Carry-on all the way...If am staying less then 2 weeks I have no problem with everything in a carry-on. If staying longer or have things to bring over than I check in luggage (grudgingly-I fly US airway and they charge per bag-really adds to airfare costs). I can always seem to find essential (esp liquid ) items when am there (ie bug spray, lotions, etc,etc) But its one less stressful thing to ponder on when you can just walk off with your luggage-as opposed to waiting for it and hoping it not only gets there but gets there in one piece (with no thiefing as they say).
But its really not that hard-and yes if you forget something or need something more than 3oz liquid, I bet you can find it or something comparable at mega mart in mobay or hi-lo negril or Sav-la-mar, etc,etc...