How would U rate Trinidad+Tobago on Best Carib Island" list?

We're trying to decide if TNT is worth visiting for 10 days in early December -- We've been to 80% of the other islands and I seem to only hear abt TNT as a "must" destinatiion for Carnivale- We love walking beaches and hiking--not interested in glitz--
Thank you for your suggestions!

If you have been to "80% of the other islands" then you definitely must see it. For a person who has not seen any or much of the Caribbean, I wouldn't put T&T at the top of my list ... more like somewhere in the middle.

I will say that T&T would be near the "top" of my list, and I think most other seasoned Caribbean travelers as well, in terms of diversity and nature. They also have a very unique culture for the Caribbean with a heavy Hindu population.

Things about Trinidad and Tobago that are exceptional:

-- interesting Hindu culture (Trinidad)
-- wildlife and birdwatching (particularly Trinidad)
-- great hiking through mountains, forests, etc. (both islands)
-- good diving opportunities to see pelagics (manta rays, tarpon,etc.) (Tobago)
-- Carnivale (so I hear -- Trinidad)
-- several nice, uncrowded beaches (particularly Tobago)

Things about T&T that aren't so good:

-- crime (particularly around Port of Spain, Trini)
-- Port of Spain in general

Go ... explore ... 10 days will be a nice length of time to cover the two islands.

My opinion is similar - if you've been to most of the other Caribbean islands, you should visit this one. It's a bit different and rich with culture.
You don't need much time on Trinidad and can have a nice, quiet relaxing stay in Tobago.

Trinidad - visit Maracas beach and eat Richards bake and shark, St James Smokey and Bunty is a 24 hour bar that's kind of an institution. I always enjoy POS people watching, buying music and clothes and all of the food!
Yes, the crime is bad but just keep your wits about you. It is rarely aimed at tourists. I find the locals more friendly than most islands and in most cases, they are not going to get a tourist buck out of you and are happy just to help.

Tobago - visit the beaches and rent a car and drive around the island - lovely!

Cheers, Katie

I haven´t been to Trinidad (yet), but if you like beaches and hiking, Tobago offers a great combination of both. The rain forest is a bit different from that on the other Lesser Antilles and you´re likely to see bigger tropical birds than, for example, on St. Lucia, Grenada or Guadeloupe. The north-eastern part of the island offers a range of beautiful beaches (Englishman´s bay, Castara, Parlatuvier). If you decide to go to Tobago, don´t miss Pirate´s Bay - it´s a 15 - 20 minutes hike from Charlotteville with a great view over the bay of Charlotteville. The rain forest hike is usually offered as a walk inside and back but there´s a possibility for a longer hike that meets the road further north (you´ll have to organise a car to pick you and the guide up there and return to the beginning). It´s one of the nicest hikes I´ve found in the Caribbean.

You three generous writers have now convinced me to come to T&T! Based on what I'd read in earlier --fairly negative--postings, I was thinking of just returning to an already-visited island (we're going for my hubby's 60th birthday--60 being the "new 40"!)--
I would now appreciate any additional advice on great places to stay-- I think we'll only spend 2 nts in Trinidad-
Thank you so much!

Not sure what kind of accomodation you are looking for?

Trinidad - hotel that is recommended Par-May-La's
Guesthouses - Wello's 868-628-6232/628-1230, Johnsons on Buller Street, Alica's 623-2802/624-8651

Tobago -
very nice place with pool and shared kitchen in Bon Accord - MJ's Guesthouse 868-631-0932 www.mjvilla@rogers.com<BR>Spence - has two small hotels with pool and rooms with kitchen - near airport - 639-8082
other guesthouses - Horsford House 639-8700, Tranquility Gardens 660-8317

Hope this helps!

Don't let the bad rep change your mind! Travel smart and take regular precautions and you will be fine!

Here are my favourite things to do that I sent to someone else previously:

TO DO TOBAGO -
rent a car and drive around, it doesn't seem far but takes a while to get around on the narrow, windy roads

in the Crown Point area, there are 2 beaches
Pigeon Point - nice but I don't think the fee justifies it, in my opinion not nicer than STore Bay
Store BAy - more food and amenities - eat the food from the kiosks here and fresh juice!!

you will be hussled for a glass bottom boat trip to the Bucco Reef, it's worth a go, just be careful what you pay, ask around and negotiate if you can. I sit on the top and don't watch through the glass (as a diver) its a bit 'cheesy' but fun

Sunday School - worth a look, good people watching, music and food

Diving - I didn't have a good experience and the vis was bad, but just after Ivan

TO DO TRINIDAD
I haven't seen all of Trini and have friends there so have never rented a car. You could do without and get to some spots with public trans... choice is yours

Get to Maracas Beach - lovely, swimming can be rough, eat Bake and Shark from Richards - trust me you will want a second

Pitch Lake - interesting, you will need a car to get here

San Fernando & Chaguanas - nothing to see here

Manzanilla Beach - beach was dirtier but different looking, nice drive to other side of island
TT'er - Tishey - has accomodation over there

POS - I love the city and people watching. Some shopping is great - cheap clothes and shoes!!!
Charlotte Street - good shopping
Great food everywhere, try 'doubles' from street carts (watch the pepper)
cheap music from street carts
Be careful in POS and watch your bags, but it's safe, I am always wandering around with a camera and bag and stick out as a tall blond
St. James - home of Smokey and Bunty - 24 hour watering hole (institution)
Pass - zoo around Savannah (terrible!!)

Hmmm. well I hope that helps. If you have more questions, let me know, I am happy to help.
I love visiting TNT - it's a country like no other and the people are sweet - just be careful and take the normal precautions

If you are going to Tobago, my suggestion is to fly, the ferry takes much longer and is a hassle!

Yes, Trinidad and Tobago are well worth visiting, especially if you like nature (birds, plantlife, etc.)

As for where to stay on Tobago, this is where I stayed and I was very happy with my choice:

Castara Retreats

Since I was alone, I stayed in one of the smaller apartments. If I had it to do over again and I were with someone, I would choose the Rainforest "penthouse" aparment. It was lovely!

P.S.: I'm sorry to say that the prices at Castara Retreats have gone up considerably since I was there three years ago. Even worse, I see that you are from the U.S. (as I am), and the prices are in British Pounds. You probably know that the U.S. Dollar vs. British Pound exchange rate isn't a pretty sight at the moment.