Speyside uncovered - insider tips

Whether you’re in Speyside for a family beach holiday or relaxation with a friend, lowcostholidays.com’s insider tips will keep you in the know.

When is the best time to go:

Tobago mostly has fantastic all year round temperatures but has two main seasons. January to May is the dry season and May to December is the islands wet season. The dry season is the most popular time to visit, so the island will be pretty busy. Tourists still holiday in the wet season, but be aware that some tours and restaurants close. Carnival, a popular festival throughout the Caribbean, takes place in February and is full of music, dance, singing, and costumes.

Spectacular days out:

Why not take a trip to Little Tobago Island, this offshore island is home to one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the Caribbean. The Red-Billed Tropic birds are spectacular from October to June. Tours to the 450-acre sanctuary depart from Speyside village or the Blue Waters Inn. The crossing normally passes via Goat Island and Angel Reef.

How’s the shopping:

Whether you are shopping for gifts to take home or just curious about what the island has to offer, Tobago has many shopping options. You can shop just about anywhere on the island, from main streets boasting small variety shops and family-run businesses to multi-level shopping malls. There are markets in most areas at the weekends, which get very busy and are great for some local products.

Where shall I eat:

There is much choice for eating on your holidays to Speyside, catering for all tastes. The Speyside Inn offers a full international menu, with particular emphasis on fresh, local produce and fish in particular. Jemma's Seaview Kitchen is a Tobagonian institution and extremely popular, most tour buses stop here. Note you have to bring your own alcohol.

Get in with the locals...

Here’s some information for when you’re on your Speyside holidays;

Can I drink the water?

Yes, the tap water in Speyside is safe to drink, although most visitors prefer bottled.

What’s the 999 number?

If there is an emergency, call 911.

Shall I pack the sun cream/anorak?

Tobago is very hot, especially in the summer; you should pack lots of high factor sun creams and sun block and hates for children.

How do I get around?

The best way to get around Speyside is by one of the taxis, although this can end up pretty costly. You could rent a motorcycle/scooter, but make sure you wear a helmet, or if you’re looking for something a little slower, take a bicycle and cycle round the island at your leisure.

Do I need to tip?

It is usual to tip approximately 10% of your bill.