I am really confused about this as well... I would love to ship it all there before I go - I just don't see how in the world I am going to get it all there in luggage. I have boxes of maracas, flip flops, towels, and my oot bags.... too much stuff!!!!! Not to mention my dress etc..... I have heard that if you ship it in plenty of time then if it happens to get lost it gives the postal service enough time to locate it (still a little scary)... but, not real sure what other options are. I'm wondering too if you ship it 'Priority Mail' if that hellps..... would love to know what other are doing....