Why Tobago.......better than other islands?

[Sue Noble]

This year will be our first trip to Tobago and Carribbean. We are abslutely sure we will love it and thinking where will be next? Will it be Tobago again or somewhere else?

There seems to be a fair few Tobago fanatics out there.

Is it better than other Carribean islands, if so why?

Dave

[David Watkins]

Because it IS the Caribbean.The island hinterland is totally unspoilt with the oldest rain forest reserve anywhere(200+years),the people are very welcoming and of course the climate and scenery.It is not surprising that it is nicknamed paradise,as you will see when you get there.
Where will you be staying?
David(just about to take off in 8 weeks)

[Sue Noble]

Hi david, we are staying in Douglas Appts.
But after seeing your other posts obout length of your stay, not sure if I want to talk to you now
If there was a smiley for 'sulking' I would have added that one to

[Bill B]

Sue,

I agree with David.

Tobago is still unspoiled and with the beautiful rain forest and sandy uncrowded beaches it fits the image that people have of a Caribbean island. So many islands such as Aruba, St. Martin, and St. John are much too crowded and "Americanized" so that you don't feel that you've visited a foreign location. Others such as Jamaica and Dominican Republic have little other than isolated walled in All-Inclusive resorts and you don't have the chance to meet the people. And the people of Tobago are what really makes the island special.

Bill

[Gisela Grell]

Hi Sue,

like Bill said, it's the people! Every island has beaches, bars, hotels and guesthouses and some have even rainforrest. But Tobago has all this and is beautiful AND has this wonderful, friendly and open hearded people.

You will find out when you go there and please let us know, how you feel about it, when you come back.

Have a wonderful time
Gisela

[Susanne Thomsen]

We have been on Tobago, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, but our first trip to Caribean was Tobago, and now it is every time Tobago.
As the outher said , i say the same thing. The unspoiled nature, the people, they are so freindly, and the most freindly at all we have met.

And we was on Grenada in Febr. and have heard that it schould bee nearly the same as Tobago, BUT no way, there was so many turists, and so many American people,big Cruiseships every day.

No we love Tobago. and for us is only 6 weeks back, and then we are on Tobago again.

Hope you will find the same on Tobago as we did, ans good luck.


Susanne

[Sue Noble]

Thanks all, this is what we are starting to think, even before we've seen it fo ourselves. This is always a problem when you hit the jackpot first time. This has happened to us before in countrys such as Spain.

What we dont like / want is too much commercialism and certainly not to be fenced into some compound.

The main problem we have is as we are only staing for one week , and the first two days are Xmas and Boxing Day so not everywhere will be open, is trying to fit everything we want to see and do into the other 5 days. However, we are already saving up the Airmiles for next time........because we know there will be a next time

Dave

[Bryan Guignard]

Because Tobago is so friendly, be sure to consider that during your stay there. What I mean is that unlike many other places where it is wise to avoid certain places or activities, in Tobago you can safely visit most places on the island, mingle with the local people, and get a real taste of the place and its culture. While it is always wise to take reasonable precautions against potential dangers (like locking up valuables, not wandering off into isolated spots by yourself, hiring a guide to visit wilderness areas, etc) and you should do these things even in Tobago, in Tobago you can generally be more relaxed about a lot of things than you can in other places.

I occasionally come across tourists who are used to constant vigilance, from having spent too much time in busy tourist traps, and they bring that stress with them to Tobago. Unfortunately that causes them to miss out on so much. Tobago is the perfect place to let go of your stress, drop your shoulders, let your hair down and let the ocean breezes sooth you.

[Michael T]

Hi Bryan,
you mentioned that for some "lonely " places you recommend a guide.
Could you please specify that a bit- I agree that rain forest walks and waterfalkl visits may require a guide, but what else? . As we will come with a child we are curious to know how to avoid risk. I think in particular of beaches we would like to see.
Thanks for your comments
Michael

[Paul Tallet]

Hi Michael

Guides are only really necessary for the rainforest or if you visit remote beaches (inaccessible from land) and there are some places where you have to have a guide and they will be there to meet you.

Otherwise it is entirely optional ... you can have a guide show you Tobago or places of specific interest or you can get a map, a car and go explore Tobago at your own pace.

During my first visit to Tobago I got a car and simply got lost ... it was great ... I found so many wonderful places.

Regards

[Gisela Grell]

Hey Paul,

you are excused to miss your way because it was your first visit. But to get lost? on Tobago? I don't think this is really possible. You can take a wrong exit or turn and find beautiful things you never expected but you can't get lost on an island which is so smal. You can end up in a "dead end" and maybe have to drive backwards for a mile or two.
Maybe you can get lost in the rainforest when you go there alone. But with a car? C'mon Paul, you are kidding, aren't you?

Cheers
Gisela

[Andy D]

I have been to Tobago 10 times since 2004 ,it's a fantastic place that i'm in love with and is the true definition of Caribbean island paradise...the end.