OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter holiday?

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OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter holiday?

Jim Low man
After spending the second holiday season in San Diego, and last year it
was Tucson, the XYL announced that next year she'd like to go someplace
warm.  Yes, temperatures in the 50s in December feel cold to us.  The
area where we live is between LA and Palm Springs, but our climate more
closely approximates that of Palm Springs.

I know that many fellow amateurs head for the Caribbean nations for this
purpose.  That would work, as would somewhere in the South Pacific.

Anyone have any suggestions, based on past experiences?

Criteria are:

--  somewhere that English is the primary language, or is spoken widely

--  possibly a country with reciprocal-operating privileges for a US
licensee

--  easy to get there via commercial airlines

--  no hassles with customs, coming or going, with amateur gear

--  ease of getting a license/callsign for that country, if not reciprocal

--  good accommodations (villa for rent for a week or so); turnkey ham
station on premises is a plus so that we don't have to take much
equipment; hotel with room for a simple antenna

--  nearby restaurants, although cooking facilities would be helpful

We've ruled out the following:

--  Hawaii - probably the easiest option, but is nuts with tourists
during the holidays.

--  Mexico - difficult to get a license without knowing whom to bribe -
been there before and don't like it

--  The XYL looked into Belize, but I'd worry about drugs/crime anywhere
in Central America.  Costa Rica, perhaps?

Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks in advance and 73 de Jim - AD6CW

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Re: OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter holiday?

Matt Zilmer-3
Costa Rica would work for most US Amateurs, including language and
recip op privileges.  It's also less expensive there than in most of
the islands.

This is not from personal experience, just an idea.

73,
matt
W6NIA

On Sat, 03 Jan 2015 18:19:32 -0800, you wrote:

>After spending the second holiday season in San Diego, and last year it
>was Tucson, the XYL announced that next year she'd like to go someplace
>warm.  Yes, temperatures in the 50s in December feel cold to us.  The
>area where we live is between LA and Palm Springs, but our climate more
>closely approximates that of Palm Springs.
>
>I know that many fellow amateurs head for the Caribbean nations for this
>purpose.  That would work, as would somewhere in the South Pacific.
>
>Anyone have any suggestions, based on past experiences?
>
>Criteria are:
>
>--  somewhere that English is the primary language, or is spoken widely
>
>--  possibly a country with reciprocal-operating privileges for a US
>licensee
>
>--  easy to get there via commercial airlines
>
>--  no hassles with customs, coming or going, with amateur gear
>
>--  ease of getting a license/callsign for that country, if not reciprocal
>
>--  good accommodations (villa for rent for a week or so); turnkey ham
>station on premises is a plus so that we don't have to take much
>equipment; hotel with room for a simple antenna
>
>--  nearby restaurants, although cooking facilities would be helpful
>
>We've ruled out the following:
>
>--  Hawaii - probably the easiest option, but is nuts with tourists
>during the holidays.
>
>--  Mexico - difficult to get a license without knowing whom to bribe -
>been there before and don't like it
>
>--  The XYL looked into Belize, but I'd worry about drugs/crime anywhere
>in Central America.  Costa Rica, perhaps?
>
>Any and all suggestions are appreciated.
>
>Thanks in advance and 73 de Jim - AD6CW
>
>______________________________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
>This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>Message delivered to [hidden email]
Matt Zilmer, W6NIA
--
"Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will
spend the first four sharpening the axe." -A. Lincoln
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Re: OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter holiday?

k6dgw
In reply to this post by Jim Low man
On 1/3/2015 6:19 PM, Jim Lowman wrote:

> I know that many fellow amateurs head for the Caribbean nations for this
> purpose.  That would work, as would somewhere in the South Pacific.
>
> Anyone have any suggestions, based on past experiences?
>
> Criteria are:
>
> --  somewhere that English is the primary language, or is spoken widely

Auburn CA.  Not near the Caribbean but English is the primary language.
>
> --  possibly a country with reciprocal-operating privileges for a US
> licensee

Don't need reciprocal privileges.
>
> --  easy to get there via commercial airlines

Yes, or via I5 or SR99, or more scenic routes [SR49?]
>
> --  no hassles with customs, coming or going, with amateur gear

