REPOST: Top 4 reasons to visit Trinidad & Tobago

It is a known fact that Trinidad and Tobago is a gem situated in a Caribbean paradise. However, rarely do locals see their home country the same way as tourists do, which is why this article written by a Trinbagonian--who, having left her country of birth, decided to pack her bags and revisit the magical paradise that is her childhood home--is a delightful read.

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Okay… It’s been over a week since I posted anything, primarily because I was so busy preparing to travel again and also because I unfortunately had a bout of writer’s block. I really did not know what to write about last week. Inspiration really evaded me AND IT SUCKED BIG TIME. But having packed my bags again and travelled to the country of my birth, my long lost friend seemed to have followed me here. So as an ode to my roots, I wanted to let you guys know why Trinidad & Tobago is such a lush and luminous place to visit. Here are the top 4 reasons:


TRINIDAD CARNIVAL

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Termed the greatest show on earth, Trinidad Carnival is officially an annual non-stop party that lasts for 2 days: Carnival Monday & Carnival Tuesday in the months of February/March, but Carnival Tuesday is the day everyone waits for. Thousands of masqueraders parade across the streets of the capital, Port of Spain, in full costume, dancing in a frenzy to our native music called soca (pronounced so-kah).  However, pre-Carnival celebrations begin as far back as Christmas. From Boxing Day till Carnival Sunday, there are ceaseless parties, cultural shows & carnival musical competitions. The Carnival season is an explosion of colour, creativity, music and celebrations; it’s a time to forget your troubles, shake off the stress and have a good time. Everyone is invited!


FOOD

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From upscale expensive restaurants to small intimate family-run cafes, you will be spoilt for choice where Trinbagonian food is concerned. One can never go hungry in this gorgeous Caribbean island. Our African ancestors brought with them stews and one-pot meals that we call Creole Food such as pelau, macaroni pie, and beef soup made with succulent chunks of meat. Our East Indian ancestors also brought with them curry. Absolutely any kind of meat can be curried and curried foods are a big part of our food culture! But, thanks to the East Indians, the 2 delicacies that separate us from all other Caribbean islands are roti and doubles. Our rotis come in many different varieties and doubles is the unofficial national breakfast comprising of yellow lentil patties filled with spicy channa or chickpeas. Delish! Another  must-have is bake-and-shark ( deep fried pieces of shark served between 2 slices of fried bake or dough & served with a wide variety of condiments) – this is a necessity after a trip to the popular Maracas Beach. But there are soo many other types of foods to try.


ADVENTURE
 

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For the adventure seekers out there, we aren’t only about sandy beaches and blue seas, the options for adventure are paramount! For example, from relaxing walks through the Western Hemisphere’s oldest rainforest reserve to a challenging 6 hour trek though abandoned cocoa estates to a mountain lake, anything is possible for hikers in Tobago. The twin islands also have great bird watching sites. From the Caroni Swamp in Trinidad, protected home to the nation’s national bird, the Scarlet Ibis, to a small island called Little Tobago which is the protected habitat for all types of sea birds. Snorkelling & scuba diving are also great options for exploring and discovering Tobago’s remarkable coral gardens and coral reefs.

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Tobago’s coastal waters are comprised of approximately 300 different species of coral including staghorn, fire coral and elkhorn. There are also a broad range of reefs, rock pillars and gardens filled with sea creatures.  Popular marine areas in Tobago such as the Buccoo Reef, Nylon Pool and Speyside Reefs offer these amazing experiences. Mountain biking, turtle watching, kayaking and goat racing are also other types of fun activities adventure seekers can try.


THE BEACH

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Although Trinidad is unlikely to come up among “top 10 Caribbean beaches” listings, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t many countless beaches and activities to fill in a day or weekend in Trinidad. The most popular beaches are on the North Coast; for example, Maracas Beach is the most popular beach in the north, with great food on offer and a range of facilities and amenities, and Blanchisseuse (pronounced Blanch-she-shares) is a popular weekend getaway with several hiking trails to the nearby waterfall, into the rainforest, and along the as-yet unpaved north coast. The Marianne River that flows into the bay is also great for kayaking. But dotted along the country’s coasts are other gorgeous beaches such as Grande Rivière, located in the northeast which is perfect for a weekend getaway, particularly if you like the outdoors.  Between March and August, it is the second largest leatherback turtle nesting ground in the world and is good for river bathing, kayaking and hikes into the forest. Mayaro in the south east has a glorious stretch of beach – the longest in the island – and is perfect for long walks, Vessigny Beach in the south isn’t the prettiest, but most weekends,  it becomes a venue for beach parties and excursions. And lastly, Columbus & Cedros Bays in the southwest are stunning in good weather. These pristine bays and quiet fishing villages have wonderful views of the south-western coast, and on clear days, of neighbouring Venezuela.

