I need everyone thoughts on using frequent flyer miles. We have about 230,000 miles with Cathay airline. I can't seem to decide whether to use all the miles at one time (first or business class seat) and visit Asia or go somewhere else closer such as caribbean or so and get 3 trips for two of us. Any suggestions?<BR>Thank you!

Molly,<BR>Depends on whether you want to take a trip (Asia) or a vacation (Carribean).<BR>I've never been to the Carribean, but I have taken island vacations, and in my opinion, they can't compare to the wealth of new experiences (both cultural and geographical) that you'll experience in Asia.

Molly,<BR>Did you compare the cost of buying one ticket to Asia vs. 3 tickets to the Caribbean from your home airport? I try to use my FF miles where they offer the most value per mile. And I don't use them for trips to Asia as the cost of a ticket from LAX is usually fairly low (often cheaper than flying to the Caribbean).

Agree with Les. It really depends on what you're looking for in your vacation. I went to Japan and Thailand before and though I relish my experience there, it was a long and arduous flight and I have jetlag for 2 weeks when I came back to NY. If you just want to relax, opt for the Caribbean.

In response to Patty's comments, I feel that the best use for your FF miles is to purchase tickets to Asia (as Patty said, they're reasonably priced) and use your FF miles to upgrade to business class. Believe me, on the long flights to Asia, you'll appreciate the upgrade.

Cathay Pacific flies to the Caribbean? From the US?

I absolutely agree with Les about Asia being much more of a destination than a relaxing vacation. There's a lot to be said for chilling out on a beach somewhere, but going to Asia changed my whole way of looking at the world and at life. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything!

everyone makes a good point but iwould look at it from an economic perspective. If you get more bang for the buck with 3 flight to the caribbean but you want to travel to asia than pay for the flight and then you have 3 trips in the kitty - flight to tokyo are pretty cheap so use your FF miles for an inter-asia flight ---i heard somewhere that a good gauge for value is a FF mile is worth 2 cents<BR><BR>you do the math - cause i know flight to the islands over xmas can be very expensive but a flight to tokyo from NYC might only cost 700 or so!<BR><BR>Go to Asia, bangkok- Kuala lumpur....it will open you eyes and you mind<BR><BR>there is a reason why it's on the otherside of the world!<BR><BR>good luck<BR><BR>

for some reason I seem too say this alot.. "hell go too all the above you have enough for an aound the world tip. on economy class.. or what ever 35,001-50,000 travel miles equates too. a distance 9 zone goes for 160,000 miles.. <BR>www.aa.com <BR>damn I wish I had your problem.. all I know is that the corribean would be just about the last place I'd go.. ahh actually chillin in Jamaica or Cuba would be nice.. jeez I envey you..<BR>

Molly, how did you so lucky get that many miles? I used miles for tickets too. I can never cumulate that many miles! Just in case, you still have no clue, I would suggest you to get some tickets for me. Just kidding.<BR>I have been to Jamaica and some places in Asia. I would say going to Asia is a better deal for several reasons:<BR>1. Asian culture is more different - far enough.<BR>2. There are almost only American tourists in the Carribean (but in Asia, there are tourists from allover the world). My husband and I were in a Jamaican tour bus once. Everyone was asked to do a self-introduce, including where you came from. It started with us. My husband was so proud to announce, "I am from LA, USA." Later we realized that everyone was from the states. We even made American friends there, everything we talked about was pretty much about the states.<BR>3. There are a lot more rip-offs in the Carribean. The locals know the price level in the states too well. We paid $10 for lunch (for 2 persons) - US$ is accepted everywhere which means it doesn't last long. At a lot of places, there is no road, just mud. But if you pop into a souvenir store on the dirt, you will realize that Ross is cheaper, or you can even get a better deal in Macy's on sale.<BR>3. Sevices are better in Asia. Hotel standard is higher - for lower prices.<BR>4. Cathay Pacific is much much better than any American airlines. As a matter of fact, I have flown with many airlines from different countries. Cathay is absolutely the best.