Luggage Fees or Shipping Bags

I have been receiving a few calls and emails about the possibility of shipping luggage to camp to avoid the fees that some of the airlines are charging for luggage. The short answer is...no problem. A few thoughts:

First, make sure that the cost of shipping the bags does not exceed the cost of luggage traveling with your camper on the flight. I suspect that the costs will be close given the weight of the baggage.

Second, if you choose to ship, plan on shipping the luggage one week in advance of the session. This will allow plenty of time for the baggage to arrive, plus a little extra time for any issues that arise while the bags are in transit.

Next, please be certain to use a service that allows for tracking of luggage as I anticipate that several bags will be arriving by delivery service. The tracking service will be your best resource to ensure that the bags have been delivered. While we will make every effort to make note of the bags that have arrived, we aren't typically in the habit of taking inventory for deliveries of luggage. Rest assured, however, that we will store them in a safe location.

Finally, please don't forget to consider the transportation of luggage on the way home from camp. It's a two-way trip after all! If you would prefer that the luggage be shipped home as well, you will need to provide pre-paid shipping labels. You are welcome to send those to us at your convenience during the summer. If you are unable to send a shipping label, we will charge an additionally handling fee due to the number of bags that we anticipate being shipped. In any case, please indicate which service you will be using so that we can schedule a pick-up of your son's luggage.

Generally speaking, I think you'll find that a little extra planning will help save money this summer. In choosing a service, it is our preference that the luggage travel with your son. However, if you choose to ship, I would recommend that you use UPS. They have been the most reliable and least costly at our rural location.

As always, please don't hesitate to call or email with questions.