I do vacation runs! You are right OP in that a person should be doing MR/VRs earlier in the year. This is especially true for DL runners because everything over their status rolls over.

I didn't do an early TPAC/TATL vacation run this year because I did 2 scuba vacations early that netted me next to nothing due to one being in Florida and the other an award flight to CZM. In the meantime, I didn't have much work so I couldn't afford to MR/VR.

Anyhoo, I've taken advantage in the past of a Spring VR to South Africa. I'd buy in a heartbeat if I knew that CPT was available cheap. JNB doesn't do it for me and I will not sit in an airplane for 4 12 hour segments to just turn around and go back. I also can't see going to Joburg for vacation. Perhaps someone can correct me on that.

Thanksgiving is also a good time for a MR/VR. You will find lots of cheap international flights show up in Sept. and Oct. for that time of year. I went to IST this year and would like to go back. In fact, I suggest that everyone shore up their MR bookings for the year by Thanksgiving week departure.