Maximise your PTO: Why Trinidad & Tobago is the perfect getaway for New Yorkers.

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How New Yorkers can maximise their PTO with a trip to Trinidad & Tobago

When you’re living in the fast-paced, bustling environment of New York City, maximising your paid time off (PTO) becomes crucial. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, immerse yourself in vibrant culture, or enjoy exciting outdoor adventures, a trip to Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) offers the perfect PTO escape. This guide will show you exactly how to make the most of your PTO while effortlessly planning every detail of your trip using Booking.com.

Why Trinidad & Tobago?

Trinidad and Tobago, the twin-island nation in the Caribbean, is an ideal destination for New Yorkers craving both relaxation and adventure. These two islands offer striking contrasts:

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Trinidad, the bustling hub, is known for its vibrant festivals (especially Carnival), cultural diversity, and ecotourism.

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Mas men on Ariapita Avenue, Carnival 2017. — *Mas men on Ariapita Avenue, Trinidad Carnival, 2017.*

Tobago, on the other hand, is the serene escape, boasting pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforests.

From New York, it’s just a 5-hour direct flight, making it easy to sneak away without wasting precious PTO hours in transit.

Tobago is the place to visit — *Buccoo Beach, Tobago.* Photo: Terryann Bishop.

1. Booking flights: How to get there without wasting a second of your PTO

Your PTO is limited, and so is your vacation time. One of the best ways to maximize it is by booking direct flights to Trinidad & Tobago through Booking.com’s Flights feature. This tool allows you to find and compare direct flights from New York City (JFK or Newark) to Piarco International Airport (POS) in Trinidad. By choosing the “direct flights only” filter, you can reduce your travel time and arrive faster.

Pro tip: Flights to Trinidad tend to be less expensive and more frequent than those to Tobago, so book your ticket to Trinidad and use a quick domestic flight or ferry to Tobago if that’s your final destination.

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2. Finding accommodations: Where to stay for every type of traveller

When it comes to accommodations, Booking.com is unbeatable with its vast selection of hotels, guesthouses, and luxury resorts, all rated and reviewed by travellers just like you. To maximise your PTO, consider these options based on your travel style:

HST Stamp awarded to 3 Trinidad Hotels — *Pax Guest House, Mt St Benedict, Tunapuna, Trinidad.*

For the beach bum: Use the “beachfront properties” filter on Booking.com and choose accommodations like the luxurious Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort or the laid-back Tropikist Beach Hotel in Tobago. Waking up with the sea just steps away allows you to dive straight into relaxation.

For the adventure seeker: Look for stays near the eco-tourism hub in the Northern Range or the island of Tobago. Consider the Cuffie River Nature Retreat nestled in the rainforest or the Acajou Hotel located close to nature reserves and dive spots. The “proximity to nature” filter on Booking.com makes it easy to find the right fit.

For the city explorer: If you want to be in the heart of Trinidad’s bustling capital, Port-of-Spain, try Hyatt Regency Trinidad or Kapok Hotel. Booking.com’s “central location” filter can ensure you stay close to shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.

Pro tip: Booking.com offers a free cancellation filter, perfect for the savvy PTO planner who may need flexibility.

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3. Maximise exploration with car rentals

While public transport is an option, renting a car through Booking.com is a smart way to ensure you see all the hidden gems across both islands. The Booking.com Car Rentals feature offers multiple options ranging from budget-friendly to luxury rentals, and you can sort based on traveller ratings or rental company reliability. This ensures you can customize your travel route without being dependent on public schedules.

Explore Trinidad’s natural wonders: With a car, you can explore places like Asa Wright Nature Centre, the stunning Maracas Beach, or take a road trip to see the Pitch Lake, one of the world’s largest natural tar deposits.

Bathers at Maracas the popular beach, mountain, sand and sea, Caribbean sea, Sweet T&T, Sweet Trinidad and Tobago. Water supply in Trinidad. — *Maracas Beach, Trinidad.*

Discover Tobago’s charm: Tobago is smaller and less populated, so renting a car is essential if you want to uncover hidden beaches like Englishman’s Bay or visit the Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve, the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere.

Englishman Bay top view — *Englishman’s Bay, Tobago.* Photo: Terryann Bishop.

4. Local experiences and tours: Curating the perfect itinerary

Maximising your PTO is not just about where you stay but also what you do. Booking.com’s “Things to Do” section offers curated local experiences to help you build an itinerary without hours of research. Some unmissable experiences include:

Carnival season in Trinidad (February-March): The world-famous festival brings the island alive with music, colour, and vibrant costumes. Booking.com often lists package deals that include accommodation and access to the most coveted events.

Photo: Carnival 2015 in POS. Discover the best of Trinidad Carnival 2025 with this insider's guide. — *Carnival Tuesday, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, 2015.*

Turtle watching in Tobago: Between March and September, Tobago is one of the best places to see leatherback turtles lay their eggs. You can book eco-tours directly through Booking.com’s tours and activities platform.

Leatherback Sea Turtles — Leatherback Sea Turtle. Photo: Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Trinidad and Tobago.

Eco-tours and water sports: Booking.com also allows you to reserve spots on thrilling water sports activities like kayaking, snorkelling, and diving in Tobago’s Buccoo Reef or book day trips to the Caroni Bird Sanctuary in Trinidad.

Pro tip: Many tours and experiences are fully refundable through Booking.com, so there’s flexibility if your plans change!

Caroni Bird Sanctuary 2021. The best time to visit T&T. — *Winston Nanaan Caroni Bird Sanctuary.*

5. Restaurants and dining: Savour the flavours of the islands

While booking your accommodation, keep in mind that you can also use Booking.com to find hotels and guesthouses with highly-rated restaurants on-site, saving you time searching for places to eat. However, don’t miss out on local dining experiences!

In Trinidad, make sure to try local favourites like roti, doubles, and fresh seafood at Richard’s Bake and Shark near Maracas Beach.

Guys at Maracas Beach eating bake and shark. Photo taken in 2013. — *Enjoying bake and shark at Maracas Beach.* Photo: 2013.

In Tobago, dine at Jemma’s Treehouse for some authentic island flavours or The Seahorse Inn for a more upscale culinary experience.

Booking.com’s restaurant recommendations within your hotel booking can give you options for days when you just want to unwind after a long day of exploring.

El Carnaval de Trinidad y Tobago es la fiesta de caranval m%C3%A1s grande del Caribe

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6. Flexible and stress-free travel planning

Using Booking.com’s mobile app means you can manage every aspect of your trip on the go. You can book, modify, and cancel accommodations or activities without having to worry about additional fees. Plus, the app allows you to organise all your bookings in one place and even offers 24/7 customer support in case any issues arise during your trip.

Additionally, Booking.com offers PTO-friendly travel hacks like its “Best Price Guarantee”, which helps you snag deals, ensuring you get the best possible value from your PTO without overspending.

Wrapping up: Book smart and maximise your PTO

Taking time off in New York City is precious, but with careful planning and the right tools, like Booking.com, you can make every minute of your PTO count. Whether you’re lounging on the tranquil beaches of Tobago, diving into the culture and energy of Trinidad, or exploring rainforests and reefs, Trinidad & Tobago offer the perfect PTO escape. Use Booking.com’s diverse set of tools, including flights, accommodations, car rentals, and activities, to ensure your trip is seamless, stress-free, and perfectly tailored to your interests.

So go ahead, book that direct flight, reserve a beachfront hotel, rent a car, and set up your island adventure—all without burning a single extra minute of your PTO!

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