I am currently based in Tunisia and have been trying to redeem the almost 38K miles I have left on my MM account for an award ticket to Europe (I need 40K for this, but I could easily get the additional 2K).

However, every time I check award availability, the amount that MM requires me to pay for tax and fees is greater than the cost of purchasing a ticket without miles redemption -- which makes my miles worthless.

2 questions:

1. Is it just me (and fellow passengers flying ex Tunis) or are the fees and tax charged by MM for award flight redemption way too high?

2. Any tips on alternative ways to use my miles? The only other thing that comes to mind right now is a *A upgrade from Y to C for 35K.

Thanks in advance!