Don't ignore all these great values but don't get crazy about them either. You and your GF still have lives to live. If the best you do is nonstop ORD-CDG, good for you. If you can tack on a stop in NYC on the way out and/or the first half of a trip later, great. Nice options to know about, but if they don't fit your life now, no sweat. Just don't forget about them later. The best thing about the techniques you learn here is just how far you can stretch the considerable money you should earn as a lawyer into luxurious travel later.