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

[Fred Jensen]

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