7 Solutions for Receiving Packages While Traveling That Nomads Swear By
Never miss a delivery while traveling with these 7 smart solutions – from mail holds and Amazon Lockers to hotel services and smart lockboxes for worry-free adventures.
Traveling doesn’t have to mean missing important deliveries or delaying online shopping sprees. Whether you’re on a weekend getaway or embarking on a months-long adventure, managing package deliveries while away from home presents a common challenge for modern travelers.
From utilizing hotel concierge services to leveraging innovative package-holding apps, there are numerous strategies to ensure your packages arrive safely even when you’re exploring distant destinations. These seven practical solutions will help you maintain your regular shopping habits and receive essential items without interrupting your travel plans.
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1. Setting Up Mail Holds With Your Local Post Office
Setting up a mail hold with your local post office is one of the most reliable ways to manage deliveries while traveling. This official service ensures your packages remain secure until you return.
How to Request a Mail Hold Online or In Person
You can request a mail hold through USPS in just minutes. Visit usps.com/holdmail to complete the online form, which requires your address, hold dates, and identity verification. Prefer in-person? Visit your local post office with a valid ID and complete PS Form 8076. Submit your request 3-14 days before departure for best results. USPS will hold all your mail—including packages—in one secure location.
Understanding Time Limitations and Restrictions
USPS mail hold services have specific limitations you should understand before traveling. The standard hold period ranges from 3 to 30 consecutive days—perfect for most vacations but insufficient for extended trips. For longer absences, you’ll need to arrange mail forwarding instead. Some mail classes can’t be held, including Priority Mail Express and certain oversized packages. Plan accordingly if you’re expecting critical deliveries during travel periods.
2. Utilizing Amazon Locker Services During Your Trip
Finding Amazon Locker Locations at Your Destination
Amazon Lockers offer a convenient solution for receiving packages while traveling domestically. You can easily find these secure, self-service kiosks using the Amazon app or website before your trip. Simply enter your destination address in the “Find a Locker” section to view nearby locations. Lockers are typically situated in accessible places like grocery stores, convenience stores, and shopping centers—making package pickup convenient regardless of where you’re staying.
Steps to Redirect Your Packages to a Locker
Redirecting your Amazon purchases to a Locker is straightforward. First, add items to your cart as usual. At checkout, select “Ship to this address” and choose “Amazon Pickup Location” instead of your home address. Browse available Lockers near your destination and select the most convenient option. Once your package arrives, you’ll receive a unique 6-digit code via email to access your delivery. Packages typically remain available for three days, giving you flexibility during your travels.
3. Enlisting Friends or Family as Package Recipients
Creating a Clear System for Package Management
When recruiting friends or family to receive your packages while traveling, establishing a clear system is crucial. Start by creating a shared tracking document listing expected deliveries, including sender, tracking numbers, and estimated arrival dates. Designate a specific collection area in their home—like a corner shelf or plastic bin—to keep your items organized and separate from their belongings. Send them tracking notifications through forwarded emails or apps so they know exactly when to expect deliveries, reducing the chances of confusion or missed packages during your absence.
Offering Compensation or Return Favors
Don’t take your package recipients’ help for granted—acknowledge their effort with appropriate gestures. Consider bringing back destination-specific souvenirs from your travels or treating them to dinner upon your return. For longer trips or multiple packages, offering small gift cards to coffee shops or restaurants shows genuine appreciation. If they regularly help with your deliveries, create a rotation of services you can provide in return, such as pet sitting, lawn mowing, or helping with home projects. This reciprocity maintains healthy relationships while ensuring continued assistance for future travels.
4. Redirecting Deliveries to Your Temporary Accommodation
Confirming Package Acceptance Policies at Hotels
Most hotels will accept packages for guests, but policies vary widely. Before redirecting deliveries, call the front desk directly to confirm their package handling procedures. Ask about potential holding fees, size restrictions, and how long they’ll store items before and after your stay. Request specific labeling instructions for your packages—many hotels require your name, reservation number, and check-in date clearly marked to ensure proper handling.
Using Airbnb Host Services for Deliveries
Many Airbnb hosts will accept packages for guests if given advance notice. Message your host at least a week before your stay to request permission and specific delivery instructions. Provide tracking numbers and estimated arrival dates to help them plan. Remember that hosts aren’t obligated to accept deliveries, so be courteous and flexible. For valuable items, consider offering a small fee for their assistance or confirm they have a secure location for package storage.