What’s not to love?!

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REPOST: (Best in travel) Top 10 countries to visit this year

This Lonely Planet article reveals the top ten countries to visit this 2013.

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1. Sri Lanka

Battered tragically by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and wracked by civil war from 1983 to 2009, many areas of the country have remained off limits to even the most intrepid traveller. Now the bitter conflict is over, investment is fuelling the tourism industry, and visitor numbers are steadily increasing. Prices are affordable, and with low-cost flights from the convenient travel hub of Bangkok, Sri Lanka is emerging as one of the planet’s best-value destinations.

2. Montenegro

Nature has been prolific and creative in Montenegro, producing such iconic draws as the bewitching Bay of Kotor and the buzzy beaches along its Riviera. But be sure to pack a pair of hiking boots along with your swimsuit, for Montenegro’s beauty is no less intense in the wild and rugged interior. A new – and steadily growing – network of hiking and biking trails and improved infrastructure is making this glorious quilt of nature ever more accessible, while creating new employment for locals.

3. South Korea

Without fanfare, South Korea has quietly developed into an outdoor recreation destination with untapped potential in golfing, hiking and fishing. Though not quite undiscovered, few people outside the country know about it. That anonymity will likely fade away in 2013 as it bursts onto the world stage hosting a series of major sporting events.

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4. Ecuador

Ecuador's railway network is scheduled to radically revamp in 2013 with new lines linking increasingly cosmopolitan Quito and the coastal port of Guayaquil. Tracks will also connect Ecuador’s famed 5900m-high volcano Cotopaxi and the Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose), claiming the steepest (and most hair-raising) stretch of railway in the western world. Developers believe the gamble will pay off and pull in unprecedented tourist numbers.

5. Slovakia

Two decades on from the Velvet Revolution, Slovakia has galvanised to form one of the continent’s fastest-growing economies, joined the EU and ranks right up there in Google searches for bargain ski packages and stag weekends. Now the tourism industry is keen to distance the nation from being all cheap pistes and piss-ups. The image overhaul has been overdue but it’s here, and in time for the inevitable party in 2013.

6. Solomon Islands

Forget what travelling the Pacific used to be like – around the Solomon Islands it’s still that way. Forget mass-market or luxury retreats; think engaging eco-resorts, village homestays and some of the best scuba diving anywhere. In the past limited flights, difficult internal transport, a lack of infrastructure, a civil war and some particularly exotic strains of malaria all put travellers off. Today travel is much easier, the civil strife is off the radar and lately even the mosquitoes aren’t so threatening.

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7. Iceland

Best for: Activities, off the beaten track, value for money Ask any tourist during your trip to Iceland and you’ll quickly see that everyone develops an unconditional love for the little island nation, whether it’s for the mind-bending scenery, the platefuls of delicious lamb and fish dishes, or the sincere local hospitality. The currency crash – which effectively devalued the króna by 75% – also helped make a trip much more favourable to the wallet. As the global economy starts to heal, prices are climbing once more. The spoils of Iceland are no longer a secret, but they’re still yours for the taking – and in 2013 you’ll still be well ahead of the curve.

8. Turkey

New low-cost airlines are opening up the southeast of Turkey, and excellent bus services make getting around easy. Explore the historic old towns of Mardin and Midyat, feast on fantastic food in Gaziantep and see the recently uncovered ruins of Göbekli Tepe near Sanliurfa. Experience the Turkish section of the recently inaugurated Abraham’s Path walking trail, where accommodation is in simple Kurdish homestays, a long way from the tourist buzz of the coast or Istanbul’s Old Town.

 9. Dominican Republic

In the first quarter of 2012 the Dominican Republic saw an 8.4% increase in tourism. With more airlines offering stops to the country’s eight international airports, as well as cruise ships adding the DR as a major port of call, more people are escaping to the land of sun, sand, and surf comparable to anywhere else in the Caribbean.

