First time traveller with tons to ask!

[Marc Jones]

First up, a big pat on the back to steve.

A friend recommended Tobago and so (in usual custom) I dived online (I am also a web designer and have been on line since 1996) t osee what I could find. Needless to say I found mytobago. Stunningly helpful and something Steve should be massively proud of!

Enough backslapping, now to be a pest!

At the risk of boring all and sundry... I have not travelled abroad for 8 years but now wish to take my partner and 8 year old son somewhere unforgettable. Looked at St Lucia, Antigua and finally Tobago. I'll say here and now that this website alone made my mind up!

So, what is the best way to travel? Book my own flight and accommodation?

I like the look of either Hummingbird Hotel, Kariwak Village or (my friend's recommendation) Arnos Vale. One thing that I need to consider is the fact that we are all veggies!

I'd like to see the real Tobago as well as spending a long dreamed off and much needed amount of time just lazing about on the beach.

I guess it's a bit much to expect someone else to make my mind up for me but I'd hate to have waited all this time to get it wrong!

I have a budget but appreciate Tobago isn't as cheap as a weekend at Butlins

Lastly (for now!) is going for a week going to be something I'll regret? Should I do all I can to away for two weeks?

Many thanks to everyone here for such a helpful resource.

[Marc Jones]

Will be travelling in May (last two weeks). Hoping the weather will be kind to us then?!

[Steve Wooler]

Marc

After such praise, how could I fail but to respond to your post.

Well, if you’re looking for a chill-out destination, then you’ve certainly make the right decision. As regards the best way to arrange it all – well, that’s very much a matter of personal preference. There are some very good packages available, offering wonderful value for money. Personally, though, I don’t think you can beat booking everything direct – you have so much more choice apart from anything else.

As far as flights from the UK go, Golden Caribbean undoubtedly offer the best value packages with their Excel Charter flights. I don’t think they’ve published their Summer 2004 schedules/prices yet, but two weeks at the end of April (the end of their “Winter” schedule) would cost £356 p/p for the Thursday flight in Economy, or £586 p/p Premium Economy (recommended). Saturday flights are about 20 quid more. See our Air Travel page for more info.

The weather in May should be fine. See our Weather section for more details and temperature/rain/sunshine charts, etc.

My, you certainly have an eclectic taste in accommodation. I can only comment as follows:

Hummingbird Hotel: I don’t believe we’ve had any visitor reports. Very good value for money. My few email exchanges with the owners lead me to believe that it is probably a very friendly place where you will get a great welcome. However, it is a long walk from the beach (and restaurants, etc) and you would need a car – although I would recommend this wherever you stay on Tobago, to be honest.

Kariwak Village: Doesn’t get the mention it possibly deserves. The food is excellent and this would undoubtedly be a top choice for vegetarian food (see our Restaurants section for details of a new and supposedly very good veggie restaurant). The property is immediately next-door to the airport, but there are so few flights that nobody every seems to complain about aircraft noise at any of the properties close to the airport.

Arnos Vale Hotel: Stunning location, wonderful beach with top snorkelling, but not for those with walking difficulties (very hilly) and catering will disappoint. In need of major restoration and some work has been done over the past year, but very low key work so will not intrude.

Three very different places, so all down to personal preference. Wherever you go, budget for a car to get the best out of Tobago.

[Steve Pitts]

Hi Marc

To answer your last question first, go all out for a fortnight.
Our first trip was for just one week and we left feeling that we should have stayed longer. A good excuse to go back again though.
There is a surprising amount to see and do and if you want to spend some time, crashed out on a beach, then go for the two weeks. No rush, no hurry, just relax.

You've hit the nail on the head with your praise for this site. Although Steve will doubtless reply in his usual modest fashion, this site contains more info than you will ever need to make your stay complete.

Regarding flights, accomodation, getting around etc. you have a number of choices.
Many people just walk into their travel agent and book a package to one of the hotels. If you are a novice traveller, then this might be the best course of action. Refer to this site and check out the hotels. They are all listed with reviews and comments on this forum, with comments ranging from the superlative to the average. Very few complaints generally though and the standards appear to be generally very high.

If doing your own thing is more your style, then arranging a holiday to Tobago coudn't be easier. You can do it all on-line or over the 'phone.
I booked a forthcoming holiday in a few minutes the other day, Secured the accomodation and then booked the flights. Check out the FAQs the low-dawn on flights with Virgin, BA and Excel. You pays your money and takes your choice but I would recommend Excel via Golden Caribean. Standard fares of around £350 return compared to £500 plus with the others. Also check out http://www.holidayintobago.com as there is some useful info on flights there.

