The islands of Trinidad and Tobago are the Caribbean's odd couple. 'Little Sister' Tobago is relaxed, slow-paced and largely undeveloped. Trinidad is a densely populated, thriving island with a cosmopolitan population and strong regional influence. It is famous for hosting the loudest and wildest carnival in the Caribbean, whereas on Tobago the reefs are calm and protected and the beaches are good.

Best time to visit

Mid-April to mid-December or go two days before Ash Wednesday for Carnival.

Essential experiences

Partying the night away at Port-of-Spain's spectacular Carnival festival; swimming and snorkelling at palm-fringed, white-sand beaches; spotting birds at Trinidad's Caroni Swamp; diving at Buccoo Reef off Tobago; exploring Trinidad's wild and rural east coast - a mix of lonely beaches, rough Atlantic waters and mangrove swamps.

In a few words, Trinidad and Tobago are

Twin islands, cricket matches, white-sand beaches, crystal clear waters, bird-watching enthusiasts.

Did you know?

The oddest attraction in Trinidad is Pitch Lake, a continually replenishing lake of tar, which is the world's single largest supply of natural bitumen. Tobago has only 4% of the country's population.