I need to use my miles in the coming year or they will expire. I have 70,000 and would like to take an international trip. However, when I put in various options in the award travel reservations, it keeps saying nothing is available.

Are there any tips on searching for potential trips? I would like to go to Europe (Spain, Italy, or Russia) and i'm not all particular about where or when. Essentially, my friend and I are both planning on using our miles and we don't really care where we go, as long as we go some place.

I can't tell if my plans are too far out or if it's just really hard to locate tickets (either milesaver or anytime tickets).

What is the best way to research possible trips?

Thanks!