According to popular traveler sources like BudgetYourTrip and Lonely Planet, a trip to Trinidad and Tobago will cost you quite a lot. The main expenses will be tickets and accommodation. However, a clever traveler can get anywhere on a shoestring budget, these two beautiful Caribbean islands included. This will require planning as well as “going local” because the tourist-oriented services are usually overpriced.
Stay in guest rooms instead of hotels
Hotels in Trinidad and Tobago are expensive, as they are on any island where tourism is a major contributor to the local economy. Hostels are cheaper, but still above what a traveler on a shoestring budget can afford. Here are also no registered campsites here, so living out of a tent will be an issue.
However, many of the locals rent out guest rooms, and those might cost you more than 50% less than even a cheap hotel. Also, living with the local family will allow you to truly experience the culture, which is fascinating. Trinidad and Tobago is the birthplace of many music styles and people here are some of the friendliest you’ll meet in the Caribbean. Making friends with them is a wonderful experience and you’ll no doubt want to return to the families you meet again and again. Considering how fun and enjoyable this kind of living can be, you should consider this type of accommodation even if you can afford a hotel.
Ditch the nightlife for nature
Come to Trinidad and Tobago to destress and detox as the biggest attraction of this tiny Caribbean country is the beauty and diversity of its nature. There is a rather active party scene in the few cities on the islands. However, if you are traveling on a budget, top bars and nightclubs are to be avoided.
But your trip won’t become poorer for it because wherever you go on the islands, the nature is magnificent and it seems that every view you see is more scenic than the other. You’ll be using your camera a lot while exploring the many natural reserves and parks. Budget tourists can take free walking tours in Trinidad to see all the major attractions and learn about the history of the island. The rest of your days should be spent in the jungle or in natural parks or on beaches.
Use public transport or hitchhike
The public transportation system isn’t well-developed, but there are regular buses to all the most important places. You only need to wait for them a bit. You can book the bus tickets to travel to various cities as well as ferry between the islands online.
As a foreigner in Trinidad and Tobago, you’ll learn that every second car is willing to give you a ride, for a small payment of course. This can be a great help for a budget traveler, but there have been some reports about robberies that start with such offers. Therefore, it’s best to travel this way only if you are confident you can trust the driver.
In cities all registered taxis have H marking on the plates. They aren’t too expensive, but be sure to determine the price before the trip.
Come in the summer
Rule number one for a budget traveler is to come to any place during the off-season. In Trinidad and Tobago this is the time between June and November. You will avoid not only the unreasonably high prices but also crowds. Avoid the festival time in particular as prices are the highest them (February-March).
Note that the islands are hot, and rather humid, all year round. This means you will be able to enjoy some beach time even if you come during the least popular months.