We love to travel, and 2020 was supposed to be a big travel year for us. Like the rest of you, that hasn't happened.
We're still dreaming about travel, reading about new destinations, and making (tentative) plans for the future. We hope all of you are well and staying safe... and that you find some inspiration here for YOUR future travels.
With vaccines arriving, let's hope we can be traveling again in 2021!
Should you ship or check your luggage when you travel?
Some people advocate shipping your luggage ahead of you on your trip...
That eliminates having to deal with luggage fees...
...And it frees you from having to juggle your luggage in airports.
There has been a proliferation of baggage shipping companies since all the airline fees to check luggage went into effect.
That has made this a more viable option for travelers....
...BUT only you can decide if it will be best for you.
These new luggage shipping companies offer door-to-door service. The arguments in favor of using one are...
We personally think these shipping services are more expensive than checking your bags...
...and we don't think this is the best option for the casual tourist...
...but maybe you think differently.
There are also some times when ship or check costs might just tip the other way, so that shipping option will be worth it.
If you decided that shipping your luggage is for you, you need to plan ahead. Most of these companies take up to a week to deliver your luggage.
It takes even longer if you are traveling internationally.
If you want it delivered faster, it will cost you a lot more.
If you're usually a last minute packer, anything you forget to put in those shipped bags will have to go in your carry-on.
We think you should always have your medicines, a change of clothes, and anything really important in your carry-on.
Even though these shipping services give you guarantees, remember "Murphy's Law." Things can go wrong. Some don't deliver on weekend or holidays... and do you know when the Bank Holidays are in London?
Compare two or three different companies for their delivery schedules and fees. Is there a cancellation fee if you change your mind or change your itinerary and pick-up date?
This option doesn't work unless you have a place to ship TO.
The address of a friend or your cruise ship or the hotel where you have a reservation.
Be sure to alert your hotel that luggage will be shipped to them, so they won't refuse it.
We've heard that some hotels won't accept shipped luggage for security reasons, so it's best to check with your hotel before signing up with the service.
So weigh it out for yourself...
Maybe after you weigh your luggage!
Should you ship or check?
It's an option to consider.
Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it! Judy and Mark
Curious about what else we've written about? Search our site for a destination or travel tip.
But... We'd love to have you share this page or comment on it…
Thanks, Judy and Mark
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The New Year is here...
And we're ready to put 2020 behind us.
What are your resolutions? To lose weight? To Exercise more?
We're hoping for an end to this virus and the travel restrictions so...
Why not a FUN resolution!
Resolve to TRAVEL!
It's a good time to plan your travels...
We have lists to help....
Custom Tour Planning List
Destination stories....
Europe Travel Tips
Africa Dream List
See America
Travel Planning
International Travel Planning Tips
Guidebooks can help you plan
Don't Forget Valentine's Day
Romantic Weekends
What About Your Passport?
Time to get one... or renew...
Answers about Passports and Visas
Dreaming of Warm Weather or Snow?
Packing for a Tropical Vacation
Cold Weather Packing List
…Or just make a resolution to explore more pages here and get ideas for travel destinations and how to get there.
NOW is the time to start planning for a great trip this year.
Search MouseToursTravels
Travel questions or destination info?
Find our answers faster...
We want you to feel comfortable out in the world and on our pages - so surf away in your own language...
Our 2020 travels were slim. COVID kept us home too. One trip to the Three Guyanas, but dreaming of travel next year.
Love discovering less touristed regions? The three Guyanas are tucked up in the north east corner of South America that doesn’t get much attention.
On our 2019 travels, it was independent travel, a custom tour and a group tour. All work beautifully... just depends on where you’re going and what you want.
Related Pages
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Airports, Security & Flights
Airline Booking Tips
Tips on Booking A Flight
The Flight You Book Makes A Difference
Flight Insurance - Is It Worth It?
Luggage
Airline Baggage Fees
Ship or Check Luggage?
All Our Packing Tips
Airport Security Tips
Security Packing Tips
Getting Through Security Lines
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
Organize To Speed Through Lines
Airport Security Checkpoints
TSA Secure Flight Program
TSA-Self-Selecting Security Lanes
Airport Help
Your Airport Arrival
Airport Departure
Airport Help - The Airport Is Your Friend!
Dealing With Peak Travel Seasons
Flight Problems
Dealing With Cancelled Flights
Booking Problems
In-Flight Tips
Inflight Tips to Survive Long Flights
Fatigue After Flights
What Is Jet Lag?
How to Deal With Jet Lag
And just for Fun
New! Comments
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