Tobago/Barbados

[timeforawine]

Hi,

Has anyone been to Tobago, if so what is it like? Did you feel safe?
Would be myself, husband and our 3yr old.
We were set to go to Cuba but that fell through due to Thomas Cook collapsing.
We'd like to do maybe 3-4 excursions if there is enough to do. I.E a boat trip, maybe an island tour, a hike trip.
Our daughter has done island tours on other Caribbean islands and is fine with them.
I did consider Barbados too but would need to go half board and i've read it can be expensive for food/drinks?

My experience of Tobago is pretty historic so I’m sure someone else can give you a more up to date picture! I went many many years ago after visiting ex DP’d family in Trinidad. In comparison with Trini, it felt a lot more safe (I was with ex DP’s family) who were happy for me to walk around on my own in Tobago which they weren’t in Trinidad. It felt like a holiday destination island rather than a ‘working’ Caribbean island if that makes sense! We stayed near Pigeon Point which was pretty and had a nice beach. The reef trip to Bucco we did was disappointing - I’ve been to the Barrier reef and just going over a lot of dead looking bleached coral wasn’t great. We also did a number of trips out and visited an old Colonial fort. I’d go back, it had a nice relaxed vibe and all the kind of things you’d expect of a Caribbean island, beautiful palm fringed beaches, lush interior etc. But as I’ve said, places change so what it’s like now safety wise I can’t guarantee but I’ve read good things on other posts!

Tobago. It’s quieter. More relaxing. Not sure you can fly direct though so it could be a longer flight. Barbados is more lively (well in the areas we went). The best areas are expensive.

Thanks both that's helpful. I'm also looking at staying near pigeon point, the beach looks beautiful.

Many years ago we picked up a last minute to Tobago & had the most lovely holiday. Very relaxed and laid back, despite going to "Sunday School". We did a catamaran trip, trip to the bird sanctuary on Little Tobago, walked in rain forest, visited some beautiful beaches and swam under a waterfall. Our guide was a local, who had been in the British army.
We felt safe at all times. I am planning to return in the not-too-distant future.

Excellent thank you @LadyLanka

I am Trinidadian (living in the UK) and go to Tobago at least once every 2 years as I still have family there. Tobago is very quiet and laid back but has had a lot of development over the last 10-15 years which has been both a good thing in terms of making it more appealing to tourists as well as a bad thing in terms of making it more touristy and concrete jungleish. Although it is still very far from being a Barbados in terms of commercialism it has got a lot more tourist friendly.

As for safety, it is one of the safer islands in the WI but of course crime can happen anywhere in the world so remain vigilant and Be sensible you will be fine. Pigeon point is beautiful but definitely not the best beach in Tobago (although probably the most famous). You can get direct flights to Tobago with British airways, and I think virgin still go and maybe Monarch I tend to go via Trinidad but you can fly direct to Tobago.

If you have any questions just ask 😁

Thanks @twinkle68, we booked it last night with BA, brief stop i think in Antigua to drop off/pick up new passengers.
Would you recommend we use taxi's/tours to get around or would walking be ok? For example from where we are staying at Crown Point to Pigeon Point?

Went to Tobago as a teen and have to say it is my favourite Caribbean island by far. Hope it’s stayed the same but it was beautiful and untouched with rainforest and beautiful beaches etc. Some of the other islands like Barbados are like mini America with McDonald’s etc on most street corners. Have the best holiday!

It is better to rent a car in Tobago if you can. Driving is pretty easy and the public transport is not the best! You could survive with taxis etc but it will be better if you could rent a car. There are a few car rental companies at the airport or you may get a deal through your hotel. From pigeon point you would need transport to really see the island, there are some amazing beaches on the west coast and north coast but all need a car to get to.

I have been to Tobago a few years ago and loved it. It was very good for snorkeling, lovely beaches, laid back yet vibrant. I've been to the Caribbean loads and it's my favourite island.

Sorry just re read your post. If you are staying at crown point (very close to my Mums house 😊) that is walking distance to pigeon point but it is a longish walk, might not be great with your little one. There are a lot of restaurants and bars in walking distance of crown point but in my opinion you would be better off with a car 😊

Thanks @twinkle68 will tell my husband (he's the driver!) def want to get an about as much as possible. There's a bird sanctuary for seeing hummingbirds that i HAVE to go to :-D
Thanks to everyone for the comments :-)

Mmmm Tobago is lovely but usually an indirect flight; still underdeveloped which is fab.

Barbados is a different animal, quite ‘spring break’ near the Gap and deadly quiet elsewhere. If you are happy with bunkering down on the Gold Coast you will get great customer service and amazing beaches.

Perhaps try Antigua, St Lucia or BVI? The former are served by many uk agents, though choose Antigua wisely as its heading towards lower market territory in some areas (sorry! I love the island, have been 10+ times but am giving it a break).

If you can do Cuba, then please do all 2 weeks in Havana, you will regret not seeing it before it changes and it’s no less safe than any other island. Feel free to pm me

Edit: ‘platinum coast’ for Barbados (I am looking at Aus hols as we speak so got mixed up)

It really depends on what kind of holiday you want/what kind of traveller you are.

Barbados is much more developed from a tourist point of view. (Although it's an exaggeration to say there's a McDonalds on every corner!)

We went to Tobago as we wanted to move away from the AI environment - but we were very disappointed to discover that there were very few (decent) restaurants that we could actually go to, so we ended up eating in our hotel most nights.

It's a beautiful island but it's much less developed than Barbados.

Just got back from Barbados and I didn’t see a single McDonald’s. It’s a stunning country with loads to do, safe and very friendly people. I’d recommend you do all inclusive.

@peachypetite any favourites? We are there in 3 weeks so any tips be good!

You want to be on the south or west coast - west coast has the best beaches. Are you finding hotels have a lot of availability? Book the turtle trip with calabaza.

Thanks @wink1970, we have done St Lucia and loved it, BVI's are on our list but didn't fit next years budget 😔
We have more booked Tobago, plane stops in Antigua for an hour so not too bad.

Hi @BIWI we have booked Tobago now AI, as long as we're fed we're happy, not bothered by restaurants etc, really we look for somewhere we get out on a few tours, do some walls, learn about the island, do some snorkelling, a decent boat tour in between letting our daughter practically live in the swimming pool 😄