Here's how I justify the difference. When I get Chinese food at home, it is usually because we are rushed, juggling schedules, or, as is the case tonight, we are ordering takeout because I sort of hit my breaking point of preparing gourmet meals at home in an unbroken string that has run from the week before Christmas through the week after New Year's and I just have to get out of the kitchen! In other words, Chinese food is sort of an afterthought in a way that lasagna or halibut aren't. So yes, I can make rack of lamb and duck, and sea bass and Bolognese at home, so why would ordering those while on vacation be different than ordering Chinese food? Because I think of Chinese food as a last minute compromise and I don't really want a "compromise" meal while on vacation. I know that this isn't true for others. Just giving you my perspective.