Traveling to Trinidad and Tobago? What to know!

    After receiving independence in 1962,  the beautiful island nation of Trinidad and Tobago has been a great tourist spot for all to see the history and the culture of the people. Although English is the official language of this island, the people of Trinidad and Tobago also speak Spanish, French, Dutch, Spanish, and even Courlander. This helps anyone from the majority of the world feel comfortable to speak their own language in this country. A big historical landmark to visit is the "Magnificent Seven" located on the corner of Queen's Park Savannah. It is a historical site dating back to 1904. Beautiful colonial buildings such as the Queen's Royal College show beautiful architecture to make you feel like you are in a Disney story. Another building near is the Royal Victoria Institute. This is home to the national museum. 

    

    The most famous thing Trinidad and Tobago is known for for any party goers is "Carnival". Mirroring the Brazilian Carnival and New Orleans's Mardi Grad, this is one of the biggest weeks of the year for anyone living in or traveling to T&T. The best time to experience the foods and music that the people of this island brings. The biggest style of music you will hear is Calypso. Artists such as Lord Kitchener and Machel Montano help bring the music to life to bring smiles to face alongside other local artists. For any avid fancy drinks drinkers, Trinidad and Tobago has a rich history of family cocktails that dates back to the 60s. Now all their favorite drinks are all family secrets and top alcohol they use is Angostura Bitters. This will be found in any bar you look for. A beer that is famous to the island Carib Beer. This is usually compared to a IPA in taste in context of bitterness. Now onto the famous dish to pair along side any drinks is Pelau. This consists of rice, pigeon peas, and your choice of chicken or beef. A simple dish is packed with many spices to bring the flavors to life.

    

A last few notes to remember before coming to the island. If you want to come to
the island always remember one thing....hurricanes. Hurricane season a big and horrible in the Caribbean. If you can plan your visit between January and May, you will not have to worry about this situation. Next, if you want to really enjoy this trip it is recommended to bring somewhere between 80-160 USD a day based off local restaurant prices and event fees. According to the CDC if you do not want to get sick, they say to get a hepatitis A and B, Yellow Fever, Rabis, and a Tetanus vaccine shots. Also do not forget your passport! We promise you that once you get on this island it will be the vacation for the books. We hope you can bring your family and friends to also experience this once in a lifetime experience! Thank you and enjoy.

References:

Surtees, Joshua. “Trinidad's Forgotten Architectural Gems.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 16 Feb. 2015, www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/feb/16/trinidad-port-of-spain-architecture-tour.

“Trinidad Pelau.” Cooking With Ria, 3 Nov. 2020, cookingwithria.com/2011/07/trinidad-pelau.html.

“Trinidad.” The Virtual Caribbean Library, ggccaribbean.wpengine.com/listing/trinidad-and-tobago/.