What about a low-cost vacation in paradise? Have you ever thought about it?!! Whether you believe it or not, it’s entirely possible and you should start considering it!
Where? Martinique island is the place to be!
Martinique island is one of the most captivating French Caribbean islands. Known for its luxury resorts, yet, there are also plenty of ways to enjoy it on a budget. Martinique island offers an impressive mix of culture, history, and natural beauty, all at a fraction of the cost of other popular destinations.
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your stay on the island without breaking the bank.
1. Visit Martinique island during the low season
One way to save money while enjoying a heavenly tropical paradise is to visit Martinique island during its low season and enjoy all that it has to offer. While Martinique island can be enjoyed year-round, there are some periods where it’s especially cheap to visit. During the low season, you can enjoy discounts on hotels, car rentals, and other activities.
The most affordable season to travel to Martinique island is from May to November. If you want to visit Martinique island in April or May, you’ll have a better chance of finding a good combination of good weather, fewer crowds, and better deals. Spring is the slowest season for tourism, so prices are lower and there are more hotels open for business than during the stormy summer.
Summer, from June to August, is also a great time to visit. This is the rainy season on the island, but you can still enjoy some beautiful weather and prices are lower than in the spring. However, keep in mind that many businesses close from July to early September, so if you’re looking for a lot of nightlife and activity, this may not be the best time to visit.
Even though Summer is not the best season for weather, temperatures remain pleasant and cyclones are not always systematic. You must leave having been warned and prepared to follow the necessary instructions if a hurricane occurs!
2. Hot Season: Start booking your Martinique vacation package, 3 to 4 months in advance
It is especially difficult to find cheap stays in Martinique during the tourism hot seasons like Christmas and Winter. During these busiest times of the year for tourists, everything is booked. Prices are skyrocketing, and availability is limited! It is necessary to make reservations well in advance in order to get “reasonable” prices and to keep your options open.
Remember to plan ahead of time not only for flights (which should be booked several months in advance) but also for accommodations and possibly a car rental…
Last-minute deals to Martinique are extremely rare at this time of year (especially around Christmas)!
3. Instead of Martinique luxurious Resorts, stay in a villa or guesthouse
Accommodation can be one of your biggest expenses on a vacation, but it doesn’t have to be. Instead of a resort or a hotel, consider staying in a villa or a guesthouse.
Rental properties are an excellent way to save money while still enjoying all the comforts of home. There are many vacation rentals on the island, and the majority of them are very budget-friendly. This is a great way to have your own private space while saving money on food and beverages without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
4. Explore Martinique island by bike
Biking is not only a fun way to see the sights, but it’s also a relatively inexpensive mode of transportation.
Begin by immersing yourself in Creole culture right away in the garden of Balata, located on the city’s outskirts. Its biodiversity is both rich and surprising, and the experience will undoubtedly delight the curious. Museums are also excellent places to learn about the island’s history and how it relates to its current population.
There is so much to see and do on Martinique, and most of it is either free or very low-cost. From its beautiful beaches to its lush rainforest, the island is a nature lover’s paradise. Take a hike in the mountains, visit a plantation, enjoy its stunning beaches, or explore the vibrant city of Fort-de-France. It would be an excellent opportunity to explore this magnificent city.
5 – Or Rent a car
Renting cars is generally required to fully enjoy Martinique island. No worries, there are also some good options for renting a car in Martinique on a budget. First and foremost, if you’re going during peak season, remember to book ahead of time!
Local brands with a good reputation frequently offer lower prices. Yet, remember to pay attention to the condition of the vehicles and the conditions for assistance, insurance, the amount of deductibles, etc.
Most companies will deliver the vehicle to you at the airport, with or without a surcharge.
6. Do not forget your masks and snorkels
Can’t afford to try your hand at diving? Snorkeling is a free activity that will leave you speechless! Colorful fish, plants, turtles, rays, and so on…
Everyone, including children, can go if you take a few precautions. Wear bathing shoes and a t-shirt (to avoid a fatal sunburn on your back that will ruin your vacation!). Also, keep an eye out for any currents: be prepared!
Best spots to enjoy this fun activity: Anse Figuier, Anses d’Arlet, Anse Noire, Cap Chevalier in Sainte Anne (towards the coral reef), Pointe Borgnèse…
7. Eat like Martinique people
Restaurants can be expensive, especially in tourist areas. Instead of eating out every night, try cooking some of your own meals using ingredients from local markets. Not only will this save you money, but you’ll also get to experience the local cuisine.
Martinique is known for its delicious food, so be sure to sample as much as you can! Try some local dishes like bouillon or accras, or grab a bite at one of the many street vendors.
Want some ideas?
a. Breakfast: Coconut milk, fruit juice, and crepes are delicious suggestions for breakfast.
b. Lunch: Local eateries are everywhere proposing some mouth-watering grab-and-go options for lunch.
c. Dinner: The island offers a wide range of cuisines, with Creole and French topping the list.
It is impossible to avoid the markets: their stalls will draw your attention from a distance. There is plenty of variety, and you can find anything you could want. Trace your path between the main market, the Fish Market, the Grand Market, the Meat Market, the Max-Ransay Market, and the Lafcadio-Hearn Market.
There are tasty local spices and freshly picked exotic fruits. There, you’ll find fish caught that morning, as well as meat from animals, raised a few kilometers away. Allow yourself to be tempted by Martinican specialties such as fresh coconut and Love’s torments.
Last but not least, …
We hope you visit and enjoy your stay on this stunning island. If you want to learn more news and tips & tricks about the Amazing French Caribbean Islands like “Martinique island”, you’ll find what you’re looking for right here in IcCaribbean.com!
Let us know what you think! And, if you are an avid traveler who loves wallet-friendly getaways, you may have even more ideas for a low-cost vacation. Please share them with us in the comments section below!
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