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!