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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Martinique

Season-Specific Attire

Focus on lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking synthetics. These materials keep you cool and dry in high humidity and warm temperatures.

Clothing Types

  • Daytime: Shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, skirts, light blouses. Light-colored clothing reflects heat.
  • Evenings: A light long-sleeved shirt, a light jacket, or a thin cardigan for air-conditioned spaces.
  • Rainy Season (June-November): A lightweight, packable rain jacket or a compact umbrella. Showers pass quickly.

Cultural & Activity-Specific Dress

Martinique maintains a casual atmosphere, but local culture has a degree of modesty, especially when visiting churches, official buildings, or dining in nicer restaurants.

Dress Considerations

  • Religious Sites: Shoulders and knees must cover. A light scarf or sarong is useful.
  • Hiking: Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or trail sandals. Quick-dry shorts or convertible pants.
  • Swimming/Beach: Multiple swimsuits, cover-up or sarong. A rash guard for sun protection.

Footwear Recommendations

Beach & Casual

Flip-flops or comfortable sandals are for beach, poolside, and casual strolls.

Easy movement

City Exploration

Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are for paved streets in Fort-de-France.

Urban comfort

Water Activities

Water shoes protect feet from rocky beaches, sea urchins, and sharp coral.

Marine protection

Essential Documents

Important Travel Documentation

Keeping your required documents organized and accessible prevents stress during your trip. Have both original and copies of these items.

  • Passport & Visa: Carry original passport and any required visa documentation.
  • Travel Insurance: Print policy details, including policy number and emergency contacts.
  • International Driving Permit: Obtain if planning to rent a car and your license is not French.
  • Vaccination Records: Carry Yellow Fever certificate if arrival from a risk country. Copies of other health records.
  • Reservation Copies: Printouts and digital copies of flight, accommodation, and tour confirmations.
  • Emergency Contacts: List of family/friends, bank's international fraud department, credit card companies.
  • IDs for Discounts: Carry valid student/senior/press IDs for potential discounts.
  • Document Copies: Store physical and digital copies of all important documents separate from originals.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Consider power requirements and communication needs. Martinique uses 220-240V and 50Hz with Type E and F plugs. A universal travel adapter is necessary for devices from North America. Verify if your devices are dual voltage.

Mobile & Charging

  • Mobile Phone: Most modern smartphones work. Ensure phone is unlocked for local SIM cards.
  • SIM Cards: Purchase prepaid SIMs from Orange Caraïbe, Digicel, Free Mobile at airport or retail shops.
  • Portable Chargers: Useful for keeping devices charged when away from outlets.

Camera & Apps

A good camera captures the island's beauty. A waterproof camera (GoPro) is great for water activities. A mirrorless or DSLR for landscapes. Smartphone cameras are often sufficient.

Recommended Tools

  • Navigation Apps: Google Maps for directions (download offline maps). Waze for traffic updates.
  • Translation Apps: Google Translate (offline French pack).
  • Backup Solutions: Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or an external hard drive for photos and documents.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Use services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud to back up photos and documents regularly.

External Hard Drive

A physical backup option for larger media files.

Device Security

Password protect all devices. Use strong, unique passwords for online accounts.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

A well-stocked personal health kit prepares you for common travel ailments and protects you from the tropical environment. Tailor your first aid kit for a tropical climate.

Kit Contents

  • Basic Wound Care: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze, medical tape.
  • Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for headaches or minor aches.
  • Prescription Medications: Carry in original packaging with dosage info. Doctor's letter for controlled substances.

Prevention & Hygiene

Pack over-the-counter remedies for cold/flu, antacids, and other regular use medications. If prone to motion sickness, bring appropriate remedies.

Essential Products

  • Insect Repellent: With DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
  • Sun Protection: High-SPF, water-resistant, reef-safe sunscreen and after-sun lotion.
  • Water Purification: Filtered water bottle or purification tablets for peace of mind in remote areas.

Special Considerations

Motion Sickness

  • For boat trips, winding mountain roads, or excursions.
  • Bring appropriate over-the-counter remedies if susceptible.
  • A doctor's consultation for stronger prescription options.

Personal Hygiene

  • Bring travel-sized quantities of specific toiletries.
  • Stores are well-stocked, but preferred brands might be unavailable or more expensive.
  • If you rely on a particular item, bring it with you.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Snorkeling/Diving

If you own a mask and snorkel set, bringing it presents more comfort and a better fit than rental gear.

  • Fins are easily rented locally.
  • If diving, consider bringing your own dive computer.
  • Personal equipment offers hygiene benefits.
  • Rental saves luggage space for bulky items.

Hiking Essentials

A lightweight daypack is necessary for water, snacks, and a light jacket during hikes.

  • A reusable water bottle for hydration.
  • Good quality hiking shoes for serious treks.
  • Quick-dry clothing is optimal.
  • Consider a small dry bag for electronics.

Beach & Water Sports

A quick-dry towel that packs small is useful. For paddleboarding or kayaking, a waterproof phone pouch guards your device.

  • Sunscreen (reef-safe recommended).
  • Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Multiple swimsuits.
  • Water shoes for protection.

Rent vs. Bring Equipment

Consider Renting

  • Dive gear (tanks, BCDs, regulators) from tour operators.
  • Surfboards and paddleboards from beachside vendors.
  • Kayaks and other bulky water sports equipment.

Consider Bringing

  • Personal snorkel and mask for hygiene and comfortable fit.
  • Good quality hiking shoes for serious treks.
  • A small dry bag to protect electronics on boat trips.
  • A waterproof phone pouch to capture photos safely.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Beyond the basics, a few extra items raise comfort, security, and convenience during your Fort-de-France trip. Long flights or ferry rides become more tolerable with comfort items.

Smart Packing

  • Comfort Items: Travel neck pillow, eye mask, earplugs for rest on planes or in busy areas.
  • Security Items: Money belt or RFID-blocking wallet to keep cash, passports, and credit cards hidden.
  • Luggage Security: Small, TSA-approved luggage locks for checked bags or hostel lockers.
  • Reusable Items: Water bottle, shopping bag, reusable utensils to reduce waste.

Region-Specific & Essentials

Contribute to responsible travel by bringing reusable items. A reusable water bottle helps reduce plastic waste. A reusable shopping bag is handy for market visits.

Martinique Specifics

  • Quick-Dry Towel: Useful for beach days and humid conditions.
  • Small Backpack: For day trips and carrying daily essentials.
  • French Phrasebook: Or a translation app to bridge language gaps outside tourist areas.
  • Hard-to-Find Items: Specific over-the-counter medications or niche personal care products.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste; refill from safe tap water.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Handy for markets; minimizes single-use plastic.

Reusable Utensils

For street food or picnics; less disposable waste.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protects marine environment from harmful chemicals.

Destination-Specific Items

Island Exploration

  • Waterproof Camera/Pouch: Capture beach and boat excursion moments safely.
  • Physical Map: A backup to digital navigation, especially in areas with poor signal.
  • Small Umbrella: For sudden tropical showers that can appear at any time.

Comfort & Leisure

  • Book or E-reader: For relaxation on beaches or during travel downtime.
  • Small Backpack: Suitable for day trips, carrying snacks, water, and light gear.
  • Extra Glasses/Contacts: A backup pair for those who use them.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack light for ease of movement. Roll clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles.

Consider packing cubes for organization and compression. Leave some space for souvenirs.