Amateur gear is welcome by local customs officials, of which there are none.
>
> --  ease of getting a license/callsign for that country, if not reciprocal

Your's works
>
> --  good accommodations (villa for rent for a week or so); turnkey ham
> station on premises is a plus so that we don't have to take much
> equipment; hotel with room for a simple antenna

We'll rent you our place.
>
> --  nearby restaurants, although cooking facilities would be helpful

We have a kitchen, 3 BR, 2 BA, a deck, and 5 acres.  I host the
neighborhood wireless on the tower, our Wi-Fi is free and we get the
backhaul speed.
>
> We've ruled out the following:
>
> --  Hawaii - probably the easiest option, but is nuts with tourists
> during the holidays.

Depends on where you plant yourself.
>
> --  Mexico - difficult to get a license without knowing whom to bribe -
> been there before and don't like it

I didn't have a real problem, but it resembled Saigon in the mid 60's
and kind of shut it off for me.
>
> --  The XYL looked into Belize, but I'd worry about drugs/crime anywhere
> in Central America.  Costa Rica, perhaps?

Been to CR once, on a cruise stop, not sure I'd go back.  Alligators in
the river were cool however.
>
> Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

You asked, and thank you for appreciating them.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
- www.cqp.org

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Re: OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter holiday?

Ian Kahn, KM4IK
In reply to this post by Jim Low man
Jim,

Check out any of the following:

- Bahamas
- Puerto Rico
- US Virgin Islands
- St. Lucia
- Cayman Islands
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Jamaica
- Aruba

These are just a few Caribbean destinations hams I know operated from on
vacation.

Hope this helps.

73 de,

--Ian
Ian Kahn, KM4IK
Roswell, GA  EM74ua
[hidden email]
10-10 #74624, North Georgia Chapter #2038
K3# 281, P3 #688, KPA500 #1468

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Jim
Lowman
Sent: Saturday, January 3, 2015 9:20 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter
holiday?

After spending the second holiday season in San Diego, and last year it was
Tucson, the XYL announced that next year she'd like to go someplace warm.
Yes, temperatures in the 50s in December feel cold to us.  The area where we
live is between LA and Palm Springs, but our climate more closely
approximates that of Palm Springs.

I know that many fellow amateurs head for the Caribbean nations for this
purpose.  That would work, as would somewhere in the South Pacific.

Anyone have any suggestions, based on past experiences?

Criteria are:

--  somewhere that English is the primary language, or is spoken widely

--  possibly a country with reciprocal-operating privileges for a US
licensee

--  easy to get there via commercial airlines

--  no hassles with customs, coming or going, with amateur gear

--  ease of getting a license/callsign for that country, if not reciprocal

--  good accommodations (villa for rent for a week or so); turnkey ham
station on premises is a plus so that we don't have to take much equipment;
hotel with room for a simple antenna

--  nearby restaurants, although cooking facilities would be helpful

We've ruled out the following:

--  Hawaii - probably the easiest option, but is nuts with tourists during
the holidays.

--  Mexico - difficult to get a license without knowing whom to bribe - been
there before and don't like it

--  The XYL looked into Belize, but I'd worry about drugs/crime anywhere in
Central America.  Costa Rica, perhaps?

Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks in advance and 73 de Jim - AD6CW

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Re: OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter holiday?

James Bennett
Hi Jim -

Another suggestion: Sint Maarten. The island is Dutch on the south half; French on the north. My XYL and I stayed on the Dutch side in 2001. Actually, we were there during the 9/11 attacks, but that’s another story. St. Maarten has reciprocal licensing, so that’s one problem solved right up front. Lots of good places to eat at, in a wide variety of cuisines. English is spoken on both halves of the island. You’d have to check with the airlines, but when we went, there were daily direct, non-stop flights from Philadelphia. Probably lots of others. Water is clear and warm. Food is super! The road infrastructure could use some upgraded in places! Rental cars are available - no problem there. I operated as PJ7/W6JHB using my K2/10 and a G5RV hanging under the balcony of our time share unit that we traded into. Lots of fun!

There was a link on the Elecraft web site to an article I had written about the experience, but not sure if it is still around or not.

