Vacationing on the small island of St. Martin and St. Maarten offers the unique experience of enjoying two distinct cultures at the same time. The St. Martin side of the island is a French nation and the St.Maarten side is a Dutch country. Dutch is the official language of the island but English and Spanish are widely spoken. The local dialect is known as Papiamento. This island is nestled in the middle of the chain of islands known as the Caribbean. The year-round tropical weather in St. Martin is one of the features that attract so many visitors to this paradise. The average temperature in the summer is 82 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter season, temperatures average 80 degrees. Cool winds from the sea surrounding the island offer a pleasant diversion from the intense sun that is rarely spoiled by stormy weather. The average rainfall at this destination totals about 45 inches. Rainfall most commonly occurs in the late summer and early fall.
U.S. and Canadian visitors are required to show proof of citizenship in their home country. An original birth certificate with an official seal and a standard photo ID such as a driver’s license will meet these requirements. A valid passport is also acceptable documentation. Tourists are admitted to the island upon arrival as tourists for 14 days. If a longer vacation is desired, special permissions for an extended stay can be granted for up to 3 months. A round-trip or onward ticket is required of all visitors.
The currency in St. Martin is the Euro. On the Dutch side of the island, the Antillean florin and guilder are the mode of currency. U.S. dollars, traveler’s checks, and credit cards are accepted throughout the island as well. Banks are open Monday through Friday for travelers who require currency conversions.
Despite St. Martin’s reputation as a tourist locale, vacation costs are fairly reasonable. A budget of US $150-200 a day is an average of estimated daily costs. Additional activities such as diving, car rentals, and shopping trips to the duty-free markets aren’t included in this estimate. Self-catering can further reduce these costs. Accommodations on this island are less expensive during the slow season of December to February. Hotels and resorts may add a 5% room tax and an additional 10-15% service charge to your lodging bill. A 5% energy charge may also be added. There are accommodations available for every traveler’s needs and budget. Prices range from US $80 per night for some guesthouses all the way up to US $10,000 per week for an 8 bedroom private villa on the beach. There are several websites on the Internet that offer reviews of resorts and lodging from travelers who have experienced the properties. Travel agents are also a good source of information when choosing your hotel.
When you are planning a vacation to this island, don’t forget your swimsuit. The array of pristine white sandy beaches attract vacationers from all over the world. Attitudes toward topless bathing are relaxed in St. Martin. Casual and comfortable clothing is appropriate for most places on the island. Upscale restaurants may require a jacket, so if fine dining is part of your itinerary, you may want to bring appropriate clothing. Over packing can be a temptation when planning for a trip, but try and keep clothing choices to a minimum. Vacation is about “getting away” from everything rather than bringing everything with you.
