Fan Connection OT : March 2025

[farn]

Portugal is beautiful as well, great beaches, Lisboa is a nice city

Definitely on my list ! In fact, it always is and we have been choosing elsewhere for a variety of reasons.

I think Lisboa and the Algarve are a good call. I’ll look into my avenues to get there.

 

[cmasspatsfan]

How long do you have, a week? When I go to Europe, I like to have two weeks two whenever I travel far. For one week I stay closer.

 

[farn]

How long do you have, a week? When I go to Europe, I like to have two weeks two whenever I travel far. For one week I stay closer.

I have - I guess - two weekends and a week in between. I always go to Europe for 6-7-8 days……. In NS, we are only 6hrs away from the UK. So it’s easier to get to Edinburgh (this summer’s family vacation) than to get to Vancouver (which, while is “our country” feels like a much different world).

As a francophone, Normandy feels much more like home than Saskatoon, for instance. The ocean, the language, the way of life…

Going to Europe is a breeze from here with direct flights to Frankfurt, Dublin, Reykjavik, London, Edinburgh. We have lots of time for that in this break.

 

[farn]

Go to the Galapagos Islands. March would be a good time to go

That would indeed to quite the long haul ! Haha. While I’m sure we’d love it, I guess this location answers the question “how far is too far from the Eastern tip of Nova Scotia ?” !!

 

[Gumby]

Somethings on my ‚someday list‘ of places to see (9 done) are within this list of 24 important archeology sites:

https://www.artnews.com/list/art-n...t-archaeological-sites-1234636277/stonehenge/

Particularly Petrus* in Jordan is one in a warm climate that would be a great highlight. (That or the Chinese emperor’s tomb are 2 I have not done & hardest for me to think about ever getting to.) But you could live vicariously for me. Haha.

If ambitious, You could try to combine Petrus w Red Sea for beaches & Egypt for pyramids too.
*

 

[Brotherblues]

Costa Rica is what I was thinking of, although I want my next trip to be to roatan, Honduras. I think Columbia is hit or Miss right now, although that is also someplace that’d I’d like to travel.

Costa Rica
Beaches
River tubing
National Parks for wildlife
March is a good time to go

Colombia is fine. Cartagena is a very nice destination.

Noooo nonono nope don't listen to these bums, they're sending you to the ghetto. Panama is where you want to go. Name anything you like that doesn't involve snow and we got it.

 

[cmasspatsfan]

I have - I guess - two weekends and a week in between. I always go to Europe for 6-7-8 days……. In NS, we are only 6hrs away from the UK. So it’s easier to get to Edinburgh (this summer’s family vacation) than to get to Vancouver (which, while is “our country” feels like a much different world).

As a francophone, Normandy feels much more like home than Saskatoon, for instance. The ocean, the language, the way of life…

Going to Europe is a breeze from here with direct flights to Frankfurt, Dublin, Reykjavik, London, Edinburgh. We have lots of time for that in this break.

My family are francophones from Quebec City, we're the first generation to not speak French even though that's what they spoke in the house growing up. I learned the swears first and picked up a little after that.

 

[patsfanfromoversea]

I love Europe. And that has been a continent I’ve travelled extensively during the last decade.

My family lives in NS, Canada. There is no way I’d be able to convince them to go from snow to snow ! Hahaha. We absolutely hate winter now.

I can understand this, Switzerland is probably pretty much like Canada in march from a weather perspective

I would love to visit Canada and the US at some point, they are my main travel goals next to Switzerland. But I heard Canada is expensive so I have to save some money before I go

 

[farn]

Hawaii?

This also makes sense. In a strange way : GETTING there & back - while time consuming - isn’t that tough. There are actually many ways to get there without breaking the bank.

I have considered it and it’s not out of the question. The time issue + the money issue are to be considered : it’s a decent hike from NS. And I might be mistaken, but once there I’ll likely be spending a lot for activities and accommodations (sadly most of my hotel points are in the rearview since my Japan trip & my summer Scotland trip).

While Canada offers a good enough avenue to collect and redeem points, the US is king in that department. And - since Covid - playing hard has me in a little AMEX “we aren’t offering you any more credit cause you been fetching points at a good clip” thing going….. haha.