73, Jim / W6JHB
Folsom, CA


> On   Saturday, Jan 3, 2015, at  Saturday, 8:42 PM, Ian - Ham <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Jim,
>
> Check out any of the following:
>
> - Bahamas
> - Puerto Rico
> - US Virgin Islands
> - St. Lucia
> - Cayman Islands
> - Trinidad and Tobago
> - Jamaica
> - Aruba
>
> These are just a few Caribbean destinations hams I know operated from on
> vacation.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> 73 de,
>
> --Ian
> Ian Kahn, KM4IK
> Roswell, GA  EM74ua
> [hidden email]
> 10-10 #74624, North Georgia Chapter #2038
> K3# 281, P3 #688, KPA500 #1468
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Jim
> Lowman
> Sent: Saturday, January 3, 2015 9:20 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter
> holiday?
>
> After spending the second holiday season in San Diego, and last year it was
> Tucson, the XYL announced that next year she'd like to go someplace warm.
> Yes, temperatures in the 50s in December feel cold to us.  The area where we
> live is between LA and Palm Springs, but our climate more closely
> approximates that of Palm Springs.
>
> I know that many fellow amateurs head for the Caribbean nations for this
> purpose.  That would work, as would somewhere in the South Pacific.
>
> Anyone have any suggestions, based on past experiences?
>
> Criteria are:
>
> --  somewhere that English is the primary language, or is spoken widely
>
> --  possibly a country with reciprocal-operating privileges for a US
> licensee
>
> --  easy to get there via commercial airlines
>
> --  no hassles with customs, coming or going, with amateur gear
>
> --  ease of getting a license/callsign for that country, if not reciprocal
>
> --  good accommodations (villa for rent for a week or so); turnkey ham
> station on premises is a plus so that we don't have to take much equipment;
> hotel with room for a simple antenna
>
> --  nearby restaurants, although cooking facilities would be helpful
>
> We've ruled out the following:
>
> --  Hawaii - probably the easiest option, but is nuts with tourists during
> the holidays.
>
> --  Mexico - difficult to get a license without knowing whom to bribe - been
> there before and don't like it
>
> --  The XYL looked into Belize, but I'd worry about drugs/crime anywhere in
> Central America.  Costa Rica, perhaps?
>
> Any and all suggestions are appreciated.
>
> Thanks in advance and 73 de Jim - AD6CW
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message
> delivered to [hidden email]
>
>
> ---
> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
> http://www.avast.com
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

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Re: OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter holiday?

Jim Allen
In reply to this post by Matt Zilmer-3
Texas is a favorite destination for snow birds, and has all the attributes you listed, weather, licensing, language, open border even for Californians, currency exchange, mostly friendly natives, 120 VAC, and compared to CA pretty cheap.  I filled up yesterday at a Costco for $1.849, and today saw a sign on the way to Austin for $1.679.  Quite a few true blue DXers around, too.

73 W6OGC Jim Allen

Sent from my iPad

> On Jan 3, 2015, at 8:24 PM, Matt Zilmer <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Costa Rica would work for most US Amateurs, including language and
> recip op privileges.  It's also less expensive there than in most of
> the islands.
>
> This is not from personal experience, just an idea.
>
> 73,
> matt
> W6NIA
>
>> On Sat, 03 Jan 2015 18:19:32 -0800, you wrote:
>>
>> After spending the second holiday season in San Diego, and last year it
>> was Tucson, the XYL announced that next year she'd like to go someplace
>> warm.  Yes, temperatures in the 50s in December feel cold to us.  The
>> area where we live is between LA and Palm Springs, but our climate more
>> closely approximates that of Palm Springs.
>>
>> I know that many fellow amateurs head for the Caribbean nations for this
>> purpose.  That would work, as would somewhere in the South Pacific.
>>
>> Anyone have any suggestions, based on past experiences?
>>
>> Criteria are:
>>
>> --  somewhere that English is the primary language, or is spoken widely
>>
>> --  possibly a country with reciprocal-operating privileges for a US
>> licensee
>>
>> --  easy to get there via commercial airlines
>>
>> --  no hassles with customs, coming or going, with amateur gear
>>
>> --  ease of getting a license/callsign for that country, if not reciprocal
>>
>> --  good accommodations (villa for rent for a week or so); turnkey ham
>> station on premises is a plus so that we don't have to take much
>> equipment; hotel with room for a simple antenna
>>
>> --  nearby restaurants, although cooking facilities would be helpful
>>
>> We've ruled out the following:
>>
>> --  Hawaii - probably the easiest option, but is nuts with tourists
>> during the holidays.
>>
>> --  Mexico - difficult to get a license without knowing whom to bribe -
>> been there before and don't like it
>>
>> --  The XYL looked into Belize, but I'd worry about drugs/crime anywhere
>> in Central America.  Costa Rica, perhaps?
>>
>> Any and all suggestions are appreciated.
>>
>> Thanks in advance and 73 de Jim - AD6CW
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
> Matt Zilmer, W6NIA
> --
> "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will
> spend the first four sharpening the axe." -A. Lincoln
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
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Re: OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter holiday?

