This is only partially for a Mileage Run, but also for a fun-filled vacation with a couple friends...

We're looking to go to Rio in late July for anywhere from 7-10 days. I've been checking airfares here and there, but they haven't moved much.

I wanted to ask the gurus here if any of you could advise me the best way to get to Rio (leaving from Houston) in maximizing miles yet minimizing fares (ahhh...I may as well ask for the Holy Grail while I'm at it).

Flight times, days of the week, etc. are flexible.

Fire_Fly