Trinidad and Tobago Travel Guide

Though united as one nation, Trinidad and Tobago are as different as two gorgeous, sun-drenched Caribbean islands can be. Oil-rich Trinidad is home to 95 percent of the population and is easily recognisable as the 'big brother' of the two. The bustling capital, Port of Spain, lies on its shores and is a wonderland of high-rise buildings and buzzing marketplaces. It's also the setting for what many consider to be the world's best carnival; a raucous, spring-time event full of music, dancing and colourful parades.

Sleepy Tobago is more renowned for the pristine beauty of its beaches, and has somehow escaped the attention of the main tourist throng. Nature lovers can explore undisturbed rainforests or dive stunning coral reefs. Foodies who crave authenticity can enjoy delicious, spice-led local cuisine such as curried crab and dumplings, and saltfish buljol.

Holidaymakers will have fun mingling with Trinidad and Tobago's cosmopolitan communities, who trace their heritage to the Caribs and Arawaks of South America, as well as labourers from Africa, Europe, and India. Port of Spain, in particular, has some impressive colonial and Renaissance-style architecture, along with an eclectic cultural mix of Creoles, Africans, Amerindians, Europeans, and East Indians.

Best time to visit Trinidad and Tobago

The winter months of December to April are considered the best time to visit. The rainy season is from June to December, and this is the low season. The climate is tropical, with hot and humid conditions all year long; winter months are slightly cooler than the average maximum temperature of 89F (32C).

What to see in Trinidad and Tobago

-Go bird watching at Asa Wright Nature Centre.

-Laze in the sun at Pigeon Point Beach.

-Get a panoramic view of Port of Spain from the Laventille Hills.

-Explore Gasparee Caves.

What to do in Trinidad and Tobago

-Join the wild, colourful party at Carnival.

-Take a romantic sunset boat cruise in Englishman's Bay.

-Play golf at the PGA-designed Tobago Plantations Golf and Country Club.

-Go scuba-diving at one of 50 top dive sites.

Getting to Trinidad and Tobago

Getting to Trinidad and Tobago is fairly easy, as there are direct flights to Trinidad and Tobago from London, landing at Crown Point. Indirect flights to Port of Spain are also available. Direct flights to Trinidad and Tobago from the US are also available on several airlines, from cities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New York City and Houston.

Read

The Dragon Can't Dance by Earl Lovelace.

Listen

Lancelot Layne.

Watch

The Hummingbird Tree (1996).

Drink

Coconut water and puncheon rum.

Eat

Curry chicken and roti.

What to buy

Miniature, steel-pan drums.

What to pack

Sunblock and a hat, as Trinidad and Tobago are near the equator and the average temperature can reach 88F (31C).

What's on in Trinidad & Tobago

Port of Spain comes alive with colour and music during the carnival, held each spring.

Did you know?

-Tobago is believed to be the place Robert Louis Stevenson had in mind when he wrote Treasure Island.

-The Limbo was invented in Trinidad and Tobago.

-Main Ridge Forest Reserve on Tobago is the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere.

A final word

A paradise of swaying palm trees and lively parties, a holiday in Trinidad and Tobago is the perfect Caribbean getaway.