Rick M0LEP
In reply to this post by Jim Low man
On Sat, 3 Jan 2015, Jim Lowman wrote:
> Anyone have any suggestions, based on past experiences?

Well, I'm at present in Kenya (with my KX3) but it probably falls at
almost every one of your hurdles. No harm in throwing a few answers
in, though, just so you can cross the place off your list. ;)

> --  somewhere that English is the primary language, or is spoken widely

Not too bad there...

> --  possibly a country with reciprocal-operating privileges for a US
> licensee

Visitors licences take a bit of organising, and cost a little...

> --  easy to get there via commercial airlines

....from some places, but not that easy from the US.

> --  no hassles with customs, coming or going, with amateur gear

I once had trouble with my radio gear when leaving the country, but I
think that was more security than customs.

> --  ease of getting a license/callsign for that country, if not reciprocal

See above. It Takes Time...

> -- good accommodations (villa for rent for a week or so); turnkey ham
> station on premises is a plus so that we don't have to take much
> equipment; hotel with room for a simple antenna

Plenty of places to stay, but you'd need to bring all the necessary radio
kit.

> --  nearby restaurants, although cooking facilities would be helpful

Plenty of choices in the right places. Other places, not so much. ;)

> Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

Not expecting this location to be of interest, but thrown in anyway.

Security can be "interesting" in the wrong places, but not too bad in the
right ones. The weather here in Nairobi at present is pleasantly summery,
warm and dry, though it did rain hard at Xmas. Down on the coast it'd be
hotter and more humid.

Hope you find somewhere interesting to visit.

--
73, Rick 5Z4/M0LEP (for a few days more)

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Re: OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winterholiday?

David Cutter
If Africa is on your list you might consider The Gambia, which is
predominantly English spoken, quiet, no street crime, great tour guides,
fresh well-cooked food everywhere, low cost, walk-in / walk-walk out licence
(prefix + call).  European quality water supply, electricity, phones,
internet. Easy flights from Schiphol, Amsterdam, not much of a high street
and no Walmart or Big Mac, but lots of wood carving and cotton wear.  About
30C this time of year.  Hotels have excellent service.  If you like bird
watching, don't miss the dawn chorus.  Look up dxpeditions to The Gambia.

David
G3UNA
ps if you go to Kenya, get yourself a lodge up country, especially near the
salt lakes which are 1500m asl

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Re: OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winterholiday?

Wes (N7WS)
In reply to this post by Jim Allen
When did they move Costa Rica out of Central America?

  --  The XYL looked into Belize, but I'd worry about drugs/crime anywhere
in Central America.  Costa Rica, perhaps?

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Re: OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter holiday?

Dr. William J. Schmidt, II
In reply to this post by James Bennett
Contact me off-line.  I can tell you everything you want to know about operating in the Caribbean...


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ

Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch – K9ZC
Staunton, Illinois

Owner – Operator
Villa Grand Piton
Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I.
Rent it at: http://www.vrbo.com/487375

email:  [hidden email]

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of James Bennett
Sent: Saturday, January 03, 2015 11:04 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter holiday?

