The multicultural Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago offers its visitors spectacular white-sand beaches, excellent diving spots, lively carnivals, mountainous rainforests with plenty of possibilities for trekking and birdwatching, as well as a unique blend of musical styles and cuisine. Famous as the birthplace of calypso and soca music as well as steel pans and limbo, Trinidad and Tobago are a mix of African, East Indian and European cultures all in one.
Twin island nation of Trinidad & Tobago is situated in the Southeast Caribbean, northeast of Venezuela. The country consists of two main islands, larger and more populous Trinidad and smaller Tobago, as well as some twenty small islands. The main islands of T&T are quite different from each other: Trinidad contains most of the country’s cities and industry as well as a mixed population of mainly Indian and African descent, but also small amounts of Europeans, Chinese, Arabs and Indigenous Amerindians, while the smaller Tobago has a more uniform population of African descent and is more geared for tourism. Both islands have plenty of natural beauty and a wide array of things to do. Tourism in Trinidad & Tobago is growing, and especially Tobago has become a popular holiday destination.
The main island of Trinidad is home to the majority of the country’s cosmopolitan population and many interesting towns with a variety of festivals and nightlife, and hosts the biggest carnivals in the Caribbean. The island also offers many beautiful and popular beaches as well as pristine rainforests with plenty of birdlife. Birdwatching, trekking and kayaking are among the most popular activities on Trinidad. Trinidad is a popular yachting destination with the main yachting center in Chaguaramas. Caroni Bird Sanctuary in Central Trinidad is world-renowned for its birdlife, especially the red Scarlet Ibises. There is also a unique La Brea Pitch Lake that is the biggest natural source of asphalt in the world.
Traveling to Trinidad & Tobago can be done by air or by sea. Both main islands have international airports with flights to Trinidad and Tobago from North America, UK and several Caribbean and few South American countries. Cruise ships dock at Port of Spain on Trinidad and Scarborough on Tobago. There is also a non-frequent passenger ferry connecting Trinidad with Venezuela. Since the islands are usually safe from hurricanes, they are popular places to visit by private yachts as well.
Getting around. Travel between the two main islands of Trinidad and Tobago can be done by air or by ferry. There are from nine to twelve daily flights available between the islands, as well as two types of daily ferries between Port of Spain on Trinidad and Scarborough on Tobago. Public transport on the main islands is operated by buses that regularly link the major settlements on Trinidad and Tobago.
Twin island nation of Trinidad & Tobago is situated in the Southeast Caribbean, northeast of Venezuela. The country consists of two main islands, larger and more populous Trinidad and smaller Tobago, as well as some twenty small islands. The main islands of T&T are quite different from each other: Trinidad contains most of the country’s cities and industry as well as a mixed population of mainly Indian and African descent, but also small amounts of Europeans, Chinese, Arabs and Indigenous Amerindians, while the smaller Tobago has a more uniform population of African descent and is more geared for tourism. Both islands have plenty of natural beauty and a wide array of things to do. Tourism in Trinidad & Tobago is growing, and especially Tobago has become a popular holiday destination.
Tourism attractions in Trinidad & Tobago: beaches, carnivals and rainforests
Trinidad and Tobago have a wide range of things to see and do on both islands, from diving to beach vacations and trekking, and from kayaking to golf. Tobago, the smaller of the two main islands of T&T is a relaxed small island destination that is famous for its superb beaches, coral reefs with great opportunities for diving and snorkeling, and large tracts of untouched rainforests that are great for trekking and birdwatching. Tobago also hosts carnivals and heritage festivals, as well as golf courses and colonial history.The main island of Trinidad is home to the majority of the country’s cosmopolitan population and many interesting towns with a variety of festivals and nightlife, and hosts the biggest carnivals in the Caribbean. The island also offers many beautiful and popular beaches as well as pristine rainforests with plenty of birdlife. Birdwatching, trekking and kayaking are among the most popular activities on Trinidad. Trinidad is a popular yachting destination with the main yachting center in Chaguaramas. Caroni Bird Sanctuary in Central Trinidad is world-renowned for its birdlife, especially the red Scarlet Ibises. There is also a unique La Brea Pitch Lake that is the biggest natural source of asphalt in the world.
Trinidad & Tobago travel information and practical tips
Trinidad & Tobago has a tropical climate with steadily warm temperatures around the year. There is a rainy season in Trinidad and Tobago approximately from June to December and a dry season from January to early June. The driest months are between February and May, while the wettest months are between June and August. Unlike most of the Caribbean nations, T&T lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt.Traveling to Trinidad & Tobago can be done by air or by sea. Both main islands have international airports with flights to Trinidad and Tobago from North America, UK and several Caribbean and few South American countries. Cruise ships dock at Port of Spain on Trinidad and Scarborough on Tobago. There is also a non-frequent passenger ferry connecting Trinidad with Venezuela. Since the islands are usually safe from hurricanes, they are popular places to visit by private yachts as well.
Getting around. Travel between the two main islands of Trinidad and Tobago can be done by air or by ferry. There are from nine to twelve daily flights available between the islands, as well as two types of daily ferries between Port of Spain on Trinidad and Scarborough on Tobago. Public transport on the main islands is operated by buses that regularly link the major settlements on Trinidad and Tobago.
Photo: Jean-Marc Guerin, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
Bus tickets need to be purchased before entering the bus. Taxis and cheaper route taxis, and minibuses called maxi taxis that operate in fixed routes can be found on all towns on both islands. Car rental is widely available in Trinidad and Tobago, and many taxis and minivans can also be hired for touring.
Visitor services. Hotels can be found in most parts of Trinidad & Tobago. Tobago has also many cheap guesthouses. Some towns on Trinidad that have no interest in tourism have no hotels. Restaurants are plentiful throughout the islands with a nice variety of cuisines. There are also many bars and nightclubs especially on Trinidad. Trinidad and Tobago are less expensive than many other Caribbean Islands. English is spoken by all locals, although their accent can sometimes be hard to follow.
Safety. Trinidadians and Tobagonians are friendly and hospitable people. However, crime is not uncommon on both islands, and more common on Trinidad. Traveling should be done in daytime and it is best to avoid walking after dark, especially in the capital city Port of Spain. Trekking should be done with a local guide. As in most parts of the world, kidnapping and murder happens also in Trinidad and Tobago, but foreigners are not targeted. Pick-pocketing and theft are evident especially during carnivals and around Christmas. Valuables should be left in a safe place. Respecting local customs and avoiding talking about politics and racial relations will help you to stay safe.
Short history of Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago were first inhabited by Arawak and Carib people who came to the islands from South America. The islands were found by Christopher Columbus in 1498 and first colonized by Spanish, but were not developed or resettled after the Spaniards took most of the local inhabitants to South America to work as slaves. Also the French and Dutch had presence on the islands. Trinidad & Tobago came under British control in 1797 and they started a lucrative sugar and cocoa plantation industry. The emancipation of slaves in 1834 was followed by importation of contract labor from India, China and Portugal. Oil was discovered in Trinidad in 1910 and boosted the local economy. Trinidad & Tobago became independent in 1962. Today, the country is one of the wealthiest in the Caribbean thanks to petroleum and natural gas production and processing industry. Tourism is also growing fast especially on Tobago. Political instability with racial tensions and rising crime rates continue to be problems in T&T.hint See also these nearby destinations: Trinidad, Tobago
