Vacation Rentals on Trinidad and Tobago
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Travel destination Trinidad and Tobago.
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Destination
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(6)
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Overview of Trinidad and Tobago
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| Size |
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5,128 sq km (1,980 sq mi) |
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| Population |
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1.3 million |
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| Language |
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Official is English. French, Spanish, Hindi and Chinese are also spoken. |
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| Time Zone |
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4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-4 GMT). |
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| Electricity |
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115 V, 60 Hz |
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| Clothing |
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Lightweight or tropical, cottons all year round. Light raincoats are
useful during the wet season. |
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| Religion |
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Roman Catholic (30%), Hindu (24%), Anglican (11%), other Protestant denominations (29%) and Muslim (6%). |
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| Currency |
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Trinidad & Tobago Dollar (TTD)
Currency Converter
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Location of Trinidad and Tobago
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Trinidad and Tobago is a nation in the southern Caribbean Sea, situated 11 km (7 mi)
off the coast of Venezuela. It is an archipelagic state consisting of two main islands, Trinidad and
Tobago, and 21 smaller islands. The larger and more populated island is Trinidad, while Tobago is
smaller (303 sq km, about 6% of the total area) and less populous (50,000 people, 4% of
the total population).
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Climate in Trinidad and Tobago
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Because of Trinidad's southerly location, temperatures are equable year round. The average daily
high temperature in Port of Spain is 31°C (88°F) in both January and July, while the low averages
22°C (72°F) in July and is only one degree cooler in January. December to May are the driest months,
with a relative humidity of 75%. June to August, the wettest months, average 260 mm (10 in) of rain
and 23 rainy days each month. Trinidad & Tobago are outside the hurricane belt.
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Best Time to travel
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The dry season on Trinidad and Tobago is from January to May and the wet or rainy season, from June
to December. In the rainy season, mornings are usually sunny, followed by rainy afternoons and fair
nights. During this time, our general rainfall pattern is interrupted by days of brilliant sunshine,
a climatic phenomenon that fondly call Petit Caręme. Petit Caręme is similar to what temperate climes
know as Indian Summer and offers a warm, invigorating change from dull weather. This mini-break
normally happens between mid September to mid October. The dry season is mostly sunny, with occasional
light showers. This is the weather that makes Trinidad and Tobago the perfect vacation spot.
The islands share an average daytime temperature of 28 °C that is warm but not unpleasantly humid
and nights that are pleasantly cool.
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Attractions in Trinidad and Tobago
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Trinidad and Tobago - When first-time visitors come to the Caribbean, they may expect to find a
laid-back paradise of pina coladas and poolsides. Trinidad challenges the status quo, breaks the mold.
You can chart your own adventure, and discover the unexpected with a vast choice of festivals, fun
events and a host of other adrenaline-generating activities.
Port of Spain, the bustling capital city, is filled with an enchanting myriad of art galleries and
restaurants. At the National Museum you can delve into the culture of our country and its diverse
people. Once part of the South American mainland, Trinidad, with its boot-like shape measuring 80 km
(37 mi) by 60 km (50 mi), boasts an ecological and geographical diversity unmatched in the region.
The gorgeous, sandy beaches along our North Coast provide the perfect atmosphere for seclusion, rest
and recreation. Dominated by densely forested peaks, the northern interior offers excellent hiking
trails framed by canopies of lush, indigenous rain forest, while the low, predominantly agricultural
plains of Central Trinidad strike a fascinating contrast. The East Coast is home to protected wetlands
and miles of beach frontage lined by groves of coconut palms, known to locals as the Cocal.
The island's 'Industrial Capital' is a hilly, friendly base from which to explore the island's
modern oil towns, picturesque fishing villages and calm, deserted beaches.
Tobago - The more serene of the siblings, Tobago is home to the oldest protected rainforest in the
Western Hemisphere. It really is the last of the unspoilt Caribbean. Once you behold her beauty,
you will understand why Tobago was Robinson Crusoe's isle - and why our European settlers fought
over her ownership more than any other Caribbean island. This strip of elongated land, just 41 by
14 km, abounds with natural allure - palm-lined beaches, lush rain forests and pristine
coral reefs teeming with rich marine life. Contrasts of rolling hills against wave-beaten shores
create a stunning backdrop for the island's unequalled beauty. The South (Windward) Coast is washed
by the dark green, wave-whipped Atlantic and is lined with vibrant fishing villages, while the North
(Leeward) Coast provides Tobago with some of its finest beaches. In the main, the eastern landscape
of the interior rises steeply into tall peaks and rolling hillocks, providing shelter for the oldest
protected forest reserve in the Western Hemisphere. A perfect complement to bustling Trinidad, Tobago
is a true jewel of the Caribbean Sea, whose sparkle will live in your memory long after you have left
her shores.
