By Vaibhav Salvi

As globalisation deepens, many Indians—students, job seekers, and professionals—are moving abroad in pursuit of education, employment, or better career opportunities. However, a significant challenge they face is managing their luggage when relocating. Unlike senior corporate professionals, who often enjoy relocation allowances, students and early-career professionals bear the cost of moving their belongings themselves. Airlines impose strict limits on baggage weight, and exceeding those limits results in hefty fees. In such scenarios, using a reliable courier service for transporting excess baggage becomes not only a practical solution but also a cost-efficient one.

Challenges Faced by International Travelers

Airlines generally allow a limited amount of luggage, often between 20-30 kg for international flights. However, students and first-time travelers typically carry more than the permitted weight, given their need to bring clothes, books, and personal belongings for an extended stay. The fees for additional luggage can be exorbitant, with airlines charging as much as Rs 2,000-3,000 per extra kilogram.

For students, who are already managing living expenses on a tight budget, these unexpected costs can be overwhelming. Job seekers moving abroad encounter similar issues, as companies rarely reimburse relocation expenses at the entry level. These financial challenges can complicate the transition for young Indians stepping into new environments.

Courier Services: A Cost-Effective and Convenient Solution

Courier services offer a smarter, more affordable alternative for moving excess luggage. Instead of paying high airline fees, travelers can opt to send their extra belongings via international courier. Leading providers, like Translink Express, specialize in making these transitions seamless through several value-added services.

For students, the advantages go beyond just saving money. Courier companies today offer personalized services such as the transportation of homemade food, authentic spices, and pickles—helping young Indians recreate a sense of home abroad. These thoughtful services ease the emotional strain of being far from family, especially for first-time immigrants.

Additionally, courier companies like Translink Express have redefined convenience by introducing doorstep pickup services. With this feature, customers no longer need to carry heavy luggage to a courier office or deal with packaging hassles. They also offer professional packaging solutions, ensuring items are securely packed for international transport. This makes the entire process stress-free for customers, from booking the service to delivery at the destination.

Long-Term Benefits and Reliability

Courier services are not just a one-time solution. Many students, after settling abroad, continue to rely on these services to ship essentials from home throughout their stay. For parents in India, sending food, clothes, or cultural items to their children studying abroad becomes a convenient and affordable process. As these services are reliable and easy to use, immigrants also find them helpful for sending gifts or personal belongings back to India.

Additionally, repeat users often enjoy loyalty programs, discounts, and priority services. A dependable courier partner ensures the smooth and timely delivery of items, giving peace of mind to customers across borders.

In today’s interconnected world, courier services are more than just logistics partners—they are enablers of convenience, comfort, and connection for those embarking on new adventures far from home.

The author is Founder & Director of Translink Express, International Courier & Cargo Services, Views are personal.