You can book your accomodation direct, via the links in the accomodation section of this site or you could contact Patrick or Glyn (YES Tourism and Holiday in Tobago - links somewhere on this site I'm sure) who will book accomodation, transport and excursions, give advice and help and assist you in any way that they can. They live and work on the island, so know all the up-to-date info (except what the weather will do) and many myTobago fans have found their services invaluable. They will find you hotels, villas, guest houses, B&B, appartments or private houses to suit your budget.

If you're looking forward to seeing the real Tobago, don't go all inclusive, because you'll be tempted to stay in the hotel to get your monies worth.
If you don't mind self catering then an appartment should a good bet and will allow you to come and go as you please.
If you fancy a break from the cooking etc. then a half or full-board hotel package would suit you sir. This will still give you the freedom to explore (one of the joys of a holiday on Tobago) either with a hire car or guided excursion.

If you have any other questions, just ask away. I'm sure that someone will know the answer, or it will be found in the various topic pages of myTobago.

Welcome to the Tobago fan club.

Cheers
Steve Pitts

[Marc Jones]

Stunning.

Within minutes I get answered. How I love the internet when it throws up such good people.

I'm tempted all-in an lazy but I know I'd come home never having seen Tobago for real.

I've emailed a couple of the places I like the look of and will see what response I get. I'm certainly not scared of booking direct, the only consideration is some of the mad deals about (as in "save £600" with Virgin for eg). Being veggie means "all inclusive" is a bad deal anyhow (all you can eat jerk chicken won't be much of a bargain!).

I love the idea of a helpful host/hostess that would tip us off where to visit and how to visit.

Great tip re the airline as so far the flights come to a fair whack. Excel will be worth a peep.

The only thing worrying me is my partner talking about getting married whilst we are there, but then we have been engaged for 19 years

[Steve Wooler]

Believe you me, Tobago is so romantic a spot that once there you'll fall for it hook, line and sinker (sorry, I should have left that comment for Steve Pitts, as he is our "resident" fishing expert).

Steve is right - go for two weeks.

[Steve Wooler]

Marc

I stand corrected - there are a couple of very good reports on the Hummingbird Hotel in the forum. Just use the Search facility (top of page) and search for "Hummingbird Hotel" - you'll soon spot them.

[Marc Jones]

Sadly the Hummingbird is full all May, so I either go later in June (would rather not, I'm thinking the rain may be more frequent then?) although I was most impressed with the helpfulness of the reply I got back.

Maybe Kariwak or Arnos Vale. The deciding factors in mind are thus:

Kariwak the food will no doubt be great, not so in Arnos so I need to ask the family how much they want to go out and about for food (I suspect not!).

Location - on the beach versus next to the airport. Hmm. Would love a beach on the doorstep - literally (ie walk onto it from the hotel) and am not too sold on being by an airport (am I tright in thinking there are a few fligfhts a week or are there more/less?) although after a long flight it may have it's appeal!

Lastly cost, will look into this one, breakfats a must and I can't help thinking I'd probably end up visiting Kariwak for dinner anyhow!

Any idea how they near are too each other and what's surrounding them? (ie Kariwak and Arnos). Please forgive any laziness on my part, I am reading the rest of the forum and website but someone knowing the answer somehow gives a little more reassurance. Many thanks as ever for the generous spirit shown here!

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Marc

What a dilemma - food or beach! Sadly, there’s no immediate solution, unless you widen your choice and look at other properties.

The Kariwak is probably the most appropriate choice for vegetarians. Being a total meat-eater who likes his steaks dripping and hates anything green on the plate (a substantial exaggeration, I admit) I am not qualified to comment on the subject. Hopefully someone else can chip in as regards hotels or guesthouses good for vegetarians.

The Kariwak’s location is decidedly uninspiring. I don’t know how many flights a day there are, but it can only be about one big international flight per day – all the rest are small aircraft. As I said, I’ve honestly never heard anybody complain about noise at ANY of the hotels adjacent to the airport (and this includes the Coco Reef, where I’ve stayed many times. I confess that I actually enjoyed the sight of the evening international flights coming in low over the sea, but never heard more than a five-second subdued burst of sound as the jets bang on reverse thrust). There are NO night flights. At the Kariwak you will be within walking distance of Crown Point’s favourite Store Bay beach (great, if you don’t mind sharing a beach with others) and within a good half-dozen other restaurants, including the new vegan restaurant, Vege Delight.

If you won’t be hiring a vehicle, then you need to be based in Crown Point, so the Kariwak would seem a great choice.

