planning next trip already

Mel M · Post by **Mel M** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 9:22 pm

I have been searching the forum for this info and I am sure it is on here somewhere but as I search I just get waylaid (sp?) by other interesting threads. (great site by the way Steve - thank you!)

We are only just back from Tobago and apart from this site feeding my obsession (and making me feel more normal in this obsession as most of you all seem to feel the same as me!) it has made me start to plan our next trip already .......... and this is where I need the help........please......

Can anyone tell me when the 2008 carnival is?
And is Christmas or Easter the best time to visit?

I have school age children so we are governed by school term time.

Thank you in advance

Phil Bondie · Post by **Phil Bondie** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 3:15 am

Hi Mel,

Carnival is Feb 4 and 5, 2008. I have found that the week before and week after are mad-houses at the airports. I try not to travel even between islands during that time.

Even though you may be told that the rainy season is over or ending at Christmas time the weather can be unpredictable at that time. A few years ago it rained every day for the first 23 days of Jan.. Our cloths got moldy and we had to throw away a suitcase because it was so bad. Last year the weather was great but my wife still refuses to come in early Jan. The humidity can be really bad. We stay in Charlotteville and that end of the island will get more rain so it will depend on where you plan on staying. Christmas time at Crown Pointe may be wonderful. Phil

David Watkins · Post by **David Watkins** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 8:22 am

Mel,pleased you had such a good time and are already planning your return.I have never been on island for Easter but have spent many Christmasses and Old/New Years in Castara and quite a few Carnivals/Panoramas in Scarborough/Carnbee.Christmas in Castara is great,especially the Christmas Lunch in the Boathouse and Old Years Night with the Iron Band in Cascreole,then stagger to Coddrie's for nightcap!!!

If my memory serves me right it was January 2005 that we had 3 weeks of coninous rain!!!!Even ran out of Carib a couple of times!!!!!
David

Mel M · Post by **Mel M** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 9:30 am

Thank you both for your advice.....

David ....... running out of Carib

However did you manage? Maybe you just had to make do with rum punch

( I did mention that I had been viewing many threads and I see you have a bit of a reputation!!

)

Castara is the place for us too - I think Christmas sounds like a great time to visit - I now just have to start saving, and I suppose accommodation gets booked up quite quickly at that time of year.

I would love to go for carnival but it wouldn't tie in with school - not even half term by then.

Thank you again
Mel

David Watkins · Post by **David Watkins** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 2:31 pm

Mel,Carnival is always at Lent.Carni val=no meat,Mardi Gras etc all the same .It is the start of Passiontide,so now you will know when it is.
Tuesday is Pancake day in Uk and Wednesday is Ash Day.
See you in Castara at Christmas.
David

ps Don't believe all that is published

Mel M · Post by **Mel M** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 7:07 pm

Thanks David - I never knew that about the meaning behind Carnival and I have even been to the one in New Orleans!! They do say you learn something new every day!

I have muted the idea of Christmas in Castara to my husband and he has not said no so I think there is a good chance - I hate Christmas time in UK too many family/commercial pressures, and the kids only need reassurance that Father Christmas will definitely visit Tobago!

As for your reputation David - I hope I CAN believe all that is published - you sound like you know how to have a good time

David Watkins · Post by **David Watkins** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 7:55 am

Mel,I can promise you that Santa Clause does visil Tobago and particularly Castara...HO,HO,HO!Saw him myself...and it wasn't the rum/Carib!
David