Hi Jim -

Another suggestion: Sint Maarten. The island is Dutch on the south half; French on the north. My XYL and I stayed on the Dutch side in 2001. Actually, we were there during the 9/11 attacks, but that’s another story. St. Maarten has reciprocal licensing, so that’s one problem solved right up front. Lots of good places to eat at, in a wide variety of cuisines. English is spoken on both halves of the island. You’d have to check with the airlines, but when we went, there were daily direct, non-stop flights from Philadelphia. Probably lots of others. Water is clear and warm. Food is super! The road infrastructure could use some upgraded in places! Rental cars are available - no problem there. I operated as PJ7/W6JHB using my K2/10 and a G5RV hanging under the balcony of our time share unit that we traded into. Lots of fun!

There was a link on the Elecraft web site to an article I had written about the experience, but not sure if it is still around or not.

73, Jim / W6JHB
Folsom, CA


> On   Saturday, Jan 3, 2015, at  Saturday, 8:42 PM, Ian - Ham <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Jim,
>
> Check out any of the following:
>
> - Bahamas
> - Puerto Rico
> - US Virgin Islands
> - St. Lucia
> - Cayman Islands
> - Trinidad and Tobago
> - Jamaica
> - Aruba
>
> These are just a few Caribbean destinations hams I know operated from on
> vacation.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> 73 de,
>
> --Ian
> Ian Kahn, KM4IK
> Roswell, GA  EM74ua
> [hidden email]
> 10-10 #74624, North Georgia Chapter #2038
> K3# 281, P3 #688, KPA500 #1468
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Jim
> Lowman
> Sent: Saturday, January 3, 2015 9:20 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter
> holiday?
>
> After spending the second holiday season in San Diego, and last year it was
> Tucson, the XYL announced that next year she'd like to go someplace warm.
> Yes, temperatures in the 50s in December feel cold to us.  The area where we
> live is between LA and Palm Springs, but our climate more closely
> approximates that of Palm Springs.
>
> I know that many fellow amateurs head for the Caribbean nations for this
> purpose.  That would work, as would somewhere in the South Pacific.
>
> Anyone have any suggestions, based on past experiences?
>
> Criteria are:
>
> --  somewhere that English is the primary language, or is spoken widely
>
> --  possibly a country with reciprocal-operating privileges for a US
> licensee
>
> --  easy to get there via commercial airlines
>
> --  no hassles with customs, coming or going, with amateur gear
>
> --  ease of getting a license/callsign for that country, if not reciprocal
>
> --  good accommodations (villa for rent for a week or so); turnkey ham
> station on premises is a plus so that we don't have to take much equipment;
> hotel with room for a simple antenna
>
> --  nearby restaurants, although cooking facilities would be helpful
>
> We've ruled out the following:
>
> --  Hawaii - probably the easiest option, but is nuts with tourists during
> the holidays.
>
> --  Mexico - difficult to get a license without knowing whom to bribe - been
> there before and don't like it
>
> --  The XYL looked into Belize, but I'd worry about drugs/crime anywhere in
> Central America.  Costa Rica, perhaps?
>
> Any and all suggestions are appreciated.
>
> Thanks in advance and 73 de Jim - AD6CW
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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>
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Re: OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter holiday?

Jim Allen
In reply to this post by Jim Low man
Texas is a favorite destination for snow birds, and has all the attributes
you listed, weather, licensing, language, open border even for Californians
(so far!), favorable currency exchange, mostly friendly natives, 120 VAC,
and compared to CA, pretty cheap.  I filled up yesterday at a Costco for
$1.849, and today saw a sign on the way to Austin for $1.679.  Quite a few
true blue DXers around, too.

73 W6OGC Jim Allen

On Sat, Jan 3, 2015 at 8:19 PM, Jim Lowman <[hidden email]> wrote:

