Trinidad (often paired with its neighboring island Tobago) is a small tropical island just off the northeast corner of Venezuela in South America. Trinidad is the larger of the two with beautiful beaches, waterfalls, mountains, and jungle trails to explore. Year-round the temps are beautiful, so pack your bags with these essentials and extras. The Trinidad beaches and its’ lovely people will enchant your heart with lifelong memories.
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What to Pack for Trinidad – 17 Essentials
1. Packing Cubes
One of the best travel hacks for packing is the packing cubes. Organize them by clothing type and you can just fold back the top and set them in the drawer, ready for use on arrival. When you go to leave, you can keep all the dirty laundry together and separate from the clean.
If you’re not one of the lucky few with a fully waterproof phone, you’ll want to be sure to bring along this universal waterproof phone case. It’s large enough to fit most ultra-phones and is a must for all outdoor activities on a tropical island. Better safe than sorry with this protective phone case!
It’s always a good policy to stay safe online. This Virtual Private Network can help protect you while you surf the net and access sites with sensitive information. No matter where you stay, protect yourself and those you love by using a VPN to prevent credit card and identity theft.
This neck wallet is a must for safe travel. Use it to hold your cash, hotel key, passport, credit cards, and even your cell phone. There are always pickpockets looking for a quick grab. By using this neck wallet, you can ensure a smooth and safe trip. It also has RFID blocking so no one can scan your data without your knowledge.
If you plan on doing any water activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, jet skiing, or snorkeling, then you should get a pack of these floating wrist straps. They easily attach to your waterproof phone case or camera and fit comfortably around your wrist, keeping your phone secure from accidental drops. In case your phone does fall into the water, these floating straps will keep it from sinking!
Even though the temperatures on the island are comfortable year-round, the humidity will often leave you second-guessing that weather report accuracy. Avoid the uncomfortable heat with a cooling towel! These towels are chemical-free and will provide instant relief from the oppressive heat. To get another boost of cool, just dunk the towel in water, wring it out, and you’re ready to go!
There will be bugs (Trinidad is a tropical island), so don’t forget to pack this insect repellent. It’s safe and effective, even for children. This repellent is also plant-based and chemical-free, so you’ll smell good to each other and repulsive to the insects. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Even if you are traveling to a place that uses the same style of plugs, it’s always safer to pack this universal travel adapter. Sometimes you’ll find yourself in a location that hasn’t had plugs updated. Always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to charging your cell phone!
Update your beach-going kit with this quick-dry travel towel. No more need to lug around giant bags stuffed with bulky beach towels. Pack this travel towel anywhere as it’s compact and lightweight. Don’t worry, it’s plenty large enough to spread out on the beach and it dries super quick to avoid getting all your other belongings wet.
When it comes to drinking water, you don’t want to take any risks. A LifeStraw water bottle filters out harmful bacteria and parasites that could potentially get you sick and cause the infamous travelers diarrhea. Thanks to the straw-filter, you can fill up from the tap or from a stream and have save drinking water as you sip! The filter lasts for up to five years so you can take your bottle on countless trips to come.
If you’re looking for a place to store and organize your sunscreen, after-sun lotion, and shower essentials, then a hanging toiletry bag is a great solution. I like how roomy this one is but that it also has plenty of compartments to keep all of your toiletries organized and easy to find. Hang it behind the bathroom door or by the shower so that all of your bathroom essentials are easily within reach.
Something as simple as a luggage lock can make a world of difference for your vacation. On one of my trips, I checked a bag without a luggage lock, and my sunglasses ended up getting stolen out of my suitcase! It’s safe to say that now I never travel without a luggage lock. I use this set of two to secure my checked bags and carry-ons because you never know when the airline may ask you to check a carry. These locks have a four-digit combination lock and are built to last a lifetime of travel.
Never leave home without this portable charger. It’s super compact and has a 5000mAh charging capacity. You can charge your phone to full once and even more with this portable charger.
Slip it in your makeup bag or in your portable safe and you’ll always be prepared no matter where your day leads.
