Archives for April 2011

For many visitors to our islands on their Caribbean Holidays, they may be pleasantly surprised at the level of progress and development that has taken place over the years. Modern times have blessed the Caribbean with many benefits such as better infrastructure, cutting edge technology and a fast-paced life-style much like the developed world.

To others, when coming to the Caribbean, they prefer the islands as they dream about. A place where fast-pace is not in the dictionary, they prefer the islands seemingly forgotten by time, as natural as possible in the face of our modern times. For us at www.caribbeaninsidersguide.com that spells Tobago.

A little Geography: Tobago is the smaller sister isle of Trinidad lying North East off of the coastline. This little island spans approximately 40 kilometers (25 Miles) long and 10 kilometers (6 miles) wide. The island is predominantly hilly and of volcanic origins. Tobago’s highest point is approximately 550 meters (1,800 feet) in an area called Speyside.
The capital of Tobago is Scarborough and houses the island’s major banks, port facilities and street shopping district including the popular Weekend Market.

A little History: Over the years from the years of discovery by Europeans, this island has changed hands over thirty times between France, Spain, The Dutch Republic, Sweden and England. In 1889, Tobago and Trinidad were joined as a British Crown Colony, in 1962 both islands became an independent commonwealth nation and in 1976 they both achieved Republic status.

Eco-tourism: Tobago is home to one of the earliest forest reserves in the Caribbean. The climate of the island promotes an extremely diverse ecosystem and many species of mammals, birds, reptiles and insects can be found. There are also a large amount of varieties of plants to be found in these forests. Much like it’s sister isle of Trinidad, similarities of the South American Amazon region can be associated with this area in Tobago.
Beaches: Tobago has been blessed with many fine beaches, the most popular being Pigeon Point (a gated facility run by the island’s administration, the Tobago House of Assembly) and Store Bay. Also the beach at an area called No-Man’s land is largely undiscovered as its accessibility has not been very convenient, but it facilitates very fine snorkeling and secluded areas to enjoy the Caribbean’s climate to the fullest.
The people: Tobagonians are seasoned in the art of tourism. They have been born into this niche market and are dependent on its survival. The result is simply a superior product for you their customer, a guaranteed good time. The friendliness of the locals is infectious and indeed many a visitor has fallen for Tobago with the charm of the locals being one of the cornerstones.

Real Estate: We at www.caribbeaninsidersguide.com have found that Tobago in particular offers real estate to investors at very competitive rates. Unlike the more northerly islands, Tobago has not been hit by the mass tourism market that has inflated the market to unbelievable heights. Also the exchange rate of the Trinidad and Tobago currency, the TT dollar lends itself to an excellent conversion to many other currencies. The rate of USD to TTD is for example 1USD:6.3TTD. Many Europeans have taken advantage of the lower prices for real estate in Tobago and indeed we may see the development of some unique communities in the future adding to the islands vibrant culture.

Hurricane Belt: Tobago lies outside of the tropical hurricane belt. However, the island has been hit in 1963 by Hurricane Flora and in 2004 by Hurricane Ivan. Generally though it escapes the wrath of these monster storms. The hurricane season is usually between the periods 1st June to 30th November.

So dependent on what you are looking for Tobago may be the best place for you to spend your Caribbean Holidays. If you are seeking that relaxation in a truly untouched place in the Caribbean, go to Tobago; if you seek that slow pace and no stress go to Tobago; if you want to soak up the best of the Caribbean climate reading that book you have been trying to get to for ages, go to Tobago. If you want to discover yourself and have time to think, we say once again, go to Tobago.