Ah, I will always remember my first Trinidad Carnival – life-changing doesn’t even begin to describe it! This is the best Caribbean carnival that’s all about celebrating life, culture, music, vibes, and pure bacchanal. Hindsight is a funny thing; back then, I had no idea what to expect and just followed along with my Feteran friends (experienced carnival goers). Having been to multiple Trinidad Carnivals now, it feels only right to share helpful tips before you touch down in the Mecca, a.k.a. the greatest show on earth – Trinidad Carnival!

In this guide, I’m dishing out all you need to prep for Trinidad Carnival 2024 – the ins, the outs, and the must-knows. Flights, check. Accommodations (fingers crossed), check. Driver, check. Costume and fete tickets secured – excellent! Now, let’s get you ready for an unforgettable trip with some insider tips I wish I had known before my first Trinidad Carnival.

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How to Prepare for Trinidad Carnival 2024

1. Pace Yourself 

Trinidad Carnival is a marathon, not a sprint! If you’re a first-timer, get ready for an endless series of fetes (parties) and cultural events. There may be a few mornings when you’re up in the wee hours heading to a fete – we’re talking 3:00 am or 4:00 am. Depending on your itinerary, you might be jumping from one fete to another with little sleep.

To pace yourself, I suggest keeping it to no more than two fetes per day, allowing plenty of time for rest in between. You wouldn’t want to exhaust yourself at one party and miss out on the next – it’s all about knowing your limit so that you can experience everything without burning out!

2. Carnival Monday and Tuesday

Trinidad Carnival dates are Monday, February 12, and Tuesday, February 13. 

 Now, for all you first-timers, you can wear whatever makes you feel beautiful and confident on Monday! If you’re wondering about outfit ideas, most girlies go for trendy bathing suits or bodysuits from fast-fashion places like Shein, Fashion Nova, Nasty Gal, Boohoo, Forever 21, and Asos, to name a few. Some even opt for pricier, designer-made Monday wear—which is elaborate and stunning, but it comes down to your budget. The golden rule here is comfort!

For the guys, it’s a tank top and shorts vibe.

On Tuesday, it’s the official Carnival day! It’s time to slip into your dazzling costume as a masquerader and join your band for the parade. Brace yourself for the crowd, and stick to the roped areas guarded by security. 

3. Stay Hydrated and Energized

Your days will be long, and keeping up with the excitement is a workout by itself! Staying hydrated is the name of the game. With the Caribbean humidity and all those all-inclusive fetes offering top-shelf drinks, it’s easy to forget about the importance of water. So, make sure to stay hydrated by sipping on plenty of water and fueling up with some delicious local treats. Don’t miss the chance to try the Trinidadian street food – it’ll give you the energy boost needed to enjoy the festivities fully.

Insider Tip: Consider adding a liquid IV to your water before you hit up a fete, J’ouvert, or the parade.

4. Buy Your Alcohol at Duty-Free

Once you’ve cleared customs, make a pit stop at duty-free for a little alcohol haul. It’s your chance to snag a few bottles, perfect for having on standby or if you’re hitting up cooler fetes which are usually BYOB (bring your own alcohol). Just a heads up, there might be a limit on the number of bottles you can grab, so get the essentials. If you find you need more or want to explore other options, no worries – you can always shop at a store in Port of Spain.

Related Article: The Ultimate Trinidad Carnival 2024 Planning Guide: For First-Timers

5. Leave Space in Your Suitcase

Trust me on this one – keeping a bit of breathing room in your suitcase is like a double win. Not only does it save you from shelling out money for an overweight bag, but it also gives you the perfect spot for the carnival swag you’ll accumulate. And that’s not even factoring in your costume! So, my advice? Make sure there’s room to spare in that suitcase or consider adding another bag to the mix.

6. Pack a Carry-on

Let’s be real: airlines occasionally misplace or leave your luggage behind. Last year, a friend gave me a game-changing tip – pack the outfits you’ll wear in the first few days in your carry-on. That way, even if your luggage takes a detour, you’ve got the essentials covered.

