Tobago newbie and in a need of lots of answers!

Lauri Hytti · Post by **Lauri Hytti** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 2:04 pm

Hi everybody!
Me and my girlfriend are getting more and more intrested in flying over to Tobago and having a dream holiday. The problem is we are students and naturally our money tree is almost dry. But we are ready to sacrifice meals for the trip and hopefully ill get positive answeres for my guestions so it can be done.

We have found flights to Tobago for £300/per person (is it cheap?), but the flights are in the mid-november and according to the weather stuff it seems to be the middle of the rain season? How much rain does that mean and can the sun be still enjoyed?

We are hoping to get a some type of bed in Castara since it seems to b rather seclude from most turists (is this true?). The cheapest place we have found is £20 per night, but we are hoping something a bit less would it possible around that area?

Furthermore is the gas-station actually been finished already or is still under construction. Since we are hoping to rent a car on a day or two to travel a bit further away can it be done around there? And if not, will a bicycle b of any use? And on top of it will busses arrive there from the airport and roughly how long would the trip be?

Theres still couple of otherthings I would like to ask (sorry): How much would you be able to do with around £200 as spending money (snorkling, restaurants, bars and general traveling and living in trinedad) well how much does it generally cost to live. Furthermore I was curious if everything would be paid in TT$ or how far would £ get you? And would it be recomendable to exchange money already in UK or in Trinedad?

Sorry for the never ending questioner, but any answeres would be greatly appreseated. I really do want to visit Tobago if any how possible!!!

Thanks a lot
Lauri

David Watkins · Post by **David Watkins** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 2:39 pm

Lauri.I am sure you can get lower cost accommodation in Castara,Mums house is one I can think of,Veras is another.Have a look in accommodation above.The gas station,was still a dream when I left in March,however,there are three or four car hires in Castara.
November is towards the end of the "rainy"seaon..but when it rains in Tobago it doesn't matter.Da sun always cum!!!!
I find I can manage on less than £50 a week.But i cook most evenings myself.Having said that,a meal for two in Castara is unlikely to cost more than TTD150/200(£15).Car hire might be tour most expensive outlay,so try and do a deal with another couple.
David

Johanna Y. · Post by **Johanna Y.** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 3:34 pm

Moi Lauri!

Welcome aboard! Me and my husband spent a two week vacation last January in Castara and had a fabulous time. Unfortunately I can't give you any advice on low-budget traveling because that wasn't our main interest. (I'd rather work my b**** off before taking a vacation

) I wouldn't recommend bicykles unless if you are in a really good shape, lots of uphills and downhills around Castara. Anyway, I just wanted to welcome you to the forum.

Johanna

Joanne Green · Post by **Joanne Green** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 5:38 pm

Hi Lauri-
Don't even think of renting bicycles. The roads are narrow & twisty & you're a sitting duck on a bike!! Castara is very affordable, but I consider having a car a MUST!! Public transportation wastes too much time. You've picked one of the last true Caribbean islands (Dominica is the other one).

Enjoy!!

Steve Pitts · Post by **Steve Pitts** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 6:46 am

Lauri Hytti wrote:Hi everybody!

We have found flights to Tobago for £300/per person (is it cheap?), but the flights are in the mid-november and according to the weather stuff it seems to be the middle of the rain season? How much rain does that mean and can the sun be still enjoyed?

Furthermore I was curious if everything would be paid in TT$ or how far would £ get you?

Hi Lauri

Flights for £300 are not exactly cheap for that time of year, but neither is that expensive either. I would consider around £250 a bargain.
November is a good time to visit because it is still out of season and accomodation could be cheaper.
It may rain during your visit, but as David says, the sun will mostly shine and it will be very hot most of the time anyway.

It's not worth taking £s. Take TT$ with you or use a credit card to draw cash from the ATMs around the airport upon arrival (none in Castara) details are in the Money Matters section of the Odds & Sods drop-down at the top of the page.

Cheers
Steve

Tony G · Post by **Tony G** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 7:18 am

I am sure you can get lower cost accommodation in Castara, Mums house is one I can think of,Veras is another.

Hi David,

Do you mean Mama's House? And when you say Vera's, is that the same Vera that runs the restaurant? I was a bit confused, (not unusual for me) because I couldn't find either in the accomodations listings. What other places do you know of that are not listed here?

Tony

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tonyandjanette

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 8:10 am

Hi Tony

Like you, I assumed that David meant Mama's House (second building on the left as you come into Castara from the west, just before Sundeck Apartments/Sandcastles).

As you will know, there is a substantial amount of 'home-stay' budget accommodation available in most villages in Tobago. Vera's is one of these. It is generally impossible to get enough information to make a listing and standards can sometimes be so low that it could be very misleading to list them anyway. If you were honest you would put people off; if you weren't, you would possibly end up ruining somebody's holiday. Backpackers accept the nature of this type of accommodation and take the risks. Yes, Vera is the same lady that owns/runs the Almond Tree Restaurant on main beach.

