Driving In Trinidad and Tobago as an American
The Editors
Driving in Trinidad and Tobago as an American can be an exciting and at times, nerve-wracking experience. The roads are generally pretty good, but there are some potholes that require a bit of caution when driving. One of the unique features of driving in Trinidad and Tobago is the roundabouts. These circular intersections can be a bit confusing for first-time drivers, but they are actually quite simple once you get the hang of them. The general rule is to give way to the vehicles already in the roundabout, and then enter when it's clear.
Left-hand side driving
People in Trinidad and Tobago drive on the left-hand side of the road. This means that the driver's seat is on the right-hand side of the car, and the passenger seat is on the left-hand side. If you're not used to driving on the left-hand side, it can take a bit of getting used to, but most visitors to Trinidad and Tobago adapt quickly. It's important to pay attention to the road markings and signs, especially when navigating roundabouts, as the flow of traffic is the opposite of what you may be used to if you are from a country where people drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Designated Bus Lanes
In Trinidad and Tobago, there are designated bus lanes, known as maxi taxi lanes, which are typically marked with a solid yellow line. However, it's not always easy to spot these lanes, so it's best to keep an eye out for signs and ask locals for directions. I found that having a navigator to point out where to go was very helpful, and I couldn't have navigated without someone also doing the directions and looking at a map.
Navigating potholes
There are some odd traffic patterns that are unique to Trinidad and Tobago, but they are generally intuitive. For example, when navigating around potholes, it's expected that you quickly get over and either slowly go over the pothole or try to get out of the way if possible. If a line of cars that you're in is going, you can continue in the line, and incoming traffic will typically wait for you to pass.
Etiquette of passing
One thing that struck me about driving in Trinidad and Tobago is how friendly and patient the drivers are. People are generally pretty chill about letting you in if you wait, so it's best to be patient and wait for an opening. If you're passing someone, usually giving one honk is sufficient to let the other driver know that you're passing.
In summary, driving in Trinidad and Tobago can be an exciting experience, but it does require some caution and patience. The roads are generally pretty good, but be prepared for some potholes and unique traffic patterns. Having a navigator to help with directions can be very helpful, and always be sure to keep an eye out for signs and road markings. Most importantly, remember to be patient and respectful of other drivers on the road.
If you're considering renting a car and driving in Trinidad and Tobago I highly recommend going for it! Its fun and a nice way to see the islands. The roads are quite modern and good for the most part!
Some recommended gear for visiting Trinidad and Tobago
Best Caribbean Islands Travel Guide
As someone who recently used the Lonely Planet Caribbean Islands 8 travel guide for a trip to both Trinidad and Tobago and St. Lucia, I can confidently say that this is one of the best travel guides out there for the region.
The guide was extremely comprehensive, providing detailed information on everything from the history and culture of the islands to the best places to eat, drink, and explore. We found the book's recommendations for accommodations, restaurants, and activities to be especially helpful, as they were well researched and based on local knowledge.
When we used the guide for Trinidad and Tobago, we found the information on Carnival to be particularly useful, as it allowed us to plan our trip around this amazing cultural event. And when we moved on to St. Lucia, we were able to use the guide to find some of the most beautiful beaches and scenic hikes on the island.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Lonely Planet Caribbean Islands 8 travel guide to anyone planning a trip to the region, whether they are visiting just one island or several. The guide is well-written, informative, and incredibly helpful in making the most of your travels in the Caribbean.
Best Travel Bug Spray
If you're planning a trip to Trinidad and Tobago and looking for a reliable insect repellent, the Sawyer Products Premium MAXI DEET with 100% DEET is a great option. During my visit, I found the bugs to be quite ferocious, and this repellent did an excellent job of keeping them at bay. The high concentration of DEET makes it very effective, and I didn't have to worry about reapplying it frequently. While it has a strong smell, it's worth it for the added protection. Overall, I highly recommend the Sawyer Products Premium MAXI DEET to anyone traveling to areas with a high concentration of insects.
Best Travel Sunscreen
If you're planning a trip to Trinidad and Tobago, sunscreen is a must, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors. The Banana Boat Sport Ultra Reef Friendly Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion with SPF 30 is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality sunscreen that is also reef-friendly. The lotion is easy to apply and absorbs quickly, and the broad-spectrum formula provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
One of the biggest selling points of this sunscreen is that it's reef-friendly, which is crucial when swimming and snorkeling in Trinidad and Tobago's stunning coral reefs. The formula is free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, two ingredients that are known to be harmful to marine life.
Overall, I highly recommend the Banana Boat Sport Ultra Reef Friendly Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion to anyone traveling to Trinidad and Tobago. With its high SPF, easy application, and reef-friendly formula, it's an excellent choice for anyone looking to protect their skin while also protecting the environment.
Best Wide Brimmed Hat for Travel
If you're planning a trip to Trinidad and Tobago, a wide-brimmed hat is a must-have to protect yourself from the sun. The GearTOP Head Net Hat is an excellent choice for both men and women who want to stay protected while still looking stylish.
The hat features a wide brim that provides ample shade to your face and neck, and the lightweight and breathable fabric keeps you cool and comfortable in the tropical heat. The added bonus of a built-in head net means that you can also protect your face and neck from pesky insects while still enjoying the breeze.
What I love about this hat is its versatility. It's perfect for a day in the garden, a safari adventure, or just exploring the local beaches and towns. It's also easy to pack, so you can take it with you on all your adventures.
Overall, I highly recommend the GearTOP Head Net Hat to anyone traveling to Trinidad and Tobago. Its wide brim, lightweight fabric, and insect netting make it the perfect accessory for anyone looking to protect themselves from the sun and insects while exploring this beautiful country.
I had a wonderful time visiting Trinidad and Tobago as an American and enjoyed traveling around by car. I hope you enjoyed my article and checked out some of the recommend gear to bring with you.
If you plan on doing some island hopping in the Caribbean check out my article on Driving in Jamaica. If you enjoyed this article be sure to check out Best Suitcases and Luggage.