The Segmental Info System

Opposites Attract?

Compare and contrast Trinidad and Tobago, two of the Caribbean's most diverse spots

Photo credit: © Richard Semik | Dreamstime.com
caribbean.guide.why.not.go.trinidad.and.tobago
 

Trinidad and Tobago can be seen as a Caribbean odd couple. Although both share a colonial and cultural heritage, the noticeable differences between the two islands make this country a great destination for travelers interested in diversity and sight-seeing.

Tourist-oriented Trinidad is home to the bustling Port-of-Spain, a city famed as a major port city in the Caribbean. It is also a hub for the oil, natural gas, and steel industries, and is now at the root of a fast growing tourism industry. This capital city exudes an enjoyably fast-paced urban Caribbean atmosphere, with many hotels and other tourist-oriented trappings. Tobago, on the other hand, has hardly been touched by the metamorphosis that is happening just a hop-skip-and-jump away; it remains as unchanging and calm as ever. Tobago is a quiet island, unspoiled by industry and tourism, and makes for excellent natural sight-seeing.  More detailed information is available on our comprehensive guide to Trinidad and Tobago.

Trinidad and Tobago: Facts at a Glance
Currency The official currency of Trinidad and Tobago is the Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TT$). Occasionally, vendors in Port-of-Spain will accept U.S. and Canadian currency, but it is safer and wiser to convert your currency. In all cases, British pounds should be converted.
Electricity Electric systems in Trinidad and Tobago are not uniform; the most commonly used are the 110-volt or 230-volt systems, but ask your hotel in advance in order to prepare.
GDP Per Capita The average per capita income is $25,400(USD) per year.
Island Size The islands share about 1,979 square miles in land area.
Language English is the official language, but French, Hindi, Spanish, and Chinese speakers abound in this country.
Population 1,337,684 people call these islands home; 383,100 visitors pass through annually, with 31 percent coming from the U.S.

Getting There

Travelers normally arrive in Trinidad at Piarco International Airport or in Tobago at Crown Point International Airport. Direct flights are available from North America, but flights to Tobago may connect through Trinidad or other islands to pick up passengers. Piarco and Crown Point service many airlines, including Aeropostal, Air Canada, Air Transat, American Airlines, American Eagle, Antillean Airlines, BWIA, Guyana Airways, Helen Air, LIAT, Rutaca, Sky Service, Surinam Airways, Tower Air, and World Airways

Ferry trips between these Caribbean islands take about six hours. Taxis are available at airports and docks, but fares are unmetered and will range from about $8(USD) to $36(USD) depending on the destination. Be sure to settle on a fare and currency beforehand.

Entry Requirements

All visitors, including those from the Caribbean, are required to show a valid passport and ongoing or return tickets upon arrival in Trinidad and Tobago. Visas are not necessary for visits shorter than six weeks. You will be given a carbon copy of the immigration card that you fill out on arrival, and will be asked to return it upon your departure, so hold on to it!

Climate

Hot and humid Trinidad and Tobago see plenty of rain - nearly 74 inches per year to be exact. Temperatures range from 68 to 87 in January, and 73 to 88 in July (all in degrees Fahrenheit). Trade winds constantly cool the island, making the tropical heat a bit less intense. Temperatures rarely climb higher than 90 degrees during the daytime. The rainiest time of year lasts from May through November, but rain storms usually last less than two hours. Carry insect repellent during the rainy season, as mosquitoes often accompany moist, Caribbean weather.

Geography

Trinidad, the size of the U.S. state of Delaware, is about seven miles from the coast of Venezuela; the tinier island of Tobago is about 20 miles to the northeast of Trinidad. Both islands are located at the end of the Caribbean archipelago, bordering on the Gulf of Paria. The islands are located outside of the hurricane belt, decreasing the chances of a storm's landfall. As the southernmost outpost of the West Indies, the islands were physically connected to Venezuela many millennia ago.  Trinidad is comprised of three mountain ranges, the highest point reaching 3083 feet high (940 meters).  Though these ranges make much of Trinidad hilly, the soil is mostly soft and fertile, with the exception of the southern portion of the island which is grainy and sandy.  Tobago is also mountainous, though the elevation isn't quite as high (2010 miles, or 640 meters is the tallest mountain).  Tobago is a volcanic island, with no active volcanoes, and the southwest portion of the island is made up of a coral platform.  43 percent of the island is forested, and numerous lakes and streams snake through the valleys. 

Health and Safety

Tobago is generally safer than Trinidad, where Port-of-Spain has the petty crime problem of major metropolitan areas such as New York or London. Avoid Port-of-Spain at night, as streets get deserted very quickly. Also avoid evening travel around Wilson Street and the Market of Scarborough, two particularly questionable areas. Always be wary of potential pick-pockets, especially during Carnival, and never leave valuables unattended. Stick to bottled water on the islands.

People

Trinidad and Tobago are famed for their variety. The racial diversity in this country is due to its historical role as a main port for the British colonies in the West Indies. Nearly every former British colony, from South Africa to South India, is now represented in this melting pot of the Caribbean. The mix of cultures leads to a distinct flavor in mannerisms, dress, language, and way of life that is a hybridization of the many people who once moved across oceans to these small islands. Trinidad and Tobago have successfully combined Indian food, African dress, Caribbean calypso and steel-drum music, British English, and the distinctly English love of the sport of cricket into one exciting culture.

 

Help us improve! We welcome your corrections and suggestions.