Just as different people have different preferences regarding food, there never will be a "conclusive answer" regarding whether-or-not to bring your own meat (or other foods, for that matter). My reasons for bringing food are the same as those echoed below:

1) Personal preference (i.e., I want to have a few "favorite foods" on vacation, like marinated (then frozen) chicken and beef). We also like to eat out and try new things. But a vacation is more fun for the "chief cook" when last minute substitutions (or changes in plans because you can't find what you want) are kept to a minimum.

2) Economy--I'm feeding seven people, and can buy good beef up here in "cow country" much more more reasonably than on an island where practically all meat must be imported. Furthermore saving money on food gives us more to spend on other things in Abaco. We DO want to support the local economy, while attempting to get the most for our money (so we can afford to come again!).

3) Availability/dependability. Already explained by others. Planning ahead allows me to relax while on vacation. Knowing ahead of time that several meals are already set, and I don't have to run around to find the right ingredients.

4) Having several mouths (and strong bodies) to feed means that lugging around a cooler is not a problem (an issue others have raised).

But that's us. Others have different priorties, incomes, and food preferences.

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