KathyM

In other threads, it has been suggested that travelers to St. John bring frozen meats as well as basics such as cereal to avoid high prices and lesser quality in St. John. Is the same true of St. Thomas? What about quality of fruits and vegetables?

mm

Same situation.

mm

Andrew304

There are several full sized and well stocked supermarkets on STT...prices are higher than in mainland US, but you should be able to get what you need. STJ also has markets, but they are smaller and more expensive. If you have very specifc wants (e.g., excellent steaks or a specific type of mustard), bring those items, but the basics are readily available and only a little more expensive than what you would pay here. Also, shopping in the local supermarkets gives you a chance to actually see real people and perhaps try some fruits/veggies that you might not be able to find at home.

Kids diapers are very expensive in USVI if that is of interest...

virginia

hi kathy, i stay in villas or condos and i always take a cooler (any island). upgraded this year to one with wheels and a collapsable handle like the ones on suitcases. we take all our meats, frozen juices, butter, some premade appetizers, etc. on last trip took frozen lobster and had lobster rolls on the beach. oh so yummy!! you can't take fruit or vegeys. they don't travel well with frozen things and i don't think customs lets you. island stuff is some good some not so much. it can depend on which day you shop. milk is about 6.00 a gallon but then so is the rum. i take tea/coffee,sometimes cereal, sugar packs if i find them cause you never use up a bag. spices if needed for a meal, as those are quite pricey to use a tsp of something. on the way back i fill the cooler with the stuff i buy (clothes, souveniers).
even though i pack the cooler i always have to go to the local grocery for things - mayo, milk, snacks, bread, ice cream!!. there would be no way to pack Everything. hope this helps.

Tuxedocat

If I were staying in St. Thomas vs, St. John, I wouldn't bother bringing many things because St. Thomas is very well-stocked and the prices are a bit more than at home but still pretty good. They may not have the kinds of cuts of meat you might want (e.g I brought 10 lbs of beef tenderloin), and I did not like their turkey selections, but if you're not picky, it's fine. St. Thomas is considered a "hub" of commerce in the Caribbean and they have a Home Depot and a "Cost-U-Less" (which is like a "Price Club" or "Costco&quot next to each other and a Super KMart. What else can you ask for?

KathyM

Thanks for the advice. How do people bring coolers? On the plane as carry-on or in baggage? We have a soft-sided cooler which I think we could do as carry-on, but maybe a cooler as luggage would make more sense (and stay "cooler in the baggage hold -- excuse the pun!) Sorry if this is too basic a question -- haven't done this before! Any advice would be appeciated!

Tuxedocat

Depends on how much you're bringing and where you're flying from. I tend to bring alot to St. John and feel comfortable wrapping frozen vacuum-packed meat in towels and throwing them into regular check-in luggage. After 8-10 hours in transit, I have found my meat still half-frozen and at worst still very very cold. Many people are uncomfortable with the risk of this method, but I can't bring myself to lug it around and put it in the overhead bin.

virginia

i always check the cooler. i take a roll of duct tape to the airport. tsa will want the opportunity to look in as they do with all baggage. they will then tape it shut for you. i usually type a list of all contents to hand them but they don't normally even look.
would hate to think what my clothes could look like after meats/fruit juices melting on them...