Efrem & Paul: very similar to our criteria.

We also keep a cashed-in first class award ticket each in our pockets (unassigned) for last minute travel, to save on the expedite fees & counteract the OUCH $100 change charge. If we don't use it & its expiry approaches, it supplies a pleasant & usually useful (not quite) surprise vacation. If our current tickets get too long in the tooth I think we'll go to Alaska & knock off state # 48.

kathyb: let us know how you decide it.