We've been going to Eleuthera & Cat Island now for 8 years and have always brought some frozen foods. Pack very well(no dry ice)and your frozen steak, chicken,spaghetti sauce,etc will be fine even if you arrive 24 hrs later. We're from Masachusetts and have never had a problem, just make sure each of your bags meets the weight requirements or you'll be charged xtra per pound whatever is in the bags.

No problem at all bringing frozen meats. We have never even had Bahamas customs open our cooler - they have just asked what was in it, and waved us through. We also bring dry goods - pasta, cornbread mixes, tea, coffee, peanut butter, etc. with no issues.

Same as the others. We had our cooler opened at MKE but nowhere else. This next time we go we are not bringing anything as we don't want to waste time cooking. I personally would rather spend it at the beach and the portions you get at most places are so huge they can be used for another meal. We will get small basics if we get hungry but we're not cooking, we can live with that. Plus it's just the two of us and we like the same things and get something different so we can try new things and share. Deb

sas58,

Depending on where your staying you can cook on the grill and still enjoy the beach. We're on the beach from 6 to 6 and where we stay you can cook out and eat out and still enjoy the beach. It's a little more romantic sometimes and a lot cheaper than eating at a restaurant everyday. Some of us can't afford to eat out "every night". Have you ever tried grilling lobster or any fish on the grill while the sun is setting and a cold Kalik in your hand. It's fantastic.

Hi JA, sorry to give you the wrong idea and no we are not rich by any means. we will have a grill at our rental and I meant we are just not bringing any meat over. We will buy fish and meat there and use the grill. We brought alot of meat in april and i felt i had to use it all and there were to many days i just didn't feel like cooking but had to. So this time we are going to play it by ear and buy supplies there and just wing it! Having so much brought along stopped us from eating out and trying new things. With the portions you can share a meal so two can eat as one. If we do order two meals the leftovers are just as good the next day. We "might" bring something if it fits but we like to travel with only carry-on and it was a bit of a pain for us. Just the way we are but anyone else who wants to do it another way is fine by me, what I lose in a bit of money to buy there is ok cause were not that big of eaters when were on vacation. Cheers, deb

Now that the airlines only allow you to check one bag, I think packing food will be hard for most tourists. The grocery store in Rock Sound has a very good selection of meat and groceries. Yes, the prices will be about %20 higher. I have checked them. That is the reality of the island and the duties. If you have room in your one checked bag throw in snacks, etc. to offset your purchases.

I never eat Hamburger Helper type meals at home, but ground beef, chicken and tuna on the island are reasonable. Complement them with a fresh salad (fixin's available at Island Farm, near Palmetto Point). Voila! A nice supper. That said, we have a way-better selection of that type of dinner in our grocery stores. Throw a couple in your luggage.

With luggage restrictions what they are I would pack a small cooler of favorite deli meats and cheeses. Not a good selection of those on the island. If you have space to pack a cooler choose cheese spreads, hummus, etc. Foods you can't buy on the island.

Remember the nationals need your business, so please do shop in their grocery stores.

I would also bring your favorite coffee or tea if you drink them. I brought my favorite from home and was happy I did. Many places on the island have a Sanka type swill that will curl your toes. Enjoy.

-Rondog-

The only thing to be concerned about is if your luggage is delayed. This happened to us in april flying BOS -> NAS -> GHB. Our cooler was never loaded in BOS and it was two days before it made it to GHB. We ended up throwing out a lot of food and would have been better off paying island prices.

We always carry on our cooler, so haven't run the risk of its being delayed. We like to use a softsided cooler we got at Costco that has a little cart that came with it, and stash snacks in the top so we have something to eat while travelling - since the airlines won't feed us anymore. Once there, it's a nice size for taking along drinks and lunch for day trips.

Yes, the soft-sided wheeled cooler is the best. Remember though no liquids! Cheese spreads are liquids. It is carry-on size so you have your meats and deli items with you. We use the top for the same--snackies at the Nassau airport.

Priority items. You are not going to find the selection of cheeses, or meats on Eleuthera. Bring what you can't buy. Your frozen meat will cool your cheeses, etc. You can not check as carry-on a bag that has any liquids in it. Bruschetta is a liquid! You can check that cute little wheeled cooler full of frozen stuff, but, yes, you run the risk of it not arriving in time. (Slim risk).

Think about this as you pack. Groceries will cost you 20% to 30% higher. You can buy all the stapes and a bit more. You are on vacation, and prices are higher in tourist areas. Bring what you really want to have there.

We check a cooler. Meats are frozen in zip-lock bags. I do some cooking before hand. I turn ground beef into barbeque and freeze. I stir fry chicken with garlic and freeze. I boil spare ribs, marinate in barbeque sauce and freeze. Make your life easy, pack with the work on the States side. That frees you to enjoy the beaches.

Honestly, if you pack no food it will cost you 30% above US costs to buy groceries and you are helping the economy of the island. Pack what you really want to schlepp!