Thinking of Spring Break with the kids. Martinique seems to have resorts, beaches, colonial towns and volcanoes (my kids like volcanoes). Its French territory, so likely to have interesting culture and be relatively safe. Anyone been there? Any reccomendations on where to stay. Would go in April.

Martinique is a bustling island. Fort du France is an interesting & crowded city. If you speak some French it really helps. Not a lot of locals outside the tourist scene speak much English. Also, all beaches are topless. I had a great time in Martinique, but it is not the easiest island to visit.

Thanks, Bass Man. Finding out how hard it is to get to...may have to reevaluate.

Easy to get there, difficulties begin only after arrival. By the way, if you speak a little French, the locals will warm up to you. It IS a very interesting island.

Outside of the main town Fort de France, there is little to do except sightsee and go to the beach.

The people dislike Americans, but like American dollars.

I was there twice when my cruise ship stopped there. I would not go back unless I had to.

Much nicer places to go in the Caribbean. Have you thought about the DR?

There are many English speaking places to go in the Caribbean, but check first. The hurricaines did a lot of damage to places like Granada and Grand Cayman.

Was in Martinique several years ago. I echo the sentiments of the previous poster re: them not liking Americans. Case in point....I couldn't get a beer in a bar and when I pressed the bartender to help me out one of the patrons threw a firecracker at me!! I am not kidding. I have travelled all over the Caribbean and will NEVER return to Martinique.

Thanks for the warning, guys. Think I'll go to one of Queen Liz's little islands. Would like to use FF miles for some of the tickets so need a AA or CO flight anyway and they don't go to Martinique.

My wife and I had a cruise ship stop here about 6 years ago. Doc hit it square on the head regarding the French-ness and the unpleasentness that entails. I bought a few costly habanos and a cup of coffee, and we were on our way back to the ship. I couldn't imagine spending a week there.

O Man, you might want to look into Dominica. Rain forests, volcanos, hots springs, a boiling lake & amazing scuba diving. Locals are friendly, speak English & the island is much less developed than most.

What a shame ... I always wanted to go there from the scenes in the new version of the Thomas Crown Affair, one of my favorite movies ...

If you want the "Thomas Crown effect" without buying your own villa on a mountaintop, try the Anse Chastanet resort or TiKaye village on St. Lucia. I almost hesitate to reccomend TiKaye because I don't really want anyone competing with me for reservations