Eric_W

Yes, that's right, a press trip itinerary that's created by Fodorite-feedback. Normally, we editors go on pre-planned trips that are (over)scheduled down to the minute. Yeah, I know, world's smallest violin. But, seriously, it's often a whirlwind---"death by leisure" one of my colleagues once called it! Anyway, the folks at Trinidad and Tobago tourism are allowing a large part of my trip to be determined by our community. Give me suggestions for the sights I should see and places I should eat. I'll submit your top choices, and then the T&T folks will work them into my itinerary. When I'm on the ground, I'll Facebook and Tweet my reactions, and I'll post a Trip Report on what I discover.

Odin

The sights we enjoyed in Tobago (went there this past June):-
Englishmans Bay - beautiful beach very secluded and remote
Castara- lovely village with some tourist accommodation, beach is nice too, some nice eating places too but we didnt try any
Parlatuvier Bay - this was the most spectacular beach and you can drive up and see the view below of the beach, really stunning
Arnos Vale Beach - a little tricky to find unless you park in the Arnos Vale Hotel car park for which they charge. This beach is very good for snorkeling. Along the road to Arnos Vale Hotel there is a disused waterwheel which I believe might be unique or at least unusual, its rather overgrown but interesting.
Turtle beach is a lovely long beach where you can see turtles laying their eggs during the season. The Turtle Beach Hotel is a decent 3 star property.
Pigeon Point - very famous but crowded, worth seeing and taking a trip out to the reef and Nylon Pool although I have had better experience in Antigua in Stingray City, still a nice thing to do (meaning that the water was better - there are no stingrays in Tobago in Nylon Pool).
Sunday School - a must on Sundays
Golf at Mount Irvine

Eric_W

Thanks, Odin. These sound great. I hope I get to see a few of these sights. Parlatuvier Bay sounds wonderful. And when is turtle season, anyway? I forgot to mention in my post that my trip is in early January.

Odin

March to September I think. Fort George and the museum in Scarborough were also interesting.

islebethere

My husband and I have been to Tobago seven times to escape the Boston winter. Stopped visiting several years ago. It is a beautiful island that is experiencing some problems. I would suggest reading some of the local newspapers (easily available online) to get some perspective.

qwovadis

Congrats on your trip Craig.Not much personal experience
recently have not been in a decade or so close to Venezuela
so pretty dodgy these days for me as is Venezuela. http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/c.../cis_1043.html
for a heads up on safety sort of the Lagos Nigeria of
the Carib but I used to love the Calypso Soca Carnivale
celebrations there in late Jan Feb.Home of the steel drum
ansSparrowbest calypso singer ever.A very large Indian expat population making for excellent west indian food curries.
Tobago was my fav remote unspoiled where I did some diving
when there last at StomeHaven.Happy Planning!

qwovadis

The Villas at Stonehaven, Tobago, Tobago. The Villas at Stonehaven are a lush Caribbean paradise with amazing sea views. ... scuba diving, snorkelling, ...

http://www.slh.com/.../trinidad-and-...-at-stonehaven

Fot a deal on luxurylink.com as I recall... Have fun,

Eric_W

Thanks all, for both the cautions and the recommendations.

superjuliemango

Hi Eric, happy to hear you will be visiting Trinidad! I think once you use the safety tips any savvy traveller knows, you will do fine and enjoy your stay. My top picks are:
Mt. Saut D'Eau for great views, day or night
Go sailing down the islands for dolphin sightings,
Visit the Pitch Lake to see where the world's supply of asphalt comes from
Stay overnight at the Asa Wright Nature Centre for bird watching and a peaceful night's rest

Brian

I've always enjoyed hiking Gilpin Trace in the Tobago Forest Reserve. You can hike from the center of the rainforest down to Bloody Bay and back.

Milan02

This may be a challenge, but try and get your hands on a new "fruit" wine I tried just this past Xmas while visiting from the US - sorrel wine. Tried other in the past and was skeptical, but I think it is worth a write-up. I did not get to try the passion fruit, but heard it was even better - Bella forms brand.

Eric_W

SuperJulie: you are right, the views at the top of Mt Saut d Eau were spectacular. The drive up is not for the faint of heart though. You need a small sturdy vehicle. But the vistas throughout the vertical journey are stunning. Great recommendation!

Eric_W

Milan
I sampled the sorrel wine on a tour of the fascinating Angostura Distillery. Delicious.

Eric_W

Hey, everyone. I'm back, and it was amazing. Thank you for your suggestions! I invite you to check out my trip report (in two parts):
http://www.fodors.com/community/cari...s-days-1-2.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/cari...s-days-3-4.cfm

superjuliemango

Eric, I'm so tickled you enjoyed your trip and your adventure up the mountain! Here's hoping you return soon!

BellSophia16

One of the biggest events of Tobago, the Tobago Jazz Experience is just round the corner (well almost round the corner, 18th-26th April 2015). So when I hear about anyone planning a trip to Trinidad and Tobago, this is one event I suggest they attend. Check out more info here: http://visittobago.gov.tt/