If you choose to visit Trinidad during rainy season, you’ll absolutely need to bring this windproof travel umbrella. Be sure to pack it with you every day as you will need it. This sturdy umbrella is exactly what will keep your spirits high and your clothes dry during rainy season in Trinidad.
One of the necessities of traveling is travel insurance for those unplanned and unexpected times. Take a quick minute and purchase this travel insurance to make sure you and those at home feel safe knowing you are protected on your Trinidad trip. Forgetting this one essential item can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare. We use TravelInsurance.com to compare plans from top companies to find the one that best fits our travel plans. Be sure to check it off your list before you go!
If you’re going to check out the local underwater wildlife, be sure to bring along this small, underwater action cam. It’s perfectly sized for travel and even shoots 4K! Capture all the memories or your vacation, including the underwater ones, with this highly rated underwater camera. Be sure to pack the selfie stick extension for enviable photos!
Even the best-laid plans sometimes need a bit of after-sun care. Best to be prepared with this hydrating butter. Better than aloe, this butter is extremely luxurious for your skin and absorbs to help protect and heal your skin when you are in the sun all day. It uses natural ingredients and with a blend of coconut and avocado oils, it smells amazing.
Most people choose to visit Trinidad during the tourist season from January through May. It’s a tropical island climate, so lightweight and breathable clothes are ideal, along with comfortable walking shoes.
Trinidad is a casual island and the people operate on “island” time. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and laid-back energy. Bring a dress casual outfit for a night out if you want to dress up a little. It can get a little chilly from the ocean breeze at night so include a jacket or sweater for those late-night dinners or walks on the beach.
What WOMEN should wear in Trinidad – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample women’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).
Trinidad is a casual and tropical island. Pack comfortable and breathable clothes. There are often restaurants on the sand right on the beach so a swimsuit coverup is exactly the right lunch-time attire.
Comfy is key. Good walking shoes for the water and the beach are the most important. Even in the cities, the dress code is comfy casual, so shorts and a cute tank are the perfect go-to items.
And for when the sun goes down, grab a cozy sweater or jacket and a maxi skirt to keep the wind off your skin and you’ll be the picture of island elegance!
What MEN should wear in Trinidad?– (Click to expand)
Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).
Casual and comfy is king in the island of Trinidad. Bring lightweight and breathable shorts and shirts. A nice polo is perfect for a dressier option. It is sunny during the tourist season, so a good sun hat and sunglasses are essentials. And for all those beach hours, flip-flops and water shoes will take you through your whole morning and afternoon.
You’ll want a sweater when the sun goes does so a nice-looking cardigan will serve well as a comfy dinner jacket on the cooler nights.
Packing for the Seasons in Trinidad
Dry Season – January, February, March, April, May
Trinidad is a tropical climate, so the temperature remains the same year-round. During the tourist season, the humidity is lower and the climate is much more enjoyable. These are the best months to really enjoy the beach and mountains, and tour the ports. There are fewer bugs, but be sure to pack the repellant just in case. The island is casual so bring your comfy clothes, good sunscreen, and swimsuit!
Rainy Season – June, July, August, September, October, November, December
If you visit Trinidad during the rainy season, be sure to take an umbrella and good water shoes. It rains every day and can rain a lot so be prepared for flooded areas that aren’t equipped for the rainfall. Because of the amount of rain, the humidity level during rainy season is at an all-time high. You’ll want to remember to pack a cooling towel or two!
You’ll find the climate year-round to be a typical tropical temperature of the 70’s and 80’s. The water also remains warm year-round ranging from the upper 70’s to the mid 80’s.
Dressing appropriately for the activity– (Click to expand)
Beaches: The beautiful beaches will tempt you from all sides to come and enjoy. There are often restaurants right on the beaches and people bring various toys to play with as well as chairs to lounge. Bring your swimsuit, coverup, sunglasses, and sunhat. And don’t forget the portable safe and sunscreen for added security!
