Bathed in tropical waters just a stone's throw away from the mainland of South America, the island of Trinidad is one of the largest and wealthiest in the Caribbean. Yet, despite boasting natural beauty on its idyllic white sandy beaches and lush mountainous jungle, Trinidad is off the mainstream tourist trail and remains a rich island of unspoilt nature and magnificent cultural diversity.
Planning Trinidad Holidays
While Trinidad's tourism sector is not as developed as other Caribbean islands, since English is the official local language you are unlikely to run into any organisational hiccups during Trinidad holidays. Trinidad holidays can begin with a direct flight from London Gatwick to Piarco International Airport, barely 20km from the capital city Port of Spain. While the festival months from October through to February are the time to see Trinidad's culture at its most colourful best, temperatures are consistently warm all year round and other times would also suit holidaymakers looking for a more quiet and relaxed getaway.
Trinidad Cultural Highlights and Expert Recommendations
If you are not drawn to the sights and sounds of Trinidad's world-famous Pre-Lanten Carnival, a magnificent alternative is to visit Chaguanas in October-November and experience Divali, the Hindu festival of lights that illustrates the lasting influence of Indian workers brought to the island when it was a British colony. As well as Indians and the native Carib people, Trinidad's history brought immigrants from Africa, Asia, Europe and around the Caribbean.
There is no better way to explore this cultural concoction than to taste it: tantalising food stalls and restaurants abound, and the vibrant hill-clinging city of San Fernando. This is a great place to wash down a delicious 'double' (a popular specialty, curried chickpeas encased in fried bread) with another vestige to Trinidad's past, from its prominence as a sugar-cane colony, world-class local rum.
