myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

We will only be staying one week and are wondering if it's even worth renting a car for our planned schedule which will mostly involved hired tours when leaving the resort. I can see how a car would give you the freedom to roam and explore the island, but if your entire week is planned out with tours, would it be necessary? We are on the fence with this one so any feedback would be helpful. Thanks!

Richardus,personally i would rent a car and do my own tours.You will be your own master,able to stop where,when and for how long you want and it will probably turn out to be cheaper!
I would recommend KCNN car hire,who will meet you at the airport.
http://www.tobagocarhire.com
David

Hi Richardus, I would certainly agree with David. On our first trip to Tobago, last year, we hired a car and enjoyed exploring the island. It was also great fun sticking on some Soca CD's and really getting into the Tobagonian spirt as we drove about. However, depending on where your staying I wouldn't necessary recommend you hire a car for your whole stay as you are going to be spending a good deal of time relaxing round the pool, lazing on the beach, swimming and generally "liming". We are returning in 22 days (the clock is ticking and we're crossing off the calender) and are hiring a hard topped Jeep again, for a week only (covering the middle of our two weeks). That way we spend the first four days "slowing down" followed by some freedom to explore etc and then a few more days at the end of our holiday to do nothing else but chill before returning to "normal" city life. We hired our car from Sheppey who is a really lovely man with excellent vehicles and customer service. We're already booked with him for this year. Have a lovely holiday!

Rosy, I like the way you think; how you timed your rental.

Hugh

Thank you Hugh. I see you are a San Franciscan, you lucky person. We visited a few years ago and thought it was a wonderful and exciting city. Expect you too must enjoy laid back Tobago though (we're from the great metropolis called London!)

Yes Rosy, SF is a wonderful place!

When I visit Tobago I am usually there for 6 weeks or more so I rent for part of that time only. A car would just sit in the driveway otherwise.

Hugh

Thanks for the responses. Hmm I will have to give this some thought. As we are only staying 7 nights and planning three guided tours, I'm not sure a car would suit us on this trip, whilst not touring we will be "liming" so a car may not be needed. I have been reading that for the tours they pick you up at the hotel anyways. but I will give it more thought for sure.

I"m also not used to driving on the "wrong side of the road" and could end up making a right turn and doing a "head-on" with a maxi bus!

It should not be a problem getting a car at the last minute if you decide to wait. I second David's recommendation of KCNN: great people!

And yes, driving on the other side can be a challenge!

Hugh

Hi ,
you guys that have been here before have you experienced any of the crime on Tobago that people have started to talk about? We are going to Tobago in 12 days and can't wait.
I also read that it was a bad idea to go to English mans bay alone, any ideas about that?
Thanks
Jackie

Hi Jackie,
never heard about problems at Englishman´s Bay.
But at Bucco- and Back Bay some people getting robbed in the last years.
I would never bring too much money to any beach
On daytime I think at Englishman´s you´ll be never totaly alone......
....enjoy your stay

Peter

Hi

I have been to the island twice and never expirienced any crime..... I have heard about it but never seen it. Use Comon sense and you will love the island and come back year after year....

Ps. Traveling to paradise (tobago) tomorow for 14 days

Thomas

Thanks a lot. Pleased you haven't experienced any thing nasty. As you say common sense 12 days to go and counting

Hi Jackie,
Like Thomas we too are returning to paradise very soon (21 days to go in our case). We had a wonderful time last year (our first visit) and during our stay neither saw or experienced any crime. It's a lovely place with warm friendly people. You will love it.

Did my thread just get hijacked? Thats a crime too j/k

Thanks I am sure we will

Can anyone help here? All the car hire companies I am trying seem to have an excess of between TT$8000.00. and TT$10000.00. anyone know of one that doesn't have an excess ?
Thanks Jackie

Hello Jackie

If you do not want the responsibility of paying any excess in the unfortunate event of an accident or damage, you must take out Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). It's a sort of insurance. All the reputable rental services will offer it as an optional extra, with cost varying between US$10-US$30 per day, depending upon the size and type of vehicle. Some agencies offer different levels of CDW.

Hi Steve,
they are still saying that there is an excess though. Shemans says there is an excess if we should hit another car ( they haven't replied to my question of how much yet) and kcnn says there is an excess of TT$10000.00. and bacolet beach club says TT$8000.00.
Any more ideas please. Not that we are intending to damage anything but we would like to be covered just incase.
Thanks Jackie

Hi Jackie

I would recommend trying Sheppy or the Yes Tourism car rental brokerage service.

Just discovering how expensive it is in comparison to other places to rent a car with full cdw on Tobago