You don't have a lot of time for this "guy's night out" trip, so I suggest getting the most bangs for the miles with the least BIS time. Forget about Australia and the hours, jet lag, etc. Go to Rio or Buenos Aires, traveling south/north with no jet lag and two places where the dollar still goes a long way.

You can travel to Rio via Sao Paulo on CO or go to BA via Panama using a combination of CO and COPA. It takes 90k miles for FC, which would leave you some miles to give Mrs. MBM3 a little trip somewhere in the USA or Mexico.

The CO/COPA routing requires an overnight in Panama, but it is easy and breaks up the trip. The Riande Hotel is close to the airport with a shuttle and can be had on the internet for less than $60, including breakfast. COPA treats its FC passengers as close to royalty as a 738 will permit. The PC in Panama is small but nice, and you will also have access to a club at BA or Rio.

I did the BZE last year this way and had a wonderful time -- it was one of the cheapest trips for the quality food, lodging and ambiance that I've ever had.

The CO elite desk helped me with the arrangements since it is not shown anywhere as a valid connecting trip.

Rio can be had all CO metal with no overnight enroute.

Robin