Having been fortunate enough to read flyertalk for the last 12 years, I did not pay for my airline tickets. Two award tickets on non stop flights JFK/FCO on AA.
It's what I've learned here on these boards that has allowed me to take various grandchildren on trips. Took my grandson to Israel prior to his Bar Mitzvah 3 years ago.
I have done much research already on the historical sites and have tons of paperwork printed out on how to get from port to city (Athens and Taormina) by train as well as tons of other info thanks to www.cruisecritic.com

Next year I will probably take my other granddaughter to Hawaii for her pre-Bar Mitzvah trip with free air AND free hote (AA/SPG). This is why I love this website.