We just got two free tickets from my parents to fly anywhere Southwest flies.

We are thinking about going somewhere around the end of December. We don't want to be too cold (blizzard weather), we don't really do any winter sports (skiing) and we don't want to drive for two hours after we get off the plane. We would be flying out of Austin, TX.

Where should we go?

Thanks!

San diego

I also suggest San Diego. Of course it also depends on your interests.

I'm using my southwest free ticket to go to San Diego next month!

A pal at work has a girlfriend who got two free tickets a couple months ago. They went to New Orleans and had a blast.

End of December, as in New Year's? VEGAS, baby!

I sell mine on a popular online auction site for just under $300.

Oops, let me clarify... I sell the drink coupon booklet for $300... and the 'non-transferrable' ticket voucher is included for free.

I enjoy anywhere in n calif in december/jan--big sur, carmel, mendocino--but, unless you stay around san fran proper, both woud involve a few hours drive

How about making a list of places you think you'd like to go (where SW flies) and then picking the place you'd be least likely to go to based on the price of the ticket.

I'd go there.

Remember, there are some blackout dates. Blackout dates for 2003 are November 25, 26, and 30, and December 1, 24, 27, 28. Blackout dates for 2004 are January 4, May 28 and 31, July 2, November 23, 24, 28, and 29, and December 23, 24, 26.

Re: you question ... most importantly, where do *YOU* want to go? DC (use BWI) nice place to visit, other than the hot summer.

I'd choose San Diego or New Orleans too. What about south Florida - doesn't SW fly into Fort Lauderdale?

Fly into San Diego and fly home from Oakland or Reno, do the California drive. Rent a car between the two. Or do Las Vegas - San Diego or Las Vegas to Los Angeles.

San Diego or Las Vegas.

How about Phoenix?

Thanks for all the suggestions!

clarkgriswald: the open jaw flight sounds like a great idea.

From the responses, it sounds like San Diego is the place to go.

Thanks also for the reminder about the blackout dates.

Keep in mind,December in California
is very unpredictable--
weather-wise. "usually southern california, including San Diego is nice...IMO I'd choose Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans.
Good luck

I'm with traveler 24, anywhere in California in December is unpredictable, weather wise. I lived in Cali 33 years, in every place imaginable, and am jaded (I prefer Cali in the spring and fall - summers too foggy, winters too rainy). Deserts (Vegas, Phoenix) could be COLD (40-60's - brrrrrr...I live in Phoenix now and anything below 85 is cold to me!) but SUNNY and full of life. If you're going for NYE and you want crowds and livelyhood go for San Fran (fly into Oakland) or New Orleans.

New Orleans, definitely!

Keep in mind that the best thing about those vouchers is the changeability. So if you book San Diego and then find out it's scheduled to rain all week, you can switch at the last minute to Vegas, or Tampa, or wherever.