TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
TRAVEL UPDATES
With the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, Trinidad and Tobago’s borders were closed effective midnight March 22, 2020 and continue to remain closed to international travel for both nationals and non-nationals. Only international and regional cargo vessels and flights continue to operate under certain restrictions.
Nationals who wish to leave or return must apply for a travel exemption online via the Ministry of National Security website. Once approved they are accommodated via specially organized flights.
Persons are encouraged to stay at home as far as possible as the country’s community spread of COVID-19 is continuing to increase. Restrictions currently in place include:
- Continued closure of teaching institutions. Online learning has been implemented at all levels
- Continued closure of daycare and other childcare facilities
- Mandatory use of face mask for persons over the age of 8
- Closure of beaches
ISLAND FUN FACTS
Capital: Port of Spain
Population: 1,390,000 (approx.)
Religion: Protestant, Roman Catholic
Language: English
Side of Street Drive-On: While touring, always drive on the left side of the road.
Carnival:
Dubbed “The Greatest Show on Earth”, Trinidad’s Carnival season officially launches in December and continues until the day before Ash Wednesday the following year.
The season is jam packed with band launches, Carnival shows, competition, All Inclusive fetes, Panarama and of course Carnival Monday and Tuesday with J’Ouuvert and the Parade of the Bands.
History:
“The twin island nation of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is a largely overlooked gem on the northern shores of South America. It consists two main islands and several smaller islands forming the southernmost link in the Caribbean chain.
Trinidad is the larger of the two islands and is home to the majority of the country’s population.
National Heroes:
Dr. Eric Eustace Williams: Considered to be the Father of the Nation, Dr. Williams founded the People’s National Movement in 1956 and served as its leader for 25 years consecutive years. The formation of this political party was the beginning of the age of organised party politics in Trinidad and Tobago. Dr. Williams subsequently became the Chief Minister of the country from 1956 to 1959, Premier from 1959 to 1962 and, on the attainment of Independence in 1962, Prime Minister until his death in 1981.
Hasely Crawford: Trinidad and Tobago’s first gold medalist at the Olympics. He won in 1976 for the 100-meter dash.
Keshorn Walcott: Won Olympic Gold in the Javelin throw in 2012. He is the first Caribbean male athlete, as well as the first of African descent, to win the gold medal in a throwing event at th Olympics. At only 19 years old he is the youngest Olympic gold medallist in the men’s javelin as well as the first athlete in any track and field event to win World Junior and Olympic titles in an individual event the same year. The Toco Lighthouse was also renamed after him in 2012.
Kwame Ture: The Trinidadian activist was a leader in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, the Black Power Movement, and the Pan-African Movement. He is credited with coining the phrase “Black Power.”
For those who want to learn more about the history and culture of Trinidad and Tobago, you spend some time at the National Museum and Art Gallery, Trinidad in Port of Spain. You can learn about the indigenous, colonial, and recent history of the islands as well as the artistic movements that helped shape this cultural mecca.
THINGS TO DO
Trinidad is a nightlife hotspot, filled with nightclubs, bars, and cocktail lounges. Whether you want to lose yourself in the energetic music of the dance club or you want to meet locals at the neighborhood bar, there is no shortage of opportunity in the cities of Trinidad. Some of the best “liming” spots (a.k.a. places to hang out) are in the capital, Port of Spain.
Cricket is king in Trinidad and Tobago. So much so, that the national team has rivalries with almost every other team that it plays. If you’re traveling during cricket season, do yourself a favor and buy a ticket to go root for the national team. The energy you will feel in the stadium is unparalleled.
The multicultural society comprises a melting pot of many different races and cultures which together form the Trini culture. You can tell a Trini anywhere by the ‘sing song’ Trini accent and they are always up for a good ‘lime’.
National Dish: Crab and Callaloo, a leafy green dish cooked with a variety of spices
Queens Park Savannah
Queen’s Park Savannah is a park in the capital city, Port of Spain. Known locally as simply “the Savannah,” it is the city’s largest open space and also the largest roundabout in the world.
It occupies about 260 acres of level land, and the distance around the perimeter is about 2.2 miles. Originally part of the St. Ann’s Sugar Estate, the Savannah, now owned by the state, is Port of Spain’s main outdoor recreational park. It is also home to some of Trinidad’s major attractions which can be found around its perimeter such as the the the Botanic Gardens, the Emperor Valley Zoo, the Hollows, the National Museum, the National Academy for Performing Arts , as well as the Magnificent 7 – a group of early 20th century buildings are located.
These include the Queen’s Royal College; the residences of the Anglican bishop (Hayes Court) and the Roman Catholic archbishop, Mille Fleurs, Roomor Whitehall (once the office of the prime minister) and the majestic Stollmeyer’s Castle. On weekends and afternoons, the Savannah comes to life and is the destination for sports enthusiasts, health fanatics, joggers, family picnics and persons seeking to indulge in the sumptuous local street food served by vendors. It is also the main location of the country’s Carnival festival.
