Traveling to Europe with delicate item (vase)

askanotherone · 2025-10-23T18:47:53+00:00

Hi, I was hoping anyone could give advice on how to travel with a fragile item (vase)? I need to deliver the item to a relative, but don't want to take the risk of shipping it. I was thinking of going by train from London, but wasn't sure how doable that is and whether I'd be required to pay any custom duty on it. If anyone has any advice, I'd really appreciate it!

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 23/10/2025 20:00

Presumably its a valuable antique and nit from Ikea.

Original poster

askanotherone · 23/10/2025 20:04

Not sure how valuable but yes it's a special item

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Dartmoorcheffy · 23/10/2025 20:04

I sold an antique wall clock on eBay to a buyer in Holland, . I was so worried about it getting damaged in transit I drove there myself to deliver it. You would be absolutely fine taking it on a train.

TreesAtSea · 23/10/2025 21:44

Yes, you'd be fine on the Eurostar, as you can keep your luggage with you at all times. Going through security, you just place your things yourself on large plastic trays which go through the scanners. I assume the vase isn't absolutely massive?
Eurostar has customs info on their webiste.

Original poster

askanotherone · 24/10/2025 12:59

TreesAtSea · 23/10/2025 21:44

Yes, you'd be fine on the Eurostar, as you can keep your luggage with you at all times. Going through security, you just place your things yourself on large plastic trays which go through the scanners. I assume the vase isn't absolutely massive?
Eurostar has customs info on their webiste.

Thanks for the tip! It is quite large, if packaged up it would probably fill a small suitcase. Thanks for telling me about customs on the Eurostar website, I'll check it out!

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TreesAtSea · 24/10/2025 13:58

askanotherone · 24/10/2025 12:59

Thanks for the tip! It is quite large, if packaged up it would probably fill a small suitcase. Thanks for telling me about customs on the Eurostar website, I'll check it out!

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Size-wise, that'd be fine. Eurostar give a pretty generous luggage allowance (again it's on their site).
On the trains, the main luggage area is at the end of each carriage, but you can store small cases/backpacks etc above your seat. In some parts of the carriage there's also the occasional small storage area between some of the seats, so you may be lucky and be near one of them. That said, the overhead storage is pretty good and not like some of our domestic trains where the space is so shallow that you can barely fit anything in.

Original poster

askanotherone · 24/10/2025 20:05

TreesAtSea · 24/10/2025 13:58

Size-wise, that'd be fine. Eurostar give a pretty generous luggage allowance (again it's on their site).
On the trains, the main luggage area is at the end of each carriage, but you can store small cases/backpacks etc above your seat. In some parts of the carriage there's also the occasional small storage area between some of the seats, so you may be lucky and be near one of them. That said, the overhead storage is pretty good and not like some of our domestic trains where the space is so shallow that you can barely fit anything in.

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Thanks for the info!

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RedwallMattimeo · 24/10/2025 20:43

Are you actually going to be able to pack it and protect it better than professionals? Also, do you want to be responsible for it? Whilst I think I would always be devastated if a firm of couriers lost or damaged a sentimental item, provided they had a good reputation, I think I would rather that than risk it being lost or damaged under my direct care and always beating myself up about it.

Original poster

askanotherone · 25/10/2025 20:14

RedwallMattimeo · 24/10/2025 20:43

Are you actually going to be able to pack it and protect it better than professionals? Also, do you want to be responsible for it? Whilst I think I would always be devastated if a firm of couriers lost or damaged a sentimental item, provided they had a good reputation, I think I would rather that than risk it being lost or damaged under my direct care and always beating myself up about it.

It's something to think about. I'm still wondering what the best option would be

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