How difficult will this tour be? What should I be prepared for?
Relative to other tours that go to view this multitude of birds and other wildlife this tour is not difficult. Participants must be able to handle their own luggage, climb a few flights of stairs and walk on uneven surfaces from three blocks up to one mile at a 2.0 mph pace over the course of the day. Participants can choose not to go on any walk and enjoy the accommodations at Asa Wright

Do I need vaccination?
Trinidad and Tobago presents a safe, healthy environment for visitors and no immunizations are required at this time. However, the Center for Disease Control does recommend a Yellow Fever vaccination. If you are traveling to or from other countries in Africa, South America, or the Caribbean, a Yellow Fever vaccine may be required. Please check with the CDC Information Service on these requirements. The CDC telephone number is 877-FYI-TRIP or for fax information, 888-232-3299. Their website is www.cdc.gov/travel. It is always wise to have an up-to-date tetanus vaccination. Please check with your personal physician for any other recommendations.
While pharmacies and medical facilities are readily accessible, it is important that you carry any necessary personal medication with you. If you are subject to motion sickness, please inquire about medication as quite a bit of the travel in Trinidad and Tobago is by vehicle on winding mountain roads. You should bring an adequate supply of any prescription drugs you use. Also bring a list of generic names of your medicines as “back-up” in case it is necessary to purchase drugs there. It is a good idea to pack any drugs you take regularly in your carry-on luggage. It is also a good idea to carry an up-to-date record of known allergies or chronic medical problems so that emergency treatment, if necessary, can be carried out without endangering your health. We recommend that each individual or couple pack a kit of aspirin, decongestant, antacid, Pepto Bismol or other antidiarrheal medicine, and an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses.

Do I need a passport?
Be sure that you have a Passport valid for 6 months from your return date.

I heard that the food in Trinidad is very spicy, will I have options? What is food like?
Meals are safe, varied, and delicious, reflecting the contributions of African, East Indian, Amerindian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and European cuisines. Non-spicy food is widely available. There is a large choice of fresh fruits and vegetables. Water is generally safe throughout Trinidad and Tobago. In spite of all precautions, certain individuals still develop lower intestinal disorder when traveling anywhere. If you are particularly subject to this condition, please discuss appropriate medication with your physician.

What is the weather like?
Trinidad and Tobago has “perfect weather” — warm with tropical breezes. The average temperature is is 84 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 74 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Trinidad and Tobago’s rainy season is generally from June to December. However you can get showers during any season, and even during the “rainy season” many days will be bright and sunny.

How should I dress?
Dress is very informal. While some people will change for dinner, it usually is just to a drier or cleaner version of what they wore during the day. Shorts and sleeveless shirts will be comfortable, but also invite sunburn and insects. We recommend long cotton pants, and at least one long-sleeved cotton shirt. Khaki, or subdued-color clothing is preferred over bright colors as the latter tends to spook wildlife. Basic field clothes should include a light raincoat or poncho, a hat with a wide brim, sturdy walking shoes as well as light canvas shoes that can get wet or muddy - yet still dry very quickly, plenty of socks, a thin jacket or light sweater for the cooler evenings, and a bathing suit.
NOTE: Camouflage clothing is illegal to wear or possess in most tropical birding destinations. Such clothing may be confiscated and, at worst, you may be subject to arrest.

What else should I bring?
We also recommend bringing a small day pack, a flashlight with fresh batteries, sunglasses, sun screen, chapstick, a canteen or water bottle, a small collapsible umbrella, an alarm clock, a wash cloth, your camera with fresh batteries, ample film, and, of course, binoculars. If you plan on snorkling, you may wish to bring your own equipment, or you can rent from the Blue Waters Inn's full dive shop.
Both the Asa Wright Nature Center and Blue Waters Inn have laundry facilities.

What about bugs?
Mosquito and chigger populations fluctuate throughout the year and a supply of your favorite insect repellent will be useful. We expect levels to be low during our dry-season trip. Poisonous snakes exist and, while relatively common, are generally secretive and infrequently seen by visitors. Be certain to carefully follow the advice of your guide on all field trips.

What are the accommodations like?
Accommodations are comfortable and modest. Asa Wright is a world class eco-tourism center which many other centers attempt to model themselves after. All rooms have private baths. The electricity and electrical outlets are the same as in the United States. BE SURE TO BRING WITH YOU ALL OF YOUR PERSONAL NECESSITIES; FILM; INSECT REPELLENT, ETC. THEY CANNOT BE OBTAINED AT THE CENTER. However, the Center does have a lovely gift shop selling local craft items, natural history books, and other items.

Should I get Travel Insurance?
We strongly recommend you obtain travel insurance, as the penalties for cancellations are quite strict and unless your own personal health insurance covers you abroad, the cost of medical evacuation and treatment in a foreign country can be quite high.

How should I pack?
Do not overpack! A standard, medium-size bag should be ample. Be sure it has your address on the inside of the bag, as well a luggage tag on the handle. Be sure to pack your personal medication, airline tickets, passport, binoculars,camera, and other essential items in your carry-on bag. But remember that your carry-on bag must be able to fit under the airplane seat or it will be taken away by the airline staff and put in with the regular luggage.

More General Information:
Currency: The monetary unit, the TT Dollar, is decimal-based and 6 TTD equal one USD. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, at the Asa Wright Nature Centre, and at most hotels. In addition, credit cards are accepted at most establishments.
Time Zone: Trinidad and Tobago is in the Atlantic Time Zone throughout the year.
Tipping: Gratuities are included for all services on your tour except for those of the local guides and drivers. In that instance, it is left to the tour participants’ discretion. A good rule of thumb is to tip in the area of $3.00 to $5.00US per person, per day good service from your guide. A tip of $2.00US per person, per day for your driver would be appropriate.
Smoking: Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or during group activities.

To learn more about Ecotourism click here.

Call 212-691-7483 or email Erik Karff to register or find out more about upcoming NYC Audubon Trips.