Though I only spent a few days in Trinidad & Tobago, I had an amazing time, and came away with a few tips for when you go there yourself!
Take a look at my top 5:
1. If You Can, Avoid Flying Caribbean Airlines
A large part of my stay in T&T was spent in the airport…thanks to Caribbean Airlines. Generally speaking, the government run company flies out of New York to Trinidad, then has frequent charter fights to Tobago. Somehow my flight to Tobago was unceremoniously canceled on my way to the island. The ticket counter was closed when we landed at midnight, so I had to spend a few hours in the airport before finding a local hotel. The next day, a riot dern near broke out when several flights were canceled to Tobago, leaving seemingly hundreds of people yelling and screaming for, “One Jet!” to take them home. When I expressed frustration at getting stranded in a foreign land (through no fault of my own), the lovely attendants gave me a blank stare and a Kanye shrug.
These people were pissed
Avoid the headache and fly Jet Blue or any other airline that flies direct to Tobago! At least you know what you’re getting and you’ll be assured that customer service will be on point.
2. Try the Stonehaven Villas
After the aggravation of the airport, we convened at Stonehaven Villas. Granted the customer service here was not much to write home about (I’m not a diva, trust me), BUT…look at that view! It was positively beautiful. Wade around in the private pools, stare at the sea, walk to the beach, and just luxuriate. As a property, it was pretty superb.
3. Get a B Mobile Simcard
Avoid crazy roaming and international charges with a BMobile Simcard. Get the card cut and see if you can purchase unlimited data. Those crazy abroad phone bills are no joke!
4. Don’t Wear Camouflage
My photographer Karl Pierre (who lensed all the beach shots), was met with a bit of surprise when he landed wearing his camouflage shorts: wearing anything camo is against the law, as the print is reserved for the military! Karl was asked to change his shorts immediately or risk arrest. Pretty serious–and I hear this anti camo rule might be the case in many Caribbean countries. Save yourself the headache and stick to any other print that might fit your fancy.
5. Hit the Beach, Have Some Conch and Dumplins, and Lime It Up!
Lime is a TNT word for ‘chill’ out, which is what we did a lot of while in Tobago. Sip on some Puncheon (a 75% alcohol liquor–drink with caution), and enjoy the beauty that is Tobago!
Once you get there, there’s lots to see and enjoy. I can’t wait for Carnival!
At any rate, what about you? Any fun tips you’d like to share?