Image Source: NationalGeographic.com

 
10. Madagascar

After years of political instability and uncertainty, which has hampered tourism development, Madagascar might finally be the verge of recovery. Presidential elections are scheduled for 2013, which could herald a move towards greater democracy (although they have been repeatedly postponed). For visitors, the time to go is now, before the country reappears in travel agents’ windows. Be prepared to be overwhelmed: in both fauna and landscapes, the world’s fourth-biggest island is otherworldly. To those seeking a place out of the ordinary, Madagascar cannot fail to delight.


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REPOST: Top 10 Caribbean Resorts

This article from Travel Channel shares other must-visit resorts in the Caribbean.

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Welcome to paradise. We're counting down Caribbean resorts with crystal-clear waters, powder-soft sands, sumptuous settings and world-class accommodations. These aren't your average cookie-cutter beachfront hotels either. These Caribbean hot spots rank among the most luxurious and lavish in the world.

Hyatt Regency, Aruba Resort & Casino Aruba, Netherland Antilles

Set just 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is the westernmost island of the Netherland Antilles. Here Spanish, Dutch and Caribbean culture blend as comfortably as your beachside cocktail. The Hyatt Regency Aruba is one of the region's premier resorts, because it has a lot of casual elegance and the staff combine that attribute with an incredible array of really fun activities.

Caneel Bay St. John, US Virgin Islands

The island of St. John is a treasure trove of tropical jungle and enticing enclaves. It was once the playpen of gazillionaire Lawrence Rockefeller, who fell in love with this lush land in the 1920s. Facilities here include 166 elegantly understated rooms, 3 restaurants, a 20,000-square-foot spa and a state-of-the-art tennis facility.

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Parrot Cay Resort & Spa Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos Islands

Located 575 miles southeast of Miami, the 8 major islands and more than 40 keys of Turks & Caicos cover only a combined 196 square miles of sun-drenched shoreline. Stars like Paul McCartney, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis and David Copperfield have all said ahoy to this place. And unlike super-accessible mega-resorts, the exclusive 5-star Parrot Cay Resort and Spa can be reached only by small boat.

Little Dix Bay Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Set 90 miles off the coast of Puerto Rico, Virgin Gorda is 8 1/2 square miles of lush greenery and stunning crescent bays; it truly is a tropical wilderness. The huge sprawling property includes an amazing number of hiking trails and amazing snorkeling.

Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

A visit to these beautiful islands will often cost you a pretty penny, but not if you stay at the Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort and Spa. Opened in 1997, this popular spot is an all-inclusive resort.

Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

St. Thomas is part of the US Virgin Islands, just east of Puerto Rico. Blessed with breathtaking views, it's no wonder this island attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. Combining Old World Colonial charm with a tropical setting, the 152-room Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas sits on 15 acres of impeccably manicured grounds and its stately elegance attracts guests from all around the world.

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Four Seasons Resort Nevis, West Indies

The tropical island of Nevis sits a balmy 19 degrees north of the equator. While it's only separated from other islands in the West Indies by 2 miles of warm water, go there and you'll feel a world apart. One of the most remarkable aspects of the Four Seasons, Nevis, is that it has attained a 5-diamond rating. Getting a five-diamond rating from AAA is hard enough in the United States, but to get this rating on a relatively remote Caribbean island is a testament to the resort's commitment to service.

Atlantis Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas

Rising up majestically from the Caribbean is Atlantis, a resort based on the mythical city that sank without a trace 11,000 years ago. Along the 3 miles Cabbage Beach's sugary sand, guests can snorkel, parasail, jet-ski or just lounge to their hearts' desire. Then there is the Leap of Faith: a 60-foot drop down a Mayan temple water slide that takes you to 1 of the resort's spectacular family attractions -- the aquarium.

Sandy Lane St. James, Barbados

Fresh off a $200-million renovation, the stunning Sandy Lane is just what any Caribbean connoisseur is looking for. This 800-acre resort features an 18-hole golf course, a 7,000-square-foot pool, state-of-the-art tennis facilities and museum-quality art. In fact, Sandy Lane has become not only the premier luxury resort in Barbados, but also 1 of the premier resorts in the world.

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Hotel Maroma Maroma, Mexico

Thirty miles south of the crowded Mexican resort of Cancun, in the heart of the Mayan Riviera, you'll find the pristine, quiet area of Maroma. The Hotel Maroma has a mere 36 suites decked in handmade mahogany and bamboo furniture. A stay here is worth every penny.

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