Help for first timers to Tobago

[SuzyW]

Hi everyone, we are going on our first visit to Tobago in May 2011. We are staying at a timeshare resort next door to the airport. Sandy point Beach Club. We are a bit concerned about crime,is there a lot? Is it safe to hire a car and tour the island and where are the best places to eat etc. I have been looking at the My Tobago website a lot but just need general info and help please. Thanks Sue

[Steve Wooler]

Hello Sue

Welcome aboard!

The Sandy Point Beach Club is a large resort and perfectly secure, with its own security staff. Yes, we highly recommend that you hire a car and get out and about. The important thing is to apply normal common sense regarding your own security. Don't go flashing expensive cameras, jewellery and 'bling' and don't ever go off with someone who gives you a nice line of chat. Recommending places to eat, etc., is difficult because so much is a matter of taste, preference and budget. I can only suggest that you check out our Restaurant listings, taking particular note of the RSR ratings awarded by readers.

Have a great trip - I'm sure you will.

[Ronald]

Hi Sue

I´ve been visiting many times, always been living into local area in Bon Accord which is in the south. I just want to add one thing I´ve seen quite often in Tobago, when new visitors start feeling "OK it´s really nice here". If you already know this, ignore my lines.

We all need to use money sometimes instead for a bank card, but sometimes peoples show far too much, often a big wallet. I never use a wallet in T&T when I go somewhere to eat or buy smaller things, not even when I go somewhere with local friends.
I put my money into different pockets, the smallest into one, the little bigger into a second one and the largest ones (100TTD´s) into a third, and always the smallest amount outside when I pick it up. Because one never really know if someone are wathing, and those who try to fool visitors, they can recognice them quite quickly.

Otherwise, with use of common sence, you will have a good time in Tobago. In common, the people are friedly, if they want to sell something one doesn´t want, they accept a polite No without problem.
Ronald