Hi there,
I am sure that you are going to get plenty of relpies to the questions you have asked. Christmas is a great time to be in Tobago, it certainly beats all the hussle and bustle back here.
I have booked flights for me and the folks leaving xmas eve, we got these with BA and for 620.00. I went through Newmont Travel based in London a fantastic firm and I always used them to book my flights out to Tobago. Their web add
http://www.newmont.co.uk
In relation to ur Travel Agents advice re the cost of food and drink... Well... It really does depend on what and where you are eating, but generally it is extremely cheap. Bottle of beer is usually 10tt (bar price) to 15tt(hotel price)which is about 1.20. Spirits with mixers again cheap, no more than 2.00. You can in most of the local bars and restaurants get a fantastic local lunch for around a fiver. Then you can also go to some of the rated restaurants and pay a lot more for a lovely evening meal. But the nice thing about NOT going AI, is that you dont get into the way of thinking that you have paid for the meals in the cost of the holiday so you are more likely to go and try other places. Trust me, I have seen it happen. I have friends who have been to the same hotel 4 times and only on their last visit did they venture down to one of the most popular beaches!!!! Whats that all about. In their words. WELL, we were AI, so got into the AI rutt.
There are loads of places to stay that are close to the main bars and restaurants. The main area for me would be Crown Point, Bon Accord. Here, you have a good choice of beaches in close proximity with bars and local shopping. And then if you want to venture further afield there are plenty of car hire companies. Sheppy rules in my opinion.
I am lucky in that Tobago is now really called home for me. Albeit I am still stuck in the UK for the time being.
I have stayed at the Toucan Inn, where you can go Room Only or AI. My parents went for the first time this year and we had New Year there. Absolutely the best they have had. Great staff and guests (a lot of re-visitors, so you have to get booked up early)
The Bananaquit is a good place too. These are appts. Situated on the The Store Bay Local Road. Elaine
the owner is great. She is exremely helpful, The rooms are basic with kitchen, bedroom area and balcony. Excellent for a budget spend on Acc.
Douglas Appts are lovely too. These have recently been re-furbished and a newer part of the building was finished late 2007. They now have a lovely swimming pool overlooked by the balconies.
There a loads of things to do.
Diving - Some great diving on the island for beginnners and the advanced. There are plenty of companies that offer some good deals too. I know that R & Sea Divers get a good discount at the Toucan Inn for accomodation when you dive with them. They are a fantastic company and I will dive with them always. Check on their website if ur interested and e ail Wendy, she gets back to you pronto. Other diver operators offer similar deals too.
Sunday school ( Dont think too much into the wording of that) Every Sunday in Buccoo , a local lime with local food and drink Starts early in the evening and finishing in the early hours of the morning. Captains Sand Bar, owned and run by Kelos certainly gets you started. His drinks are larger than life!
Shade. The local Nightclub. Recently re-built and I have to say they have done a grand job. An outdoor nightclub which attracts locals and tourists from all over. They have some great nights over the xmas period.
Cocomotion - What a blast. Owned and run by Marlon and Rachel with Seb learning the wheel ( well not quite yet, but i bet he will be doing it before he starts to walk!!!) This is a speedboat with style, fun and pure speed. They run coastal tours incorporating snorkelling, if your lucky you get to do some swimming with the dolphins... they also do a lovely sunset tour of the island and Rachels carrot cake is to die for.
A Team tours - WOW. I recommended Keith and his beach BQQ to some friends who were going out to Tobago. At first they said NOOOO, its not really their thing they just wanted to go and chill. Guess what. They came back and couldn't rate him high enough. They met him while lounging around their pool. A true gentle giant with an infectous laugh. They said as soon as he started talking they knew they had to try it. They went on the trip and have vowed to go again when they re-visit later this year. Keith is the man who will ensure that you go home with a smile on ur face. He does Beach BQQS and island Tours.
Well. There are just a few things. I am sure that there will be others who will give you a few more ideas on where to stay and what to do. My family like me,, have become addicted to the place. We arrived home and the first thing they told me to do was to get on the net and book the flights.
