Getting to Trinidad: what to know before you book

• AirportPiarco (POS)30–35 min to Mas Camp without traffic
• Base yourself inPort of SpainClose to the route and Mas Camp
• CurrencyTTDUSD and cards widely accepted
• WeatherHot & dryRoughly 27–32°C / 80–90°F

Getting here

Piarco International Airport (POS) is Trinidad’s main international airport, with direct or connecting flights from major hubs in North America, the UK, and increasingly from the Caribbean and Latin America. Flights from Toronto, New York, Miami and London are the most common routes for Showtime’s international masqueraders. Mas Camp, the costume distribution point at 51 French Street in Port of Spain, is about a 30–35 minute drive from the airport without traffic.

Carnival is Trinidad’s busiest travel season of the year. Flights and accommodation fill up and prices climb the closer you get to the date, so booking early is the single easiest way to save money and guarantee availability. Before you commit to non-refundable travel, ask the team about your planned dates and collection timing.

Where to stay

Most international masqueraders base themselves in or around Port of Spain, close to the Carnival action and within easy reach of Mas Camp. Showtime does not have official hotel partners, but past masqueraders have had great experiences at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, the Hilton Trinidad, Brix Hotel and the Courtyard by Marriott, all solid, well-located options. Accommodation books out quickly in the months before Carnival, so the earlier you lock in a place, the more choice and better pricing you will have.

Weather and what to pack

Carnival falls in Trinidad’s dry season, so expect hot, sunny days, generally in the eighty-to-ninety-degree Fahrenheit range (27–32°C), with high humidity. Sunscreen, a hat and a portable phone charger are essentials. Evenings cool only slightly, so light, breathable clothing off the road is your best friend. The road-day list is in what to pack.

Staying safe and feeling comfortable

Port of Spain is a lively, welcoming city, and as with any destination, ordinary travel common sense applies: keep your valuables secure, stay with your group, and let your section’s WhatsApp group be your go-to for real-time guidance from people who know the city. Showtime’s on-route security and paramedic teams are there throughout Monday and Tuesday, but the same instincts you would use travelling anywhere new apply before and after those two days as well.

Money and getting around

Trinidad’s currency is the Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD), though US dollars and cards are widely accepted in tourist-facing businesses. Registered taxis and app-based ride services operate throughout Port of Spain. Many masqueraders find it easiest to arrange transport in advance for Carnival Monday and Tuesday specifically, since roads along the route close to regular traffic.

Collecting your costume after you land

Mas Camp is at 51 French Street, Port of Spain. Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday 2:30–7:00 PM and Saturday 1:00–7:00 PM, Trinidad local time. Those are opening hours, not your collection appointment: section-specific collection dates are announced by email and WhatsApp as the season approaches. Bring your QR boarding pass and a valid government-issued ID. If your travel dates do not line up with the standard window, contact the team in advance; they regularly help overseas masqueraders arrange alternate pickup times.

Find Mas Camp on Google Maps ↗

A simple booking order

1. Choose and register your costume, so you know your section and collection needs.
2. Book flights around 8–9 February 2027, arriving a few days early.
3. Book accommodation in or near Port of Spain.
4. Add fetes, J’ouvert or Tobago Carnival weekend if you want them.
5. Pre-arrange transport for Monday and Tuesday mornings.

Questions first-timers ask