I was given this tip by a fellow traveler on a guided trip. Put a shoebox in your suitcase when you pack. Throw whatever you want to in it when you pack, but it is great to have if you have any breakable souvenirs to carry home. It takes no extra space and will save your more fragile items.
Posted by
Phoenix🌵
3193 posts
I take bubble wrap to protect the Christmas ornaments I buy. Some stores wrap better than others. So far nothing has broken. Putting flat glassware between clothes layers in packing cubes helps protect them too.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
21464 posts
I take photographes of what i want to buy for people back home. I show them the photographs so they know I was thinking about them.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16891 posts
Other than an ornament for the tree, I almost never buy anything very large, heavy and/or breakable. As horsewoofie said, the shops have generally wrapped the ornaments well, and they further cushion between clothing in the suitcase. Some have been small enough to fit inside a packed shoe. As we also check luggage, some purchased items have gone into a carryon, such as chocolates or other treats to share with our volunteer pals at home.
Posted by
Phoenix🌵
3193 posts
Stores will often ship items home for you. Last year on Village Italy tour Deruta Pottery shipped several items. Several years ago my sister-in-law shipped Christmas ornaments home. It’s worth the added cost if you really want something and don’t want to pack and haul it home.
I’m trying to cut back on how much I buy but it’s a challenge.
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
8680 posts
I take photographes of what i want to buy for people back home. I show them the photographs so they know I was thinking about them.
Ha ha! Personally, I don't buy anything that's breakable, and if I did, I'd have it shipped. It's just not worth the hassle of trying to pack it and then worrying it will get broken.