Jo B · Post by **Jo B** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 10:14 am

How many of you are going? It may be cheaper to rent a house in Castara rather than individual rooms. For example, somewhere like Young's House can sleep 4 (one double and one twin room) for £220 per week at that time of year. Even if there are only two of you, that is less than £16/night. Also on the same website is Toad Hall and two other villas, again similar prices. See the listings here or http://www.tobagovillas.org.uk/index.htm or ask for Iris at Yes Tourism.

You will love Castara! I wish I was going back again soon, perhaps next year.

Jo x

Christine Nelson · Post by **Christine Nelson** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 8:47 pm

Hi
If you go on BA.COM and book before 25 Sept they are doing deals to Tobago for 196.00 mid week and 204.00 weekends each way put in that you are flexiable with dates and they will show all prices and dates available.

Chris

Tony G · Post by **Tony G** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 7:19 am

Thanks for clarifying that Steve. Actually I didn't realise that there was a substantial amount of 'home stay' accomodation and I was only enquiring out of interest for all things Castaran. Thirty-odd years ago I would have been looking for this type of accomodation myself, we weren't called backpackers then, just bums I think. These (middle-aged) days I like a bit more comfort and the knowledge that everything is sorted before I leave home.

Tony

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tonyandjanette

Lauri Hytti · Post by **Lauri Hytti** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 8:48 am

Thank you everybody for the answers. It has help a lot. I have found a place now that cost £10 a night, which i can afford yay

. But still on the search for a better deal for the flight.

Oh I did have a few more questions:
1. What I have understodd Castara is a quiet fisher town, with not much activities, except enjoying the brilliant beaches and sun in quiet and peace. But there are a few local bars/pubs were to purchase a couple nice cold carabean beers correct? and on the side a few place to get some traditional food? And I guess the fishermen dont mind too much if you join as a helping hand? Maybe get a few fishies for ya self at the same time

2.Is there any recomendable hiking roots or places around such as the englishmans beach area. Any waterfalls, cliffs to look of and such. Oh is there a place to get a good accurate map of the area?

3. I guess there is enough to enjoy around Castara it self, but is there any other `special´places that you could recommend for example some mysteriou place in the rainforrest.
4. I just read all the warnings of muggings and robbers and such. Is it really worse then in most places in London? Or you can walk with ease as long as u use ur common sence and don't have a shirt made out money on?

Thanks again.

Tony G · Post by **Tony G** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 9:01 am

Hi Lauri

Safety issues seem to come up time and time again and I have to say that I felt a whole lot safer in Castara than I do on the Isle of Wight. It is a small community and everyone knows everyone else. It's cool.

Don't worry 'bout a 'ting.

Tony

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tonyandjanette

Lauri Hytti · Post by **Lauri Hytti** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 10:06 am

Cheers Tony!
Great to hear. Dindnt really expect that there would be much to worry but better safe than sorry right

Oh yeah do you need to get any medical shots before heading out there?

Tony G · Post by **Tony G** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 10:27 am

Lauri

I don't bother but I believe that our resident medical guru Dr Stephan recommends Hep A.

Type vaccinations into the forum search and you will find a lot of info there.

When are you going? Did you read my earlier post about special offer Virgin fares in Jan 08?

Tony

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tonyandjanette

Lauri Hytti · Post by **Lauri Hytti** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 10:44 am

Tony.
I couldnt find the Virgin Jan Deal's, what link take me there? Well original plan is in November, but if there are better offers around we are willing to leave the trip for later, we do not have any real set dates yet when we could and couldnt go, but we are open for suggestions.

Tony G · Post by **Tony G** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 11:11 am

Go to http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/

You will have to fill out the booking form and put in dates for Jauary. Virgin only fly on Thursdays and they have a special offer of £385 return as opposed to their normal price of around £560, I believe. You can probably get cheaper flights on XL but they fly via Grenada which adds an extra hour or so to your flying time. I hate being stuck in a metal tube for hour after hour so I prefer to pay a little extra just to get there as quickly as possible.

Tony

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tonyandjanette

Lauri Hytti · Post by **Lauri Hytti** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 11:42 am

I know what you mean Tony by being stuck in the metal tube. One of the negative things about traveling. Thanks for the tip, hopefully the second time I visit Tobago I can afford it, but for now Im gona have to fly with the cheapest, but its all worth in the end I know

Brian Taylor · Post by **Brian Taylor** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 11:55 am

what about christines BA-advice further up in this thread... they should have good rates...
have a great time
steph

Lauri Hytti · Post by **Lauri Hytti** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 1:27 pm

It turns out that on BA when you go through with the whole deal. A bunch of tax and fuel and all kind of little stuff comes on top it. Making the flights cost around 370 pounds in total, which is a pitty. But something will popup I know it. And my girlfriends is busting her ***** for the next month to make her shair of the trip so can't set off just quite yet.

Lauri

Lauri Hytti · Post by **Lauri Hytti** » Fri Sep 14, 2007 2:11 pm

More questions comming up. I like making short documentaries and short films about my trips, and i quess my question was that do the people in tobago get really frustrated when tursit come around wiht their cameras or would people generally be fine with it if politly asked?
thanks

Lauri

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Tobago newbie and in a need of lots of answers!

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