We recently had a reader ask us about services that send baby supplies to your vacation destination before you arrive. Kari, a mom of two traveling to Maui this month, says, “Ive heard of some, but can’t remember the names. I’m also not quite sure if it’s more cost-effective to use these?”
You may have heard about Babies Travel Lite. This online service delivers more than 1,000 name-brand baby products to hotels, resorts, vacation homes or apartment rentals around the world. (Heck, you could even order hard-to-find baby products and have them delivered to your own home!)
Items that you can buy are quite varied, from formula, baby food and sunscreen to pacifiers, baby thermometers and even car seats! I think the gear packages, called “Baby Bundles,” are a great idea — buy everything you need for a week’s worth of diaper changes, for example.
As far as prices of the various items go, I’m not up on the cost of baby supplies, honestly. (I’m rather removed from the diaper-wearing stage!) You might want to compare prices with those you find at your local grocery store.
The website does add a “convenience charge” to each order, which increases the closer to your departure date. However, a current promotion allows you to use the online coupon code TRAVEL at checkout. If it’s 15 days or more from your departure date, that fee is waived.
Orders are shipped via FedEx Ground or Express. FedEx rates are based on package weight, destination and shipping method. International orders may include various custom duties, taxes or other fees.
Here are some other options for you to consider for your upcoming trip:
- Buy the items at your local grocery store and ship them yourself. This could be less expensive for you in the end, but consider the convenience factor. It’s more hassle-free to sit at home and select your supplies, enter your vacation destination address, and hand over your VISA number, without schlepping a box to UPS yourself.
- Just bring all your baby supplies on the plane with you. Remember, though, with airlines starting to charge for extra bags, and increasing “heavy baggage” fees, you may not save any money in the end.
- Find out if your hotel or resort offers grocery-stocking service. Again, you’ll want to compare the total price of this concierge service to a service like Babies Travel Lite.
- Wait and buy the baby supplies once you arrive. In Hawaii, you may find yourself with sticker shock, however, since groceries are traditionally more expensive on the islands than in the continental U.S. Also, factor in whether you want to spend part of your first day on the glorious Hawaiian Islands hunting down the local Wal-Mart. You may want to take advantage of Babies Travel Lite, and spend your first day in paradise on the beach!
Kari, I hope you’ll let us know how you decide to get your baby gear to Hawaii. Best wishes for a great trip!
