Thanks in advance for all the advice.

So I have been a Delta Diamond for a while and figured I would use about half my miles to book a trip around the world in J for my fiancee and I on our honeymoon (yes, I convinced her to fly all the way around the world with me). However, I have to call in the experts for some help.

Over 2 years I was able to amass a ton of miles flying from RDU-SEA and so almost all of my travel is domestic. I have done Toronto a few times and I did China for 2 months (mainland). However, other than that we are both international novices.

We are starting in RDU and heading to LIM. This is through ATL. So I have no problems with this flight, we don't need a visa, and we will be booking a nice Marriot.

However, where it gets crazy is we head to SYD, by taking Aero Mexico from LIM-MEX-LAX. Then we have a 12 hour layover. On this, what should we do? Will we be able to check out luggage through, or will we have to pick it up? If we have to pick it up, when can we check it in? How much time do we need to go through the terminal? Are there any good tours or luggage storage areas at the airport? We might look to go to the beach, via a cab, then head back, but with luggage this is tough.

Then from LAX we fly to CAN-SYD. It is all in J, so when should we sleep (on China Southern)? On the 2 hour layover, is there a lounge with a shower? I understand from search, we will not need a transit visa, just our ongoing boarding pass.

From SYD we go to ICN-HKG and spend a few days in HKG. This I am find with from my time in Shenzhen.

We are then on a direct from HKG-CDG on Air France. This should be fine as well, with no visas or anything.

Our one coach flight is CDG-AMS, this is ok, since it is just 1 hour or so. Is there a pre-flight lounge for us to visit? I am Diamond, so Skyteam Elite Plus, can we use the AF lounge? What should I bring?

Then after a few days in AMS, we fly to ATL then to RDU. This is all fine, since it is back on Delta metal, which I am comfortable with.

So another question is, does anyone have reccomendations on seat assignments and how about meals. I have tried to research, but it seems like a lot of variety.

Last question is, any must see sights that you have?

In return for help, I promise a wonderful trip report with all sorts of pictures.

Remember this is all in J as well, so that will narrow our seat selection. We get to fly (a very exciting point for me) 777,787,A330 and more.

How about LIM-EZE-SYD on Aerolineas Argentinas instead of LIM-MEX-LAX-CAN-SYD?

Much, much, much better hard product on offer using the routing via CAN.

But not much as exiting as going to South-Pole route

http://www.gcmap.com/map?P=LIM-EZE-S...X=540x540&PM=*

Agreed on the routing, plus one connection is better and less tiring than three. However, the lie-flat beds on the CZ A380 LAX-CAN will be much nicer than the angled flat on the AR A340 EZE-SYD (if you get the newer ones, if the older ones they are still more like couch recliners).

AR is notoriously unreliable. I would stick with the current routing. Also note that Argentina imposes a $160 entry fee per passport.

This is good information. I did like the idea of the A380, it will be a fun experience for me. The $160 fee also seems like a lot. Last, I know it was one of the few sets of low awards available to get us to SYD.

Is there a set of seats for the A380 that would be best. I was thinking like 20 E and F appeared to be the best, but she likes a window, so how are G and H?

How is the flight from LIM-MEX, since it is on the 738, I am quite dissapointed we won't have very good recline. Is there good meal service? Just wondering how the flight works, because most redeyes I have taken, no meal and I want to make sure we eat appropriately (it is a decently long flight)

Thanks

Let me reply the one question that is within my 'territory' ;-)
The idea is that you don't need to bring anything, the lounge should provide anything you will need for your stay. Except perhaps your onward boarding pass and Elite+ card

Any Skyteam Elite+ card will allow you and a Guest to access the lounge free of charge, even when flying economy

It greatly depends on what you like. Some people are into visiting museums, other prefer to see the countryside. Also this depends somewhat on the time of the year, as not everything can be visited in winter (Or summer).

One tip for Amsterdam, if you intent to visit a lot of museums: Buy the "Museum Card". It costs 50 euros and can be bought at most of the participating museums. Once you have the card you can enter all participating museums (Which is _many_) free of charge. At 10-15 euro regular entrance fee this could very well be a nice cost saver

If you intent to visit the Anne Frank house: Be sure to reserve a ticket online beforehand, as lines can be veeery long otherwise. (Especially during summer months). You can reserve a ticket online even when you are using the Museum Card for entrance.

Deal!

Have a great trip and congratulations on your wedding!