When I mailed packages from Scotland last year, I used the lodging address as my return address. I think I did the same thing in Munich - just my name, c/o the hotel name and address. I don't know if I checked the requirements first or just assumed I'd be better off with a return address in the country of the package's origin. In both cases the packages reached me, luckily!

I don't see Switzerland mentioned here...has anyone had an easy experience mailing a package home from there? I am currently in Italy and I've read that the postal service here is very unreliable, if a package arrives at all it's often been opened en route.

My next stop is Switzerland so I thought that may be a better option. (Montreux or Lucerne). Any thoughts?

Thanks

Education. Search postal sites. All the rules and such are laid out in simple English. Use PO supplies. Use printed labels. Enclose a similar label. Cover the label with clear packing tape. Surface may take months. Check on special rules for 'gift' packages. Spend a few minutes at your local PO before you leave home. Postal services are one of the 7 wonders of travel!

Security..insure or register, again, inquire.

On my first trip overseas (I was alone) I mailed back two packages.

One was old clothes and 'Ireland' stuff (as the first three days of the trip was in Ireland). The rest was in the UK.

The second was from a liquor store - I had bought about $100 worth of mead and scotch, to be sent to my apartment (where my boyfriend was waiting for them). Well, first they were sent back because the shipper didn't put the phone number on. Then it was sent back because they broke in transit. The third time...well, I don't think they were sent a third time. I tried to contact them (it was 1996, pre-internet for many folks) but never got a good answer. it was about 6 months later, and I couldn't dispute the charges or anything at that point. Never did get the alcohol

We've mailed large or fragile purchases home from foreign countries in Europe and have not had any trouble.
The eastiest thing to do is ask the shop if they will mail the purchases for you. We've done this in large stores and small independent shops. You pay a little extra but it is worth being free of the hassle of finding the PO etc.

opps - hate it when this happens - just noticed the original post is from march 26th.
probably not much use to poster at this point.

nanabee - I didn't have a trip planned at the time, and still don't as I'm planning on moving in the near future, but I was wanting to know for future trips. So, all input is appreciated.

I stopped sending things back after postage just got too expensive. I used to mail books back if I went to Britain, but there is no longer an international book rate on either side of the Atlantic.

I simply buy less. I have totally abandoned collecting souvenir pamphlets anywhere. I found they just cluttered up my house and eventually got tossed. Almost all the information is online now, so you don't need them to write up a trip report or refer to later if you want to answer a post.

I just did Austria for 4 weeks with a 22" suitcase (I had a washer where I was staying). Having such a small bag also kept down the amount of souvenirs to small items.

<<Having such a small bag also kept down the amount of souvenirs to small items.>>

And my favorite, nearly weightless souvenir: vintage photos or prints. (Also new art works on paper = visited an artist in Todi in his studio, one of many in a "co=op" of artist's studios/residences. Loved the work, and takes up almost zero space in a bag. Awfully easy to bring back compared to pottery!)

I got a necklace and a pin. For my sister and brother-in-law there were music tschotskes. They are both musicians. My brother-in-law got a tie and they both got key chains and socks with musical instruments on them. I also bought a book on Empress Elizabeth (Franz Josef's wife) but left another book behind. That was it.

And never again with pottery. I want to downsize. I have many nice pieces but I am afraid many will have to go in a yard sale or on ebay.

And jewelry almost always fits the recipient, as well.

Hey, the recipient was me.

You might be able to mail a package from a US Military base if you can get on base. I often mail from a local Navy Base and they never ask me for ID.
But to get on base I must show my military ID>
So I would not count of using the military to mail stuff.
I can't imagine that a tourist would have any trouble using any countries postal service.