Have you ever bought so much on a trip that you had to buy more luggage to get it home?
Jun 6th, 2005, 07:46 PM
#21
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When my son was in Thailand and India, he would have the stores ship his stuff here because he was not going to spend the next 3 months carrying all his shopping around with him.
So he shipped everything. Knowing my son, it was not that expensive to ship it all home
So he shipped everything. Knowing my son, it was not that expensive to ship it all home
Jun 7th, 2005, 04:00 AM
#22
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I'm new to this forum, but I love it already! Yes, yes, in Mexico (San Miguel) where I went to paint last year (supposed to be 'working', why was I shopping?)! I ended up buying one of those cheap (4.50 US) HUGE mesh zip-up bags, filled it with clothes and used small suitcase and carry-on with souveniers!!! Now when I travel I can fold up this mesh bag and do the same thing wherever I go!
Jun 7th, 2005, 04:35 AM
#23
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when i traveled through southeast asia for 2 months, i shipped stuff home at every destination. sent it the slow boat and it was pretty cheap.
as scarlett said, it was so much fun to have packages arrive for weeks after i got home. it was almost like christmas because i had usually forgtten what i bought!
it was interesting to see which ones got there fastest. i remember a box from a podunk place in indonesia was the speediest, while singapore was the slowest--by far!
as scarlett said, it was so much fun to have packages arrive for weeks after i got home. it was almost like christmas because i had usually forgtten what i bought!
it was interesting to see which ones got there fastest. i remember a box from a podunk place in indonesia was the speediest, while singapore was the slowest--by far!
Jun 7th, 2005, 05:10 AM
#24
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I always back my old Lands End totally soft-sided (no wheels) bag in my suitcase. On the way home, all dirty clothes go in that and everything I've bought goes in my carry-on so I don't risk losing them.
Jun 7th, 2005, 06:12 AM
#25
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I did a "site inspection" at a hotel in Schaumburg IL, I was finished with my meeting at 2pm and decided since I was spending the night to drive around and see what restaurants and shopping were in the area ~ HOLY MOLY! Nordstroms Rack, the mall, it was way too much! I ended up going to sears and buying one of those cheapo 3 in 1 for $50 luggage sets and used every one of them!!
Jun 7th, 2005, 06:56 AM
#27
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Yes -
Once - almost. On a market research trip to chicago we had 2 cancellations in the middle of the day and went shoe shopping. I had never been in Marshall Field before. Heaven! I bought 5 pair - and knew I would never fit them in my carryon (it was only a 2 day trip) then figured it was much cheaper to pay to ship them home than the sales tax would have been in NYC.
On a trip to Italy we did buy an extra carry-on (a large beach bag actually) not because we bought so much - but because what we bought was so big - several large pottery serving pieces. It really paid in the long run - just one piece I got in Italy for about $20 was more than $100 in Bloomies. The other pieces I couldn;t find there at any price.
Once - almost. On a market research trip to chicago we had 2 cancellations in the middle of the day and went shoe shopping. I had never been in Marshall Field before. Heaven! I bought 5 pair - and knew I would never fit them in my carryon (it was only a 2 day trip) then figured it was much cheaper to pay to ship them home than the sales tax would have been in NYC.
On a trip to Italy we did buy an extra carry-on (a large beach bag actually) not because we bought so much - but because what we bought was so big - several large pottery serving pieces. It really paid in the long run - just one piece I got in Italy for about $20 was more than $100 in Bloomies. The other pieces I couldn;t find there at any price.
Jun 7th, 2005, 09:15 AM
#28
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Nope. I typically throw out old clothing & old shoes while on vacation, leaving me room for a few trinkets. I hate schlepping heavy bags and I have limited space at home, so I don't buy much on vacation.
Jun 7th, 2005, 09:48 AM
#29
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I always bring an extra bag folded away, but last summer, I exceeded even my own expectations in Ireland! On the first day, I bought about 6 sweaters. They offered shipping & my husband suggested that we ship them. I refused. 4 days later, we had the sweaters shipped to make room for the COAT I bought, as well as the other items. The Waterford was shipped right from the store, I wasn't making that mistake again!
Jun 7th, 2005, 11:41 AM
#31
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yes, several trips actually. 
