Miles are not all that easy to use, many expire and with limited availability, they just don't work for many people. Delta does not expire (at least as of earlier this year) and I was able to use them for a trip but all my USAir/AA miles expired.

My personal advice, get a cash back credit card, rack up the credits there and take the $$$ and put it towards a ticket or whatever you choose.

Discover was doing a double cash back for new accounts for purchases made in the first year. Capital One VISA is 1.5% cash back from what I recall. Look around, find a card that fits your needs and go that route.