It all might be how/when you time your trips. There are even possiblities during the summer for decent fares to Europe. Last summer, I flew RT to Ireland , and got upgrades both ways (using miles) to business, and day-long (23 hours!) layovers both ways for times to explore London---during summer--for a farely good price. I flew out the last day in early-mid june before fares went up, and flew back on a low-travel day around the 4th of July holiday.
Or, your keen on the south pacific area---last summer, Quantas, Air Tahiti Nui, and Air New Zealand put r/t's there for half of what you'd pay during their "high season" (our winter, their summer).
Search F/T for "Site 59" and you'll see some of the GREAT deals that F/T'ers got this past summer going to Europe, if you're able to be a little spontaneous about where you'll go.