The Travel Industry Association has found that almost 63% of travelers say a vacation just isn’t complete without some shopping—and that 20% spend $500 or more on a vacation trip. Oftentimes an irresistible purchase may be too big or too fragile to carry home in a suitcase. Consider a few popular examples:

travel souvenirs

• The Carpet Outlet in Norwalk, CT offers a unique collection of circa 1920’s or 30’s carpets from well-known estates throughout the United States and Europe. A vintage 18’x12’ carpet is the purchase of choice.
• Delicate Waterford crystal abounds at Crystal Classics in Columbus, OH. The largest independent retailer of crystal in the U.S., they not only offer a large variety of  Waterford, they carry many other well-known brands, including Marquis, Swarovski, Baccarat, Belleek, Cashs Crystal, Lalique, Lenox China, Nambe, Riedel, Orrefors, Kosta Boda, Royal Doulton, Wedgwood and others.
• A kitchen or dining room table can be irresistible for those touring the heart of Amish Country in Lancaster PA. The “barn wood” tables are handcrafted from tiger maple wood or cherry and can vary in length from 6’ to 8’, with the ability to add 15’ board extensions at either end.
• Unique grandfather clocks are the featured item at McGuire’s Clocks in Austin, TX.  It’s the oldest clock shop in Austin and carries major brands of new clocks such as Howard Miller, Ridgeway, Bulova, Hermle, and Seiko, as well as a wide assortment of unique antique clocks.
• Native handcrafted totem poles are all the rage when you visit Juneau, AK.  While the poles come in all shapes and sizes, the larger variety, such as a yellow cedar version that measures 95”X20”X12”, are just too large to join you on a return flight.

How to Get it Home

Travelers are limited, of course, in the amount of baggage they can bring back. Most major airlines charge fees beginning with the first checked bag. For example, American Airlines charges $75 each for the first three additional pieces, $100 per piece for the fourth, fifth, and sixth additional pieces, and still more beyond that.

You can save money and eliminate hassles by shipping your purchase home. Many sellers of large or fragile items who cater to the tourist trade can set you up with a preferred shipper. Freight companies are fast and relatively cheap, but make sure your items are properly packed – the seller has no liability if they ship it for you. You can also consider a more expensive but safer alternative: a small move, white-glove specialist. The higher cost can be worth it, especially since a moving service will provide inside delivery.

About the Author:

Kevin S. Hagan is the Marketing Manager at Transit Systems, Inc. (TSI). TSI is one of the top nationwide shipping companies that can assist you with all of your moving or shipping needs. Founded in 1989, TSI is fully licensed by the U.S. Dept. of Transportation and as an Approved Vendor for The UPS Store®. TSI also specializes in small moves and furniture shipping.