Phagwa or Holi - this spring festival corresponding to the springtime months of March and April.
It is primarily a Hindu festival, but as with all observances in our multi-ethnic, multi-religious
country, the wider community always gets involved - even if it is to just watch and admire.
Divali is the largest Hindu festival on the islands, taking place in the month of Karthik -
October-November on the Hindu calendar. This national holiday is celebrated on what is said to be
the darkest night of the year. During the annual Heritage Festival the island erupts into
a riot of colour and music as the islanders remember their past. Trinidad's Carnival
billed as the "Greatest Show on Earth", the carnival festivities of the southernmost Caribbean
island begin in September with a series of band-launching fętes. These introduce each band's theme
and costumes for the upcoming Carnival. During the carnival, over 40,000 scantily clad, sequinned
and feathered masqueraders take to the streets, jumping and wining (a local dance which involves
much gyrating of the pelvic area) to music provided by live mobile brass bands and DJ trucks.
The bands follow a planned route to the Queen's Park Savannah, a large green area with a massive
stage where the bands compete to become Band of the Year.
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Society in Trinidad and Tobago
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Most Trinbagonians are of African or Indian descent, comprising 40% of the population each,
while the rest of the ethnic mix trace their history back to European, Chinese or Middle Eastern
ancestry. Hospitality is important and entertaining is commonly done at home. Casual wear is usual,
with shirt sleeves generally accepted for business and social gatherings, but beachwear is not
worn in towns.
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Food in Trinidad and Tobago
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The food fare of Trinidad and Tobago is as multifaceted as the folks who live here - how could
it not be with the wide variety of influences and extensive range of tastes? All good Trinis
are 'foodies' - they love to socialize, they love to eat and they pride ourselves on their
'sweet hand' - meaning the tastiness with which they can prepare a meal so that those who
partake of it keep coming back - and begging - for more.
Trinidad and Tobago's unique gastronomy is, of course, directly related to its multi-ethnic society.
Starting with the original Amerindian inhabitants of the islands and continuing to the present day,
successive waves of immigrants lent their own unique touches to the rich landscape of Trinidadian
cuisine. The Spanish influence can be seen (and tasted!) in many Creole dishes, including pelau,
a rice, peas and meat dish that bears some similarity to Paella - but better! The African slaves
left their own indelible mark with the addition of root vegetables such as yams and dasheen
to the staple diet. The East Indians brought their spices and the Chinese brought Chinese Food,
which can be found in practically every corner of the island. Trinbagonians continue to embrace
all good things edible. While traditional fare is ever-present (you know - eggs, bacon and toast)
the more adventurous may want to start the morning with a bake and buljol at a charming
little joint called 'The Breakfast Shed', conveniently located on the waterfront in Port of Spain.
You can also try a good Doubles from the man with the mysterious and wonderful-smelling box
on the corner - but remember, ordering a Doubles does not mean you're getting two! Lunch might
be a roti at any of the many shops - everybody has their favourite. You can try a Creole
lunch - rice, stewed peas, macaroni pie, stewed meat - adding new meaning to the term 'finger
licking good'! When dinnertime rolls around, the world is at your feet, for we have perhaps
the largest array of restaurants in the entire Caribbean and all of them are good! The most
difficult task will be deciding which one to patronize. You can choose from Chinese, Lebanese,
French, Italian, Indian, Thai, the list is endless and limited only by the confines of your palate.
Eateries abound and the choices range from fine dining establishments to small family restaurants
or that other wonderful Trinbagonian tradition - roadside vendors. Whatever you choose, know that
you have eaten well and that tomorrow is another day and another mouth-watering choice!
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Visa for Trinidad and Tobago
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Citizens of the USA, Canada, UK and most European countries do not require visas. Visas are
required by citizens of some countries, including Australia, New Zealand, India and Sri Lanka.
In most countries, visas are obtained through the British Embassy.
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