USVI-On-Line

My family of 4 is headed to St. John in June. We are thinking that we should do carry-on only for ease of travel. However, I am a notorious overpacker. Hey, I can't go away for a weekend without packing 4 pairs of shoes. Seriously. I can't. So I'm thinking we should ship a few things ahead, like our lotions, snorkel gear, some snacks, and of course, shoes. So what's the 411 on shipping ahead. I know you can set up an account at Connections and have it shipped there. Is that what most people do? Who do you ship through? USPS, UPS, FedEx? How far in advance should we ship? Do you ship priority or standard? Is there anything that can't or shouldn't be shipped? Food, aerosol spray sunscreen? Any size or weight limits on boxes? And how much is this gonna cost me? I know I can count on you guys for the straight scoop.

You may not send liquids or aerosols via USPS Priority Mail. I would also be interested in the next best way to send my box. Our villa owner is going to hold it for us. We are going in June as well. There are some specific items not availabe on STJ that we need to ship ahead.

Ship USPS Priority Mail with delivery confirmation. You can ship to Connections or the Mail Center. Christy's Classics also receives ship ahead boxes and will have it delivered to your villa for a fee.

I shipped 2 boxes USPS Priority Mail - with the delivery confirmation option - on the Saturday before my Wednesday arrival. It arrived the day I did- It was a last minute decision to ship stuff - next time I'll plan ahead and send it a few days earlier.

The first box was a "flat rate box" - regardless of the weight the cost was $8.95. The gentleman at the Post Office suggested I put all of my heavy items in there. I stuffed it with liquids (Choc milk boxes for my son, 5 containers of sunscreen, etc) The second box was not a "flat rate box" and it cost me more than I care to remember. I had everything shipped to Lavender Hill (requested permission prior to shipping) and Matt delivered it to my unit the day I arrived. It made carry on very doable- even with my 5 pairs of shoes.

suz~

You are on the right track...as far as I am concerned! For the last few years...after too many trips of checked luggage problems...we have shipped ahead to Connections...and LOVED it! I ship all sunscreen, lotion, liquid soap, shampoo/cond, snorkel gear and whatever else I don't want to carry! I always us USPS Priority Mail WITH Confirmation. The confirmation is nice b/c you can track your package(s) online and you'll know the arrival date. I usually ship at least 10 days ahead...just in case. But I've always had good luck...two to three days for delivery!!! It always amazes me! Some would think I spend way too much...usually about $25 per box...but for me persoanlly...it is WELL worth the convenience! Connections will charge a nominal fee...usually $5/$10 a box...depending on how long they have to trip over it! The girls at Connections are awesome! Tell them "hi" for us! I keep our boxes and reuse them to ship home our snorkel gear and purchases. Most of what we ship down is consumed on island! All of this...of course...my own humble opinion! Nothing beats going straight from the gate to the taxi stand! PM if you like!

Jen
171 & Out
313 & Out

I'm confused Can you or can you not send aersols and liquids by USPS Priority Mail?

Jan

I was told I could not, by the post office lady. I think people do it anyway. She asked me if I had any liquids, etc...and I said yes...and she told me she could not accept the pkg for priority mail. Maybe some don't get asked and some just answer "no". Sounds like those things make it to STJ just fine so I will have to decide what to do.

I have a question: For those of you who ship items down prior to vacation, do you end up shipping things back home when your trip is over? Many people mention shipping snorkel gear, shoes, non-consumables...what happens to that stuff on the way home?

Thanks for the update, Ksea. I could see the aerosols maybe, but liquid shampoo and handsoap, not as much. If you have it packaged well, it shouldn't leak. Where is Connections in relation to Conrad Sutton's when you get off the ferry?

As far as shipping liquids goes...I told the gals at the counter in the PO exactly what I had packaged in my boxes. The only item among bug spray, lotion, liquid handsoap, shampoo/cond and cologne that I had to remove...was the cologne. I was given the why for but did not understand the logic...whatsoever. I fairly quietly removed the cologne...at the dismay of the line behind me...and re-taped my box. So...I can put the 3oz bottle of cologne in my ziplock bag and carry it on in the luggage...but cannot send it in the mail "because of the airline regulation". Hmmmmm. No biggie...I'll just be sure to remember that in October! I suppose it depends on who is behind the counter for the answer you get?

As far as "non-consumables" go...yep...they are shipped back (from Connections) at the end of the stay! I keep the boxes I send down to return anything I do not want to lug around!

There is also a NEW "Large Flat Rate Box", which is bigger than the old one, which costs $12.95 to mail. GREAT value, definitely use one of these boxes or a combination of multiple boxes if you need to.
Always use delivery confirmation.
-Ruth

Thanks! This is exactly the information I needed. It sounds like the flat rate boxes are the way to go. How large is the large? Is it big enough for 2 sets of snorkel gear? I'm still not sure about the aerosols. The only aerosol I would be sending would be the spray sunscreen. I guess I'll call the Post Office and see what they say. Thanks again!

Suzy

Not fins, but two sets of snorkle gear I'd say, yes.

wow i just logged in to ask this exact question. good, now that is settled, all i am carrying on is my tote bag. what a relief. thanks everyone. stj soon come.