My family and I are planning to take a vacation somewhere in the Caribbean over my childrens' mid-winter break. We were thinking about either St. Maarten/St. Martin or Anguilla, but we don't know much about the atmosphere on either of the islands. Are they safe?

Also, which of the Caribbean islands would you consider the safest?

In my opinion you could not find a safer or for that matter more friendly island than Anguilla...not to mention the most beautiful as well. My husband and I discovered Anguilla five years ago and that is the only island we go to now. No place can top it. The beaches are breath-taking. There are over 30 of them. The dining is outstanding with over 80 restaurants to choose from. The people of the finest in the Caribbean. Everyone is friendly and accomadating. I truely recommend a trip here. There are plenty of things to do to keep the kids busy. If you can do a higher end resort I recomment the Cuisinart. We always stay there and just are in love with it.
I have also been to St. Martin. I think you might be disappointed if you go there. I don't feel particuarly safe there. The island to me is dirty, full of traffic, and the people are rude. That of course is just my opinion. Go to www.anguillaguide.com for all the information you will need!

See this recent discussion:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35015589

I have heard excellent reports about Anguilla. I have no personal experiences there.
I can recommend the Grand Cayman as a very friendly, safe and family friendly island. We went in June and had a very nice vacation with our kids. We walked the beaches at night and so did other couples/families. I never once felt unsafe. The food is good, but expensive.

I have not been to Anguilla but have heard rave reviews by people who have been there.
I was in St. Maarten last April (2007).
It is a fairly busy island and traffic can be bad. I found most people nice, but not overtly so.
The beaches are beautiful, and the shopping very touristy.
The two sides of the island are very different. The St. Martin side is very, very French. The Dutch side is more local Caribbean feeling.
I enjoyed my trip but probably would pick a different island next time.

well, I have to defend St. maarten. I live on St. maarten and I do not think the people are unfriendly. on the contrary, they are very friendly, if they are treated with respect, which doesn't always happen unfortunately.
the island is very busy and traffic can be a horror. There is a lot of things to do on the island however... we have wonderful dining..probably the best in the Caribbean.
we have many different activities and we have a good night life.
and we have great beaches.
Anguilla has spectacular beaches sand is a wonderful island. it's not as pretty as St. maarten. St. maarten has pretty rolling hills while Anguilla is flat.
The people in Anguilla are delightful.
Anguilla is quiet and laid back..Not much to do except beach it.
Both island are safe but St. Maarten, being more built up,, does have more crime. it is petty crime..robberies..not violent crime directed at tourists.
Both islands are perfectly safe to travel around.
So it does depend on what you want.. Both islands are very different. Maybe if you have enough time, you could spend a few days in each one.
Enjoy, whatever you decide!

We felt very safe on Grand Cayman. Plus lots of activities for the kids. They can learn to snorkel, take a visit to Boatswain's Beach and Turtle Farm , just play on the beach...lots of options. Our family had a great time.

Felt very safe on Anguilla, however was approached by several peddlars, which was annoying.

As ever, I shall plug St Barts, where this doesn't happen. Ten year olds hitch-hike in complete safety.

Oh St Maarten,

Was offered drugs in the street and someone demanded $50 (with menaces) from me for parking on some wasteground.

French side, friend had her bag snatched from inside her moving car!!

Depending on the ages of your kids, you may want to consider somewhere that they can have something to do other than sit on the beach or around the pool. Anguilla is beautiful but not a lot there and it can be costly, my choice is always St. Barth's but it's just my husband and I and we're after R&R. Safety is always an issue to some extent but some islands are worse than others IMO. Grand Cayman, Aruba, Paradise Island?

We found Anguilla to be a safe island. Beautiful beaches but not a lot to do besides that (in terms of activities), if that matters to you. I have not stayed on St. Maarten. I second the idea of Grand Cayman. One of the safest islands we've been to and you'd find quite a few activities for your kids.