The Tobago holiday guide. Written by tourists for tourists.

For the very latest and up to date information from the British Government about travel to and in Tobago.

Tobago is an island we have known and loved for a long time and we still do. We are experienced travellers and have felt safer in Tobago than anywhere else. We have never been the victims of a crime in Tobago or personally know anyone who has. The island is suffering from bad press at the moment, because there has been an increase in drugs related crime. It's a tiny island, and has enjoyed an almost crime free state for a long time, so anything that does happen receives maximum negative publicity.

There has been a handful of crimes happen in the last year which have tainted the island's reputation at the moment. The Tobago we first knew had a handbag snatch as frontpage news. But to put it in perspective, Tobago is a lot safer than Jamaica. Tobago's reputation can suffer from its crime ridden sister island Trinidad - but the two are chalk and cheese.

We still go to Tobago and will continue to. We never take expensive valuables, we never flash our cash, we lock our car. We exercise the same attitude to personal safety as we do when we're in London, or the Gambia, or Las Vegas. The people of Tobago love their island, and love to see tourists enjoying it.

Tobago school children

They are a warm and friendly people, and it's hard to remember that for many of them, the camera you carry round your neck to take your holiday snaps, is more than a year's wages. Despite this, the majority of Tobagonians do not resent you or wish to steal from you. As is the case anywhere, it is just the few who will grab opportunities if they are presented.

Tobago needs tourism to survive, so the authorities and the Tourist Board are working as hard as they can to address the current issues they have.

We know many residents of Tobago both T&T nationals and ex-pats and have lived amongst them. We are in touch with them about what the reality is on the island. The overwhelming feeling is one of frustration and disappointment not fear.

We hope you do go to the island, and enjoy the beauty that is Tobago, and the honest, hardworking people that live there and will welcome you warmly.

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