Even if you can't find any award space for a nonstop flight, you can still use connecting flights. (rewardexpert.com)
Start your search early to give yourself the best chance of finding award space and check regularly if you don't see space initially. (upgradedpoints.com)
This is also a good strategy if you can only find award space in one direction right now and are hoping more award space will appear later. (travelcodex.com)