Thanks everyone for your thoughts and advice. It all makes sense. Peachfront sounds like my two older sisters who travel all the time. They keep telling me to relax and stop stressing about the cost of a once in a lifetime trip, so that's what I'll do. My wife and I would like to start doing more traveling together after this Italy trip (domestically), so I'll plan to get something like the American Express card that will provide some miles for future use. Thanks again to everyone!!