Heralded as the true Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago offers great value, beauty and a genuinely friendly culture. Sighted by the explorer Christopher Columbus in 1498, it is one of the wealthiest nations in the Caribbean due to its large reserves of oil and gas. Music, colour, culture and ethnicity unite the dual nation. Though many have hailed it as the ultimate carnival destination, there is much more to Trinidad and Tobago then a good party. Mesmerizing beaches and coral wonderlands cover its coast while luxuriant rainforests are perfect for hiking and bird watching.
Carnival celebrations are notorious on the larger island of Trinidad, with calypso music and steel drum bands reigning supreme. The Port of Spain is especially the place to go for a party. Soca music plays in the street, while women covered in bright feathers and beads gyrate to the music. Crazy steel-pan players can be found everywhere, proving a testament to the island’s love of music. As an island of colours, Trinidad is where you will find the party-loving carnival fans. However, don’t get me wrong – there is much more to be seen in Trinidad than what you see through the customary beer goggles. The island also has a rich array of natural wonders that invite bird watchers and hikers alike. It is home to hiking trails which lead you to cascading waterfalls and deserted lagoons, and the coast is home to untouched, rugged beaches. However, it is ultimately the Port of Spain and its carnivals which has become something of a legend on this island and is definitely worth a visit.
On my own visit to the island I experienced Trinidad’s carnival and fun-loving nature. My tour guide gleefully explained to us the absence of wildlife: ‘as you can see there is no wildlife here in this forest. That is because we have eaten them all!’ This statement simply epitomizes the Trinidadian’s laidback and hedonistic outlook on life. While she may have been joking, Trinidad and Tobago seem to have a rich cuisine with an array of food sources; while I visited I was persuaded to try a shark burger, which in all honesty did taste like chicken... I’m not even joking.
Home of carnival, calypso and limbo dancing, this little nation packs a punch in diversity. Trinidadians are relaxed and integrate tourists in a natural way, making it clear that the tourist industry is not just what the nation is about. They specialise in liming (talking for talking’s sake). They are masters in all of life’s pleasures; dancing, partying, playing cricket and simply relaxing. Trinidad is definitely worth a visit for cricket fans as it boasts a good team and cricketers such as Brian Lara.
On the other hand, the quieter island of Tobago is the perfect destination for diving enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is peaceful and relaxed in comparison to its lively and densely populated neighbour. While Trinidad booms and party’s all day and night, the tiny island of Tobago (just 42 km across) bathes in the sun,pina colada
in hand, with the picturesque view of its pristine beaches. It’s an island that should be proud of its rainforests, nature reserves and fantastic dive sites, and yet it seems perfectly content away from the tourist limelight. This is what makes it special. For someone who wants to experience the tropical beauty of the Caribbean without feeling like they are in the backdrop of Billy Ocean’s ‘Caribbean Queen’, Tobago is the perfect escape. While the island accepts tourists, it also allows them room to breathe and choose how to make the most of the tropical paradise; from laughing with the locals at an open-air bar, living bare feet in tiny guesthouses to experiencing luxury at the postcard perfect plush resorts. However, it seems sleepy Tobago is being woken up by the tourist industry of late so I’d suggest not to hesitate in visiting if you’re interested.
The islands are so diverse that on Trinidad you may also come across flamboyant temples or smell the rich aroma of curry, as you see how East Indian culture has been absorbed in the Caribbean. The two-island state is inhabited by mostly African and Indian descent. Whether you decide to visit sleepy Tobago or vivacious Trinidad, or both, you are guaranteed to experience the Trini way of life. Due to the booming oil and gas industry, Trinidadians tend to treat tourist in a blasé manner, which in a way creates more of an adventure away from the traditional tourist trappings.
For those who are looking for a taste of Caribbean partying and want to experience calypso dancing and colourful carnivals Trinidad is the place to be. For those who are looking to escape to a tropical paradise away from the tourist stereotypes, Tobago with its idyllic rainforests and untouched beaches is the perfect escape. Of course, for those who like a bit of both, why not combine both islands for a true Caribbean experience?
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