Holiday Planning
When sun, beach and crystal clear water are at the top of the wish list, a trip to the Caribbean is close at hand. The island of Tobago, in contrast to the islands of Barbados, Dominican Republic and Jamaica, which are heavily developed by tourists, is rather untouched. Therefore, we would like to give you some basic tips to make your individual stay a successful one.
On this page we inform you about the different regions of the island and give you tips for choosing the right accommodation and type of catering.
On our special pages you can find out everything about climate and travel times, safety and health, documents and authorities. In addition, we help you to load your luggage.
Choosing the right region
When booking a holiday, one is inevitably faced with the question of where to go. In addition to the fundamental question of whether to go into warm or cold climes, there is also the question of the perfect country. Even if Tobago is not very big with 300 m2, there are many possibilities.
Those who prefer white beaches and quite calm water are in good hands in the southern places of the Caribbean coast. A little further north it becomes more mountainous, so that the beaches are somewhat smaller and interrupted by rocky cliffs. On the Atlantic coast there are also many beautiful beaches; but the sea is typically a little rougher there. Water sports enthusiasts are therefore better off in the south, the more northern part is a good base for exploring the rainforest and birdwatching. There are dive spots almost in front of every coastal section.
Due to the rather small size of the island, all destinations can be planned easily and relaxed as a day trip. In case of a stay of more than one week, a change of accommodation in the meantime can be useful in order to get an intensive impression of the respective surroundings.
Tobago is basically not a shopping and party paradise. However, if you are looking for a more densely populated area with shopping and a slightly wider choice of restaurants and pubs, you should consider the Scarborough and Buccoo area. Castara is a very good choice for a quieter holiday in the midst of green nature, with two small dream beaches, easy access to the rainforest and small local restaurants.
decision-making aid
How diverse should the surroundings be in terms of leisure, sport or sightseeing? The greatest flexibility is enjoyed in the region around Black Rock and Castara – from there both water sports and visits to the rainforest are possible at short notice. Do you live in an accommodation with or without board? As a self-caterer, make sure you have the opportunity to buy food locally or plan your purchases accordingly.
Depending on your own requirements and budget, there is a wide range of suitable accommodation available. With more than 4 people, renting a holiday home can be a good choice, couples are usually in good hands in an apartment or holiday home. It is advisable to obtain information in advance about the equipment (both the standard and e.g. kitchen utensils, hair dryer) – this facilitates the decision making and packing of the suitcase.
Please note that air conditioning, a continuous supply of hot water and TV in the room are not standard. An air conditioner is however absolutely dispensable with typically open Caribbean construction method – also here it is necessary to ask before. In order to save energy, some accommodations do not provide hot water. Even if the water there is usually anything but really cold, more sensitive contemporaries should clarify this point.
Plan or let plan?
It is convenient and easy to book a package tour through a travel agent. Transfer and accommodation, as a rule also catering, are organised and calculated. However, a stay can also be planned according to your own wishes, so that the trip becomes an individual experience. With the support of e.g. our internet offer and network this is much easier than you might think. In addition, hosts of accommodation are usually also available for planning airport transfers and excursions. Due to the open nature of the inhabitants and the great small bays, we strongly recommend that you plan your trip independently. If you have any questions or tips, please do not hesitate to contact us!
The concrete holiday planning
The choice of accommodations offers a rich offer for every demand and every budget. In addition to typical hotels with well-kept outside facilities, apartments, holiday apartments, entire houses and Bed & Breakfast in all standards are offered.
In addition to the location, the equipment is also an important decision criterion. Some accommodations are unfortunately in less good condition, so it is best to refer to first-hand reports to avoid disappointment.
Which type of catering is right?
Beside hotels with full board also smaller accommodations partly offer a supply possibility. We are happy to prepare breakfast or organize a barbecue in the evening. It is not uncommon to refer people to neighbouring restaurants or bistros for meals or to carry them out there – they are usually run by family members or friends. In addition, there is the possibility to take the catering into your own hands. In addition to preparing your own meals, e.g. fresh fish from the local cooperative, you can also explore the local cuisine. Many small restaurants offer mostly simple but very tasty dishes of Creole cuisine. In some places, e.g. Castara, every weekday a different restaurant invites you to a barbecue or theme evening. After dinner, the evening ends with music and dancing – a great opportunity to get in touch with hosts, residents and tourists.