If I could just piggyback on this thread, I have some related questions.

I'm moving to Canada next year, Halifax-YHZ. I accumulate credit card miles and points to use for award leisure travel with Citi AA and starwood.

So what program should I concentrate on if I plan to do most of my flying either flying to Maryland/DC to visit family or to Europe, Caribbean, or Latin America but not transiting through the US?

Thank you all so much for your expertise!