How should breakable souvenirs like vases and picture frames be packed? First, try to make sure you leave enough room in your case for souvenirs - especially breakable or fragile items. Travel experts recommend packing lightly, partly to leave enough room for last minute purchases.
First, try to make sure you leave enough room in your case for souvenirs - especially breakable or fragile items. Travel experts recommend packing lightly, partly to leave enough room for last minute purchases.
One obvious solution is to ship any such valuable or fragile purchases; this is often cheaper than buying another piece of luggage. (See question 12) Most post offices in the United States and overseas will ship packages home, there are also companies that specialize in such services. You may want to purchase insurance when shipping goods this way.
Breakable and fragile items should be wrapped securely in your checked bags and cushioned as much as possible by clothes. Small ornaments, plates and vases etc can be easily "wrapped" inside sweaters, shirts or towels. You can also use old newspapers wadded up or it may be worth it to purchase protective bubble-wrap. Very small items can be placed inside a shoe or boot for extra protection inside your bags.
Try to put breakable item sat the top of your suitcase so they are not likely to be crushed or broken by heavier items. Give some thought as to how you normally carry your case and set it down - if you hold it vertically much of the time, place any fragile items at what would then be considered the top end.
Finally, don't forget to label the outside of your luggage clearly. You may not have any control over what the baggage handlers do with your bags, but some labels saying "breakable items" or "fragile" (in a foreign language, if necessary) might just mean your precious items make it home intact.
Some extra straps, ropes or tape around the outside of your bags may prevent them from coming open accidentally if mishandled. Attaching a distinctive colored ribbon or belt around the outside of your checked bags will make them easier to spot on the carousel at the other end, too. Remember, you should not usually lock your checked luggage.
If you have a large item such as a painting or a small piece of furniture, you may have to wrap it as best you can and take it as one of your checked pieces. As long is it is still within the size and weight limits, it shouldn't be a problem. If your item is in a box, be sure to check with your airline about possible box embargoes (See question 3)
It is also worth asking when you check in, to see if there is any space on board the plane where a large item might be stored, as opposed to checking it in. Most larger planes have closet space, usually for coats and wheelchairs, etc but the flight attendants may be prepared to store your item if space permits.
Be mindful of security - if you are traveling with another person or as part of a family, it is acceptable to spread your belongings around between bags to make room, or to keep your luggage within weight. However, on no account give your things to a complete stranger to carry in their bag for you - remember, two of the standard security questions are "Did you pack your own luggage?" and "Did anybody give you anything to carry on the plane?"
