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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,417
Southern South America is getting into high season, for example in Buenos Aires and other places that will be warm. Take this into account in planning for hotel prices and availability. Otherwise it's the right region for 12,500 miles.
Anywhere in Asia will be well over 12,000 miles RT from NYC.
OTOH, given rollover, if you're spending a thousand dollars on a pure MR, you should try to maximize the number of MQMs you'll earn and not just aim to hit the 12,500 you need. [SIN is very good for this reason, plus it's easy, interesting, and warm.] However, this should be done within reason so don't, for instance, pick extremely tight connections that risk getting stranded or missing work.