There were a couple of pointers regarding flights in the last post, but these additional tips are smart, smart, SMART.
1. Look at applying for or doing a balance transfer to a credit card that has an introductory points bonus offer. There are a bunch via this link, with Amex offering one with 40,000 if you spend a certain amount during the first few months. That is crazily good – I’ve seen others with 30,000 available – and while I don’t encourage credit card abuse this might be a way to get one up on the bastards.
[Thanks for this tip Anja]
2. Book a one-way points flight rather than trying to get 80,000 points together and finding a round trip that works with dates. It’s normally 40,000 miles needed for one way and it seems like finding a single flight is much easier than a return. You could almost do that with the points earned from a new credit card, or discover (as I just did) that you might be close to that number on one of your existing rewards programmes already (or your great auntie might be and you could get a good deal exchanging her for a years worth of lawn mowing services). You’ve then got the option of booking a one-way via another airline, which it looks like can be done for around US$1,300 right now
[Thanks for this tip Anni]
FYI it seems the Visa Waiver Program is a little different than I remembered so check out this link re visas:
This trip is really happening. I’m saving up for TassiePalooza like I haven’t saved for a holiday in years. It is going to be bloody brilliant, and for any of you who are able to make the trek, I know you will never regret it.
tassiepalooza 
Andi, advice on which avenues to follow to book the flight itself? I’m lost when it comes to booking international. Surely Googling ‘AUS flights’ is not my best bet.
Honestly darling, I usually just use Expedia. Spend a bit of time mucking around with date combinations (few days on either side can save hundreds). It’s sometimes worth going to a couple of airlines sites direct (e.g. I love flying Virgin Australia so will go to them on the off chance they’re running a special) but 99.99% of the time Expedia has thrown up the best options… xx