Worthwhile to me:

- Did one recently to PIT to finish a US Gold Trial. I wanted *G for long-haul international trips to be taken later this year. Used the ITA software to find the cheapest US Airways metal available on the one weekend I had open to travel. Pittsburgh and DC came up close to the same price. I always go to DC, never been to Pittsburgh, so PIT won. Spent a little under 24 hours in Pittsburgh (a buddy came along with me for the trip), visited a few different neighborhoods, picked up some souvenirs, had a couple of good meals, and flew home. Total cost: a little under $200 for the flight, $30 for a rental car, and 2000 Starpoints for a hotel.

- Did one many years ago that most FT'ers don't do: a trip to mark my final day at a status level. I was losing my UA 1K status, plus I had two CR-1's nearing the end of their lifespan. So I found a transcon for about $200 R/T and spent about 48 hours in the Bay Area visiting friends who live out there.

I've also done a couple of late-year weekend getaways to ensure that I requalified for a status. Even a low-tier requalification is worth it if you intend to fly that alliance even once or twice the following year.

I don't do the never-leave-the-airport thing. I always find a city that I have an interest in, with the only requirement be that it meets the mileage goals and I'm getting a good value in terms of fares to that city. My recent PIT run would never have made sense as a "pure" MR - the value of the time spent would have been far too high if it was just wasted time.