Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago are two islands with completely different personalities sharing one nation — and together they offer one of the most complete Caribbean experiences available. Trinidad is the energy capital of the Caribbean: the birthplace of the steelpan, the home of Carnival, the origin of calypso and soca, and a cultural powerhouse that has shaped music across the entire region. Tobago is its quieter twin — pristine reef, untouched rainforest and beaches of extraordinary natural beauty.

Trinidad Carnival is the greatest street party on earth — two days of costumed revelry that makes Rio look restrained, preceded by weeks of fetes, pan music and the extraordinary Panorama steelband competition. The energy is genuinely overwhelming and completely unforgettable. But Trinidad offers depth beyond Carnival — the Asa Wright Nature Centre is one of the finest birdwatching destinations in the Western Hemisphere.

Tobago rewards those who seek tranquility. Pigeon Point beach is Caribbean perfection, the Buccoo Reef offers snorkeling of remarkable quality, and the Main Ridge Forest Reserve — the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere — covers the island's interior with a canopy of extraordinary biodiversity.