The Arnos Vale is a shade over half an hour’s drive up the Caribbean coast. It is a stunning location. This is the REAL Tobago. However, the food at the hotel apparently leaves much to be desired. I’ve seen the buffet luncheons and they look most unappetising. I’ve had tea there to watch the birds (at least they said it was tea). However, your dining choice is limited – in fact almost non-existent unless you have transport. The Arnos Vale Waterwheel is a few minutes walk up the road, but there are no other alternatives without a ten-minute plus drive.

Personally, I would cut a Bed & Breakfast deal at the Arnos Vale, hire a car and accept that you need to go out for your evening meal (or dine out a lunch time and then cater for yourself in the evening). Pretty much EVERY good restaurant on Tobago is within a 30 minute drive of Arnos Vale.

[Marc Jones]

Hmm.

The Arnos edges ahead

I have to say that I am a massive Beatles fan (read anorak) and the fact they stayed at the Arnos is secretly drawing me there

I think the idea of Room and Breakfast is tempting me massively. I've only been to Florida outside of Europe but have always gone room only/self-catering.

I like the idea of "stunning location" and "real Tobago" a LOT.

I think a car is vital and as you point out I can then drive out for a meal at the Karawak even if it is every night

Silly question time... when does Tobago get dark? And is night driving no problem? (I obviously don't expect lit coned-off highways!).

One thing I am certain of, Oh! I'm going to Tobago (it scans ok even if the original was elsewhere)

[Steve Wooler]

Sunset is 6.30pm, give or take 10-15 minutes depending upon time of year.

Driving at night is no problem - but don't expect street lights.

[Marc Jones]

PS - I'm only talking about these two places to stay just as they are one that's been suggested (Arnos) and one that I like the sound of the food.

I'll gladly have somewhere else suggested.

I'm told that we won't be cooking whilst there

The opinion on going out for meals is up in the air - not far or not at all are favourite but I guess the smartest idea is a car (I'm convinced of that, it also gives us a chance to pop about in the day and as you suggest we could always eat lunchtime - although I suspect I'll be on snorkell duty).

All I need to do is decide how much I'd like to stay put at night, I guess I could drive out, eat then get back and hit the rum...?

[Denise Watkinson]

Hello Marc

I have just noticed that you place a message stating the Hummingbird is full for all of May. Please can you tell me the e-mail address you wrote to as I have not had an enquiry from your good self.

The Hummingbird Hotel e-mail is [email protected]

Thank you

Sunny regards

Denise
The Hummingbird

[Marc Jones]

Hi Denise,

I was talking about Hummingbird Heights!

I'll now have a look at the Hummingbird Hotel


marc

[Marc Jones]

PS - Having looked back I can see I said "Hotel" further up the thread - apologies for the confusion - I can't see the wood for the palm trees!

[Steve Wooler]

Ooops!!! Mistake like that leading to a booking could lead to a major dissapointment on arrival.

Hummingbird Heights is an apartment, just outside Scarborough. Your choice of the three place you mentioned is certainly highly eclectic. I think your best bet at this stage is to determine exactly which type of accommodation you want - self-catering apartment, guesthouse or full hotel - then work through our accommodation listings. The various sub-forums will give you tons of info on all the larger (20+ bed plus) places and the reviews forum our personal take on others that we have visited personally (10 more scheduled for the next trip).

Have fun.

[Tim Green]

Marc,

Like you, I hadn't really been outside Europe on holiday so really didn't know what to expect. The fact of the matter is what ever expectations you have of a caribbean island to be in your mind, Tobago at least, will be nothing like what you inmagined.... it will be far, far better. Each time I go (1st Jan '04 will be my 3rd trip to Tobago) I honestly feel that I'm one of the pioneering adventurers to descover the island, Tobago does that to you...

As far as recommendation of a hotel is concerned, I have only ever stayed at the Rex Turtle Beach and have found the Hotel to be intimate despite having 125 rooms (I've never 'felt' that there has been more than 50 guests at the hotel, besides I made the 'pioneering' statement above based on the fact I stay at the Rex). It has beautiful gardens and an ideal setting of being on a wonderful beach. The food in the hotel is of a high standard and I'm sure caters for veggies. Theres evening entertainment and all the amenities to make your stay comfortable. It's location is about 10-15 mins from the airport and 10-15 mins from Arnos Vale (so not as far up the coast as Arnos Vale), with easy access (via car or taxi) to most of the restaurants and beaches. In essence, it's a safe bet for you and your family for your first visit to Tobago.

