Island Inspiration | Trinidad & Tobago

Why Trinidad?

The land of soca, rum, endless sunshine and home to the second largest Carnival in the world. Many people know Trinidad as the colourful country that comes alive to the sound of calypso in the pulsating streets. The positive energy spreads throughout the entire year, making "Trinibagonians" or "Trinis" some of the happiest people on earth.

Although Carnival is what Trinidad is famous for, there is so much more to 'T&T' than just street parties and vibrant costumes. Trinidad and Tobago are a sister isle nation with two very different tones. Trinidad is the upbeat, fun island full of ecotourism adventures, secret beach escapes, a melody of scrumptious foods and a lively cosmopolitan atmosphere, yet a 20 minute plane ride away you'll discover just the opposite - the laid back island of Tobago. An enchanting Caribbean gem with transparent blue waters flowing onto white sandy beaches surrounded by wonderful resorts and relaxing beach bars.

If you get the chance to explore Trinidad & Tobago, you'll get the best of both worlds. By the time you leave T&T,  we can guarantee you'll know all the lyrics to Calypso singer, David Rudder's iconic song, "Sweet Sweet T&T how I love up this country".

When to go

Dry season in T&T is from December to April. The best time to visit is during the holiday season in mid December or for Carnival in February/March. If you don't mind the heat, take a trip in the summer months when locals living abroad return to visit and the temperatures are scorching. Naturally, the most popular time to visit these islands is for carnival. Spend a week partying and a week recovering in the warm waters of Tobago's gorgeous beaches. 

Other major annual events

Tobago Jazz Festival (April)

Tobago Heritage Festival (July/ August) 

Trinidad & Tobago Great Race - High speed boat race between the two islands (August)

Diwali - The Hindu Festival of Lights (November) 

How to pack

How your suitcase should look depends on what your itinerary is, but it's always safe to bring a variety of clothes to this tropical destination.

• Bikini for tanning and swimming in the warm Caribbean waters
• A good pair of sneakers for all those ecotourism adventures
• Heels/ wedges for the engaging nightlife as Trini ladies love to dress up
• Comfortable Summer clothes for your touristy sightseeing 

Click on the images to SHOP.

 Must Dos

• Shark & Bake at Maracas Beach (Trinidad)
• Day trip 'Down de Islands (DDI)' (Trinidad)
• Bird watching around sunset at the famous Caroni Bird Sanctuary (Trinidad)
• Spend a night in Grande Riviere and admire the giant leatherback turtles (Trinidad)
• Grab a Coconut or snowcone and take a stroll around the savannah checking out the "Magnificent Seven" (Trinidad)
• Try out the eco-adventure activities of zip lining and hiking to waterfalls (Trinidad)
• Horseback riding along the beach (Tobago) 
• Glass bottom boat trip from Pigeon Point to explore the coral gardens of the Buccoo Reef (Tobago)
• Scuba diving at Speyside (Tobago)
• Island Girl all inclusive Sail Charter along the scenic Caribbean coastline (Tobago)

Where to eat?

Possibly the best part of experiencing Trinidad- the diverse, delicious cuisine. Try everything from roadside roti, doubles and mango chow to shark bake and crab & dumplings.

Top restaurant picks

• Veni Mange (Trinidad)
• Buzo (Trinidad)
• Chaud (Trinidad)
• Chaud Café (Trinidad)
• Zazou (Trinidad)
• Peche Patisserie (Trinidad)
• Fishpot (Tobago)
• Seahorse Inn (Tobago)
•  La Cantina (Tobago)

 What to buy

• Number one on the list is of course the country's famous Rums - top choices include Fernandes Black label, Angostura 1919 and Angostura Royal Oak 
• Angostura aromatic bitters (essential ingredient in many popular drinks)
• Artisan chocolates from the finest cocoa in the world (Cocobel or Ortinola Greta house chocolates)
• Steel pan & local calypso or Soca music

What to know before you go

• Currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD) which is currently at 6.6 TTD to 1 USD
• If you're planning on exploring the islands on your own, be sure to organize to a rental car before you arrive in T&T 
• Be aware of your surroundings and don't travel alone as it's best to be safe and cautious while visiting this twin island nation
• Bargain with street vendors to ensure you are not getting the higher "foreigner" price. If you are coming for Carnival - be sure to liaise with a travel agency or local for advice on how to get the best value for your money.

Gabrielle Agostini is a creative travel blogger, whose tales are based on her experiences of traveling to over 46 countries while living in London, Montreal, Brisbane and Trinidad and Tobago. From whitewater rafting in Costa Rica to admiring the sacred temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia and to snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, she has a good idea of the best travel dos and travel don’ts. She is currently based in her home country of Trinidad and Tobago, where has continued to explore and enjoy the warm weather and natural beauty of the Caribbean.