Thank you so much for the thorough response! I'm just getting my feet under me and am always afraid to commit too many points on something that may not be great value.

I am going to check out Aeir Lingus and Ibera. As I said before, we aren't set on a location - just know we'd like to go somewhere in Europe.

I was thrilled that I just found a flight for our family of 4 for my 10 year old's birthday to NYC on AA thru BA, as it was the same points to fly direct from CAE (which is actually where I am located). The domestic travel for BA (AA) has some great options, so i may transfer some to cover a trip to CUN and possibly another trip next year.

Is the transfer bonus for Avios unusual?