Senior travel: Funafuti
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 2 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 75 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Tuvalu Philatelic BureauStep-free: yes · about 20 minFlat entrance; confirm on the day.
- Government buildings and post officeStep-free: yes · about 25 minFlat, sealed road; some steps at building entrances.
- Teone neighbourhood walkStep-free: yes · about 45 minFlat coral or sealed roads with loose stones; not suited to strollers in heavy rain.
- The runway at duskStep-free: yes · about 45 minFlat and sealed; watch for traffic on the road side.
- Vaiaku lagoon frontThe guide has no step-free answer for this one · about 50 min
- Funafuti Conservation Area (lagoon boat day)The guide has no step-free answer for this one · about 300 min
- Alapi lagoon shoreStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 40 minCoral and sand underfoot; not suited to wheelchairs.
Getting around in Funafuti
Funafuti is flat but hard for wheels: coral paths, no kerbs, few ramps and long stretches without shade. Step-free access is limited outside a few buildings.
- Pavements:
- Little or none: walk on the road edge and watch for motorbikes.
- Getting around:
- A guesthouse car or ride is the only practical option; confirm that the vehicle can take a folding chair.
- Accommodation:
- Ask about step-free rooms and bathrooms: many are older buildings with steps.
- Toilets:
- Guesthouses and the terminal only.
Medicines and health on the ground
- Travel insurance · before flying: Must cover medical evacuation and flight disruption.
- Heat:
- Drink often, use shade and rest between 11:00 and 15:00; wear a hat and sun shirt.
- Dengue and mosquitoes:
- Dengue occurs in the Pacific; use repellent by day and dusk and see a doctor for a sudden high fever.
- Water and food:
- Bottled or treated water only; eat hot, freshly cooked food.
- Reef and sun:
- Wear reef shoes and reef-safe sunscreen; clean coral cuts at once because they infect easily.
- Medical care:
- The hospital offers basic care only: buy insurance with medical evacuation and bring your own medicines.
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?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.