TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (Caribbean)

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The twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago are the Caribbean's odd couple. Trinidad is a densely populated, thriving island with a cosmopolitan population and strong regional influence. It's famous for hosting the loudest, wildest and most popular Carnival in the Caribbean.

In contrast, 'little sister' Tobago is relaxed, slow-paced and largely undeveloped. There are claims that Daniel Defoe had Tobago in mind when he wrote Robinson Crusoe , and travelers who enjoy its beaches, reefs and birdlife still tend to think of the island as the last undiscovered gem in the Caribbean.

Trinidad's Carnival is the most outrageous in the Caribbean. Integral to the festivities is the music of the steel drum (pan), which was invented in Trinidad half a century ago using the hammered-out ends of discarded oil drums. Panyards, where steel drum bands practice in the evenings, abound in Port of Spain and are particularly active with the decibels in the weeks preceding Carnival.

LANGUAGES - English. French; Spanish; Hindi and Chinese are also spoken.

WEATHER - Tropical climate with cooling trade winds. Hottest June - Oct.

Trinidad has a wide and varied nightlife including nightclubs with calypso, limbo dancers and steel bands. In Tobago, the main Calypsonians from Trinidad travel over to perform at Shaw Park, Scarborough and Roxborough.

It is a tranquil island with calm waters and a number of fine beaches, each with their own flavour. They include Pigeon Point on the southwest coast. Buccoo Reef, an extensive coral reef, lies offshore. Excursions can be made in glass-bottomed boats and it is an excellent place for snorkelling.

San Fernando is the island's second town and the main commercial centre in the south. Close by is the fascinating natural phenomenon of the Pitch Lake, a 90-acre (36.4 hectares) lake of asphalt which constantly replenishes itself.