Senior travel: Fort-de-France

Pace for a day

About 3 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 42 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.

Getting around in Fort-de-France

The centre has narrow pavements, kerbs, steps, parked cars and heat. La Savane and the waterfront are the flattest and easiest stretches.

Pavements:

Narrow and often blocked by parked cars and stalls; wheelchairs may need to use the road edge.

Getting around:

Taxis are the practical option; ask for a vehicle with room for a folding chair when you book.

Accommodation:

Ask specifically about step-free rooms and lifts: older buildings have steps.

Toilets:

Limited; cafés and the library are the best options.

Medicines and health on the ground

The Martinique guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.

Heat:

Drink often, use shade and AC every 60–90 minutes, and avoid midday walks; heat exhaustion is the most common visitor problem.

Mosquitoes:

Dengue, chikungunya and Zika occur in the Caribbean. Use repellent by day and dusk; see a doctor for a sudden high fever.

Sea and sun:

High-factor sunscreen and a hat; swim where lifeguards or locals swim, and check for sargassum and currents.

Water:

Tap water is generally drinkable; ask your hotel if unsure.

Medical care:

Standard French healthcare. Non-EU visitors need insurance; keep receipts for claims.

More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.

Ask your insurer

Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.

• What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
• Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
• Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
• Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?