 

[farn]

I can understand this, Switzerland is probably pretty much like Canada in march from a weather perspective

I would love to visit Canada and the US at some point, they are my main travel goals next to Switzerland. But I heard Canada is expensive so I have to save some money before I go

It’s true that we don’t give it away for free. But - your choice of location will dictate the $$$. Let’s keep it real, Canada is huge. Were like 5 different countries all smooshed into one behemoth. So you can hardly visit Canada and be all “I’ve seen it” if you go to Toronto (which I clearly wouldn’t).

Inflation has thrown us a Milton III sized football in the groin in the last two years. But there are still gems to be found. I guess I’d recommend one of the following :

Quebec City
Banff (Alberta) / Rockies
Victoria & Vancouver BC

Atlantic Canada - where I live - is also nice. But when you live somewhere, you sometimes tend to undersell it as you’ve been there your whole life.

I suspect someone from a landlocked country would adore seeing the wharves in the village and eating the lobster less than an hour after it lands to port.

 

[farn]

Noooo nonono nope don't listen to these bums, they're sending you to the ghetto. Panama is where you want to go. Name anything you like that doesn't involve snow and we got it.

Heehee. I like your passion. Being in 2024, I am not sure of the ins and outs of using ‘ghetto’ in vernacular. But I will admit to respecting your fervor.

I had a student who visited Panama during this very type of spring break several years ago and they seemed to have had a great time.

I’ll add Panama to my “study list” and I’ll see if my points align with a decent flight plan.

Obviously, if I lived in a larger center - such as LA, NYC, Boston, or Toronto - all of these considerations would be smoother. You have to understand; I need to DRIVE 3hrs+ just to GET to the Halifax international airport and that place is a fraction of the size of larger city / hub airports !

 

[BUSTAMOVE]

Noooo nonono nope don't listen to these bums, they're sending you to the ghetto. Panama is where you want to go. Name anything you like that doesn't involve snow and we got it.

You’re a good man BrotherBlues.
Sounds like you are from Panama and I’m glad your Proud of you area
Panama has a travel advisory since July 2023.
Level 2 (Exercise increased Caution) Most Places and Level 4 (Do not travel) 2 areas. Unsafe. High Crime
Maybe you can shed light on that
Costa Rica did have some sketchy areas but I felt safe. Probably the same with Panama

I do not mean to put your Country in a bad light. If you are from there
When you mentioned Panama. I never been, So I looked up to see what they offer. The advisories came up

 

[TomPatriot]

This has nothing to do with anything Pats related and I know this isn’t where this post belongs.

But, the draft is done, camp is months away, and I’m a pretty decent guy.

I want to travel for 7-8 days next March. Warm weather is important to my family, yet not spending all my time on a beach or drinking is my priority. Most of Europe is still chilly, much of the Caribbean is party beach oriented.

Inspire me ! My points are burning a hole in my pockets.

Cuba

 

[farn]

Cuba

It’s on the list ! A lot of people from my area go to resorts in Cuba. We have several direct flights and the weather is great.

I’ve never “been South” so I have no reference. But if I choose Cuba, instead of doing the pool that leads to a floating bar, I’d want to explore Havana. Maybe museums and restaurants.

We don’t have the same relationship with Cuba that the US seems to have so I think it’d be an easy flight and a doable trip.

Serious question : outside the resort, what can I expect ? I’m sure the locals are friendly. Am I to avoid anything or anywhere if I do visit Cuba off resort ?

 

[farn]

Somethings on my ‚someday list‘ of places to see (9 done) are within this list of 24 important archeology sites:

Do You Dig It? See the World’s 24 Most Important Archaeological Sites

Particularly Petrus* in Jordan is one in a warm climate that would be a great highlight. (That or the Chinese emperor’s tomb are 2 I have not done & hardest for me to think about ever getting to.) But you could live vicariously for me. Haha.

If ambitious, You could try to combine Petrus w Red Sea for beaches & Egypt for pyramids too.
*

Petra is on my list as well ! What a masterpiece.

