I managed to get in on that sweet deal to Sydney and Tokyo! Now the planning begins. November 30-December 14, one week in each city. Has anyone been to Sydney and/or Tokyo? Do you have recommendations on areas to stay? Must sees? Must dos? Thanks!!

If you are flying in to Narita, grab the Narita Express in to Tokyo- buy tix at airport for it (i think it's $40 return for foreigners). http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex/. Shinjuku is a prefecture (area) of Tokyo we stayed in- clean, safe, and close to the rail line (and close to Korea Town which is awesome!). We stayed at the Hotel Sunroute- SMALL rooms but all the rooms are like that in Japan http://hotelsunroutehigashishinjuku.jp/ The train system is very good there and everything is always on time. We were only there for 3 days and took a day tour with Hato Bus - they were fantastic and you got a real good feel for Tokyo. https://www.hatobus.com/. Japan is amazing- you will love it! Have fun!

I stayed at Sunroute Hotel too. We booked a room with 2 double beds (hard to sometimes find) but was a decent size. I too recommend Shinjuku area

Lived in Tokyo for a year of university and still have friends there. How long are you there? What is your travelling party like (ages)?

It's my husband (43) and I (37). We are definitely down for some adventure

Ok then. I will DM you

Head to Manly beach, on the northern shores of Sydney. It was my favorite place, I ended up spending 5 months there.

I second that.Cleaner, nicer then Bondi.

I think we will Centre ourselves in Bondi and branch out from there. Manly is on the list, for sure!

Everyone talks about Bondi Beach being so great... and while it was nice, Manly just had such a great vibe and I preferred it there. There is a nice "corso" which is a walkable area with shops, restaurants, some great pubs. Everything is within walking distance there. If you google "Manly corso" you'll see images and information.

Derek Wagner