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Duration: at least 3 weeks
Best time to travel: October-June
Budget: $85 per day
Trinidad and Tobago is an exciting Caribbean destination with an abundance of culture, food, outdoor activities, and plenty of beaches to explore. With its two main islands — Trinidad and Tobago— the country offers a unique blend of East Indian and African cultures with spectacular rainforests, unique wildlife, breathtaking views, stunning waterfalls, and lush hillsides. What I truly loved about Trinidad and Tobago? The absence of mass tourism! Both Trinidad and Tobago felt very authentic and truly Caribbean. Unlike its Caribbean counterparts, Trinidad and Tobago doesn’t rely on tourism for survival. Instead, this duo of islets close to Venezuela boasts a rich abundance of minerals and oil, making it the perfect place to escape and experience a different side of the Caribbean.
Trinidad is home to the bustling and nowadays quite notorious Port-of-Spain, which does become the stage for the biggest show on earth aka Trinidad’s Carnival. But apart from carnival season I was extremely surprised by the amount and diversity of cultural celebrations throughout the year, the stunning beaches nearby, and the nightlife in Port of Spain.
Tobago is much more chill and with the oldest rainforest on earth surrounded by green and blue waters of the Caribbean a truly beautiful destination. Even though Tobago is much smaller we found that each area has a very distinct vibe which is absolutely worth exploring.
After loving Jamaica so much I was eager to explore Trinidad and Tobago. Both islands were equally captivating and I am sure to return soon.
Both islands are pretty hilly and green, giving the beaches and dramatic and picturesque backdrop. The waters shimmer from green to light turquoise in Tobago. I loved that in the absence of big hotels and mass tourism, we found a super pleasant mixture of locals and visitors by the beaches. While Tobago is without a doubt more of a beach vacation destination, I feel like Trinidad’s beaches are way underrated. I truly enjoyed the beaches in Trinidad and had lots of fun!
Trinidad and Tobago have some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the Caribbean. From the lush rainforests on Trinidad to the wild, untamed beaches in Tobago, there are so many opportunities for you to explore the breathtaking beauty of these two islands. There are some hiking trails through the jungle-like forests with hidden waterfalls or treks across the undisturbed beaches. Tobago is home to the oldest protected rainforest in the western hemisphere and is incredible to explore. This Caribbean gem is sure to take your breath away and leave you with some amazing memories. Bioluminescent waters in Tobago provide a really unique experience of the Caribbean Sea.
With a diverse mix of influences from African, Indian, European and Native American cultures, this island nation truly offers a unique experience. And it even sometimes felt like traveling to completely different countries.
What I truly loved was that the locals are proud of their heritage and are more than willing to share it with visitors. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture is through the many festivals that take place throughout the year. Whether it’s the vibrant colours and sounds of carnival, the beautiful lights of Divali, or the poignant commemorations of Hosay, each event gives you a chance to connect with the locals and experience their traditions firsthand.
When it comes to carnival celebrations, Trinidad knows how to throw one heck of a party. The energy and excitement in the air is palpable. There’s nothing quite like the sound of steel drums and the colorful costumes on display. But carnival in Trinidad isn’t just about the fun and festivities – it’s also a reflection of the country’s rich cultural heritage. From the traditional rhythms of Soca and Calypso music to the intricate details of the masquerade costumes, there’s a deep sense of pride in the customs and traditions that make up carnival in Trinidad. While the carnival in Trinidad is “the greatest show on earth”, Tobago’s carnival which was taking place for the first time in 2022 is a much smaller but not less exciting event taking place in October. Tobago was the first mas I ever played and I will never forget!
This dynamic duo is known for their infamous carnival, but there’s so much more to discover beyond the festivities. Home to Calypso, Soca, and steel pan, Trinidad and Tobago have a rich music history. These genres of music have played a significant role in shaping the islands’ culture and are deeply ingrained in their roots. When visiting Trinidad and Tobago, experiencing live music is one of the top things to do. Whether you’re at the Carnival, a music festival or just hanging out with the locals, you are guaranteed to have a good time with the island’s infectious music. Music flows through the veins of these islands, and it’s impossible not to be swept up in the rhythm of the steel pan. There are numerous talented musicians waiting to entertain you at local venues.
