Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago is a twin island country about 7 miles off the coast of Venezuela. Trinidad is 1,841 square miles and Tobago is much smaller at 120 square miles. Geologically, they are located in South America but are considered part of the Caribbean. The islands have a tropical climate with two seasons: dry and rainy. The dry season lasts from January to May and the rainy season lasts for the rest of the year.

Trinidad and Tobago is one of the wealthiest and most developed nations in the Caribbean because of its notable petroleum and natural gas production. In order for U.S. citizens to travel to the islands, they need a passport valid for three months longer than their intended stay. They must also have a return ticket in order to gain entry. But once travelers get into the country, they’ll find that it’s relatively easy to get along, as the official language is English and U.S. dollars are widely accepted, as well as Visa and Mastercard credit cards.

Trinidad is a lively island and is where most of the country's big cities (like the capital city of Port-of-Spain) and activities are. Tobago, in contrast, moves at a more leisurely tempo and is a more popular destination for travelers. The people of Trinidad were the originators of steel drum music, first heard in the Port of Spain in the 1930s. The drums were originally made from the bottoms of oil barrels and are synonymous with tropical relaxation. Trinidad and Tobago are also known as the birthplace of the limbo dance and calypso and soca music.

Travelers will find so much to do on the islands. First, Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival celebration, held every year the two days before Ash Wednesday, is unlike any other Carnival celebration. Thousands of people join the parade and annual street party and wear flashy costumes to celebrate the season. Calypso music and steel drum bands are everywhere, and many businesses and schools close down during the celebrations, making this a true community event.

There are many beautiful beaches on Trinidad and Tobago, and the most scenic are on the north coast of Trinidad with crystal clear water and powdery white sand. Other daytime entertainment on the islands includes a visit to the Caroni Bird Sanctuary to hopefully glimpse a scarlet ibis, Buccoo Reef for a glass bottom boat tour, the botanical gardens for a picnic or a visit to Trinidad's Matura Beach to see Leatherback sea turtles.

The nightlife on the islands is exciting and diverse. Tobago has many restaurants and bars but also has entertainment like pool halls and casinos with roulette, blackjack and karaoke. Trinidad is bit more artsy with fine dining, live music, theatre and dance performances.