Here's a different approach. Go to London, Paris, Munich or Rome for long weekends (4-5 days) during the fall and winter. With the off season/weekend combo You can get great deals on hotels. 40,000 miles/ trip. My wife and I go someplace almost every year. Of course the revenue tickets are often only $400 so it's not the best use of miles.

I was in the same situation years ago. I wanted to go someone I'd not been, somewhere the dollar was strong, and safe for a woman traveling alone. My answer was Greece. After that trip in 1989 I returned to Greece three more times.<BR><BR>Will be going to Thailand later this year. The dollar has been strong, and since my covering air and some hotel nights on points, the two-week trip should cost well under $1,000. From all the trip reports I've read on this board, people are getting massages there for $10 -- that's right up my alley!<BR><BR>It will also depend on where you're traveling from. Ten days is not a lot since you'll be giving up at least two of them for travel. Would it be worth traveling from the East Coast to Australia for just a week? To a Greek island from the West Coast for just a week? That would play heavily on my choice.<BR><BR>Also take into consideration what you like to do. Are museums and history important, or do you prefer spending your time on the beach, etc.

Rebecca: I'm in a similar situation myself in terms of having miles on USAirways. The downside to having miles on USAirways is that since their partnership with American ended and since their partnership with Swiss is ending, you can't use USAirways miles to get to as many places as you used to -- e.g. you can't get to Alaska, Hawaii, or much of Europe using USAirways miles (I'm not sure if they still have a partner that goes to Africa or not). Upside to having miles on USAirways: you can use them to get to Asia on Northwest, or to Australia & New Zealand on Qantas. I would focus on one of those if I were you. <BR><BR>Having just travelled to Thailand myself in January, I highly recommend it! It is incredibly inexpensive once you're there, the culture is amazing, and people are very nice. You can stay in really nice hotels for under $50 U.S.; eat a great dinner for under $10; a two-hour traditional massage was the equivalent of $11 U.S. I was in Bangkok myself for 6 days and loved it and felt very safe. I loved the temples, getting to ride an elephant, and the incredible bargains to be found in the markets. The people were very friendly and welcoming.<BR><BR>However, if you have the miles to go to Australia or New Zealand, one of those would be fantastic as well. I'm heading to both myself for the first time in November. The dollar is strong there too (although I'm sure your dollar still stretches further in Thailand). <BR><BR>If you have the miles, personally, based on what you said about wanting to be "off the beaten track," I think I'd choose the south island of New Zealand, although I know 10 days there won't be enough.

I agree with the votes for Thailand, but with one additional comment--go business class if there is any possible way! We have made 2 trips to Malaysia using Delta miles on Singapore Airlines. It was hands down the best flying experience I have ever had. We took side trips to Thailand, once to Phuket, and once to Bangkok. We loved both, very exotic!

Any plans to tell us what you think you will do, rebecca?<BR>