Hey FT-

Just looking for some opinions here on what people think might be good and/or better. I'm 34 years old and single if it matters. One thing I plan to do is get scuba certified this year. I am also based out of LAX. Anyway my dad gifted me his approx. 200K BA Avios, and I have really been struggling to find availability of flights. So far though I have been able to find these trips for October / Nov or early 2016.

Trip 1:

LHR>CPT, 180K Avios and $1,145 for first

Then I would have to buy a ticket LAX>LHR or rack up some miles/CC offers between now and trip time.


Trip 2:

LAX>DUB, 138K Avios and $998 for first

Could probably use the balance of the avios for a free trip to Hawaii then (also never been).

Would likely do a stopover in London too. If I can get the extra time off work I could probably buy some other cheap hop around flights to other spots in Europe.

I haven't been to Europe in forever (AMS in 2001) and never S.A. I realize these are two completely different destinations. I can definitely think of a lot of reasons to visit S.A but not as many for Dublin, aside from Pubs and nice Irish girls to meet. Obviously I have to do a lot more research on what I will enjoy doing in this part of the world. I think I'll have fun no matter what.

In any event, I want to take a poll, if they were your miles where would you go and why? If you have some alternate ideas I really want to hear those too!

Thanks!
-RP