Many people have fantasies about visiting Sydney and have hopes of really getting there someday. They may have seen pictures of the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House in a magazine or on television, which is why they desire to visit this location.
The city of Sydney provides its residents with all the amenities they desire, including stunning beaches with pure white sand and natural regions that offer lovely walking opportunities. If you are interested in visiting incredible historic structures, art galleries, and museums, Sydney is the city you should visit.
In addition, Sydney is well-known for its many restaurants and bars, where visitors can enjoy their meals while taking in the city’s stunning panoramas. You can have the best Sydney itinerary ever!
It is possible to spend up to five days in Sydney and still not see everything there is to see in the Central Business District and the neighborhoods that surround it. There are many things to see and do in the city, and we’ll show you all of them in this itinerary for Sydney.
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How to See Most of Sydney
The Central Business District in Sydney is connected to the whole city. Sydney itinerary has several public transportation options, including Train subways, bus system, metros, light rails, and ferries.
Sydney’s public transportation can be paid for with an Opal Card. You can buy an Opal card and put money on it for the whole time you are in Australia.
A smart card may come in handy to put money on before you travel. After each trip, the right fare amount is taken out of the card based on how far it was. Customers can buy Opal Cards at the airport, train stations, 7-11 shops, retailers, and newsstands.
You’ll have to move around quite a bit to make the most of your time in Sydney. So, if you want to go to the places on our Sydney itinerary, you must use public transportation.
If you bring the card back to any station, you can get a full refund of the price you paid for it. But if you want to go farther away, you should rent a car.
See Related: Best Day Trips from Sydney, Australia
What is the Best Season for a Trip to Sydney?
When planning a vacation for Sydney itinerary, determining when you want to travel is among the most crucial things you need to think about. You might believe that Sydney is a beautiful destination to visit in any year’s season; nevertheless, the city experiences all four distinct seasons and can become crowded around times of high demand for tourism.
If you are thinking about going on vacation to Sydney and your initial inclination is to go during the summertime, here is some valuable information for you to keep in mind: The climate in Australia during the summers can range from pleasant to extremely warm, depending on the day. This indicates that individuals will frequently travel to the shore to cool off when it is extremely hot outdoors.
Additionally, the beaches will likely be packed with visitors even during school holidays in Australia. Even on Sundays, Sydney will experience its highest visitor numbers throughout the summer.
The spring and fall, or the seasons immediately before that and the following summer, are the most incredible periods to go to Sydney. If you go in Sept, Oct, Nov, March, or Apr, you’ll find the climate pleasant for touring without being overly hot and humid.
These are the best months to visit. There won’t be as many people at the beachfront as in other seasons of the year because this isn’t among the most popular seasons for school vacations.
The wintertime is in no way an unpleasant experience to visit Sydney. If you bring along a thin jacket, you should then be able to spend some time outside without experiencing overwhelming pain.
See Related: Best Sydney Hotels Near The Opera House
Places to Stay in Sydney
Finding suitable accommodations and a place to reside in Australia are essential steps that can make your trip less stressful and more fun while a Sydney itinerary.
There are many different places to live, but the fact is that prices are too high. Most of the well-known hotel chains in the world are here, such as Ibis, Marriott, and many others.
If you don’t have much money, you could also stay in a hostel or look into renting a room through Airbnb. Remember that Sydney is not a cheap city like New York, but if you plan and book early, you can always find good deals via Viator.
If you seek the finest lodging options in Sydney, you have more possibilities since the town is stretched around, yet it has an impressive public transit network that links this all. If you are searching for the most incredible locations to stay in Sydney, Circular Quay, Wynyard, Darling Harbour, and CBD are all fantastic neighborhoods for your stay. Because they are simple to navigate and provide residents with it all, they require a short walk.
During your time in Sydney, look for options near the harbor. There are five-star hotels in the Rocks and has unique spots that provide visitors with luxury and spaciousness during their stay.
In addition, the Waterfront is visible to them from within their suites. After you’ve finished taking in the town’s attractions, you can go back to the hotel and use its day salon, health club, and indoor swimming pool.
57hotel is a great place to stay on your trip if you want to be comfortable and pay a reasonable price for your room. It is an excellent deal for the money.
The exemplary brunch and unique style combine to be a wonderful place to stay. It is near Sydney Central Station, making it easy to get there. You could also check Airbnb for vacation flats in the Sydney area that aren’t too expensive.
Some people may be unable to afford to stay in Sydney, but there are many great hostels for travelers on a budget, for example, Wake Up! In the city’s center, this huge hostel, right in the middle of the town, has both shared and personal bedrooms. The hostel also has a bar, a café, and a trivia competition every night. Check out our guide to hostels in Sydney to learn about more places like this in the city.
