As some of you may already know, I am leaving soon for a trip to Europe. One of the guidebooks I've been reading says you can make it in Europe with nothing but a carry-on bag for up to 3 months. As I am only going 5 weeks, and I tend to pack light anyway, I am confident I could fit all I need in one carry-on bag. I would love the convenience of only having one small bag to carry around with me, and also the peace of mind of not having to worry about losing checked luggage or having to wait at the carosel for my bag.

Anyhoo, my problem is, if I only take one small bag, I am worried about having enough room for the souvenirs I want to buy. Not only am I going to want to get stuff for myself, but I am planning on getting gifts for friends and family.

So basically, my question is, does anybody have any idea whatsoever of how much it might cost to ship a package to the US from Europe? I realize it probably all depends on what country it's coming from, how much the package weighs, size, how fast I want to get it here, etc. etc. etc. But if anyone has any idea of where to even begin looking for information about postage rates in Europe, I would really appreaciate any guidance. I am checking out UPS' site right now, but am getting a hunch that individal postal services may be cheaper than UPS.

Thanks a bunch!

I have never been to Europe, so I can't answer your question. I do hope you have a lovely time! :D :D :D :D :D

Thanks for the well-wishing WingsFan.

Well, from what I've been searching on the Internet, things seems to be averaging around $10/pound. However, all I've been able to find is Express type rates. I don't need it to get here fast, so if anyone knows about shipping it by boat or something that may be alot slower but alot cheaper, please let me know! Otherwise, I think I may end up with an extra bag just for souvenirs! :(

I obviously don't live in Europe, but have a GREAT time Bootsy!! And don't forget us! ;)

But, I think you should ask Lorna. She would probably know or could help.

I've been to Europe a bunch of times, but I never sent anything. All I did was just borrow lugagge from my grandma and other relatives where I stayed at and just used that, bunch since your not staying particularly with anyone, I'd just bring an empty bag and just leave it in your hotel room or buy a bag overseas. You can get them for really cheap at any outdoor market. But if you just really want to ship it, my advice is just do what you've been doing. Search the internet. I hope you have a great time and come back in one peice. ;) I know I Loved eveytime I went overseas!

BTW, what countries or cities are you visiting?

Bootsy, if I were you, I'd probably just bring an extra bag. Sure, it's annoying to carry around extra luggage, but it sounds a lot better than paying money to send stuff by mail and risking the possibility of things getting lost or broken. Plus, you'll save a little money so you can buy more souveniers :happyface

I've gone a few times, actually I'm going again next fall, and have to pack enough for a year, but that's another story. What I've done in the past is to pack up cloth bags in my suitcase. Just like a laundry bag or something that can roll up - it takes up no space at all in your luggage, and then you can fill it with stuff and bring it back with you on the plane. I wouldn't recommend shipping overseas - that gets really expensive, and it's free if you just bring it with you on the airplane. If you're only going to have one suitcase then you wouldn't have to check anything - just have them both be carry-ons. Where are you going? If you're going to be anywhere near France or Germany in August, look me up! :wave:

I was in Europe for 10 weeks one summer with a large backpack, and I was fine. I mostly bought artwork that I was able to fit flatly against the back of the backpack. I did ship one thing though in Italy. It was a small portable CD player. I was able to get a native Italian to help me ship it (I was in a town where hardly anyone spoke English), and I remember it being very cheap. However, I think it definitely depends on what country you are in. That was before the Euro and the rate was like 1700 lira to the dollar. I think it took maybe 2 weeks for it to make it back home. I'd say be sparing with the amount of stuff you ship. Bring a small bag that you can smush up in your main bag to try and bring things back in. If you have something breakable or too big to carry, then you might want to ship it. Some nice stores will do all of the shipping for you. Have fun and good luck!! :)

PS - I bet it's really expensive to ship things in England!

I think shipping things from US to Europe and other way round is expensive- But I guess it would depend on the size and weight of something.

Wenever I send anything to America it always costs quite a bit.

It all depends where you're buying your souvenirs from, Bootsy.
If you buy a lot of stuff from a big company like The Edinburgh Wollen Mill (they sell loads of Scottish souvenirs) then they can post your stuff over to America for you. You'll find that this is a lot cheaper than sending them by post yourself. Any of the big kilt makers that I mentioned to you will also offer this service to their customers.
I'm not entirely sure of the cost of sending stuff from the UK to America via regular post. Although if you've got a lot of stuff then it could get pretty pricey I'm afraid. :(

I just recently bought a t-shirt from a UK company over the internet. The shirt alone cost 15 pounds. Shipping was another 12 pounds. Too much, if you ask me. I bought it nearly a week and a half ago. I'm sure I'll be waiting for it for about another week or so...

£12 shipping on a t-shirt??!! That's way too expensive!! I think you're being ripped-off there, Cokies.

Originally posted by Mossopp
£12 shipping on a t-shirt??!! That's way too expensive!! I think you're being ripped-off there, Cokies.

Probably...

I have not been to Europe, but my mother Bonnie and my sister
Claire went to England and France in the summer of 2000.

Thanks for all your advice everyone! I think I am just going to bite the bullet and bring an extra suitcase for souvenirs. Bringing along a fold-up bag is a good idea, but the restrictions on what you can bring on the airlines are so strcit now, combined with the fact that I will probably have some breakable stuff (I wanna get a stein in Germany! ;) ) probably makes that not such a good idea.

Oh well, I guess one more bag won't be a huge deal, I got all my other stuff into one bag that I can put on my back, so I can just roll the other bag behind me I guess. And of course I can make my mom carry it half of the time! :D

As for all your questions about where I'm going, please see my other post "I'm outta here!".

Thanks again!