Southwest knows that gloomy winter weather drives folks to sunny places. Just in time to help folks escape, Southwest added an additional flight each to Tampa and Orlando, Florida. RDU now offers 13 nonstop flights to Florida on Southwest and Delta Airlines.

What to do in these sunny spots?
Orlando — Do we need to say more than Walt Disney World? The home of Mickey Mouse offers discounted rates during specific periods of the winter months, which is considered the theme park's off-season. But Orlando is not just the home of Disney; there are seven huge theme parks, three water parks and more than 80 other attractions from astronauts to zoos.

Don’t feel like an adventure park? How about an adventure in the outdoors? Try a jet-engine-powered airboat at Boggy Creek Airboat Rides or Glades Adventures High Performance Airboat Tours. Check out the wildlife at Gatorland, the self-proclaimed Alligator Capital of the World. If you’re really adventurous, check out the view from 2,000 feet at Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Flight Park. You’ll be towed into the sky by an ultralight airplane and then released to find your own air currents to glide.

Fort Lauderdale — This canal-laced city is a far cry from its spring break party image of the past. Following renovation and renewal, upscale stores and restaurants have replaced fast-food stands and T-shirt shops. But the stretch of gorgeous beaches, great swimming, nearly year-round sunshine and close-to-ideal climate are the city's biggest draws. For great shopping and dining, stroll down Las Olas Boulevard, which is lined with boutiques and restaurants. Nightlife lovers flock to the nearby Riverfront area, packed with bars and free entertainment.

The city has a host of family-friendly options, such as Everglades Holiday Park and the Museum of Discovery and Science. With the network of canals and waterways, boats are part of the Fort Lauderdale lifestyle, and visitors can easily rent a boat or hail a water taxi. There's a lot to do here, but be sure to spend some quiet time just soaking up the sun or strolling along the beach at dusk.

Tampa/St. Petersburg — Tampa is the largest city in Florida, a claim that is backed by a wide variety of attractions, accommodations and other services. Residents and visitors alike flock to the Florida State Fair, an event held at the Fairgrounds in Tampa each February.

Visitors to Tampa are encouraged to visit the Museum of Science and Industry, Starlite Cruises and the Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts held on March 3 and 4, 2007, where hundreds of painters, artisans, photographers, sculptors, jewelers and artists from around the world display their work.