that toiletries would take up; if you can you have too many toiletries and too many clothes.

janisj

>>if you can you have too many toiletries and too many clothes.<<

aliced

The hotel will provide shampoo and probably body lotion; you can pick up toothpaste, and pack small hair conditioner (never supplied) of which a 1-2 oz. size will more than last two weeks. Often Housekeeping will provide other items upon request. Face cream/serum can be purchased in mini quantities (I always stock up at the check out at Sephora which provides dozens of such); I bring two 2 oz. salines for my contacts, 1 plastic razor, deod, hair scrunchies, and keep moisturizers in the extra contact lense cases that are floating around the house. I always keep these in carryon along with my makeup case, never in suitcase. Grocery stores can get whatever you need.

suze

Just downsize your own products at home. For 2 weeks all you need is a 1 or 2 oz. of each item (shampoo, conditioner, face wash, etc.).

Don't pack a full size container of anything, only take the amount you need for two weeks of each thing.

No it does not make any sense to mail them. And would cost more than simply buying everything new upon arrival.

NewbE

bubbalat, unless you want to see 100 posts consisting of lists of the things Fodorites bring with them, you're going to have to explain why you thought shipping your toiletries ahead might be necessary.

suze

And IF you WERE going to mail anything it would make a lot more sense to mail clothing, since that is lighter in weight than liquids/toiletries!!

jan47ete

Almost every, single solitary hotel will list under "amenities" whether they provide toiletries.

HappyTrvlr

I have never packed any toiletries in my suitcase, always in my carry on in the 1 quart bag. I usually travel for at least a month and rarely have had to buy more.
I buy seceral teacel size roothpastes, hotels give you shampoo, body lotion. Rarely have seen conditioner offered. You can buy anything in Italy you need once there of you run out.

Jean

What would you do if the package never arrived?

tuscanlifeedit

I like A LOT of toiletries and still manage to get two weeks worth in a 1 quart plastic bag.

suze

I pack the things I am picky about like shampoo and conditioner. A 1 oz. plastic bottle easily lasts 2-3 weeks. Things I need a larger size, like body lotion, I actually prefer to buy something upon arrival, and try out something new, makes a great souvenir as well.