Speaking of peace of mind, I took another smart step last year – I invested in Airtags for my suitcase. Let me tell you, having an Airtag in there worked wonders for my sanity. Because, let’s face it, we all want to keep tabs on our stuff, right? It’s a small move that made a big difference in my travel worries!

7. Wear Comfortable Footwear

Get ready for LOTS of walking during your Trinidad adventure, especially on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Trust me, comfy shoes are non-negotiable since you’ll be on your feet for a solid 8-12 hours. 

A quick tip: avoid breaking in new shoes, especially on those Carnival days – not a great plan. For more comfort, I personally swear by insoles. Why? Because I refuse to let sore feet get in the way of my party vibes, and I want the same for you! 

8. Pack a Glue Gun

Every seasoned carnival pro knows the importance of having a trusty glue gun in their carnival toolkit – and you should too! Your costume, beautifully decorated with dazzling sequins and jewels, is bound to lose a few pieces of jewels along the way. Given the investment you’ve made, looking your absolute best on the big day is a top priority. 

Tossing a glue gun into your packing mix, complete with plenty of glue sticks, ensures you can effortlessly fix up your costume without last-minute panic or any letdowns. Take my word for it – both you and your crew will be grateful for the preparedness!

9. Download Fete Tickets

Service on the island can be a bit spotty at times, so to avoid any hiccups when you’re heading to a venue, it’s a smart move to download or take a screenshot of your tickets. This way, you won’t be holding up the line. Of course, there’s the old-school option of printing your tickets in advance if that’s more your style. Personally, I like to go the eco-friendly route and have my tickets downloaded to my phone. It’s a hassle-free way to keep things moving smoothly!

10. Pack Baby Oil

Chances are, you’ll be hitting up a J’ouvert party while you’re there– and let me tell you, get ready to have ah time and get messy! We’re talking paint, powder, foam, mud – you name it.

Now, getting all that colorful goodness off your skin might be a bit tricky, so here’s my friendly tip: before heading out, coat your skin with some baby oil. This little trick will make scrubbing off the excess paint and powder in the shower way more manageable. 

11. Take Time to Relax

In my first year, I made the mistake of leaving right after Carnival Tuesday. Little did I know that Ash Wednesday is all about some much-needed R&R. After all the partying, liming, and sipping, the last thing you’d want is to hop on a plane immediately.

Most folks head straight to Tobago, while others opt for a fantastic day at Maracas Beach soaking up the sun. If you’re craving a vacation from your vacation, either Maracas Beach or Tobago is the way to go. And if you find yourself at Maracas Beach, don’t miss trying the famous bake and shark from Richard’s! It’s a must!

12. Makeup 

Your makeup completes your Carnival Monday and Tuesday looks! However, you might discover that makeup artists are either fully booked months ahead or can be a bit pricey.

To keep things budget-friendly, I rely on YouTube tutorials to guide me through achieving the perfect makeup glam for both Monday and Tuesday! It’s a great way to learn some skills and rock a fabulous look without breaking the bank.

13. Everyone Has a Carnival Body

Hey, if you’ve ever thought you don’t have a “carnival body,” let’s toss that notion out the window right now. Fact: everyone has a carnival body – yes, everyone! Sure, costumes may have gotten smaller, but the real deal here is celebrating yourself, stretch marks, and all those natural curves.

Carnival is all about celebrating life, and let’s face it, people come in every beautiful shape and size. No room for body shaming here!

Now, if you’re feeling a bit uneasy about how your costume looks, remember you have the power to make modifications. It’s your body and your experience. The key is feeling comfortable and confident in your skin, ensuring you have an absolute blast!

Conclusion – Two Cents from Lady Chin

Trinidad Carnival has some surprises in store that you might not anticipate until you experience it. I hope these tips have been helpful in getting you ready for your upcoming visit! If it’s your first time, trust me, I intended to go only once, but you’ll likely find yourself hooked and eager to return the following year! Soca music and Trinidad Carnival will do that to you!

Have a fun and safe Trinidad Carnival 2024!

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