DXpedition

[N3QVB]

I'm planning a warm weather vacation within the next 4 months and would like to pick a place that has a rig and antenna already in place...a condo for rent or something similar. Prefer something within a 4 hour flight from Pennsylvania. I know there are advertisements in the back of QST magazine but does anybody have any first-hand experience? I'm looking for a turnkey operation...I don't want to lug my stuff down there.

Thx es good DX

[K7MH]

So how far can you get in a 4 hour flight from PA?
Sounds like you want to go south.
Kind of a goofy way to plan a vacation though.
Often you have to pay more for a turnkey ham vacation QTH on contest weekends so keep that in mind.

[NN3W]

DX Holiday

[ZD7X]

Go to Sable Island.........It's only a hop, skip & jump away from you.

Good luck getting the OK to operate from there though!!!


Tom ZD7X

[NN3W]

Sure....Maybe Desecheo!

Good to work you yesterday Tom.

[N4CD]

I"ve been to a few 'rent a shacks' and most have worked out well.

Went to Henry's, TI2HMG, place in Costa Rica. Not sure if he is 'back in business'...he was out of business for a while. Had a a fun time. Spent about 10 days there. Breakfast included - restaurant nearby. Car not needed.

Went to the FG rental place - a bit off the tourist scene. You really need a car unless you intend to spend 90% of your time on the radio. Good facility, good antennas...... Swimming beach 5 minute walk.

Been to Jody's place on Turks and Caicos - the 'hamlet'. Nice place and still in business. Again, a bit off the trail - and if you are there for more than a few days, need a car unless you intend to spend 100% of your time on the radio. Beach nearby - but you might be the only one there most of the time. Store for food and restuarants miles away.

went to a rental place in VP2E land - no longer in business. Had a fun time (1994 timeframe).

I went to the 3W2 rent a shack in Ho Chi Minh City - had a fun time - not sure what is up with it now - was 5 years ago.

One friend has been to the rental place in Bermuda, and to the TI5 rental place.

Most of the hosts of the rental places are quite honest in describing the conditions.

If you have an XYL, that is a major consideration. The FG place was not especially XYL conducive - and some of the others are off the beaten path with not much 'social life' without a car. You might be the only ones on the beach during the week (the locals are all working), unless you head to a tourist beach.

the DX Holiday site is excellent, but be sure you are aware of the description of the facilities. Many are not in tourist areas, so either you cook most of your own meals, or plan on having a car to get to restaurants - and food is normally expensive in the Caribbean - both basics at the store and eating out.

Many of the 'contest weeks' are likely already reserved, but go for it!

[N3QVB]

N4CD Robert, Thanks for the great info. I'll probably contact Jody in Turks and Caicos. Thanks es 73.

Andy

[WP2XX]

If you want a fine island holiday, have a look at VP9GE's Rent-a-QTH. Check back with me after CQWW SSB; a pal of mine is going there for the contest.

[HC2AQ]

The best you can do is ask SK6M contest team about their experience at Estación Sapo Loco, 20 ml North of Guayaquil, Ecuador, they work the last CQWW CW 2008 Contest from there. Rigs, atennas etc are not plug and play, just play. Check what is available at my site in qrz.com.
Alberto, HC2AQ