I've actually really been wanting it to make more sense to ship like a footlocker from my home to my destination and expect it to be at my hotel when I arrive versus having to lug it throughout my regular transport. Even a few days in advance is fine by me. Pack the bulk of my week long trip, be able to pack even bulky items like snow gear and what not without worry, and have it just be there when I arrive sounds like a dream than carrying 100lbs of stuff through an airport and a cab/rental car and all that jazz.
The services exist but they're not cheap and, as I discovered at one point, internationally you can run afoul of various customs vagaries. But my trip by ship earlier this year, dropping off my bag in NY after customs and having it shipped home was well worth the $250 or whatever it cost.
Re:Crossing the USA by Train
by bobthepanda on Tuesday October 29, 2024 @02:23PM
(#41987751)
Takkyubin in Japan is basically this, though smaller. https://www.kuronekoyamato.co.jp/ytc/en/send/services/takkyu...
You may need to pay to check luggage on a plane but you can typically wheel it right up to the check-in counter and right out from baggage claim (to a cab).
When I took a ship into NY earlier this year, I decided to just pay to have the luggage shipped home given that I was taking Amtrak in a couple days. Big logistical win that was well worth the few hundred dollar cost. Trains are great in many cases but the ability to bring on huge amounts of luggage is not one of their advantages. (I didn't have a huge piece of luggage but it was wheeled and moderately heavy. Reasonable to pay so as not to deal with it.)