nanaof7

I leave for Italy on Friday and have had some requests for items to purchase while there but can't carry much more than I am taking. Has anyone had experience mailing or shipping purchases home? Any knowledge on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Gretchen

You can do it, but it will eat into YOUR vacation time--making the selections,finding the place to mail, getting the packing materials, paying, getting repaid, and on and on.
What items? I cannot think of very many things that aren't available for anyone who really wants "something".

Gretchen

Oh, i see you may be a grandmother. The other possibility is just to have the store send whatever it is. other than that, I say just say it can't be done. BTDT on both sides of this.

Sue878

I bought some things in Sorrento (music boxes) and just had the store ship them back to US. We also had a large vase mailed home from Venice that my DH bought.

returntoyourseat

I have paid a ton before to ship things, I have also bought a cheap suitcase wrapped things in my dirty clothes and paid excess baggage, almost comes out the same. Enjoy your trip.

Gretchen

The above was going to be my next suggestion. it will be cheaper and easier in the long run.

michele_d

Hi nanaof7,
We have had both good and bad experiences with shipping. The good was the packages we shipped from France arrived on time with no damage, no problems. The bad was the package from Germany arrived but most of the stuff wasn't mine and I never did track down my items even with the help of DHL, the US post Office and over $150 in long distance calls to Germany.

Personally, I would avoid shipping at all costs in the future. I would gladly pay the $50 - $100 excess baggage charge to ensure my items were at least somewhat in proximity to me as I flew home.

I did have two shops mail purchases home: ornaments from the Christmas store in Rothenburg, and a set of dishes from a store in Montepulciano. Both arrived in perfect condition with no problems whatsoever.

Michele

Sue878

BTW we also shipped home Christmas gifts from Germany with no problem, BUT I now bring a small bag from E-bags that folds up to bring any stuff I buy now instead of mailing.

nanaof7

Thank you all for your replies. The reason I was thinking of shipping is because I think my basic start out luggage is about all I want to carry for 23 days- up hill and down. Perhaps we'll just not be able to find what has been requested.

Sue878

I certainly wouldn't bring home "requested" items. The things I bring home are things I want to buy for myself or others.

ilana25841

I agree with Sue. If someone knows what they want, they should order it online and pay the shipping. Otherwise, it seems that they are using you as a free (to them) shipping service.

Continental_Drifter

Just say no, Nana. You don't want to be hauling things about.

Then, you can bring home a few small things when you think of someone, not feel obligated to "find" a certain item while you're there.

What sort of things are they requesting you bring back?