I have also had to ship things home.
the bright side - there is a story with most of my luggage! plus, you learn a little bit about a country you might not otherwise - i.e. how to use their postal system.
most recent trip to Rome - bought a 26" pull along for all the stuff - try looking cool dragging it through the streets after you buy it. it's briiiiight red.
I have also had to ship things home.the bright side - there is a story with most of my luggage! plus, you learn a little bit about a country you might not otherwise - i.e. how to use their postal system.
most recent trip to Rome - bought a 26" pull along for all the stuff - try looking cool dragging it through the streets after you buy it. it's briiiiight red.
Jun 7th, 2005, 01:24 PM
#32
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Yes--Trader Joe's was our undoing! We visited CA from VA, which at that time didn't boast a single TJ's, and bought out the store. So we also bought 2 TJ's canvas totes and hauled those throught the airport. Funny thing was how many people stopped us to ask if we worked for TJ's! They always said "I LOVE Trader Joe's!"
Jun 7th, 2005, 02:09 PM
#33
Sure I always have more coming home than going. But then I pack in one 22-24" only. I like to buy the tackiest souvenier tote I can find with the name of the place I visited on it. Check the suitcase and carry-on the new tote.
Jun 7th, 2005, 02:49 PM
#34
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Mmmm. Well, gave ALL my clothes and shoes to my sister the last time I was in Sweden to make room to pack my purchases -- all small. Or so I thought.
She was delighted! I was thrilled too, except the antique clock set off a really shrieking alarm in customs, the sterling flatware in my handbag beeped like a geiger counter, but the textiles went un-noted. In order to carry the fab antique carved cane (no how was that going to fit), I hobbled through customs at JFK, had offers of a wheel chair from gentlemanly attendants, and only lost track of WHICH ankle was hurting once. That was several years ago ... I suspect now they'd detain me. A second suitcase may have been better -- but the memory still makes for a good laugh.
B/
She was delighted! I was thrilled too, except the antique clock set off a really shrieking alarm in customs, the sterling flatware in my handbag beeped like a geiger counter, but the textiles went un-noted. In order to carry the fab antique carved cane (no how was that going to fit), I hobbled through customs at JFK, had offers of a wheel chair from gentlemanly attendants, and only lost track of WHICH ankle was hurting once. That was several years ago ... I suspect now they'd detain me. A second suitcase may have been better -- but the memory still makes for a good laugh.
B/
Jun 7th, 2005, 03:57 PM
#35
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birgator -
Thanks for the laugh! I can just picture you trying to remember which foot it was....
This thread is starting to scare me... Last year, the DH and I took 2 26" suitcases for 8 days in Italy and came back with them packed.
We're going to attempt to do 14 days next year with a 21" and a 24" and 2 carryons, but now I'm REALLY nervous about not having enough room. I guess I'll be able to contribute my experiences with buying luggage after that trip!
Thanks for the laugh! I can just picture you trying to remember which foot it was....
This thread is starting to scare me... Last year, the DH and I took 2 26" suitcases for 8 days in Italy and came back with them packed.
We're going to attempt to do 14 days next year with a 21" and a 24" and 2 carryons, but now I'm REALLY nervous about not having enough room. I guess I'll be able to contribute my experiences with buying luggage after that trip!
Jun 8th, 2005, 10:14 AM
#37
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We have a duffle bag that folds flat and always put it in the bottom of the biggest suitcase to fill up as we go. We then check it through with the stuff we bring home. Last November, we went to Israel and bought most everyone's Christmas presents there because the things were so different.
I had a piece of china shipped home directly from Harrod's and several items from the Belleek factory in Ireland. You not only don't risk breakage, but you don't have to pay the VAT.
I had a piece of china shipped home directly from Harrod's and several items from the Belleek factory in Ireland. You not only don't risk breakage, but you don't have to pay the VAT.
Jun 8th, 2005, 10:57 AM
#39
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Nope. We don't buy anything when we travel anymore.
We have a 735 s.f. apartment in an urban area - NYC. No garage or attic, few closets. Everything that comes in to the apartment means something else must leave (we dislike clutter).
We have a 735 s.f. apartment in an urban area - NYC. No garage or attic, few closets. Everything that comes in to the apartment means something else must leave (we dislike clutter).
