With the added costs that airlines charge any more shipping ahead has become quite common. Hotels are also very accommodating in accepting packages for those on vacation. My daughter-in-law is an artist and participates in shows where she flies and always ships her display units and other things ahead of time. When my mother-in-law spent the winter months in Florida we shipped her things ahead so when she flew down all she had to worry about was herself and not any luggage. The last time I was shipping a package at FedEx the gentleman ahead of me was shipping his golf clubs to a resort. I'm sure UPS and FedEx have seen their business in this area increase.