Thanks Zepcat, it is encouraging to hear that you had no problems making arrangements for Rome next spring. We are also planning to visit Italy in the spring but unfortunately due to my work commitments it will be a few months yet until I can finalize travel dates. My fingers are crossed that reasonable accommodations will still be available at that time.

While the Northwest/KLM system (also now contains Garuda Indonesia) can get you anywhere in the world, I wouldn't be so sure they will let you use those vouchers on flights NOT OPERATED BY Northwest (was the flight you got bumoed from operated by KLM or another partner? that should improve your chances). <BR> <BR>Otherwise, Northwest itself only flies (as far as I can tell) to London, Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt - - and of course, Honolulu, Tokyo, Manila, Singapore and quite a few other Pacific destinations. Their service to AMS also conrinues on to Mumbai, India if I am reading their system route guide correctly. <BR> <BR>Another way of looking at it may be to look at their list of cities served. There don't seem to be ANY cities in Spain, Italy or Greece (yes, sure KLM does, but those flights don't even have NW codeshare numbers). So you may want to get very clear rules before you start counting your chickens. <BR> <BR>Finally, my guess is that since you said the vouchers are 800 dollars, it is still up to you to come up with a fare for a given itinerary, and then you will be permitted to buy it for $800 off. So it behooves you (in a way) to look at where you can go that puts this to use best. You don't tell us where is your most likely gateway city, but here are some examples of fares you might encounter in spring: <BR> <BR>DTW-CDG 3/7-3/21 $486.19 <BR>DTW-CDG 4/4-4/18 $693.19 <BR>SEA-CDG 4/4-4/18 $776.19 <BR>SAN-CDG 4/4-4/18 $684.19 (GO FIGURE) <BR> <BR>For Frankfurt, the price jump is even bigger for March to April: <BR> <BR>BOS-FRA 3/7-3/21 $399.72 <BR>BOS-FRA 4/4-4/18 $661.72 <BR>SEA-FRA 3/7-3/21 $599.72 <BR>SEA-FRA 4/4-4/18 $953.72 <BR> <BR>With all that said, you can still have a great trip flying into any of these four cities. Ironically, London might get you to the Mediterranean cheapest (by buying your own separate air fare London-to-wherever), because of the intense competitive pressures on routes to Italy and Spain. And driving from Paris to Italy or Spain gives you the BEST part of France that you've never even seen yet. <BR> <BR>Like all the others, I'll be most interested in what you come up with. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR> <BR>

Fly to Marseille, rent a car, see Provence and if you have time, drive to Italy and fly out of Malpensa.

I've been all over Europe and found wonderful things everywhere we went but I'd have to put in a vote for Italy. My best experiences occurred there (loved Tuscany, Cinque Terre, Venice, Florence...). Great people, art, food, and country!

First a big THANK YOU for all the insightful replies and passionate opinions. I truly appreciate the help you've given. <BR> <BR>My wife and I have decided to go to Italy this May. It looks like Spain will top the list for the 2001. Thanks again for all the replies. We'll keep you posted and no doubt be looking for more help in the future.