shoulder season award travel on AA to europe and equatorial south america stand out as reasonable

where are you based? if in AK, domestic awards are a great value, eg EYW. There are a wealth of small airports in interesting areas that would be very $$ to fly to on a revenue ticket. I think AA considers BDA a 25k award, but from my reading of the award chart, AS doesn't share that view for redemptions on AA.

YQB for 25k is a great value- with all the quaint stone streets it's like going to europe in less time, with less jetlag, and the frites have wholesome gravy instead of pesky mayo. There are about $50+ in taxes which might, for a family of four, make you want to fly into BTV and drive across.