> After spending the second holiday season in San Diego, and last year it
> was Tucson, the XYL announced that next year she'd like to go someplace
> warm.  Yes, temperatures in the 50s in December feel cold to us.  The area
> where we live is between LA and Palm Springs, but our climate more closely
> approximates that of Palm Springs.
>
> I know that many fellow amateurs head for the Caribbean nations for this
> purpose.  That would work, as would somewhere in the South Pacific.
>
> Anyone have any suggestions, based on past experiences?
>
> Criteria are:
>
> --  somewhere that English is the primary language, or is spoken widely
>
> --  possibly a country with reciprocal-operating privileges for a US
> licensee
>
> --  easy to get there via commercial airlines
>
> --  no hassles with customs, coming or going, with amateur gear
>
> --  ease of getting a license/callsign for that country, if not reciprocal
>
> --  good accommodations (villa for rent for a week or so); turnkey ham
> station on premises is a plus so that we don't have to take much equipment;
> hotel with room for a simple antenna
>
> --  nearby restaurants, although cooking facilities would be helpful
>
> We've ruled out the following:
>
> --  Hawaii - probably the easiest option, but is nuts with tourists during
> the holidays.
>
> --  Mexico - difficult to get a license without knowing whom to bribe -
> been there before and don't like it
>
> --  The XYL looked into Belize, but I'd worry about drugs/crime anywhere
> in Central America.  Costa Rica, perhaps?
>
> Any and all suggestions are appreciated.
>
> Thanks in advance and 73 de Jim - AD6CW
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
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Re: OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter holiday?

Phil Hystad-3
One of the coldest winters I remember was December 1970 when I was at
Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.  I remember walking from one building
to another with a staff sergeant who had been there longer than I (I was there
for only 40 days) and I said "Its as cold as the North Pole here!".  The staff sergeant
replied "There is nothing between us and the north pole to stop the cold weather
from coming down here -- just flat terrain the whole way".

Of course, I grew up in California so cold weather to me is anything below 40
degrees.

73, phil, K7PEH


> On Jan 4, 2015, at 9:19 AM, Jim Allen <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Texas is a favorite destination for snow birds, and has all the attributes
> you listed, weather, licensing, language, open border even for Californians
> (so far!), favorable currency exchange, mostly friendly natives, 120 VAC,
> and compared to CA, pretty cheap.  I filled up yesterday at a Costco for
> $1.849, and today saw a sign on the way to Austin for $1.679.  Quite a few
> true blue DXers around, too.
>
> 73 W6OGC Jim Allen
>
> On Sat, Jan 3, 2015 at 8:19 PM, Jim Lowman <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> After spending the second holiday season in San Diego, and last year it
>> was Tucson, the XYL announced that next year she'd like to go someplace
>> warm.  Yes, temperatures in the 50s in December feel cold to us.  The area
>> where we live is between LA and Palm Springs, but our climate more closely
>> approximates that of Palm Springs.
>>
>> I know that many fellow amateurs head for the Caribbean nations for this
>> purpose.  That would work, as would somewhere in the South Pacific.
>>
>> Anyone have any suggestions, based on past experiences?
>>
>> Criteria are:
>>
>> --  somewhere that English is the primary language, or is spoken widely
>>
>> --  possibly a country with reciprocal-operating privileges for a US
>> licensee
>>
>> --  easy to get there via commercial airlines
>>
>> --  no hassles with customs, coming or going, with amateur gear
>>
>> --  ease of getting a license/callsign for that country, if not reciprocal
>>
>> --  good accommodations (villa for rent for a week or so); turnkey ham
>> station on premises is a plus so that we don't have to take much equipment;
>> hotel with room for a simple antenna
>>
>> --  nearby restaurants, although cooking facilities would be helpful
>>
>> We've ruled out the following:
>>
>> --  Hawaii - probably the easiest option, but is nuts with tourists during
>> the holidays.
>>
>> --  Mexico - difficult to get a license without knowing whom to bribe -
>> been there before and don't like it
>>
>> --  The XYL looked into Belize, but I'd worry about drugs/crime anywhere
>> in Central America.  Costa Rica, perhaps?
>>
>> Any and all suggestions are appreciated.
>>
>> Thanks in advance and 73 de Jim - AD6CW
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

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Re: OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter holiday?

Jim Low man
In reply to this post by Jim Low man
First, let me thank all of you who generously shared your advice about
interesting, warm places to spend the holidays and "Be the DX."

I have acknowledged some of your suggestions personally.  I will get to
the rest of you shortly.

73 de Jim - AD6CW
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Re: OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter holiday?