Booking.com has a broader range of places to stay in and around Sydney. They always have the best prices, and their customer service is tailored to each person’s needs.
See Related: Important Travel Tips for Visiting Sydney, Australia
Best Interesting Facts About Sydney
Here are some amazing facts about Sydney:
The Magical Light Festival in Sydney
The Vivid Sydney itinerary lighting festival is one of the most beautiful things to see in Sydney every year. Explore Sydney Australia with the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge which turns into works of light art for visitors and “Sydneysiders” (people who live in Sydney). There are also glowing stepping stones, lit koala bears on tree trunks, and more at the party.
See Related: Where to Stay in Brisbane: Best Areas & Neighborhoods
Sydney Has More than 100 Beaches
It isn’t easy to even list the most incredible beaches in the vicinity of Sydney. There are more than one hundred beaches in and around the city where you can engage in fascinating water sports such as surfing, scuba diving, kayaking, stand-up watersports, and jet ski excursions.
A prominent among them is Balmoral beach. Some other water sports you may participate in at Balmoral beach include stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.
See Related: Best Restaurants in Sydney, Australia
Jas Highest Steel Arch Bridges in the World
The stunning Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the world’s largest steel arch bridges. It was built in the 1930s and is about 1650 feet long. Currently, the bridge has eight roads, two rail lines, a pedway, a bike path, and stairs leading to the middle of the arch.
See Related: How to Move to Sydney, Australia
Sydney is a Hub for Different Cultures
People come to Sydney worldwide since it is an international metropolis. Moreover, a third of the individuals who call Sydney home were born in other countries, and roughly half of them are immigrants of either the first or second generation.
The west suburbs are home to a diverse collection of people from all walks of life. For instance, fifty percent of the population does not speak English in the city of Parramatta, which is located in the Greater Sydney area.
Sydney’s Famous Opera House
The Sydney Opera House tour is one of the most well-known for tourists visiting Sydney. The Danish architect Jorn Utzon designed the skyscraper, which was finished in 1973 after 16 years of work and cost more than $100 million! This stunning structure is recognized as one of the finest venues in the world for the performing arts.
It takes up a significant portion of the skyline in Sydney. Not only this, you can in some deliciously authentic Australian fare while also taking in the breathtaking panoramas of Sydney Harbour At Opera Bar.
See Related: Best Museums in Sydney, Australia
The Well-known Sydney Tower
For the past three decades, one of the most recognizable features of the skyline of this world-famous city has been the Sydney Towers Eye, more commonly referred to as simply “Sydney Tower.” The Sydney Tower, which stands at the height of 1014 feet, is famous across the globe.
It is the observation tower with the second-highest elevation in the Southern Hemisphere. At the very top of this thrilling tower is a restaurant that rotates, turning it into an exciting and entertaining place to eat.
See Related: Best Hostels in Sydney, Australia
Sydney is The First Major City to Welcome the New Year
Due to its proximity to the International Date Line, Sydney is the first major city in the globe to ring in the New Year. Another fascinating fact regarding the city is presented here.
On New Year’s Eve, the city of Sydney hosts a fireworks display that lasts 85 minutes and illuminates the night sky. Because it is so well-liked, every year, close to a billion people assemble in front of their televisions to watch it.
See Related: Best Parks in Sydney, Australia
The Largest Natural Harbor in the World
The natural harbor found in Sydney, Australia, is the largest in the world. The entrance to the sanctuary is only accessible via a single route that is 11 miles in length. Because of its size, Sydney Harbour National Park is home to a diverse population of animals and marine life, including dolphins, greenish sea turtles, Australian fur seals, weedy sea dragons, and grey nurse sharks, among other species.
See Related: Sydney Attractions Pass Review: Is It Worth the Price?
The Mystery Behind Blue Mountains
Did you know that The Blue Mountains got their name because when you look at them from far away, they look blue? The Blue Mountains are blue because of the oil trees and bushes give off. These oils are what make the mountains blue.
When these oils mix with light, dust, and water vapor, they make the hills blue and give them their unique color. Going to the Blue Mountains, you can also see streams, rivers, and wild sandstone tablelands.
Read Also: The Tablelands waterfalls guided tour with lunch and snacks
The Biggest Show of Sculptures
“Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi” started in 1997 and has over 100 works by artists worldwide. It is the world’s largest free sculpture exhibition open to the public. In late October, the 1.2-mile Bondi Beach walk to Coogee promenade in Sydney is turned into a sculpture garden for the public to enjoy.