Historic Landmarks: Trinidad is not very formal, so don’t sweat it when visiting historic landmarks. A pair of shorts and a nice t-shirt or polo is all that is necessary. You’ll probably still want to bring your sunglasses and sunhat too! Flip-flops or good walking shoes are a must for the tours.
Nature Centers & Bird Watching: There are over 400 species of native birds on the island as well as many butterflies and different reptiles and amphibians. Bring your binoculars and comfy clothes. Good walking shoes and a sun hat are also highly recommended.
Snorkeling: There are several reefs around Trinidad. No need to bring your own gear unless you want to. There are rentals nearby and the locals are always keen to help outfit you. A great way to save money is to pack an underwater camera to bring along as well as a waterproof phone case.
What NOT to Bring to Trinidad
1.Don’t bring fancy clothes
This island is casual so bringing fancy clothes only brings the risk of losing or damaging them. There also aren’t places to wear them unless you want to really stand out as a tourist.
2.Don’t bring expensive jewelry
It is typically advisable not to bring expensive jewelry anywhere with you. If you must, be sure to keep it in your portable safe while you’re away. And make sure you wear it only in the best parts of town, just to be safe.
3.Don’t bring extra books
Bring your guidebook and a journal. Books take up space and weight unnecessarily. You’ll find your reading time taken with long strolls on the beach or late-night soirees.
4.Don’t bring coats
You’ll want a light jacket in the evenings but leave your winter gear at home. Use your travel infinity scarf if you need a little extra snuggle warmth.
5.Don’t bring lots of makeup
It’s an island so the humidity is high year-round. Too much makeup will melt off and be a hassle to upkeep. And if you like to swim or snorkel, the less makeup the better for the fishes and coral reef beds!
6.Don’t bring your own water sports equipment
Some hotels will have certain items for rent or discounts for guests. If your hotel doesn’t, there are plenty of local stores that will have snorkeling gear, boogie boards, and other water sports equipment for rent.
What NOT to Wear in Trinidad – (Click to expand)
Remember, Trinidad is a casual tropical island. Don’t bring fancy clothes and jewelry. The weather is hot year-round, so you don’t need to bring coats and scarves and mittens either. You might find some locals in tight-fitting clothes, but if you want to stay cool, the best options are flowy and loose-fitting outfits made of breathable fabrics.
FAQs About Traveling in Trinidad
1. What language do they speak in Trinidad?
The official language of the island is English, but you will find that most people speak a version of English local to the island. It’s called Trinidad English and is a creole language. You can also find people that speak versions of French and Spanish on the island. Residents of any country will appreciate it if you make the effort to say basic words or phrases in the native language. Don’t be shy!
2. What currency do they use in Trinidad?
Trinidad has their own dollar like the US. The exchange rate typically favors the US but remember that islands must bring everything in, so prices are naturally higher for that reason.
3. How big is the island?
The island is bigger than many in the Caribbean. It’s comparable in square miles to the state of Delaware.
4. Is it worth planning a day for Tobago?
Tobago has some great coral reefs for snorkelers and scuba divers. The Main Ridge of the Andes Mountains also extends into Tobago for mountain lovers. It’s definitely worth setting aside a day or two to explore Tobago. My trip felt more complete having visited both Trinidad and Tobago and seeing the beauty each place had to offer.
5. Is it safe to visit during rainy season?
It’s usually safe to visit. The islands can be casualties of hurricanes so be prepared to evacuate should the need arise during your visit.
6. Is there an airport on the island?
Yes, the Piarco International Airport is in the northwestern part of the island, close to the capital city, Port of Spain. Tobago also has an international airport, the Crown Point International Airport so island hopping is made easier.
7. What is the food like?
The diverse cultural history of Trinidad has created a unique culinary palette on the island. Yes, there is fried fish on the beach. You’ll also find lots of Indian influences, Spanish influences, and South American influences. The resulting dishes are truly unique so be prepared to try new foods and new flavors!
8. What country does Trinidad belong to?
Trinidad and Tobago are both parts of the West Indies. They declared independence from the United Kingdom in the early 1960’s and are part of the United Nations.
