Think of Trinidad and Tobago as fraternal twins – they are alike, but different in many ways. The smaller Tobago enjoys a very slow paced-lifestyle and is quite undeveloped. On the other hand, Trinidad is largely populated with sophisticated people and a unique vibe only found on this island.
Travelers booking flights to Trinidad and Tobago are heading into one of the wealthiest countries in the Caribbean. The country’s capital, the Port of Spain, resides in Trinidad, and is flanked by mountains to the north and scenic beaches along the north and east coasts. Flights to Trinidad and Tobago will land in Port of Spain and tourists will find themselves surrounded by skyscrapers, mosques, cathedrals and a Bazaar that would leave even the best shopper weak in the knees. Trinidad and Tobago flights drop visitors in the birthplace of steel drum bands and calypso dancing. Hop off the flight and join the fun!
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The islands enjoy a tropical climate with average maximum temperatures of 89F. Tobago's temperatures are cooler, owing to the more constant north east trade winds. There is a dry season between January and May and a wet season from June to December. Annual rainfall is about 40 inches over most of the country. Trinidad and Tobago lies just south of the hurricane belt.
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Peak season:
January to May is the dry season. The time around Carnival is the most popular time and Trinidad and Tobago flights and hotel rooms are likely to be pricier.
Off season:
June to December is the rainy season. Expect sunny mornings, rainy afternoons and fair nights during the wet season. Petit Carême or Indian summer interrupts the rainy season between mid-September and mid-October. The average daytime temperature is 80 degrees. Humidity is not a factor.
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Trinidad: the bus service is good in general. An added bonus for travelers is that the color-coding of each bus corresponds to its destination. For example, buses with green bands travel around the southern parts of Trinidad; yellow-banded buses go around the capital, Port of Spain. Journeys cost between $2 and $10.
Tobago: bus services are based in Scarborough and travel to most villages on the island, including Crown Point and Plymouth. Tobago buses have blue bands.
Getting between the islands by ferry: in Trinidad, most ferry services are available at the port in Port of Spain. In Tobago, ferries dock in Scarborough. There are several ferry services each day. The journey takes about five hours.
Inter-island flying: Caribbean Airlines is the principal airline flying between Trinidad and Tobago. Tobago Express also offers local Trinidad and Tobago flights between the islands.
Taxis are also fairly cheap (negotiate a fare in advance) and some drivers double up as guides.
International rental-car companies – on both islands – include Hertz and Thrifty. There are several local companies too. Drive on the left!
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- Trinidad revels in the pre-Lenten Carnival (usually about February). Divali, the annual Hindu festival of lights, is celebrated with gusto in October/November. The Port of Spain’s attractions include Queen's Park Savannah, a 400-acre green space, surrounded by mansions where many public activities are held.
- The Pitch or Asphalt Lake, about 55 miles from the Port of Spain, is a natural wonder. At 100 acres, it is the largest pitch lake in the world. It was discovered by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1595, who used the tar to repair his leaking ships. The waters are said to be therapeutic due to the sulfur content.
- Bird-life: the Asa Wright Nature Center (catch the dawn chorus on the verandah), the Caroni Nature Reserve (the evening show with the scarlet ibis is spectacular), Nariva Swamp and the Pointe-à-Pierre Wild Fowl Trust.
- Tobago is an island for the water-sports enthusiast (scuba diving the Buccoo Reef or other dive spots such as Manta City, London Bridge, Blackjack Hole, The Shallows, The Sisters or Diver's Thirst for example or deep-sea fishing) and the beach lover (Englishman's Bay for example). There is much here too for the eco-tourist. Tobago is one of three islands in the Caribbean where giant leatherback turtles come ashore to nest (between March and June). The Tobago Forest Reserve was declared a reserve in 1764. It has more than 200 species of bird including the frigate bird and red-billed Tropic birds. The Argyle Waterfalls, a three-tiered waterfall, are near Roxborough, close to the Louis d'Or Nurseries. Fort King George was built in the 1770s and is one of the island’s best-preserved historical monuments. Visitors can see the barracks, prisoners’ cells, officer's mess and bell tank. The Tobago Museum and art display is in the Barrack Guard House.
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Passports must be valid for at least the period of the proposed visit. Visitors require documents for return or destination travel, and a fixed address for the period of their stay.
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A visa is not required by U.S. citizens for a stay of up to three months for tourist purposes.
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