The best thing of all, if you choose to stay at the Rex, is the time of year you are planning on going (last 2 weeks of May), The Rex 'Turtle' Beach hotel isn't named that by accident! It's name relates to the giant leather back turtles that haul themselves onto the beach at that time of year. On my first trip in '97, I with my girlfriend of the time and was lucky enough to experience this magnificent event, you simply can't believe their size! It was a very humbling experience and will not forget it for the rest of my life.

Now, on here (MyTobago) you get good and the not so good coments, but on the whole the Rex gets a big thumbs up for all the criteria that matters. What people fail to mention is that some of the best packages to Tobago are to this hotel! Any negatives about the Rex have predominantly be about the size of it's pool and the fact that the hotel in places needs a lick of paint... well, guess what, as I write this both the pool and hotel are having a refurb!

Where ever you choose to go you'll have a fantastic time and would bet you'll return time and time again...

Best of luck

Tim

[Marc Jones]

Thanks Tim. The Rex is under consideration as Virgin seems to do some good offers and I certainly want a direct flight.

The reason my list was a bit odd was because I hadn't really asked my girlfriend too much about what we wanted (not for any reason other than me being a bit keener than her!).

She's unfussed about location as we plan to take trips out during the day to beaches etc. What she would like is somewhere we can spend the night (ie where we stay would almost certainly be where we spend our evenings as she is unsure about having to venture out at night - not that it means we won't, just that she'd rather not have to).

Self catering isn't tickling her fancy, so that's not a requirement.

She's 'chosen' the kariwak as the food is one of the things she wants to be able to enjoy and not worry about (it's tricky enough being a bunch of plant munchers - but add in an 8 year old and you'll get why!). The only problem with the kariwak may be the cost, especially taking into account the decision to have a car.

The reason I'm being such a pain is that this really will be (for the forseeable future!) a one-off. We've not be able to travel abroad for 8 years and whilst I hope it won't be another 8 years until we repeat a trip oversees I can't be certain when it will happen! Tobago is the dream holiday we all need and I'm just looking to get it right for us all.

As ever, thanks to everyone for their generous advice and input - I promise to post a massive review of the trip once we go!

[Tim Green]

Marc,

Try Tropical Places (http://www.tropicalplaces.co.uk/index.asp) as they have some incredably keen prices flying with Excel Aireways (Goldern Caribbean) and Cosmos (http://www.cosmos-holidays.co.uk/) who also fly direct. With the Cosmos website you won't find the Caribbean as a destination, as it's in their 'Distant Dreams' Brochure, so you'll have to call them.

Virgin & BA sell exactly the same holiday, but there is a premium for flying with them that seems to be exponentially more expensive against the suggestions above.

I noticed in your previous posts that you wish to experience the 'real' Tobago, but within a comfortable setting and preferably on a beach. Well the Rex is all of these things plus because it was built in the late 60's - early 70's feels natually placed within it's setting.

There is a baby sitting service available (at extra cost) within the Rex, perhaps this is another consideration based on a fact it's a once in a lifetime holiday for you two too?

I assure you, the food and location will not be a problem at the Rex, but if you feel you want to try other places to eat then they're not far away at all.

I have visited both Arno Vale & the Kariwak and in my humble opinion have draw backs against the Rex when visiting on a budget. Arnos Vale has a wonderful setting to vist for a day, but the meals and 'tea' I've had there have and assume continue from posts here to be substandard. Plus, Arnos Vale is pretty remote in so far as location against restaurants. The Kariwak, I've had less experience of but it's plonked in the busier end of the Island near the airport and hasn't got it's own beach.

At the end of the day, you'll make your choice based on your families and your requirements. But from the sounds of things the Rex meets all of the criteria you've specified and much more...

Regards

Tim

[Steve Pitts]

My, my. look what you've started Marc.
Did you ever dream that you would get such a number of responses to your request for info?

I have never stayed at the Rex Turtle beach, but I have spoken to many people who have and have read many complementary comments on this forum. If a hotel holiday was my thing, then I would be happy to stay there. It is ideally located for all the best beaches in the South West of the Island. You have a choice of several within 10-15 mins by car or a lesser number by foot and buggy.

It is also a short equi-distant stroll to Black Rock and Plymouth, if you're looking for a bit of local flavour. A bit further on and you're in Pleasant Prospect, where there are several hotels and resturants such as the much complimented 'Indigo'.

I would find the best deal for the Rex and look no further.
PARADISE FOUND.

PS The Beatles filmed scenes for HELP or A Hard Day's Night (not sure which, but it was the one with Elenor Bron) at Bacolet Bay. just North of Scarborough. Worth a trip, but you won't be needing your anorak.

Cheers
Steve