Trinidad and Tobago are situated just off the coast of South America and are the southern most islands in the Caribbean.
Tobago is the smaller of the two islands but is viewed by many as one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean as it features plenty of deserted beaches, pristine coral reefs and a wealth of lush rainforest.It measures just 300 square km whereas Trinidad is a massive 4830 square km.
Compared to the other islands in the Caribbean you should find Tobago relatively cheap as natural gas and oil reserves have ensured that they do not have to rely on the tourist trade.
The majority of villages and regions in the Caribbean are named after English towns - and Tobago is no different. The capital of Tobago is Scarborough.
There are no direct flights from St Kitts to Tobago. You must fly back to Barbados before a four hour wait for a connecting flight to Tobago. If you are flying in from London then there are a couple of direct flights but most of the operators make you change in Trinidad.
The airport in Tobago is the Crown Point Airport - and it must be one of the smallest airports in the world. It makes Belfast City look like Heathrow.
The short flight between Tobago and Trinidad takes 30 minutes. It's cheaper to take the ferry but it's a lot slower taking six hours and the sea is often rough.
We do not need a visa to visit Tobago, just our passport, but tourists are only allowed to stay on the island for two months.
The local currency in Tobago is the Trinidad and Tobago (T&T$) dollar. In the major towns they should accept the American dollar but in rural areas they will only take local currency.
As the taxi rides aren't usually that far because it's a small island, drivers will only accept TT$20 notes and below for the fare. They do not like to receive anything higher than a TT$20 note - unless it's a tip of course.
It's best to buy your local currency on the island as the exchange rate is more favourable. You can change your money at the Republic banks throughout the island.
Tonight's match will be played at the Dwight Yorke Stadium just outside the capital Scarborough in Bacolet. It should only be a short taxi ride from your hotel.
Trinbagonians, as the locals are called, take great pride in their history and culture. Their music is very important to them and they hold regular street parties.
lMany of the people who have settled in Trinidad and Tobago come from India, China, Portugal, England, France and Spain.
Down the years, the English, Dutch and French have all fought over the right to own Tobago.
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in Scarborough all serving up fantastic local and European cuisine.
The local light lagers in Tobago are Carib and Stag while the best rum on the island is Black Label.
If you want to use your mobile phone on the island make sure you have registered with your operator. Alternatively there are public phones over the island which you can buy cards for.
The local mail system is slow but reliable. Just like in Northern Ireland, you post your letters in little red boxes.
Internet cafes are found in Scarborough.
The telephone code for Tobago is 868.
There is one local newspaper on the small island called Tobago News published on Fridays. Two television stations broadcast in Tobago.
Public transport is very poor in Tobago so most of your travel will have to be taken in the local taxis. There is no shortage of taxis on the island so you should never be kept waiting.
If you do decide to use the bus system, then all buses in Tobago depart from the terminal on Greenside Street in Scarborough.
Hiring a car in Tobago is considered a good idea. The roads, which are quite good, are quiet and the road signs are based on the English system - although the distances will be in kilometres. You must be over 25 to hire a car and have had a driving licence for two years.
If you are staying in Tobago for three or four days, then it's highly likely your hotel will be on the western tip of the island near the capital Scarborough.
lThe rainy season has now started in Tobago and will last until December, although there is a dry period during September.
If you are into your diving then this is the place to visit. It is considered one of the best places in the world for that particular water sport as Tobago has the largest brain coral in the world and sightings of manta rays are common.
Trinidad has a reputation for being a crime ridden island. Muggings and kidnappings are regular and other Caribbean islanders rarely travel there due to the threat of violence. Thankfully Tobago is completely different and you are unlikely to experience any trouble at all.
Home owners rarely lock their doors. If you do get into trouble then dial 999.
Bird watching in Tobago is big - head to Little Tobago island for the best view of birds.
Sunday School in Tobago is an institution - but it has nothing to do with learning about Adam and Eve. Instead it's a massive beach party which starts at around 8.00pm and goes on well into Monday morning. Check with your hotel for further details.
Electricty is the same as Barbados and St Kitts.
Make sure you remember to keep some money to leave the island as you will be charged a departure tax. You are likely to be charged TT$100 which works out around ?10. It must be paid in local currency.
