usvi-on-line
Shipping a Box Before Trip?
Shipping a Box Before Trip?
I am hoping that some of you can give me more insight into shipping a box to our villa before we arrive. It would certainly make packing and traveling with a toddler easier. Have any of you ever done this? What did you send? Was it expensive? Did it get there by the time you did?
My only other option is to just buy everything there....that will get expensive.
My only other option is to just buy everything there....that will get expensive.
I seriously considered this but the logistics didn’t work for us and ultimately ended up bringing everything along with no problem.
We gate checked a stroller/carseat bag purchased cheap at the local big box. I think nearly all the airlines allow a free gate check allowance when you travel with a child, regardless of whether or not the child has their own ticket.
We used the bag for our kid-carrier backpack and filled the balance with enough diapers (regular and swimmy) and wipes for the entire week as well as several changes of clothes for our son, two sets for me, a few toys, and his travel bed. Ours has rollers as well as backpack-type straps on it, which really made it easy to transport. (it was not heavy)
We gate checked a stroller/carseat bag purchased cheap at the local big box. I think nearly all the airlines allow a free gate check allowance when you travel with a child, regardless of whether or not the child has their own ticket.
We used the bag for our kid-carrier backpack and filled the balance with enough diapers (regular and swimmy) and wipes for the entire week as well as several changes of clothes for our son, two sets for me, a few toys, and his travel bed. Ours has rollers as well as backpack-type straps on it, which really made it easy to transport. (it was not heavy)
You can rent baby equip from Christy's Classics. Flip flop did this and she loved it. Prices were very low and much less than shipping or hauling extra stuff thru the airlines.
Think carefully before shipping, sometimes the costs are more than what you're actually sending. In the past, if we've shipped things, I've sent it to the Villa rental co. offices. Worked out fine.
Think carefully before shipping, sometimes the costs are more than what you're actually sending. In the past, if we've shipped things, I've sent it to the Villa rental co. offices. Worked out fine.
*Another fine scatterbrained production
In June I shipped a box to connections filled with books, sunscreen, and some other stuff. They cautioned me to send it usps priority, not to use regular mail or ups or fedex (the latter two because it was expensive). The box cost around $30 to ship and arrived within a week...my brain is fogged on the exact time.
I have read, though, that for some people their boxes take as long as a month to arrive, so give yourself lots of lead time. Connections will hold your box until you arrive for a flat fee of $5 or $10, depending on the weight (with all the books, mine was $10!). Just call them before you ship to get your name on their list.
I am shipping a box next week for our October trip containing our fins, sunblock, etc. because we are going to try and go carry on only this time. It's not likely, but we are going to try.
I have read, though, that for some people their boxes take as long as a month to arrive, so give yourself lots of lead time. Connections will hold your box until you arrive for a flat fee of $5 or $10, depending on the weight (with all the books, mine was $10!). Just call them before you ship to get your name on their list.
I am shipping a box next week for our October trip containing our fins, sunblock, etc. because we are going to try and go carry on only this time. It's not likely, but we are going to try.
It's like looking in your soup and finding a whole different alphabet.
We shipped a couple of boxes for our last trip via USPS Priority to the villa company. Arrived within a week or so. We were travelling with a 4 month old, so it REALLY made the travel easier. We also rented a port-a-crib from Christy's. I don't remember the cost of the shipment, but it was worth it not to have to pack and carry (even more) stuff.
Ken
Ken
My St. John Photos: http://rcplanefan.zenfolio.com/
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Xislandgirl
- Posts: 4163
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:03 pm
- Location: Slightly left of center
We shipped a box ahead of time and I was thrilled that we did. I filled it with Dunkin Donuts coffee, granola bars, crackers, Pringles, smoked almonds (my husband is addicted, seriously) and a few other things.
We sent it to the villa management company and it worked out great.
There are some that will say that you can get all those things on island and as a former resident, I agree. I just chose to send things that I liked and mostly got for free ( I am a huge coupon and deal junkie).
We sent it to the villa management company and it worked out great.
There are some that will say that you can get all those things on island and as a former resident, I agree. I just chose to send things that I liked and mostly got for free ( I am a huge coupon and deal junkie).
Im gald this question was raised again. I think I will try it next summer. As Ive said many times, we have dietary restrictions and being able to buy here and send there would be a life saver...literally! We are renting Star Villa and Im willing to bet Bob and Marlene would accept our package for us. I have a UPS account at work so it would be really easy to do. Priority Mail is also an easy option for me.
Hey Ksea - I think USPS Priority is ALOT, ALOT cheaper because UPS considers it an international shipment. We checked that, and if I remember correctly it was about $30 for USPS and $120 for UPS. Same package. Of course if work is paying...
Ken
Ken
My St. John Photos: http://rcplanefan.zenfolio.com/
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caribechris
- Posts: 61
- Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2007 8:34 am
- Location: Near Philly, PA
We always used to ship items to STJ before we arrived but the last time we did it it never arrived. That was a couple of years ago. We shipped USPS Priority. It was no big deal just mixers, munchies, coffee, etc.
Just wanted to give a heads up to prepare for an alternate plan in case your box gets lost.
Caribechris
Just wanted to give a heads up to prepare for an alternate plan in case your box gets lost.
Caribechris
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Xislandgirl
- Posts: 4163
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:03 pm
- Location: Slightly left of center
Do ship USPS Priority Mail and put the minimum amount of insurance on it - that will cost about $1.50 for $50.00 and that tends to insure it will get here - not always but most of the time.
It will take approx 9-12 days (or up to "never"
- just kidding (or am )) I have never had anything not arrive - a letter sent Priority did take 5 weeks once but it did arrive - finally 
Pia
It will take approx 9-12 days (or up to "never"
- just kidding (or am )) I have never had anything not arrive - a letter sent Priority did take 5 weeks once but it did arrive - finally Pia