Whether heading to an exciting destination or settling down in a new home town, most individuals end up with some excess baggage when traveling overseas. Travelers of today are spoiled for options when it comes to hauling excess baggage with them. Should you check your bags? Or should you consider shipping excess baggage overseas?
Pros and Cons of Checking Your Bags
Benefits:
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Cost: Though checking your bags are not always the most budget-friendly option, it typically is. Excess bags may cost anywhere from $25 to $100 or even more depending on the size and weight of the bag.
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Convenience: Given that the majority of airlines, trains and bus companies allow for excess baggage, checking them in is incredibly convenient. It’s the choice most preferred by last-minute packers and travelers, as they typically do not need to give any prior notice or make arrangements for picking up or dropping off the bag.
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Easy: When the system operates, as it should, your luggage leaves with you and arrives at the same time.
Drawbacks:
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Zero Guarantee: You may have paid the airline company, but there are no guarantees that your bag won’t be mishandled or that it won’t become lost when in transit
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Stressful: Checking bags can be a real hassle. It’s time consuming and can even be the reason for you missing your train, plane or bus.
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Tiring: Depending on how many bags you have, how heavy they are and if you have any “spirited” youngsters in tow, bringing your own bags can be exhausting.
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Expensive: Checking bags can be cost effective – if your bags don’t go overweight. Overweight bags are subject to penalties so high that many can be seen ditching books, older clothing and even underwear in nearby trash bins just to meet the weight limit.
Pros and Cons of Shipping Excess Baggage Overseas
Benefits:
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Reliable: Services that offer shipping excess baggage overseas are far more reliable than an airline. They will provide you with a tracking number, regular updates on the whereabouts of your package, and most offer an on-time guarantee.
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Cost-Effective: Depending on what is being shipped, these services can be more cost effective than your airline, train or bus company. This is particularly true if what you are shipping is overweight or oddly shaped
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Time-Saving: Taking advantage of these companies allows you to skip the check-in lines and baggage carousels and focus more on you trip
Drawbacks:
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Service Days May Be Limited: Depending on the company, services may be limited to only weekdays and may not be available on weekends.
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Inconvenient Bag Drop Offs: Some companies will ask that you drop your baggage off at a specific location or outlet. Others, however, offer door-to-door service and will take care of that for you
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Planning Ahead: This form of shipping excess baggage overseas requires a bit of prior planning. At least one week before your departure you should contact your preferred company and make arrangements.