Gary Gregory-2
I feel miffed Walter....:-)

Yes we do speak English ( proper without an accent)....grin.

VK ticks all the boxes AND we like americans...well kinda...:-)

Oh and we are down on rednecks too....

All the above comments were tongue in cheek ok?

Gary
Vk1ZZ
K3, KX3, KPA500-FT, KAT500-FT,P3.
On 10/01/2015 8:37 AM, "Jim Lowman" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> First, let me thank all of you who generously shared your advice about
> interesting, warm places to spend the holidays and "Be the DX."
>
> I have acknowledged some of your suggestions personally.  I will get to
> the rest of you shortly.
>
> 73 de Jim - AD6CW
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
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Re: OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter holiday?

Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA
In reply to this post by Jim Low man
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Re: OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter holiday?

Karl Erb
You could even operate from a site on the water first visited (by a European) by James Cook.

Karl, W3BF

Karl Erb
5253 Strathmore Ave
Kensington, MD 20895
301 456 6212

> On Jan 14, 2015, at 6:37 PM, Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Another vote for VK here Jim, we tick all the boxes.
> Maybe a trip to one of the VK9 call areas like maybe Lord Howe or Cocos -
> Keeling Islands?
> There's always northern VK4, VK6  or anywhere in VK8.
> Come and see the rainforests in and around Cairns, head to VK8 for Ularu
> (Ayers Rock), Alice Springs or Darwin or head to northern VK6 and visit
> Broome, Port Headland or go anywhere in between.
> And, if you're hanging out for a bit of snow, head south to Canberra or
> Mount Kosiusko or any other of our snowfields.
> We got it all, there is so much to see and do.
> We speak the lingo, the licencing isn't a hassle, the people are (mostly)
> friendly and it's cheap!
> The US dollar is about $1.20 here and its getting better each day for you
> folk to come on down!
> We'd love to see ya!
>
> Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA
> innisfail, Far North QLD
> Australia (In case you didn't notice) :)
>
>
>
>
> -----
> Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA
> Innisfail, QLD, Australia.
> K3 #4767
>
> --
> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/OT-Warm-climate-for-a-vacation-be-the-DX-winter-holiday-tp7596734p7597126.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> ______________________________________________________________
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Re: OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter holiday?

Gary Gregory-2
......or....cruise into Innisfail...yeah i said cruise.....it is always
raining and if by chace it is not....heck just sit fer a minute or three
and it will bucket down to make up for its bad manners by not greeting you
with a drenching....Grin

G'day Jeff....lol

Gary
Vk1ZZ
K3, KX3, KPA500-FT, KAT500-FT,P3.
On 15/01/2015 10:06 AM, "KarlErb" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> You could even operate from a site on the water first visited (by a
> European) by James Cook.
>
> Karl, W3BF
>
> Karl Erb
> 5253 Strathmore Ave
> Kensington, MD 20895
> 301 456 6212
>
> > On Jan 14, 2015, at 6:37 PM, Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA <[hidden email]>
> wrote:
> >
> > Another vote for VK here Jim, we tick all the boxes.
> > Maybe a trip to one of the VK9 call areas like maybe Lord Howe or Cocos -
> > Keeling Islands?
> > There's always northern VK4, VK6  or anywhere in VK8.
> > Come and see the rainforests in and around Cairns, head to VK8 for Ularu
> > (Ayers Rock), Alice Springs or Darwin or head to northern VK6 and visit
> > Broome, Port Headland or go anywhere in between.
> > And, if you're hanging out for a bit of snow, head south to Canberra or
> > Mount Kosiusko or any other of our snowfields.
> > We got it all, there is so much to see and do.
> > We speak the lingo, the licencing isn't a hassle, the people are (mostly)
> > friendly and it's cheap!
> > The US dollar is about $1.20 here and its getting better each day for you
> > folk to come on down!
> > We'd love to see ya!
> >
> > Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA
> > innisfail, Far North QLD
> > Australia (In case you didn't notice) :)
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -----
> > Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA
> > Innisfail, QLD, Australia.
> > K3 #4767
> >
> > --
> > View this message in context:
> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/OT-Warm-climate-for-a-vacation-be-the-DX-winter-holiday-tp7596734p7597126.html
> > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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