Trinidad Carnival - also known as the greatest show on earth, is a celebration of freedom. The history behind the festival is a beautiful and important one. I've been to a few carnivals in other islands, but can attest, that Trinidad and Tobago has been the best so far. If you haven't been or don't know the history of carnival, I highly suggest you look into it!
Carnival is about a week long celebration, and let me tell you it is a marathon, not a sprint. There are fetes (or parties/festivals) every single day at every time of the day. There is often little time for sleep. You could be at a breakfast fete, then an afternoon fete during the day and end it off with a night party/concert. It's always something going, which is why I'm here to show you how I survived the biggest carnival in the world.
It's important to balance it all so you can maintain yourself throughout the week.
Trust me—you don’t want to be the one sleeping through Jouvert because you overdid it at last night’s fete. The key is moderation and preparation, so you can maximize your fun without compromising your health.
Here are some tips to surviving Trinidad Carnival:
1. Pre-Vacation (1-2 weeks before Carnival)
a. Drink Lots of Water
This is a no brainer and hopefully something you're doing already
b. Sip Herbal Teas
Herbal teas—like ginger, mint, or green tea—can help flush out toxins and prep your body for the increased alcohol consumption you might encounter at Carnival. (There's a lot of alcohol).
c. Clean Up Your Diet
Eat healthier foods and reduce processed and sugary foods. You'll need the proper nutrition to prepare your body for carnival.
d. Hit the Gym
Get your workouts in, not just for that beach-ready/costume-ready body, but to build stamina and muscle endurance. Carnival often involves long hours of dancing and walking in parades; a stronger body will handle the strain much better. Oh, and STRETCH
2. During Carnival
a. Stay Hydrated
Listing again, because this is key. Since you're in the islands, try some coconut water. It's rich in electrolytes, and perfect for hydration.
We played Mas with Tribe Carnival. If you're playing with a band, they always have trucks with liquor, food and of course water. They kept our cups full with liquor, but I made sure to grab a few bottles of water along the way!
b. Eat Substantial Meals
Fuel up! Fresh tropical fruits, veggie-heavy plates, and local delicacies will help keep you going.
c. Power Naps are Essential
"Who sleeps on vacation?"
Umm… me, and I'm not ashamed of it lol. A little midday nap in between events ain’t ever hurt nobody. Our bodies need rest, especially the older we get.
Don’t let anyone guilt-trip you into taking a break. Whether if it's a 20-30 min nap, a few hours, or if you need a whole day. Do what's best for YOUR body.
d. Pack Liquid IV or Electrolyte Packets
These are a lifesaver! In addition to water, I make sure I consume these before and after fetes to keep the party going. Simply pour a packet into your water bottle, and you’ll replenish those much-needed minerals and electrolytes quickly.
4. Post-Vacation: Unwind and Recharge
a. Take a Day Off
The day after you return home can be crucial for unpacking, catching up on sleep, or simply taking a moment to transition from Carnival mode back to real life. If possible take some time off to adjust back into the real work and catch up on much needed rest.
b. Schedule a "Maintenance" Day/ Spa Day
That extra day off can also be used for a spa day. A good massage can relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and help you mentally shift out of “vacation brain.” Consider a full spa day—massages, facials, pedicures (all my toe nail polish either came off or they're paint stained smh),—to pamper yourself.
After Trinidad Carnival, my friends and I decided to take a stop in Guadeloupe. The plan was to relax in our villa, get massages and rejuvenate after carnival. If you follow our instagram page then you know the story. Long story short, I unfortunately never made it to Guadeloupe. I had a stop in Dominica, but after the airline lost my luggage, it delayed me getting to Guadeloupe. By the time I got everything sorted out, there were no more flights or ferries out of Dominica. Apparently, it was Dominica's Carnival as well.
Making the best of my situation, I decided to do have a spa day at their Intercontinental Resort. The grounds were absolutely beautiful. The massage was amazing. The spa area in itself was unlike anything I ever seen. They had mini huts equipped with a massage bed, shower, chair, and balcony. It almost mimicked a hotel room.
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After the massage, I got a day pass and hung out at the pool. The resort also had beach access, so that was a plus as well. Although my plans had changed, drastically, I was still able to find some time to relax. Ultimately, I was happy I stayed in Dominica.
Traveling in itself can be stressful, and after dealing with the airline losing my luggage, I was still a bit on edge. Once I finally got back to the states I realized I still needed a little bit more R&R, so I created my own spa at home. I ran a bubble bath using one of my bath teas (as seen in our Amour Allure bundle), then I lit my Allure candle, played some music and allowed my body to truly unwind. Despite the hectic journey back home, I was just thankful to have made it safely, and also thankful that I had the tools to create a peaceful atmosphere for myself.
If planning a mini vacation after your vacation isn't an option, consider creating your own vibes from the comfort of your home using our Amour Allure Bundle to start.
c. Hydrate, Again!
Drink Water. Please
Maintaining Your Highest Self
Yes, you can go all out, dance all night, and indulge in your favorite cocktails—but do so in a way that respects your limits and keeps you feeling your best.
A balanced approach allows you to enjoy every moment of your trip without sacrificing your health or missing out on precious memories. Here are the key takeaways:
Remember:
- Plan ahead and condition your body for the activities you have planned.
- Pace yourself during the trip with proper hydration, rest, and nutrition.
- Wind down afterward with extra rest days, spa treatments, and a return to healthy habits.
So, are you ready for Carnival? Embrace the vibrant spirit of Trinidad, dance till your feet can’t take it anymore, and sip your favorite drinks under the tropical sun—just don’t forget to keep your body and mind in check. Because the best kind of vacation is one where you come back refreshed, fulfilled, and already looking forward to your next adventure.
Whether if it's carnival or a fun trip with your friends, these tips will help you create that perfect balance between carefree fun and conscious self-care.
That's what living a truly high maintenance lifestyle is all about.
