TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums Southern Caribbean Tobago

My husband and I are planning a trip to Tobago in August. Can anyone share any advice on safety issues in Tobago and/or Trinidad, even though we will only be in the Trinidad airport? I have read that the US Dept. as well as British, Canadian, and Australian have travel notices up regarding petty and violent crime. Any thoughts will be great.

Also, any other information you can share about Tobago in August will be great.

When we were there several years ago we were constantly approached by men trying to sell us drugs. It certainly became a nuisance. Driving also, we were confronted by a group of youths who blocked the road unabling us to drive through. Tobago is quite gorgeous but I would never return there. Those travel notices are not to be taken lightly. We are "street smart" travelers but I felt uncomfortable in Tobago.

Trinidad is known for crime lately, not so much on Tobago, the area just offshore of T&T, near the offshore oil rigs, is about the only area of the Caribbean where yachts have been attacked by armed pirates similar to what is happening around Somalia.

So what was your resolution to the youths blocking the road? That would freak me out.

Hi
I have just got back from Tobago and I have been many times, I certainly did not feel threatened when I was there in Feb, just be sensible and don't go off to a deserted beach by yourself.

I book with a tour operator that offers greaat locationa all around Tobago. I did a 2 centre and I had a great time.

check out www.fleewinter.com/tobago/index.php as I find they have the best selection of accommodation.

We just waited until after about 5 minutes and some car shaking, they left. Just some punks trying to scare the sh$$ out of tourists and I must say, they did a pretty good job!

I have been to Tobago twice. I think it is a lovely country. Yes, there are people selling drugs, it has some economic challenges for sure. One person we walked by offered us a coconut he had made into a cup with a beach scene. I told him he did this for me 10 years prior and we still have it today and even recalled his name. That struck up a conversation with many locals and we were never hassled after that. On the day we left, my husband gave his sandals to the coconut artist. He probably sold them, he wasn't used to wearing shoes, but was surprised we would do that for him. Yes, street smarts are needed but try to give them something, they don't have alot there. I recall going through the Trinidad airport and my kindle was getting alot of attention, I finally put it away.

Well, I'm glad it turned out fine. I would have been scared, probably would have driven them away when I started crying and babbling like an idiot!

Thanks to each of you for your thoughts. We are considering a sailing trip of the islands off Tobago so our time on the island will be somewhat limited, and we will, more than likely, be with a group most times when on the island. We consider ourselves "street savy travelers" but don't want to make a thoughtless travel decision.

Thanks again.

hi, Tobago is very nice, very un spoilt...lots of good beaches, great for snorkeling and diving.We've been there several times in the past 10 years or so. We loved the Hilton when it was there.

The last time we were there we stayed at Turtle beach Resort, we got great rates thru British Airways website.

We were there in July and almost every night there were 2 or 3 turtles laying eggs on the beach. There is not much night life on the island!

Just be street smart... don't be intimidated by the locals they tend to leave you alone. As you said you would only be in Transit at the airport in Trinidad so there’s nothing to worry about.

You will find more Europeans in Tobago than Americans.

PM is you need more info

Here is a good site with lots of information
http://www.mytobago.info/