What budget should you plan for your holiday ?
Leaving the mainland and its gray weather to forget about winter in Martinique sounds tempting, doesn't it? But such a change of scenery comes at a cost. Indeed, the island is over 6850 km away from the mainland as the crow flies, and it takes an average of 8 hours by plane to travel between Paris and Fort-de-France. The cost of living there is on average 12% higher than in the mainland.
Martinique Budget: Everything You Need to Know
It is therefore a trip that needs to be prepared, taking into account all the parameters, particularly those linked to seasonality. Here are a few elements that will help you calculate your holiday budget for the discovery of the island of flowers.
When is the cheapest time to go to Martinique ?
Airline ticket prices vary according to the period. The tourist season inevitably sees all prices rise. You should of course take this into account when planning your trip.
The peak tourist season runs from mid-December to May, with a peak in February (the height of winter in mainland France). This is obviously the ideal time to enjoy Martinique in the best weather conditions, but of course the downside is that this fantastic experience is bound to cost more. Demand is very high at this time of year and this has an impact on prices, from airfares and activities to accommodation. Going away at Christmas for example is very expensive, prices can almost double.
This is why many people choose to travel out of season, both to avoid the crowds and to benefit from lower prices. So what about the low tourist season?
The cheapest time to travel to Martinique is the low tourist season , which runs from June to mid-December. This is also known as the “wet season”, or “wintering”. So don’t worry, we are far, far away from our conception of winter. The temperatures remain pleasant (between 23° and 30° C).
As for the temperature of the sea, don’t panic, the water remains deliciously warm (between 25° and 28° C).
The advantages of travelling to Martinique out of season are numerous, no crowded beaches, no endless queues to visit a museum. Price or sun, the choice is yours. And anyway, all seasons are beautiful in Martinique, each one has a particular charm.
What is the average budget to go to Martinique ?
The biggest expense for a trip to Martinique is accommodation, followed by airfare. Car hire is also an important consideration as public transport is not well developed on the island. Hitchhiking is a common practice, but it is not well adapted to the constraints of a tourist visit, which requires you to optimise your time spent on the island.We will now evaluate one by one each expense that you could make during a trip to Martinique.
Martinique 10-Day Budget: Costs of a Plane Ticket and Car Rental
The plane journey is undeniably an important part of your holiday budget. Martinique is not next door, and a return trip to paradise is not cheap! Low cost airlines offer tickets from 300 euros, which is the low end of the scale. On average, it will cost you between 400 and 600 euros. If you are travelling in the high season, expect to pay the full price, which can be as high as 800 euros, or even 1000 euros at Christmas! Above all, get there early and remember to book well in advance. A month before, tickets are on average 40% cheaper.
On site, you will obviously need to get around. Renting a vehicle is highly recommended if you want to go to the most emblematic places on the island. As for the rental, it depends of course on the vehicle you choose. The cheapest models can be rented from 20 euros per day, and this can be as much as 100 euros if you opt for a state-of-the-art SUV. On average, you can expect to pay 200/250 euros per week.
Martinique Travel Budget: What's the Price of a Vacation Rental?
This is what will cost you in Martinique: accommodation. There are several choices available to you, depending on your preferences of course, but also and above all on your means.
This is what will cost you in Martinique: accommodation. There are several choices available to you, depending on your preferences of course, but also and above all on your means.let’s start with the cheapest: a weekly rental in a gîte. This is a practice that tends to develop in Martinique, the advantage, apart from the price, is to experience a more authentic stay, closer to the inhabitants. Prices vary from 250 euros per week for a single room for two people, or a studio. Small houses for four people with two bedrooms start at 400 euros/week.
Then, from 500 euros/week, we go into accommodation that has particular attractions (garden, proximity to the sea, nature, etc.), or that simply has a larger capacity. From 700 to 1000 euros per week, you can have a magnificent villa with a swimming pool in an enchanting setting.
- Standard hotels: rates are generally quite high (90 to 200 euros); there are many 2 and 3 star hotels in Martinique, so you will be spoilt for choice.
- Luxury hotels, count 300 euros per night (five stars, close to the beach, spa, restaurant, pool…).
- Bed and breakfast: rare in Martinique (60 to 200 euros per night, rates vary according to season). Airbnb costs 80 euros on average for one night.
What is the price of food in Martinique?
If you're arriving from the mainland, don't expect to find the same food prices as back home. Food products are actually 38% more expensive in Martinique. But don't worry, local products are excellent, and the Antillean cuisine is absolutely fantastic. You won't lose out.
The island is filled with small local restaurants known as "Lolos," where you can eat simply but well for around 10-15 euros. It's the perfect opportunity to discover or rediscover Martinique's cuisine specialties, from traditional cod fritters to blood sausages and the widely available 'poulet boucané' (smoked chicken). In essence, if you eat local, you'll be just fine (for your palate and your wallet).
Prefer markets over supermarkets, and you'll save money. Forget about cheeses, yogurts, and other fresh products imported from the mainland, and discover the exquisite taste of local tropical fruits. Let yourself be captivated by the colors and flavors of the popular markets in Fort-de-France or Saint Pierre.
There are also many fruit and vegetable sellers along the roadsides. If you see fishermen, offer to buy their fish. This is what will truly make your trip to Martinique an authentic experience.
What is the price of rum in Martinique?
We've saved the best for last. This is the question you've all been waiting for: is rum cheaper in Martinique? The answer is yes! Rum is emblematic of the island and its history. Martinique boasts AOC rums that are enjoyed worldwide and are considered among the best you can find.
It's present in local cuisine, and of course, in bars and stores. You'll have plenty of options to choose from. It's an excellent gift to give to friends or to indulge in yourself. A way to brighten up those long winter nights when you return home :)
So, here we've covered, as comprehensively as possible, the potential expenses that await every traveler in Martinique. Keep in mind that these are indicative information but could be useful in preparing for your trip.
Certainly, many things are more expensive in the Antilles. But one might consider it part of the experience. After all, Martinique is a paradise that is worth it.
The price of tourist activities in Martinique
If you can do a lot of things for free in Martinique, for example go to the beach, go hiking, you have to foresee the cost of some visits. And this can sometimes go up quite quickly, the prices of visits to museums and other tourist sites are particularly high. Don’t forget the souvenirs for your friends and relatives, there is no lack of choice.
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