What is Destination Known For?

Vibrant party lifestyle, Trinidad Carnival, spicy cuisine, eco-tourism, rain forests,

Location and Size

The country of Trinidad and Tobago is located 6.8 miles (11 kms) away from Venezuela's northeast corner and stands on the continental shelf of South America. Trinidad has an area of 1980 square miles (5128 square kms) whereas Tobago is much smaller at Tobago with an area of about 115 square miles (300 square km). It lies 20 miles (30 km) to the northeast of Trinidad.

History

Christopher Columbus sighted Trinidad on his third voyage to the Americas in 1498. At the time, the locals of the island were Amerindians, known as the Caribs and the Arawaks. When no precious gems were found on the island, the locals were enslaved and shipped to other Caribbean colonial settlements. The first European community on Trinidad did not take place until the late 1500s, and the Spanish government invited French planters and their slaves to emigrate and settle here. The cultivation of cocoa and sugar ensued.

The invitation from the King of Spain was warmly accepted and French came to the island along with their slaves whom they had captured from the West African coast. Soon, they started cultivating sugar and cocoa. The British assumed rule in 1802. When slavery was abolished, indentured servants were brought into the island from India, China, and the Middle East which contributed the melting pot flavor that the island has today.

History on Tobago took a bloodier course with vicious skirmishes between the Caribs and Amerindian tribes, brutal attacks on European settlers by the Amerindians, and protracted battles for control between European powers which resulted in Tobago changing hands 30 times. Not to mention the bands of marauding pirates who plied its waters. Britain assumed leadership in 1814.

As both islands’ agricultural economy declined, Trinidad and Tobago were joined together as an administrative ward and finally achieved independence in 1962. Today Trinidad thrives from the petroleum industry

Getting There

Piarco International Airport (POS) in Trinidad is the most popular ports of entry. Piarco airport has direct flights from the US while connecting flights are available from the UK, New Zealand and Australia. A.N.R. Robinson International Airport (TAB) on Tobago has direct flights from Trinidad as well as limited flights from the UK, New York, and Germany.

Best Time to Go

Trinidad and Tobago are a year-round destination and are considered to be south of the hurricane belt, and neither have been hit by a hurricane in the past decade.

Local Customs to Observe

The “Trinis” are very welcoming, and they would provide you a very friendly and lively atmosphere wherever you go on the islands. The official language of the islands is English although the Trini Creole, albeit English, is hard for an outsider to understand.

Helpful Fast Facts

Currency: Trinidad and Tobago dollar

Time Zone: Atlantic Time Zone (UTC-04:00)

Local language: The official language of both the islands is English but you would also find people speaking Trinidadian Creole..

Population: 1,364,013 as of April 20, 2016

Airport: Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) in Grenada and Piarco International Airport (POS); A.N.R. Robinson International Airport (TAB) on Tobago

Entry Requirements: All tourists must have a passport valid for at least six months. US, UK, Australian, Canadian and EU citizens are not required to have a visa for a stay of up to 3 months.

Departure tax: None

Legal Drinking Age: 18 years old.

Smoking Regulations: Smoking in enclosed public or work places was banned in Trinidad in 2009.

Staying in touch: All the major telecom companies provide optimum network connectivity. International roaming facility is available on the islands and internet facility is also commendable.

Medical Information: Call 990 for emergencies.

Public Holidays: Trinidad-:

New Year (Jan 1), Carnival Monday (Feb), Carnival Tuesday (Feb), Good Friday (Mar), Easter Day (March), Easter Monday (Mar), Spiritual Baptist Day (Mar 30), Corpus Christi (May), Indian Arrival Day (May 30), Labor Day (Jun 19), Enid Al Fitr (July), Emancipation Day (Aug 1), Independence Day (Aug 31), Republic Day (Sept 24), Diwali (Oct), Christmas (Dec 25), Boxing Day (Dec 26) and Christmas Holiday (Dec 27)

Shopping Information: An excellent place to purchase luxurious items such as French perfumes, Japanese cameras, Scandinavian crystal and Swiss watches. The main products of the island, which also reflect the vibrant culture of the place, include calypso shirts, woodwork, silver jewelry, saris, sisal goods and cascadura bracelets.

Top Ten "Must Do's"

• Dance the night away at the boisterous celebrations at Trinidad Carnival
• Enjoy an early morning snorkel on Buccoo Reef before the crowds arrive
• Witness turtle-watching at the largest leatherback turtle nesting ground in the world
• Sample a “Bake and Shark” Maracas Bay – a gastronomic Trini specialty
• Enjoy boutique shopping on the islands
• Hike to Argyle Waterfall on Tobago
• Surf’s Up – grab a surfboard and catch a wave
• Grab some binocular’s and go birding on Little Tobago
• Dive the Wreck of the Maverick
• Bliss out with a Sanjava massage experience

Major Local and Regional Events

• Trinidad and Tobago Carnival – February or March every year
• Both islands have spirited soca, calypso, and musical events and competitions throughout the year; just google what’s happening in your dates for travel