USVI-On-Line

...to mail my four sets of snorkel gear (+2 extra masks...don't ask), and 4 large bottles of sunscreen to Connections.

I'm only slightly embarassed that I could check all this stuff in a single suitcase for less money than shipping it, but since we're not checking any other luggage I'm rationalizing the difference as "convenience factor"!

Last year I fibbed and told the postal worker that there were no liquids in the box. Again, since the box is already sealed and you're supposed to present any liquid items I'm probably going to do the same thing...but I'll let you know later. Has anyone else done this?

Well....no line, which was amazing in itself. Unlike last year, they didn't ask about contents or anything. I had printed out the postage and had everything already on the box and prepaid, so it was very smooth and effiencient. There always has to be something 'odd' about any trip I make to a post office, so this time it was the clerk giving me grief about the weight I had entered on my postage. I was off by 'about a pound' according to him, and he kept pointing it out.....DESPITE the fact that my box was large enough to be paid based on DIMENSIONAL weight...it could have weighed another 10 lbs and the cost would have been identical.

to my package: happy journey and God speed!

I shipped my 2 large priority mail flat rate boxes today also!
I am a regular at our post office, thanks to eBay! I told the clerk about the liquid contents and he just stamped fragile on the boxes and teased me about trying to "sneak" something past them and then set them with the other out going packages!
I kept a list of what was in each box with the tracking number, so if 1 of the 2 doesn't make it, I will know before I leave and maybe be able to ship another box to get there before we do!

Have a wonderful vacation!
Jo

Jo,
It's too bad that snorkel fins won't fit in a flat rate box! Hindsight, I should have minimized the box for the four sets of fins to 24" x 12" x 6" or so and then put the masks, snorkels, and sunscreen in the large flat-rate box. I'll bet that would have been cheaper...oh well....an idea for next time.

Hi Keith,

I knew I wouldn't be able to get our 4 sets of fins in a flat rate box and kinda figured the cost would be too much in another box; therefore I designated 1 carryon bag as a snorkel bag. Amazing...but somehow I was able to squeeze all 4 sets in 1 bag! I guess when there's a will, there's a way!

Hope to bump into your family while on island!

Have fun waiting these last couple of weeks! I know the wait is killing us!

Best,
Jo

Hi Keith,

Did your package make it to STJ yet? Mine did already! Shipped Monday afternoon and the 2 boxes arrived today! I wonder how much I am going to be charged for the 2 week hold? Yikes!

Take care and try to have fun waiting!
Jo

Would it be to much to ask the villa owners if they would recieve a shipment ahead of time? I don't want to come accross as a pain before I even get there.

Tim

Hi Tim ~ Our villa rental company would charge $100 to pick up a package so it was less expensive for us to use Connections. I would definitely check first with the villa company or the individual villa owner. Good luck and enjoy your trip!

Hi Pia ~ I had read about how long it could take for the mail to get to STJ, that is why I shipped 2 weeks prior! Wouldn't you know, I would be the exception! I hope your 5 packages arrive before you leave. I offer any assistance I can be in the future!

Best to all,
Jo

I got an email that mine had been delivered as well. I shipped none business days ahead and it took three to arrive. Pia your idea might hold true.