5. Employing Professional Package Receiving Services
Popular Mail Forwarding Companies to Consider
Mail forwarding services offer reliable solutions for frequent travelers who need consistent package management. Earth Class Mail provides digital mail scanning and physical forwarding to any global destination. Traveling Mailbox specializes in supporting digital nomads with virtual mailboxes accessible from anywhere. PostScan Mail offers flexible plans starting at just $15 monthly with no setup fees. US Global Mail provides permanent addresses that won’t change even when you move, perfect for long-term travelers maintaining a home base.
Cost Comparison and Service Features
Most professional package services charge monthly fees ranging from $10-$35 depending on volume and features. Basic plans typically include mail scanning (15-30 items/month), while premium tiers ($25-$50) offer unlimited scanning and multiple recipients. Additional services like check deposits cost $4-$7 per transaction. Package forwarding generally incurs shipping costs plus handling fees ($2-$5 per package). Many services offer discounts for quarterly or annual subscriptions, with savings of 10-15%. Virtual mailboxes provide permanent addresses that eliminate the need to update information when traveling.
6. Installing Smart Lockboxes at Your Residence
Top-Rated Package Safe Options for Homeowners
Smart lockboxes offer a permanent solution for receiving packages while you’re traveling. The Yale Smart Delivery Box ($229) provides weather protection and app-controlled access for deliveries. For budget-conscious travelers, the VEVOR Parcel Drop Box ($89) offers keypad entry without smart features. The BoxLock Premium ($129) works differently—instead of housing packages, it secures existing containers with its scanner that verifies authorized deliveries through tracking numbers, perfect for frequent online shoppers.
Setting Up Access Codes for Delivery Personnel
Setting up delivery access codes is straightforward with most smart lockboxes. First, download your lockbox’s companion app and create a secure master password. Generate single-use codes for delivery personnel through the app—these can be time-limited for added security. For Amazon deliveries, link your lockbox to Amazon Key for seamless integration. Always include clear delivery instructions in your online order notes, specifying the lockbox location and entry code process to ensure successful deliveries while you’re enjoying your travels.
7. Using General Delivery Services at Post Offices
Staying connected to your deliveries while traveling doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you choose mail holds for short trips or invest in a smart lockbox for your home, you now have multiple solutions tailored to your specific travel needs. Package management services offer flexibility for digital nomads while Amazon Lockers provide convenience for domestic travelers.
Remember that preparation is key. Set up your preferred solution before departure and always have a backup plan. The right approach depends on your travel frequency, duration and destination.
With these seven strategies in your travel toolkit, you can confidently explore the world without worrying about missed packages or delayed deliveries. Your nomadic lifestyle no longer means compromising on receiving the items you need when you need them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I hold my mail while traveling?
Request a mail hold with USPS either online or in person at your local post office. Submit your request 3-14 days before departure. The service holds mail for 3-30 days and is free. Remember that some mail classes can’t be held, and this option may not work for extended trips beyond a month.
Can I use Amazon Locker while on vacation?
Yes! Amazon Locker is perfect for travelers within the US. During checkout, select “Amazon Pickup Location” and choose a Locker near your destination. When your package arrives, you’ll receive a 6-digit code to access the Locker. Packages remain available for three days, giving you flexibility while traveling.
Is it a good idea to ask friends to receive my packages?
Absolutely. Create a shared tracking document listing expected deliveries and designate a collection area in their home. Forward tracking notifications to keep them informed. Show appreciation with small gestures like souvenirs or gift cards. This approach works well for both short trips and extended travel.
Can I have packages delivered to my hotel?
Yes, but always call the front desk first to confirm their package acceptance policy. Ask about any handling fees, how long they’ll store items, and specific addressing requirements. Some hotels charge per package or have size restrictions, while others offer the service complimentary to guests.
Will Airbnb hosts accept my deliveries?
Many hosts will accept packages, but you must request permission first. Message your host before booking to explain what you need, provide tracking information, and be courteous. Remember that hosts aren’t obligated to receive your packages, so have a backup plan for valuable items.
What are mail forwarding services and how much do they cost?
Mail forwarding services like Earth Class Mail and Traveling Mailbox provide permanent addresses for receiving mail and packages. They typically charge $10-35 monthly plus additional fees for package forwarding. They offer digital mail scanning, physical forwarding, and check deposit services—ideal for frequent travelers or digital nomads.
Are smart lockboxes worth investing in for home deliveries?
Smart lockboxes like Yale Smart Delivery Box ($279.99) or BoxLock Premium ($129) can be excellent investments for homeowners who travel frequently. They provide secure, weather-protected storage for packages. You can set temporary access codes for delivery personnel through companion apps and include specific delivery instructions when placing orders.
