When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Tobago?
Like much of Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago experiences a dry season from January to May and a wet season from June to December. It’s easiest to find cheap flights to Tobago towards the end of the dry season, sometime around April or May. This is the perfect grace period between the busy summer months and the festive period when the island is packed, and airfares are sky high.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Tobago?
It is best to book your flights to Tobago around three to four months before departure, as this is generally when airlines will reduce their prices in a bid to sell more seats. Deals on last-minute flights are unlikely to save you much money, so it’s better to book well in advance. Being flexible with your dates is also a great way to travel on a budget.
Flying to ANR Robinson International Airport (TAB)
ANR Robinson International Airport (TAB) is one of two international airports in Trinidad and Tobago. Currently, there are no direct flights from the United Kingdom (UK) to Tobago. All return flights include one or more stopovers in North America or the Caribbean. The main airlines operating out of the UK are British Airways and Virgin Atlantic with stops in Antigua and St. Lucia respectively. Nearly all return flights operate out of London Gatwick. On occasion, it is possible to find services running from Edinburgh, but these are rare and expensive. Travel time can be as little as 10 hours, but it can sometimes shoot up to as much as 20 hours.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
There are two terminals at TAB; one is international and handles cargo flights, helicopters and general aviation, and the other is the main passenger terminal that deals with all incoming flights from the Caribbean. All passengers disembark from their Tobago flight onto the tarmac. The terminal is just a short walk away. All baggage must be scanned before you can leave, so you will have to wait, while this process takes place. Unfortunately, this can take a while.
Getting to the City from ANR Robinson International Airport (TAB)
Once you’ve disembarked and cleared customs, getting from the airport to your accommodation is easy. When you leave the main terminal building, there will be a taxi rank immediately to your left. The prices for taxis are standardised from the airport. Details on prices can be found inside the arrivals hall, with the fares starting at as little as TT$45 (under £5). Alternatively, there is a local bus service that runs hourly to the main city, Scarborough, for TT$2 (£0.21). If you prefer to be in control of your transport, car hires are also available, located in the car park just past the taxi rank.
Why visit Tobago?
Tobago is the smaller of the two islands, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a lot to do. If you want to take on the waves, this is the place. Dip below the gently lapping waves to discover the Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool. Giant manta rays, turtles and fish in every colour of the rainbow are common sights here. You can even earn your diving certificate here.
Even if you choose to stay on dry land, there’s still plenty to do (or not do). Lying for hours soaking up the sun is simply part of the Caribbean experience, and Tobago’s pristine beaches and clear waters are the best place to do just that. When you tire of the beach scene, head over to Little Tobago for a spot of exotic bird watching, where, if you’re lucky, you’ll see more than 50 different species of tropical birds.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
UK citizens visiting Trinidad and Tobago for less than 90 days do not need a visa. For stays longer than 90 days, you will need to obtain an extension from the Passport and Immigration Department in the Port of Spain. You should be up to date with all your vaccinations prior to departure, but it’s also a good idea to get a tetanus booster. Other vaccinations may be necessary depending on the activities you plan to do. Trinidad and Tobago use Trinidad and Tobago dollars. Although you can use US dollars, it is better to use the local currency.
