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Tobago has been widely known as a cool-down spot after Trinidad Carnival. You may not know this, but Tobago Carnival has been around for quite some time. But unfortunately, Trinidad carnival’s festivities have long overshadowed Tobago.
Tobago Carnival 2022 will be held October 28th-30th this year. According to an interview with the committee chair, The Tobago Carnival Committee has proposed a three-day festival including a Steel Pan event, J’ouvert, and Night Mas before the parade of the bands on the 30th.
Ritual, Revelry, Release….!
This blog will give you what you need to know to plan your trip!
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Getting to Tobago
There are a few ways to get to Tobago. First, you can fly into Port of Spain (POS) and catch a short flight to Arthur NR International Airport (TAB). Depending on your departure flight, you might be able to fly directly into TAB. Alternatively, you and catch a ferry to Tobago out of Port of Spain.
Many flights going into Tobago have been sold out, but Caribbean Airlines recently published more flights a few days ago. A round-trip flight from Port of Spain to Tobago is $48. Check out Caribbean Airlines to see what’s left.
The ferry schedule for October has not been published yet. However, I encourage you to check the schedule frequently as tickets will sell out quickly once available. Round trip ferry rides from Port of Spain to Tobago cost $100, and take up to 3-4 hours. To book ferry rides, click here. Caution: ferry rides have their shortcomings, so I encourage travelers to get to Port of Spain and leave Tobago via ferry a day before their departing and returning flights.
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Where to Stay
Tobago is 30 miles long and 10 miles wide. There are plenty of accommodations to choose from, but many are already sold out. Find out what’s left by checking the widget below. I can’t find much information about the location of the events, but I will update accordingly.
Carnival Costumes
What I really like about Tobago carnival costumes is the price point! Carnival costumes for this event are pretty budget friendly, and are still available. Click the names to visit their sites.
- Fog Angels ** I will be checking them out this year.
- BaeGo J’ouvert x Dirty Medics
- Zain Carnival
- Jade Monkey Mas
- True Carnival
- Iconic Mas
- Castao Promotions
Events
Event details are still loading. Check back periodically.
September 25 – Soaked at Roxborough
October 1 – Dream at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex
October 22 – The Hideout at the Argyle Waterfall
October 23 – Revel on the Harbour Master
October 26 – Waddap Wednesday at Canoe Bay
October 27 – Pink Brunch (venue to be announced)
October 28 – Pan in the Gayelle, Floats and Bikinis on the Harbour Master, Daylight (venue to be announced), Finesse on board the Embassy.
October 29 – J’Ouvert, Night Mas, Emerge Carnival Mud Festival in Crown Point, TUCO Tobago Lime at Tropikist Hotel. Soiree (venue to be announced)
October 30 – Parade of the Bands
Culture and Tourism
Tobago is well known for its beaches. Pigeon point beach is by far the most popular, but there are plenty locations to consider, such as Buccoo Bay, Mount Irvine Bay, and No Man’s Land. For a list of beaches and water activities, click here.
Eat Like a Local! Tobago Tourism Authority has a comprehensive list of local restaurants to visit. To check out the list, click here. X
Nature and Other Adventures – Check out the rainforests, and waterfalls! For more information, click here.
Getting around in Tobago
Tobago does have a regulated taxi service. Their license plates start with an “H”. You can also look for networks of unofficial taxi services to get around. Tobago does have an inexpensive bus system, but don’t use it if you are in a rush to get anywhere.
Tobago safety information
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). It is a free service that allows US citizens and nationals to register their overseas travel with the nearest US Embassy.
The benefits of enrolling in STEP include:
- Receiving important safety information about your area of travel.
- Establishing a means for the US Embassy to contact you in an emergency back home.
- Help the US Embassy contact you in a natural disaster or civil unrest.
Important Numbers:
- Emergency: 911
- Police: 999
- Fire: 990
- Ambulance: 811
- Scarborough Police Station: 868-639-2512
- Crown Point Police Station: +1 868-639-0020
There are quite a few! Check out the google maps widget of all the hospitals below:
Travel advisories
According to the Department of State, Trinidad and Tobago has a level 2 travel advisory. Avoid Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite and the Interior of Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain. Violent crime, such as murder, robbery, assault, sexual assault, home invasion, and kidnapping is very common, along with gang activity and narcotics trafficking.
Bottom line: Do not travel alone to these areas and do not draw attention to yourself if you must go.
US Embassy: The nearest US Embassy is in Trinidad, located at 15 Queen’s Park W, Port of Spain. Hours of operation are: 8am-4pm Monday – Friday. +1 868-622-6371 If you lose, your passport, you will need to go there.
Randoms about Tobago you need to know.
Random, but need to know:
Mosquitoes: Zika, dengue fever and yellow fever can be spread by them, so bring insect repellant.
Currency: TT (Trinidad Dollars). Currently 1USD = 6.79 TT. There are currency exchange booths at the airports, and many locations will take your USD and give back TT.
ATMs: Not all ATMs take debit cards.
Credit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, American Express not as much.
Electricity: In Trinidad and Tobago the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B, which is standard in the United States. The standard voltage is 115 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. You won’t need an adapter.
Communications: Your US based cellular provider often has international plans that cover Trinidad and Tobago. The most commonly used service provider in that area is Digicel. You can purchase SIM cards from the airport and digicel locations.
VAT: 12.5%
Tipping: 10%. Many restaurants include the tip in the bill.
Duty Free Shopping: There is duty free shopping in POS and TAB airports.
Customs Regulations (that apply to most of us):
– Leave the camo print anything at home.
– Trinidad requires all feather imports to have a health certificate. That includes feather pieces for costumes. If you arrive in Trinidad and Tobago with feathers, it is subject to confiscation.
Excited to venture somewhere new!
I skipped a cool down in Tobago in 2020 and ventured to Grenada instead. I look forward to checking out its beautiful beaches and the festivities.
I will be checking out Fog Angels this year. If you are attending, be safe, and have fun! I hope to see you on the road!
If you have any questions or comments, please comment below, or contact me at hello@americanwinesmatter.com. Alternatively, I can also be reached via DM on Instagram. Finally, subscribe to my website to stay updated with my upcoming blogs.
