Luggage Free website

[TotallyOz]

I have used this service and it was reliable and very worth the experience. The prices are reasonable and it helps you to relieve yourself of extra baggage.

 

http://www.luggagefree.com/

 

From their site:

Luggage Free is a specialty service offering you the ability to ship luggage ahead to any destination worldwide, so you can avoid the inconvenience of carrying, checking and claiming bags

[Guest fountainhall]

This looks a great way to reduce the excess baggage charges that some airlines are now charging - and more will soon start to charge. Unfortunately, it only caters for luggage originating in the west. There is no service ex-Thailand.

[firecat69]

Yikes I looked at this site out of curiosity. There prices are ridiculous in my opinion. They want $340 to ship a golf bag from the USA to Thailand one way. Thats $680 RT. Cheaper to buy a new set of clubs when I arrive in Thailand and give them away when I leave.

 

Makes no difference if it is shipped from NYC or LAX. Christ I can buy RT ticket from LAX to BKK for $1000 sometimes on special and they want 70% of a Rt ticket to ship my golf clubs. I don't think so.

 

I guess I could see it if I had a 50lb bag to ship that was staying in Thailand but for normal luggage that is returning with me, there has to be a better way.

[Gaybutton]

there has to be a better way.

I don't play golf, but I would think better golf courses would have rental clubs available. You might want to check into that.

 

One thing you might be able to do, if you are from the USA, would be to buy clubs while you are here, donate them to one of the charities when you are ready to leave and let them use the clubs in one of their auctions or raffles, get a receipt, and take the tax deduction.

 

Other than that, your alternatives are to pay the fees, buy clubs when in Thailand, or just don't play golf when in Thailand.

[Guest]

I never tried their International options but will for my bike. Domestically, they charge 2 dollars a pound. That is pretty good IMHO. Door to door and you can leave things in your suitcase.

 

For me to ship my 3 wheel trike to Michigan was going to cost 1200 US via Fed Ex. UPS would not ship it as it was too big and too much weight. Luggage Free is able to do it for 200 US. A savings of 1,000 US for me. I was thrilled.

 

I have also had luggage shipped when I did not want to deal with taking them to the airport.

 

On my current trip to Brazil, the airlines charge 150 per bag. If overweight another 450. If oversize, another 450.

 

Most of my bags are around 70 pounds and while I agree that the prices are not great for International, they do handle larger items very well. And, for me, I always get stopped in customs as I normally take 5 large bags with me plus my bike. There are always questions about so much luggage. This option just makes my life easier. IMHO

[Gaybutton]

There are always questions about so much luggage.

What's your answer?

[Guest]

What's your answer?

 

I say I live in hotels all year as I travel so much and these 5 bags contain everything I own. I smile and say, "you would not believe how much stuff I had to sell to get all my belongings into 5 bags." They normally smile and say Yeah.

 

In Brazil, they are very careful not to let anyone into the country who they think is trying to sell something else. I have over 40 pairs of glasses. They always ask about them. I tell them they are prescription and not sunglasses. They ask why so many and I tell them I like glasses. They usually open up a bag to check them and put them up to their eyes and says, "Ohhh." As they are prescription and realize how bad of eyesight I have and let me through.

 

Once I got stuck in Brazil customs as I had multiple cameras and multiple laptops. They were not going to let me into the country and wanted to keep my stuff at customs. I asked if I could get my driver outside as they agreed. He is Brazilian and I saw him waiting for me. He came in and explained to them that I am and odd man and he can assure them I am not going to sell anything. They let me in but told me not to bring that much stuff in again or they would keep it. I agreed. I have now downsized to 5 bags for them. All 5 are between 68-70 pounds. I test before I go to airport to make sure I don't get over limit charges and 70 is the max on my airline.

[Gaybutton]

I have now downsized to 5 bags for them.

Downsized to 5 bags? I hope you can handle traveling so light. I bet the hotel bellboys have a heart attack when they see you arriving . . .

[Guest]

Downsized to 5 bags? I hope you can handle traveling so light. I bet the hotel bellboys have a heart attack when they see you arriving . . .

 

They love me. I tip them well and they take good care of me. The only place I ever have problem is in USA customs as sometimes they don't have porters to help with luggage when you first land in USA and have to go through customs. That makes my job hard.

[Guest beachlover]

Holy crap... 5 bags!

 

Even if I spent all year in hotels, I don't think I would want to lug around 5 bags. I just have a small carry-on case, even if I'm traveling for a month or two. All I need is my laptop, some toiletries and a good pile of clothes.

 

I find it quite refreshing being so uncluttered when I travel. Now I want to do the same at home. I want to "digitise" all my books, CDs and DVDs so they don't lie around cluttering up the place. Once this is done, all I need is a couple of 1-terrabyte portable hard drives to store everything (with appropriate back ups).

 

Why not have a home base (buy an apartment) in the places where you spend the most time, like Rio and Pattaya or Bangkok?