If you’re looking for a vibrant and diverse travel destination, Trinidad and Tobago’s Port of Spain should definitely be on your radar. This city has a fascinating mix of cultures, from Spanish to Middle Eastern to Chinese and everything in between, all of which are celebrated through food and events. It might not quite match up to Kingston in my book (what can I say, I’m biased!), but Port of Spain is still an amazing place to explore. There’s always something happening in this bustling city, which locals affectionately refer to as ‘Town.’ With the abundance of food, fun, and festivals, you’ll never run out of things to do in Trinidad and Tobago’s capital city.
The food scene really surprised me. I found that it reflected the diverse culture of Trinidad and Tobago, with a mix of flavors from African, Indian, Creole, and Chinese dishes. Street food is plentiful all over both islands. From roti to doubles to buss up shut to bake, there is definitely always a new dish to try.
Additionally, the islands are known for their seafood and fresh fruit. Tobago is especially well-known for its incredible seafood dishes like grilled lobster and crab. Trinidad’s cuisine is slightly spicier and features dishes such as pelau (a popular dish made with rice, pigeon peas, and chicken) and stewed oxtail.
Public transport in Trinidad and is fairly reliable, safe, and easy to use (you just might need time). The main form of public transportation is the maxi taxi or minibus which are basically large vans that can fit between 8-12 people. Taxis are also available for hire from most major cities and airports. TT rideshare is the Trini version of Uber and works great! Loved it!
Tobago is a different story, especially as you venture away from Scarborough. TT Rideshare does not work in Tobago and so you’ll have to rely on taxis, buses (which run quite infrequent) and rides you catch with locals.
The best time to visit is between December and May when the weather is dry and somewhat cool. This makes it the perfect time for beach trips and outdoor activities like hiking.
The two islands also have their own unique festivals. In Trinidad, the annual Trinidad Carnival is a must-see event that takes place in February and lasts for several days with parades, music, dancing, and lots of fun.
Trinidad and Tobago are outside of the hurrican belt. Therefore you do not have to fear hurricanes though the rain can get super heavy during the rain season which last from June to October.
It is generally safe to travel Trinidad and Tobago and we always felt very well looked out for. While the capital city of Port of Spain has become somewhat more notorious, we could fully enjoy the city with certain precautions taken in any capital in the region.
Internet and phone service is available in the major cities and on most of the countryside. You can purchase SIM cards for your cell phone to use with local carriers such as Digicel or Bmobile. The wifi speeds are decent, although they tend to be slower in more rural areas.
Tap water in Trinidad and Tobago is generally safe to drink, but it may come out of the tap hot or with an unpleasant taste. I still always fell better to use my water filter just to be sure.
The most convenient and fastest way to get between Trinidad and Tobago is the inter-island ferry. It takes around 2 hours and there are several departure times a day. The ferry typically costs around $ US 70 each way, although prices can vary depending on time of year and day of the week. Alternatively, you can fly between the two islands with Caribbean Airlines or a few other smaller regional airlines.
Trash. Street food almost always comes wrapped in aluminum foil, and many restaurants serve it in to-go boxes. Luckily enough, a foldable food container will go a long way.
Generally speaking, responsible tourism practices are not (yet) prevalent in Trinidad or Tobago. Therefore, wear eco-friendly sunscreen when visiting waterfalls and the beach.
Sunscreen: Protect Marine life and wear reef-friendly sunscreen!
Sunscreen: Protect Trinidads coast by using reef-friendly sunscreen.
Are you getting ready to travel to Trinidad and Tobago? Check out my packing list to come prepared. You’ll find anything from cloths to useful travel gadgets and eco friendly travel products!
Puerto España está enclavado a lo largo de la playa y con un fondo de colinas. Entre las típicas casas caribeñas, encontrarás algunos edificios coloniales antiguos. Lo que se hizo evidente a primera vista fue la diversidad de la población. En las calles se puede ver una mezcla de africanos, indios, españoles y otras etnias.