La Brea Pitch Lake
Located in La Brea in southwest Trinidad, the La Brea Pitch Lake is the largest commercial deposit of natural asphalt in the world – one of only three in known existence – and holds approximately 10 million tonnes of asphalt.
Its asphalt has been used to pave roads and airport runways around the world, including the roadway in front of Buckingham Palace in England, La Guardia Airport in New York, the Lincoln Tunnel which connects New York to New Jersey, as well as numerous roads in several countries.
The Pitch Lake is a popular tourist attraction. It also features a small museum and visitor center where official tour guides can be found to safely escort visitors onto the solid surface areas of the lake. During the rainy season pools of water settle on the surface forming sulfur rich ponds which are thought to have cleansing properties when you bathe in them
Persons can also enjoy the flora and fauna around such as water rose, nymph lilies, bird of paradise, hummingbirds, kingfishers and sandpipers.”
Trinidad and Tobago has lots of beautiful sandy beaches for you to kick back and relax on. The most popular beach which attracts most people is Maracas Bay. This sandy beach is located on the north side of Trinidad and involves a mountainous drive on the North Coast Coast road with access from the capital city of Port of Spain , San Juan as well as Arima via Blanchisseuse, Maracas Bay is one of the most well known and celebrated beaches in the island of Trinidad. It is also home to the world famous local dish bake an shark which is a must have while visiting the island.
Lovers of birds can get a spot with the Caroni Bird Sanctuary Day and Night Tour. This all day tour takes you through rainforests and mangrove forests to showcase the beautiful biodiversity of the island. You’ll get to see the stunning scarlet ibis, the national bird, among many others.
Getting There
Both Trinidad and Tobago have an international airport. And even better, travelling between the two airports is a common occurrence, making your island hopping adventure that much easier. You can easily get a flight to Trinidad or a flight to Tobago and have the luxury of knowing you can easily jump in between.
If you’d rather relax on a cruise to Trinidad and Tobago, you’re in luck because both islands’ capitals are ports as well. You’ll be able to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere at Scarborough as you soak up some sun, explore the historic sites, and try all of the new flavors.
ISLAND FUN FACTS
Capital: Scarborough
Population: 60,874
Religion: Protestant, Roman Catholic
Language: English
Side of Street Drive-On: While touring, always drive on the left side of the road.
Currency: Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TT Dollar)
History:
The twin island nation of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is a largely overlooked gem on the northern shores of South America. It consists two main islands and several smaller islands forming the southernmost link in the Caribbean chain.
Carnival:
Similar to its sister island Trinidad, Tobago celebrates its Carnival season from the day after Christmas day and culminates with Carnival Monday and Tuesday on the two days preceding Ash Wednesday.
The difference is Tobago is a bit more laid back. There are not as many fetes and All Inclusive events and the Carnival Bands are on a smaller scale.
However, if you’re looking to relax and still experience the awesomeness of Carnival then Tobago is the place to be.
THINGS TO DO
Tobago is known for being a laid back tranquil island. Partygoers can experience the vibrant nightlife on weekends at several nightspots and restaurants in Crown Point. The major entertainment events are the Tobago Jazz Experience.
While visiting Tobago you can enjoy many watersports go snorkeling at the Buccoo Reef or go hiking through the Main Ridge Main Forest
Tobago boasts a rich history in which a lot of ancestral traditions have been preserved. If you would like to know about the history and culture of Tobago the best time to visit would be mid-July – beginning of August for the annual Tobago Heritage Festival. Each village on the island puts on elaborate and entertaining productions which teach and remind persons of their history and culture.
Another “”must attend”” festival is the Blue Food Festival. This festival features the versatility of the ground provision dasheen – hence the name blue food. Participants are able to sample a multitude of food and drink made from dasheen and relish in some good Bago hospitality.
Crab and dumpling
Reefs
There are several fringing coral reefs around the island of Tobago. The most accessible, largest and most famous reef in Tobago is the Buccoo Reef. It was designated as a marine park in 1973. Other reefs include Japanese Gardens, Black Jack Hole, Kelleston Drain, Bookend, and St. Giles. Kelleston Drain is home to the largest brain coral in the world which is over 6 meters wide. These reefs provide ideal locations for diving and snorkeling to view the vast and captivating marine flora and fauna.
Forts
There are several forts on the island which bear evidence to the islands colonial and turbulent military past. The island changed hands a record 33 times between the Curonians, Dutch, English, French, Spanish and Swedish, thus the erection of a plethora of forts to protect each time the island was seized. The most popular is Fort King George which itself changed names several times as the island was continuously changing hands.
Pigeon Point, Englishman’s Bay and Mt Irvine
There are several sites for bird watching in Tobago. These include Little Tobago Island,
Getting There
“Both Trinidad and Tobago have an international airport. And even better, travelling between the two airports is a common occurrence, making your island hopping adventure that much easier. You can easily get a flight to Trinidad or a flight to Tobago and have the luxury of knowing you can easily jump in between.
If you’d rather relax on a cruise to Trinidad and Tobago, you’re in luck because both islands’ capitals are ports as well. You’ll be able to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere at Scarborough as you soak up some sun, explore the historic sites, and try all of the new flavors.”
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