[Guest GaySacGuy]

You have no idea how much stuff GT travels with...I'm sure there are times when he would like to have more bags!!!

[Guest]

Why not have a home base (buy an apartment) in the places where you spend the most time, like Rio and Pattaya or Bangkok?

 

I envy anyone that can travel with only a carry on. It is just not for me.

 

I've considered getting a place in Rio. But, I have a place in the USA that is home base and that is enough for me for now. I live there less than 1 month a year so it is yet to become a home. Maybe I need to work on that this year?

 

You have no idea how much stuff GT travels with...I'm sure there are times when he would like to have more bags!!!

 

You are CORRECT!!! Sometimes I wish I had 2 more bags. It would make life so easy.

[Guest beachlover]

LOL... Well, like I said, I find it very refreshing to have the minimal of possessions with me. I hate clutter.

 

The only thing I would like to be able to lug with me, which I don't, is a nice 24-inch LCD monitor for my laptop.

 

Why haven't the 5-star hotels caught onto this? Providing nice big LCD monitors (not TVs) to plug your laptop into on the work desk in your room would be a good seller for a lot of business travelers or people who work while traveling. That's the only thing I miss from my office when I'm traveling.

 

Ah well... maybe one day they'll make a portable "roll-up" LED panel or something.

[Guest fountainhall]

Even if I spent all year in hotels, I don't think I would want to lug around 5 bags. I just have a small carry-on case, even if I'm traveling for a month or two. All I need is my laptop, some toiletries and a good pile of clothes.

I'm a regular traveller. Like GT I have a huge problem downsizing especially if I'm on a multi-sector or round-the-world trip involving different climates. I need a full suitcase, a full carry-on bag and a decent sized briefcase. If you are away for a month or two and if, as you say, you are a businessman, beachlover, how on earth do you get everything you need into a "small carry-on case", especially when that contains "a good pile of clothes"? Without being too personal, I'd love to know what you pack.

 

I can get away just with a carry-on for about 4 days - maximum.

[Guest travelerjim]

I'm a regular traveller. Like GT I have a huge problem downsizing especially if I'm on a multi-sector or round-the-world trip involving different climates.

Without being too personal, I'd love to know what you pack.

I can get away just with a carry-on for about 4 days - maximum.

 

fh,

 

I too have many bags with me when I travel outside Thailand.

Usually 2 full size 30" suitcases + 1 roll-aboard carry-on and my briefcase.

 

My luggage problem is solved..

I take my Thai bf with me

 

He does know how to "take care"...

 

Have a great trip fh to South America...

I always have dreamed about seeing Macchu Piccu..in Peru.

I envy you!

 

tj

[Guest fountainhall]

My luggage problem is solved..

I take my Thai bf with me

Which suitcase does he go in?

 

Have a great trip fh to South America...

I always have dreamed about seeing Macchu Piccu..in Peru.

I envy you!

Thanks tj. I don't leave till October 20. I'll post any interesting experiences on my return.

[Guest beachlover]

I'm a regular traveller. Like GT I have a huge problem downsizing especially if I'm on a multi-sector or round-the-world trip involving different climates. I need a full suitcase, a full carry-on bag and a decent sized briefcase. If you are away for a month or two and if, as you say, you are a businessman, beachlover, how on earth do you get everything you need into a "small carry-on case", especially when that contains "a good pile of clothes"? Without being too personal, I'd love to know what you pack.

 

I can get away just with a carry-on for about 4 days - maximum.

 

A suite case (depending how big), carry on and briefcase is ok, I think.

 

For me, sticking with carry is usually no problem if I'm just visiting warm climate areas like in Asia. I pack one pair of shoes max (and wear the other), a pair of Tevas, toiletries, ample clothes (to last at least 4-5 days without laundry) and a few other bits and pieces like an alarm clock, chargers, etc. Easy to fit that in a small case. If I have engagements that require a suit, I don't carry more than one suit and 3-4 business shirts(though for heavy business travelers you might carry a second suit or at least a second pair of suit trousers). On top of that I carry a laptop and notebook. And a sweater for the plane.

 

All this will fit into the "dimensions" test for carry on luggage. But I've had two occasions where I've been weighed and obviously it added up to more than 7kgs or whatever the carry on limit was.

 

Although I have done carry on for cold climates before, I get that "carry on" is a real challenge if you're on a multi-sector trip through cold climates. But even then, I stick to one medium sized suitcase to check in and a small bag to carry on max.

 

The only time I definitely have check in luggage is if I'm doing a lot of outdoor stuff, which is reasonably often. Then I will check in stuff because it often means bringing my 60-70 litre backpack, sleeping bag, tent, cooking kit, boots, outdoor warm-weather gear (different from urban) and other associated stuff.

 

It's just a personal preference. I just like to travel as light as possible. I find not having the clutter to be very liberating. I think half the stuff some people carry either never gets used, or gets used so little that it's not worth carrying. It only takes me 5 minutes to pack and check I've got everything before I check out of a room.

