Spring break 2011 ideas?
 

Not sure if I am posting this in the right area...however...I most familiar with the AA thread so I figured I would start here. I have been playing around tonight trying to figure out a good surprise trip for my wife this spring...however....this year I have a pretty good supply of points and miles and am hoping someone might have a great idea how to use them. Here's the key...we live in Chicago and require warm. My wife, as a teacher, also only has 1 week.

Dates: April 16 - April 24
AA Miles: 400k+
SPG: 100k+
Marriott Rewards: 250k+
Priorityclub: 200k+

Thanks in advance to anyone who proposes a good use of any of these points.

Are you willing to blow all of them on this one spring break? The AA miles alone could get you pretty much anywhere in the world in F.

Relocated for member input.

Thanks, JDiver, Moderator American AAdvantage Forum

I am willing to spend as many as it takes to have a good time....however....given the 1 week time restraint, leaving this hemisphere probably isn't the best bet.

Guess it depends entirely on what you consider a good time. A few years back I spent a week in Costa Rica during the spring -- the weather was perfect, lodging was inexpensive, and the snorkeling and hikes were among the best I'd ever seen. But if you're looking for more of a luxury or beach/resort experience, Hawaii might be a better bet. (probably easier to use your hotel points there, too)

have you been to europe? paris or rome will have better weather than Chicago and you'll have plenty opportunity to blow your SPG/PC points on good establishments. you can even go to other parts of italy as well

How about a place like Brazil?

Personally, I wouldn't try to use a lot of miles... If I were you I'd save those AA miles for a F redemption on CX... I'd also save some hotel points for a place like the Conrad, W Hong Kong, etc.

I agree with the above post: Costa Rica could be a great choice. It is beautiful there in April, and not too busy with tourists. Although Semana Santa is a HUGE holiday for the Ticos. To some, CR would be "roughing it;" it just depends on what you're accustomed to.

There is a Four Seasons Resort on the Pacific Coast in CR, which isn't too far away from the Liberia airport.

Best of all, travel to/from CR isn't too expensive, and things are very affordable once you arrive.

Just remember your sunscreen!

I would avoid Brazil like the plague right now, especially if you are trying to do this trip on the cheap using points. The US dollar is extremely weak against the Real. All the money you save on airfare and hotel will be negated by sky high food and entertainment expenses.

galapagos islands

ORD-LIMA LIMA-ISLANDS

Brazil is too far for 1 week I think.. you're looking at over 12 hours of flying for 6 days (you lose 1 pretty much when you arrive..)
Food isn't expensive actually... all you can eat meat for around 15$ at a nice place... a large plate of food 7$ at a por-kilo restaurant

Our last three Spring Breaks, all highly recommended, all on AA or BA miles.

2008: Quito + Galapagos
2009: Santiago + Easter Island
2010: Buenos Aires + Iguazu Falls