Early 2013 Trinidad Carnival Themes

For the past few weeks some bands leaders have either given us their 2013 presentation and I must say I getting even more excited and looking forward to February 11^th and 12^th next year.

If you’re the type that sticks with your favourite band year after year or choose a band based on their theme, you can’t help but be enthusiastic.

Below is a summary of what’s been announced so far. No word yet on some of the other popular bands like, Island People, Yuma, Brain Mc Farlane or Ronnie and Caro. I was very impressed with K2K Alliance this year and I’m looking forward to see what they’ll offer in their second year.

Will you be a butterfly or beast, Zulu or wearing a while mask? I would love Trini Revellers to take me to Brazil! But I need to be taken to Trinidad first!

HARTS

TRIBE

TRINI REVELLERS

ROAM

SPICE CARNIVAL

GLENN CARVALHO

FANTASY

                                                                      SAM CHEEWAH

GENESIS - MIRROR MIRROR

Airfares Have Already Increased for 2013 Trinidad Carnival!

I can`t believe that I`m already seeing airfare increases this early, an average of 13%, for the 2013 Trinidad Carnival! The first day you were able to book online with Caribbean Airlines to return on Ash Wednesday was March 20, 2012 so that`s my baseline fare. New York fares have gone up 4%, Toronto is 9% higher and Miami is a whopping 26% more expensive.

Here are today`s fares, with Caribbean Airlines, for New York, Miami and Toronto for 1 week from February 6 – 13, 2013.

New York - $507.80 (4% increase from March 20, 2012)

Miami - $517.80 (26% higher from March 20, 2012)

Toronto - $712.16 (9% increase from March 20, 2012)

Once again, you should book early to take advantage of lower prices. Also, I may be able to get you a fare cheaper than published, contact me at info@trinidadcarnivaltour.com with your dates.

Flights to 2013 Trinidad Carnival Now Available!

Finally Caribbean Airlines’ online booking is open for 2013 Trinidad Carnival. You can book today if you plan to leave on Ash Wednesday. Tomorrow the online booking will open if your return is on the day after Ash Wednesday and the day after if you want to leave Trinidad on Friday (and so on).

Here are the published fares for one week from February 6 -13, 2013 (Carnival is February 11^th and 12^th):

New York: $489.30

Miami: $409.30

Toronto: $651.66

There is usually about a 40% increase in fares if you procrastinate and book later. For me that means more funds available to fete or for all of the extras like professional make-up and boots!

I may be able to get you a fare cheaper than published, contact me at info@trinidadcarnivaltour.com with your dates.

2013 Trinidad Carnival Budget

The 2013 Trinidad Carnival will be held on February 11^th and 12^th. This means we have 11 months to go! It’s not too early to start planning your trip and the first step is to work on your budget.

Here’s an estimate (the actual costs may be higher or lower) for you:

2013 Trinidad Carnival Budget
Item	7 Nights	5 Nights	Notes
	US Dollars	US Dollars
Airfare to Trinidad	600-900	600-900	Estimate for US and Canada*
Hotel	1270	908	Based on double occupancy at Hilton Hotel
Local Transportation	200	160	Includes airport transfer
Meals	240	80
Fetes	650	400
Beach	60	60
Jouvert	50-90	50-90
Carnival Costume	450-700	450-700
Total	$3520-4110	$2708-3298

*Contact me at info@trinidadcarnivaltour.com to book your flight from your city to Trinidad. The airfares should be released very soon.

It does make a significant difference to your budget if you book your flight and hotel accommodation early. You can book online for the Hyatt but contact the other hotels directly. You’ll note that you’ll have to pay a deposit when you book, however the longer you wait the higher the rate. Another consideration is that rooms with 2 double beds are the first to go. You can also contact me at info@trinidadcarnivaltour.com to reserve your accommodation.

I do feel less financial stress when I take care of my flight and hotel early. Also, depending on the band you’re playing mas with you’ll have to pay a deposit when you register and the balance is due either in January or when you pick up your costume. It’s nice to only have to finance 50% or less of your costs in January and February.

I do find that making an early commitment to go to Trinidad for Carnival almost, always ensures that you will actually go. Don’t wait for the carnival fever to hit you in late January because the exorbitant costs may turn you off and you’ll be enjoying a live stream of the Trinidad Carnival from the comforts of your home.

Basically save $60 - $90 per week and you’ll be well on your way to the 2013 Trinidad Carnival!

