The twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago is more than an idyllic tropical paradise.
The delights of fresh sea air, postcard-worthy beaches and natural beauty here are undeniable, it’s true. However, the heart of Trinbagonian life is the beautiful mix of people, places and spaces of different origins and ethnic backgrounds. If you’re looking for adventure with a dose of vibrant and pulsating culture, then sweet T&T is for you.
Here, friendly residents happily remember you by name during carnival celebrations and next-level partying – colloquially known as celebration – seems to be in everyone’s DNA. Food lovers encounter unforgettable pleasant tastes. In Trinidad and Tobago, history, harmony and heritage are celebrated – and your travel activities can be as relaxed or as wild as you like.
When should I go to Trinidad and Tobago?
In this part of the world, year-round sunshine is the glorious order of the day, with north-easterly trade winds providing balance – allowing you to beat the heat. Trinidad and Tobago experiences two weather patterns: the dry season (January to May) and the rainy season (June to December). Thanks to lower average temperatures, the January-April window is the best time to visit T&T. Although hurricane season officially runs from June to November, Trinidad and Tobago’s geographic location — it’s the southernmost island in the Caribbean — generally spares it from the worst storms.
While cultural activities take place throughout the year, the December Christmas season and the sensational world-famous Carnival celebrations are the peak festival periods. Christmas comes with a soundtrack of HOW – a Spanish-based popular folk music that arrived in T&T from neighboring Venezuela.
Trinidad’s world-renowned carnival reaches its peak on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday in a cultural event filled with euphoria and exuberance. Tobago also hosts an exciting version of Carnival every year in October.
How long should I spend in Trinidad and Tobago?
It depends on your resources, curiosities and interests. To get a full feel for the beauty and dynamism of this country – and to give yourself a chance to explore both islands – seven nights would be ideal. This time will allow you to feel the difference in the atmosphere of each island; we recommend four nights in Trinidad and three in Tobago. Known for its vibrant nightlife and large-scale tourism, Trinidad is very different from its laid-back sister island Tobago, with its stunning ivory-white sands and needle-colored waters.
Is it easy to get in and around Trinidad and Tobago?
Most visitors arrive by air, with international flights landing at Piarco International Airport in Trinidad. Tobago’s NR Robinson International Airport is just minutes away from Crown Point’s active beach.
Trinidad’s public transport system consists of “maki-taxis”. These passenger vans operate on fixed routes, have color stripes that correspond to their area of operation, and accommodate 12 to 25 passengers. The Public Transport Service Corporation operates public buses on both islands. Official taxis, labeled with an “H”, are available from airports, along with numerous rideshare options such as AllRiDi, Travee, DeliverMe and TT RideShare. Car rentals are also an option, starting at around $40 per day
National carrier Caribbean Airlines offers 25-minute flights between the islands for $70 round-trip; the local ferry can take you by sea from Port of Spain to Scarborough for about $20 round trip.
Top things to do in Trinidad and Tobago
Beyond the pristine beaches (don’t miss Maracas Beach), three types of experiences set Trinidad and Tobago apart: its natural wonders; its extensive culinary offerings, influenced by the country’s complex history; and its lineup of religious and secular festivals, which take place throughout the year.
T&T’s ecological wonders include the UNESCO-recognized Tobago Principal Forest Reserve; leatherback turtle nesting ground on Matura beach; and the award-winning Asa Wright Nature Center, home to hundreds of native and migratory animal species.
On the culinary front, the national delight is a street food staple known as dou: lightly fried bread stuffed with a chickpea filling, with condiment options such as tamarind sauce, house pepper sauce or a refreshing cucumber. The main food event in Tobago is curry crab with noodles, a delicious and full of flavor dish that you can find at the food stalls of Store Bay. A mix of ingredients of African, East Indian, Chinese, indigenous, French, Spanish, Dutch and English origin make the wide range of fine dining and street food options here far more sophisticated than those of other Caribbean countries. .
On both islands, culture is always in full focus. The hypnotic sounds of soca music during Trinidad’s peak Carnival celebrations offer unparalleled allure. Tobago’s village goat racing festival in July is steeped in sacred tradition – as is the Muslim festival of Hosay, with its larger-than-life floating deities parading through the streets of St James in Port of Spain.
My favorite thing to do in Trinidad and Tobago
Imagine 10,000 people dancing their hearts out to pulsating, fast-paced soca music blasting from mobile speakers positioned on a set of 16-wheeler trucks. In a gorgeous costume complete with feathers, sip a cold cocktail from a bar served by bartenders in a nearby mobile vehicle. The sunshine doesn’t match the euphoric feeling you get from attending T&T’s biggest national festival, whose history spans hundreds of years.
Welcome to Trinidad Carnival: Unbridled Freedom.
This festival is not just an all-encompassing cultural phenomenon. It is an amalgamation of all the beautiful, charismatic and unique aspects that define this two-island republic. From January to March each year, seasoned carnival enthusiasts and first-timers alike have the opportunity to dive deep into the community-driven traditions that unite the nation – regardless of creed, religion or race. For many culture lovers, the preparation for a festival of this scale begins a year in advance, with the so-called “band launch season”.
A commemorative period celebrating the long-standing contributions of the African community, the Trinidad Carnival represents generations of resistance and sacrifice – as well as joy – that began with enslaved people of African descent who sought freedom from slavery in the 18th century. Apart from the usual traditional stick fighting shows but characters and the re-enactment of the Kambulé riots (which led to the freedom of the slaves), the festive season includes non-stop parties from sunrise to sunset.
The national celebrations culminate in a two-day parade that takes place on Shrove Monday and Shrove Tuesday. With Queen’s Park Savannah as its core, the spectacle welcomes tens of thousands of costumed masqueraders to an explosion of colour, fun and dancing on the streets of Port of Spain.
How much money do I need for Trinidad and Tobago?
On average, travelers can budget $200 per day for their stay, although you should expect to spend more during peak periods such as Carnival.
Stays at name-brand hotels start at around $225 per night. A cost-effective alternative is Airbnb rentals, which start around $75 per night during off-peak seasons. Rides on buses and maxi-taxi start at $2, while ride-sharing rates depend on distance. Dinner for two at a ritzy restaurant can carry a minimum tab of $100. (We recommend sailing the Freebird on the southern tip of Trinidad.) Alternatively, at the famous breakfast haunt overlooking the Port of Spain harbor, you can grab a coffee for $3 and a sandwich for $5.
More tips for enjoying Trinidad and Tobago
Rely on local expertise
It’s always a great idea to explore Trinidad and Tobago with someone who knows the landscape. Especially in rural areas, GPS is not always reliable – so before you set off, get details from your property host, neighbor or friend on how to visit a specific destination.
Take sunscreen and insect repellent
As in most tropical countries, taking good care of your skin in T&T is a must. Especially during the rainy season, mosquitoes are plentiful and a strong insect repellent or net over your bed will help protect against unwanted bites. With temperatures commonly reaching 80°F (27°C) and higher, staying hydrated is essential, and sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is also recommended for any extended sun exposure.
Kindness is always free
Most importantly, the most valuable currency in Trinidad and Tobago will always be your smile. Whether on the beach or in the bar, Trinis will happily engage you in light conversation and always offer to show you a good time – the best testament to the warmth to be found anywhere in these islands.
This article was first published on August 16, 2024 and was updated on August 20, 2024.
