Although definitely a part of the Caribbean, these two islands are unique, refusing to conform with the stock Caribbean image created by glossy brochures and travel agencies. They are both generous and Caribbean-spirited, but quite capable of going their own way. This Adventure Guide takes you across the nation from mountains and hills to grasslands, savannahs and palm-lined beaches, offering the intrepid traveler a ticket to explore. Birdwatchers are drawn by the chance to see the beautiful scarlet ibis. Night-time excursions allow visitors to watch the miraculous egg-laying practices of the leatherback turtle. And caiman smaller versions of the South's alligators are a common sight. And then there's Carnival, which offers wild dances, fantastical costumes and frenzied revellers. Whatever your reason to visit T&T, you have the right guide in hand. Accommodations, restaurants, travel tips, sights, museums, excursions it's all here. A special section is dedicated to the nation's booming yachting industry, with details on marinas, facilities and services. I wish I'd had this book the first time I visited Trinidad and Tobago. The book fully describes the culture of these island people and this knowledge would make a trip to these wonderful islands even more enjoyable. I also believe it's a good choice for readers who can't make the trip but still want to taste the culture. -- Amazon customerI've been to TNT once for two weeks and am returning again in a few months. I bought the book to refresh my memory and, more importantly, get me excited about my return trip. It's a great read, and as the back cover suggests, it really is written for the traveler who wants to experience more than just sunbathing. However, once you've been to Trindad and Tobago, you discover that they are not your generic Caribbean islands. Visiting Trindad and Tobago is more of a cultural vacation than an island getaway. Once you step foot off the plane at Piarco airport, you'll never want to leave, or you'll want to go back once every year. The two islands are full of charisma, and O'Donnell and Pefkaros do a good job of capturing this spirit in the book. You really cannot be intimidated by the cultures of TNT. From the street vendor corn soup, to crab and dumplings, down de islands, Maracas, Pigeon Point, Speyside, fried flying fish, Caribs, lorries, maxis, wining, Trinidad's great bar/club scene, the Northern Range, etc. - this book virtually covers all Trinidad and Tobago vacation opportunities and experiences. -- Amazon customerAn excellent take-long tote, as is the more adventurous Trinidad & Tobago, 2nd Edition by Kathleen O'Donnell and Stassi Pefkaros, which updates information on adventure travel with special focus on the wildlife and culture of the islands. -- Midwest Book Review

Tobago offers an exquisite environment, but it has other major advantages. Until recently, Tobago's tourism industry was undeveloped. There were only a few resort-style hotels on the island, and none were more than three stories high. Numerous small hotels and guest houses dotted the towns, and there was a very low-key feel to the island. Tobago has now found itself on the tourist map, and hotels and holiday villa construction projects are in the works around the island. Tobago is still a very friendly and safe island. There are beautiful beaches, of course, but Tobago offers much more. It is a bird watcher's paradise. It also has the oldest national park in this hemisphere and some of the best scuba diving in the Caribbean for experienced divers. Tobago offers visitors a true Caribbean getaway. It is very relaxed, with sunning and swimming its major attractions. Golf, tennis, and numerous water sports are available, including snorkeling, windsurfing, diving, sailing, and deep-sea fishing. The natural environment is perfect for hiking along nature trails in the rain forest, and people in Tobago are open and friendly. Like us and so many others, you'll find yourself wishing a part of Tobago could be yours forever. There is an unwritten law in Tobago that buildings may not be taller than a palm tree. That unofficial rule is now becoming a part of development policy, and hotels may not be more than three stories high anywhere on the island. Attention is also being given to the delicate ecosystem and fragile nature of the land. While the number of hotel rooms will soon more than double, sites are being carefully selected to avoid damaging the very thing that makes the island special: its beautiful environment and clean waters. When visiting Trinidad and Tobago, remember that Tobago, especially, is still an island of villages and small-town friendliness. We got a lift from a farmer one day and as we rode along he talked about the strong village ties in Tobago. Village elders still try to keep everyone on the straight and narrow so there are fewer social problems in Tobago than in nearby, more urban Trinidad. Tobagoins are accepting of visitors and seem to have unending patience with the interruptions in their daily lives caused by tourists. While open-minded, the islanders are not sophisticated. Trinidad and Tobago both provide extraordinary opportunities to explore nature in all its forms. There are over 400 species of birds, over 600 varieties of butterflies, monkeys, armadillos, caiman, lizards, over a hundred species of snakes, and a huge variety of fish and other marine life. All of these find homes in an astonishing variety of natural environments - saltwater and freshwater mangrove swamps, mountain and coastal rain forests, savannahs, coral reefs, deepwater caves, freshwater rivers, and city parks. There are over 2,300 varieties of flowering plants and it seems there are almost as many micro-climates to support them. Tobago is a bird watcher's heaven. You will hear bird songs all over the island, and will see a variety of birds, large and small. On any window ledge you can create a bird feeder with a little sugar or a banana. We made a birdbath for the tinier birds with a bowl of water, and it was endless joy to see hummingbirds, canaries, and parakeets dine and bathe. This is the most in-depth guide to the island, with extensive information about what to see and do, where to stay and eat, the history and culture. And with color photos throughout.

Trinidad and Tobago is a country of twin islands, but they are fraternal rather than identical. The familial relationship is there, but each has grown in different and special ways. The British joined Trinidad and Tobago as one country in the latter 19th century, though each island has a very distinct history and culture. They also differ geographically: Tobago feels Caribbean in nature, while Trinidad feels more South American. Trinidad has lush jungle in the north, a heavily developed central corridor, and swamps and savannah in the south. Though a small island, Trinidad is appealing to visi.

Although definitely a part of the Caribbean, these two islands are unique, refusing to conform with the stock Caribbean image created by glossy brochures and travel agencies. They are both generous and Caribbean-spirited, but quite capable of going their own way. This Adventure Guide takes you across the nation from mountains and hills to grasslands, savannahs and palm-lined beaches, offering the intrepid traveler a ticket to explore. Birdwatchers are drawn by the chance to see the beautiful scarlet ibis. Night-time excursions allow visitors to watch the miraculous egg-laying practices of the leatherback turtle. And caiman smaller versions of the South's alligators are a common sight. And then there's Carnival, which offers wild dances, fantastical costumes and frenzied revellers. Whatever your reason to visit T & T, you have the right guide in hand. Accommodations, restaurants, travel tips, sights, museums, excursions it's all here. A special section is dedicated to the nation's booming yachting industry, with details on marinas, facilities and services.

The Rough Guide to Trinidad & Tobago is the definitive guide to these lively twin islands. Beautiful white-sand beaches, swaying palms and reef-studded waters are all on offer, but there's more to Trinidad and Tobago than sun and beach life: Tobago is home to one of the densest populations of bird species in the world, and the oldest protected rainforest in the western hemisphere. Up-to-date listings and tips give you the lowdown on the islands' brilliant dining and nightlife scenes. And from boutique hotels on the sand to budget dorms, local guesthouses to lavish villas, our accommodation reviews will help you find a room that suits your needs. The Rough Guide to Trinidad & Tobago also gives you insider information on everything from watching leatherback turtles lay eggs on the beaches, to navigating the multitude of carnival fetes and Calypso tents. So whether you feel like striking out on rainforest hikes, cooling off in hidden waterfalls, or exploring Hindu temples and Indo-Trinidadian food, The Rough Guide to Trinidad & Tobago will ensure you get the very best out of your stay. Make the most of your time on Earth with The Rough Guide to Trinidad & Tobago.