spvintage

We are leaving for Virgin Gorda soon and I hear the food is very expensive. Does anyone have any suggestions on what travels well? So far Ive just thought of the basics: Cereal, cookies, crackers, wine, Cheese. Do frozen filets of beef travel well if keeped in dry ice? Thanks for your help. Sharon

Ratchie

When we travel we always bring our food because we keep kosher. Pretty much everything travels alright so long as it is frozen. We have a coleman soft sided cooler that we pack. Get freezer packs so everything stays cool. On our recent trip to Tortola (just came home on Sunday), we brought cheese, rice, bread, couscous, etc. and had no problems. When you go through customs they may want to look at what you're bringing in; so long as it's mostly pre-packaged goods you'll have no problem. <BR><BR>Also, we try to bring foods that are high in energy, but small in size so that things are not too bulky. So, we usually do not bring boxes of cereal, etc.. Instead, cheese, nuts, dried fruit, small rolls and jam for breakfast, tuna in cans with a pop top so you don't need a can opener, beans, etc.<BR><BR>As to prices, we didn't go to a market in Virgin Gorda, but did go to one in Tortola. The prices really were not so bad in the market (Rite Way in Roadtown), but then we're used to Manhattan prices so I don't know how they would compare to those where you're coming from. But, if you're flying into Tortola first, you could always stop there to stock up before heading to VG instead of schlepping all that food from home. To give you an idea, we got vegetables, veggie burgers, a variety of condiments, frozen treats, soda, water, plastic plates/utensils, matches, paper towels, and some other stuff that's escaping my mind for about $40.<BR><BR>Hope this helps! Have fun!

joan

Ditto what Ratchie has said (I enjoyed your trip report, Ratchie!). Only thing I would add: forget the dry ice. As long as your beef is frozen solid, you will be fine for 24-36 hours. Pack your cooler as tightly as possible, the less air the less chance of meltdown. We manage to bring only a &quot;six pack&quot; size cooler...most stuff is unrefrigerated anyway. Have a lovely time!

Callaloo

For starters, I would discourage you from bringing wine or any alcoholic beverages. It's heavy and breakable, AND you can probably find what you need once you get to the BVI for less than you paid at home. Save your arms and money!<BR><BR>As a sailor (with a need to provision), I have brought a soft-sided cooler down to the islands with me once, as a carry-on. We simply froze our meats solid, and they stayed frozen for an entire 12 hour travel day. While it was nice to have everything with me, I've not done it since, having found the markets in the BVI and other islands much improved in recent years compared to my earlier travels. In addition to lots of familiar food, you will find specialty items from Europe and elsewhere that you may not have seen in supermarkets at home, and trying out that new stuff is part of the fun. It may be a little more expensive, but in my mind, it's worth sparing my back and arms the pain of dragging along the food.<BR><BR>There are a very few things I bring with me these days: coffee (in filter packs), Crystal Lite, basic spices (salt, pepper and Cajun seasoning), and lots of Ziploc bags (but those may be a sailing-specific item). For more exotic spices, head for Sunny Caribbee in Roadtown; I think their stuff is also carried throughout the BVI (and I've seen it elsewhere as well, like San Juan).<BR><BR>If you still feel like you want to bring some basics with you, check with your airline about dry ice -- they may have strict rules about whether and how you may use it. And, as I mentioned, you probably don't need it.

virginia

when we travel we regularly take a full sized hard sided cooler. leave it open until you check in at the airport then use duct tape to seal it otherwise a few things could go missing.we take meats, juices, premade appetizers,lunch meats and so forth but no breads(too squishy) or grains(chaep enough to buy). when we go with enough people somebody also carries a cooler with fresh fruits and veggies. no freezer packs for the frozen stuff but obviously yes for freah stuff. if entering foreign soil be sure to have a detailed list of what is in your cooler to hand to the customs people. nobody here or out of the states has ever actually looked through. be sure your destination has a FULL kitchen we went one place with &quot;full kitchen&quot; that in fact had no oven!

spvintage

Thanks everyone for your help! <BR><BR>Ratchie, I think we responded to each others at the same time! Thanks for the help. We've been told that Virgin Gorda has only a small Gourmet grocery store. Being an at home Chef, I appreciate that, however, I dont like to fork out the bucks! Anyway, The beef here in the Midwest is the best. I'm glad to hear I can freeze it well (thanks!)<BR><BR>As for traveling with wine: We've brought back several bottles from Italy. Wrap them up with your clothes.(carry on only!) I know it sounds terrible but it works! I thought my husband was out of his mind when he did it! As long as it wasn't my clothes!<BR>Its hard to know if the wine in BVI is stored properly, with their warm temps.<BR><BR>Tortola had some Great markets. We picked up some interesting fare. It was also very resonable. Thanks again!