Rick Steves' Guide To Getting Your European Shopping Haul Back To The US Pain-Free

The dreaded moment has arrived. It's been an amazing ten days in Europe. You ate, drank, made merry, and shopped your way across the continent, and sadly, it's time to say, "au revoir" and check in to your return flight. Then, suddenly, you're struck with the realization: How are you going to fit everything you bought into your suitcase?

There are so many unique shops in Europe. Little boutique in Paris. Leather souvenirs in Florence. The list goes on. It's not uncommon for travelers to realize they've doubled the contents of their suitcase. Oops! It's time to weigh your options to get your amazing European shopping haul back home safe and sound. You should know that no matter how you choose to get your goodies overseas, U.S. customs regulations will apply. Typically, this involves a declaration of goods, an estimate of their value, and potential duty rates (aka import tax).

If you do have enough space in your current luggage, be aware that every traveler is allotted to bring back $800 worth of goods from Europe (tax-free) per every 31 days of your trip. If your one carry-on simply isn't fitting everything, consider buying a new suitcase at the airport to help get the extra stuff home. Flying with an extra bag is oftentimes one of the most cost-effective ways to get your haul back with you. Alternatively, if you don't want the hassle of purchasing and toting another suitcase around, consider shipping your items home. Rick Steves wrote on his website, "It's fairly painless to use regular postal services, but it can be expensive."

If you've wrestled with trying to fit everything into your carry-on and are now glumly certain that it won't work, Rick Steves recommends heading to a European post office. Mailing your haul back is a very reliable, convenient, and hassle-free option, albeit not the cheapest. The cost will depend on the size and weight of the package, the value of the goods inside, and the country you are sending it from. Some major airports have post services, but if you prefer not to wait until the last minute, Steves personally recommends DHL, a company with an office in every major city.

If you're embarking on a real shopping extravaganza as you gallivant across Europe, consider mailing boxes home from each major city you hit along the way. This method means you don't have to carry your goods with you as you travel, risk breaking or losing them, or deal with the growing size and weight of your suitcase. It can also keep duty fees down, as you are allowed to mail one package per day to yourself back home worth up to $200 duty-free. Use your judgment on how much (in both terms of quantity and value) you think you'll be purchasing because if you mail more boxes home to keep those contents under $200, you may avoid duty fees but accrue higher shipping costs. You could alternatively mail things you brought from home and no longer need (clothing, books, the like) as "American Goods Returned," which has no customs regulations attached. 

When mailing your box, you'll be filling out a U.S. Customs sheet to declare the contents of your package. Rick Steves advises to "keep it simple and include the item's value (contents: clothing, books, souvenirs, poster, value $100)".

There are a few other ideas to keep in the back of your mind while you shop as you travel. Packing light is always recommended before you set off on your journey. Pack your bag with the self-awareness that you are probably going to want to bring some keepsakes back home. 

As you shop, opt for lightweight, small items that make good keepsakes and gifts like jewelry. Keep in mind that you might be able to find those bigger items you really like online when you get back home (even if it doesn't feel as authentic). If you are willing to part with some of the clothing items you brought from home, Rick Steves even recommends donating them to a local charity in the city you're in to save time and energy. Maybe you would rather give up a space-consuming sweatshirt or boots you didn't even wear, once you compare them to the cool purchases you just acquired.

Some stores will also offer to ship valuable goods home for their customers. This may not be the cheapest option, but if you value the convenience and safety of the purchased goods, this could be for you. For example, if you fancy purchasing wine or handcrafted pottery, some shops will handle the shipping for you, and then you won't have to worry about your goods being battered and bruised. It's important to remember that some U.S. states have restrictions or fees on alcohol when you ship bottles from Europe, though. Last, but not least, try to carry the mentality that it's best to bring back more memories than souvenirs from your travels. Which will you treasure more in years to come?