Though not necessarily considered a tourist hotspot, Trinidad and Tobago retains many of the characteristics of what people come to the Caribbean for: pristine beaches, friendly people and sun swept relaxation. More than that, though, the culture and heritage of Trinidad and Tobago is what makes the islands so unique. Though most people stick to the larger island of Trinidad, its smaller brother has much to offer too.
When many think of the Caribbean, they think of the distinctive music – especially the gentle percussing of the steel drum. This particular instrument originated here while the islands were still under strict British rule and has grown in popularity ever since – just visit anywhere south of Florida and try to avoid it. You will seriously fail. Though the steel drum is not the only cornerstone of Trinidad and Tobago music – Calypso and Soca both originated here too. One of the most culturally diverse islands, naturally, developed the most diverse kinds of art - they are all a seamless part of the storied heritage of Trinidad and Tobago.
Nowhere are the different types of Trinidad and Tobago music better on display than during the annual event of Carnival. Some will say that Brazil is the best place to enjoy the festivities. Others claim Venice, Italy. But in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is without equal. Costumed islanders consuming heroic amounts of alcohol weave between enormous trucks blaring traditional island music. The epicenter of the celebration is at Queen's Park Savannah on Trinidad. Here you will witness a party unlike any other, where revelers pack the streets and expend superhuman amounts of energy, snaking in and out of narrow side streets and amongst the few drivers unwise enough to brave the roads. And nowhere will the steel drum be louder – every swell of celebration is marked by the intonation of the most popular style of Trinidad and Tobago music.
But Carnival only happens once a year, and the island has other things to offer throughout the other weeks on the calendar. Nightlife is never a problem in the big cities of Trinidad and many other festivals make their way through the island streets. But the heritage of Trinidad and Tobago is most alive in the rich flavors of creole dishes and sweet juice drinks. Rum punches are swallowed here like water, and you'll definitely need something tasty to go along with it. Luckily, the wide range of cultures affecting these islands makes every meal a multicultural event. Along with Creole dishes, Indian, African and Spanish chefs have long made their own additions to the islands' food. One of the trademark Trinidad and Tobago foods is the Pelau, chicken cooked in coconut milk with rice. Another is the national dish, calalloo, crab curried and/or peppered and placed in a stew of coconut milk. Perhaps the most distinctive menu item on the islands is Shark-and-Bake, a sandwich made with seasoned shark meat. This Trinidad and Tobago food is a necessity when visiting.
The smaller island of Tobago is just as powerful a draw as its larger counterpart. Though alive with the same rich culture, Tobago is usually left to only the nature lovers – the beaches found here are vastly superior to those on Trinidad, and the wildlife much more diverse. The general lifestyle here is a bit more laid back, the festivals tamer, the music softer and the traditional Trinidad and Tobago food is blander. But the beaches of the bigger island are certainly hit or miss, making Tobago a must-see all on its own.