Some of the places you mention - Petra & Chinese tombs - are of particular interest. But I think, like our friend who suggests we the Galapagos, Jordan is a tough get when you consider the to and from Halifax. I have ways of getting there, but the trek will take time and each hour/day I tack on each side is time I could be elsewhere.

I see myself tackling the Middle East in retirement. If I can live another 5 years !

I like the way you’re thinking.

 

[farn]

Costa Rica is nice but crazy expensive compared to ten years ago. Nicaragua is a better adventure for your money. Surfing plus live volcanoes. Parts of Panama especially the Canal is impressive. Palawan in the Philippines is excellent…Great beaches … friendly people and the right prices… Wanna blow your mind head to Cambodia, Anchor Wat will leave ya speechless. Hanoi is one of the coolest places I’ve been to, but that time of year it’s 15-18 Celsius. Head to Tahiti, moorea or bora bora if ya want to spend the bucks !! New Zealand actually reminds me of Canada and Canadians … very similar vibe …

My partner has visited some of the Southeast Asia countries you mention. And she loved it. Wants to return. My recent visit to Japan has made me emboldened to explore more of Asia. And I hope to accomplish that in coming years.

The distance - even to Japan - I think is prohibitive for the time allotted. And so, venturing even further would be difficult.

The Pacific will be on our list as well. Especially French Polynesia. I’d personally put Vietnam-Cambodia-Thailand-Laos ahead of islands in the South Pacific, but if I can, I’ll visit both. I just don’t think I can swing it - for a variety of reasons - in March 2025 !

 

[Steve102]

This has nothing to do with anything Pats related and I know this isn’t where this post belongs.

But, the draft is done, camp is months away, and I’m a pretty decent guy.

I want to travel for 7-8 days next March. Warm weather is important to my family, yet not spending all my time on a beach or drinking is my priority. Most of Europe is still chilly, much of the Caribbean is party beach oriented.

Inspire me ! My points are burning a hole in my pockets.

Big Bend Texas is supposed to be ideal in March. My wife and I went in Summer and it was great.

 

[farn]

Big Bend Texas is supposed to be ideal in March. My wife and I went in Summer and it was great.

Thanks for suggesting. I had never heard of Big Bend and now I’m down the rabbit hole !

 

[TomPatriot]

It’s on the list ! A lot of people from my area go to resorts in Cuba. We have several direct flights and the weather is great.

I’ve never “been South” so I have no reference. But if I choose Cuba, instead of doing the pool that leads to a floating bar, I’d want to explore Havana. Maybe museums and restaurants.

We don’t have the same relationship with Cuba that the US seems to have so I think it’d be an easy flight and a doable trip.

Serious question : outside the resort, what can I expect ? I’m sure the locals are friendly. Am I to avoid anything or anywhere if I do visit Cuba off resort ?

Locals in Havana are quite friendly; they generally like Americans more than locals in the DR, for example. I have no idea what the resorts are like; I wasn’t a tourist. Not much crime or visible police. Just be aware of your surroundings. Be courteous and remember to represent your country well. It always amazes me how many “educated” people fail to heed these simple rules.

Restaurants in Havana are mostly in homes, where the meals are pretty good. Museum of the Revolution, the National art museum and the Hotel Nacional are musts.

 

[farn]

Locals in Havana are quite friendly; they generally like Americans more than locals in the DR, for example. I have no idea what the resorts are like; I wasn’t a tourist. Not much crime or visible police. Just be aware of your surroundings. Be courteous and remember to represent your country well. It always amazes me how many “educated” people fail to heed these simple rules.

Restaurants in Havana are mostly in homes, where the meals are pretty good. Museum of the Revolution, the National art museum and the Hotel Nacional are musts.

Excellent adds.

My partner often suggests Havana as she is looking to enjoy the sun, while trying to get me some interesting cultural / historical finds in between.

I agree wholeheartedly with your tips on ‘being a tourist’. I love “as the Romans do”. Before going to Japan, I tried to learn as much as I could about their customs and their language. A few simple phrases really planned out for me. In Kyoto, usage of English is quite rare. Even the French, much maligned by some tourists ? I love them. Never ever had a problem.

Be happy, adapt to their lives for a week or two. More fun, more happiness !