 

Not checking in stuff is a real advantage because saves you a LOT of time when arriving in most airports. Sometimes more than 30 minutes... But I'm not anal about it. If I need to check in stuff I will. And I often do if I've done a lot of shopping or are bringing stuff back.

[Guest fountainhall]

For me, sticking with carry is usually no problem if I'm just visiting warm climate areas like in Asia. I pack one pair of shoes max (and wear the other), a pair of Tevas, toiletries, ample clothes (to last at least 4-5 days without laundry) and a few other bits and pieces like an alarm clock, chargers, etc. Easy to fit that in a small case. If I have engagements that require a suit, I don't carry more than one suit and 3-4 business shirts(though for heavy business travelers you might carry a second suit or at least a second pair of suit trousers). On top of that I carry a laptop and notebook. And a sweater for the plane.

 

All this will fit into the "dimensions" test for carry on luggage. But I've had two occasions where I've been weighed and obviously it added up to more than 7kgs or whatever the carry on limit was.

I lose track of each airline's carry-on luggage policy, although I know Tiger in Asia has a 7kg allowance which, at least in Singapore, it enforces quite strictly.

 

My problem seems to be not only a space issue, but the weight of the carry on bag itself. I have an ancient TUMI bought in New York 10 years ago which I like because it's an expander. If the worst comes to the worst, I can add more into it and pay for it to go into the hold. The other is a nice Samsonite. But both seem to weigh at least 2kgs, probably slightly more. Limiting my packing to 4.5 kgs is a real hassle.

 

So if I have to pack a suit, a casual pair of pants, a pair of semi-formal shoes, 4 business shirts, 2 less formal ones, 2 Polo-type shirts, underwear, socks, computer and assorted equipment, camera and assorted equipment, umbrella and lightweight rain gear - I am usually overfull and overweight! If not, then I get caught out by having a tube of toothpaste that is more than 100ml. It seems quite hard to find smaller sized tubes in Thailand! I just wish I could find a reasonably sturdy carry-on bag that was really lightweight. It would be a life-saver! Anyone got any suggestions?

 

For longer trips, I have finally invested in all-cotton non-iron shirts which I love. I also always carry small containers of washing liquid and fabric conditioner as I refuse to pay hotel prices to have underwear and socks laundered! I once arrived at the St Regis Hotel in New York (on client business and paid for by the client!) but my bag had got lost somewhere on the 3 flights I'd had to take from Las Vegas. Having underwear and socks laundered overnight cost more than buying them new!

[Guest beachlover]

Yeah, weight for carry on isn't a problem I've been able to overcome. I just get around it most of the time because it isn't enforced on most flights I make.

 

I'm pretty sure my suitcase is 2kgs as well. I noticed, Samsonite have some really nice super-light ones now. They're the ones with the hard case (not fabric). I picked one up and was surprised how little it weighs.

 

But I've overcome the dimensions and liquids issues (liquids are more of a pain than dimensions for me).

 

If I'm on a LCC flight where you have to pay for checked luggage, I still pay for a 15kg check in allowance in advance so (1) if I have done something that trip that requires me to check in my luggage (e.g. shopping) it's no problem and (2) if I get weighed and forced to check in my bag, which has happened before, I don't have to pay the more expensive on the spot price.

 

Hmmm... I never realised my toothpaste tube is 120g. I've had my bag searched and all liquid containers checked but they've never complained about the toothpaste, despite being strict with other things!

 

You can find smaller sized tubes of tooth paste in lots of places now... airport supermarkets are a good start (I know Sydney/KL/Singapore airports had smaller tubes.. don't know about Thailand).

[Guest MonkeySee]

For me, traveling light is the only way to go. On short trips within Southeast Asia, a carry on is all I take. If I really need something I did not bring with me, it is usually cheap to buy in Asia.

[Guest]

This site is great for use in USA at about 150 per bag door to door. But, overseas it is crazy. I was going to ship some bags back to USA and it was going to cost almost 1k per bag. I can get an extra seat for that price and tie the bag into the seat.

[Guest beachlover]

Hey GT, I think we've found your antipode!

 

This guy is going to travel the world with NO luggage whatsoever. Only what he has in his pockets!

 

http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/around-the-world-with-no-luggage/story-e6frfq80-1225912235251

 

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Rolf Potts aims to travel the world with no luggage

A MAN has embarked on a journey with a difference: travelling around the world without any luggage or bags of any kind.

Rolf Potts decided to test of the concept of

[Guest]

Thanks for that article. I'm sure I'll have nightmares tonight.

[Guest fountainhall]

His journey is sponsored by companies that create and sell lightweight travel clothes packed with pockets.

So he's not such a mug after all! I'd try that if someone actually paid me to do it! Would they stretch to business class, I wonder?

[Guest beachlover]

Thanks for that article. I'm sure I'll have nightmares tonight.

You can dream about a future post apocalyptic world where luggage is forbidden for international travel. LOL