Top 10 Trinidad Post-Carnival Questions

I have finally recovered from my 2012 Trinidad Carnival Post Carnival Stress Disorder. The symptoms included euphoria, joy and bliss but soreness in every muscle, foot pain, fuzzy brain from lack of sleep, and complete physical and mental exhaustion.

I had a great time at this year’s Trinidad Carnival! But here are my top 10 Carnival questions:

1.     What’s the best soca workout to get in shape for Trinidad Carnival?

2.     Is there a program to prepare the body and brain for sleep deprivation?

3.     Can I get enough sleep while in traffic to and from fetes?

4.     Will hot yoga prepare me for the hot weather?

5.     Why do my pictures never tell a thousand words?

6.     Is there really such a thing as fashionable and sensible footwear?

7.     When will I stop trying to get my money’s worth in alcohol at all inclusive fetes?

8.     Should I take a full 24 hours off during Carnival week with absolutely no activities?

9.     Can I pick Jouvert or Carnival Monday and not do both?

10.   Is it really necessary on Carnival Tuesday for a band to leave at 6:30 am and race to the Savannah?

In spite of these nagging questions I’m ready to do it again. The countdown for 2013 Trinidad Carnival begins!

We're Off to Trinidad Carnival!

At long last we will soon board our Caribbean Airlines plane for Port-of-Spain! Trinidad is only about 7 hours away and I can't wait! It’s cold enough in Toronto and there is enough snow on the ground that I’ll appreciate the hot weather in Trinidad 100% more.

It seems like I go through six stages of Trinidad Carnival:

1.      Recovering from Trinidad Carnival from Ash Wednesday to the following week.

2.      Preliminary planning for the next Trinidad Carnival until about June; I book my hotel during this period as soon as the hotel has opened its reservation.

3.      Beginning to get the Trinidad Carnival fever in July – October with the various band launches and finally booking my flight before the fares increase.

4.      Picking my band and section and beginning to envision my boots and other accessories in November - December.

5.      January to day of flight is a whirlwind of activity but the biggest part is deciding what fetes I want to go to and trying to get tickets (I wish this was easier).

6.      And then I’m finally in Trinidad for Carnival!

Caribbean Airlines claims that the party begins on board so I’m curious to experience whatever that is. Although, I should try to sleep on board since I won’t be getting much once I land!

My first day in Trinidad for Carnival is what I call Pick-Up Day. No, it’s not what you think! I’m picking up my Carnival costume and goody bag, picking up my Jouvert costume (well t-shirt) and picking up my various fete tickets. Hope all goes smoothly! Wish me luck!

Trinidad Carnival Protection

With 15 days to go before Carnival Monday and Tuesday, all the big decisions are made but there are still a few little, but important things to take care of. This is my list of what I use for protection.

Sunscreen
By now everyone is aware of sunscreen to protect yourself from the intense sun. But don’t do like me, take it but forget to use it. Buy a small bottle (of the highest protection you can get) that you can carry with you on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. In addition to Carnival Monday and Tuesday, you’ll need it for the beach, daytime fetes and towards the end of breakfast parties. If you’re with a group, not everyone has to have their own sunscreen, as you can share and it will be less for all to carry.

Baby Oil
If you’re playing jouvert, while you’re in the pharmacy purchasing your sunscreen, also pick up a small bottle of baby oil. Use the baby oil on your skin before you leave for jouvert and it will make it easier to remove the paint and mud later.

Scarf or Shower Cap
Jouvert poses another issue for the ladies with ‘hair enhancements’ especially the synthetic types. Cover your hair with a scarf and try to avoid getting the paint and mud on your head. Some women wear shower caps, but I can’t see myself anywhere outside the bathroom with a shower cap but the choice is yours.

Sandwich Bags
If you’re taking your camera to jouvert, unless you have a waterproof case, use a Ziploc sandwich bag. Use the bag to protect your cellphone as well. It’s also helpful to put a small amount of cash in a separate Ziploc bag.

Insoles
After about the third hour on the road, even the most comfortable shoes may begin to feel less comfortable, but insoles will help. I love Dr. Scholl’s massaging gel insoles.

Safety Pins
Take safety pins with you on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, in case you have a wardrobe malfunction. It's no fun being Janet Jackson in Trinidad Carnival!

Body Glide
My final Carnival protection tip is Body Glide. I highly recommend using this to prevent blisters and chaffing (you know where). It’s packaged like deodorant so it’s easy to rub it on your skin. No need to reapply, you will be protected for the entire day. I found mine at the Running Room and you can get it at most speciality sports store. You’ll thank me later!