Sydney is often the first place people go when they visit Australia, and for a good reason. There are exciting and relaxing things to do, and the city’s energy is balanced by its beautiful beaches. Sydney, Australia, is one of the most exciting places on Earth because it has so many beautiful things to see and do, like its landscape and the fact that it always has bright sunshine.
See Related: Australian Museum
5 days in Sydney Itinerary
You will never have a lack of stuff to do while on a Sydney tour itinerary because the city is jam-packed with all kinds of exciting and entertaining activities. You might already be aware of some of Sydney’s most well-known landmarks and tourist attractions, but if you wish to become more knowledgeable about the other areas of the city, you will require some assistance.
The city of Sydney is quite large, and its many tourist destinations are dispersed across the city, from the urban core to the city’s extensive shoreline. You will have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of Sydney’s neighborhoods over 5 days in Sydney.
But before we talk about the plans for Sydney, we want to make sure you know how important it is to get travel insurance. You can’t predict what would happen; you don’t want to be stuck with huge amounts of money in unpaid medical bills.
Someone once said that you couldn’t afford to travel at all if you can’t pay for travel insurance. This is quite true. Because of this, don’t leave the house without it.
have a trustworthy travel insurance company like GetYourGuide and Viator to get an instant quote that does not bind you,
Though if you decide not to have insurance through them, you should still prioritize getting coverage from another company. Hotels.com is a well-known example of this kind of choice.
Now that we’ve discussed that critical point let’s see all the fun stuff to do in Sydney and consider this itinerary for Sydney; it will help ensure you enjoy everything.
First Day: Sydney Harbour
To make use of all your time on the best Sydney itinerary and take advantage of all the city has to offer, you should try to spread your sightseeing out over the many neighborhoods. There is too much to take in all at once.
You should begin your Sydney trips at Circular Quay and the region around Sydney Harbor. Both are located in the central business district. The most well-known Sydney landmarks in the city can be found in this area.
The most important ferry terminal is at Circular Quay, which serves as the principal gateway to the town. You’ll be treated to a breathtaking panorama of the world-famous Harbor Bridge of Sydney from that vantage point.
If you keep strolling down the water’s edge via Quay, you will ultimately arrive at the Opera House, another one of the most well-known Sydney attractions. It is a one-of-a-kind structure completed in the 19th century and is today recognized as an architectural monument of international caliber.
It would help if you made some time in your schedule to get there so that you can take pictures with the stunning water as the backdrop. You may also explore the interior of the Opera you can book in advance through Viator.
From Hickson Road Reserve, you can see the Harbor again when you return via Quay and continue in the opposite direction. The bridge not just connects the two parts of Sydney but is also a historical place that helps define the city’s skyline.
You can climb to the top of the bridge if you want to do something other than just look at it from the ground. Please be aware that the process will take several hours, and you must make a reservation in advance.
“The Rocks” is the district’s name that may be found amid the Bay Bridge and Quay. The Rocks are widely regarded as one of the city’s neighborhoods with the greatest historical import. It is packed with historic structures separated by winding roads constructed of cobblestones.
Even though it has more than its fair share of souvenir shops, it is famous for its marketplaces and the never-ending supply of cafés, restaurants, and eateries.
The well-known Contemporary Art Australia Museum may be found in The Rocks, near Quay and the water. The Rocks are located in the center of Sydney (MCA).
Among the many artworks displayed at the Museum of Contemporary Art are examples of drawing, photographs, sculpting, and motion images. The exhibits are regularly updated, and there is no charge to enter the building.
When you have completed your stroll around Circular Quay for the final time, you will find yourself in the breathtaking Royal Botanical Gardens. Because there are so many various things to look at, including pavilions, manor buildings, lakes, and thematic lawns, it is a beautiful site to go for a stroll around the grounds.
You won’t believe the sights that await you at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair when you glimpse the harbor from there.
See Related: Sydney Park
Day 2: Darling Harbour and Central Business District
Now that you’ve seen the city’s most famous sights, it’s time to check out the many exciting places in and around Darling Harbour and the Central Business District of Sydney.
Your first stop should be the Australian Sydney Towers, which is located smack dab in the center of the town. This is a beautiful opportunity to get the day off to a different start. The Sydney Tower is the structure in the city that stands the tallest. You can get your ticket in advance for a hassle-less visit.
Its height of 308 meters makes it the highest form in the town. The observation deck at the very top of the tower provides some of the most breathtaking views over the metropolitan area.
Individuals fearful of altitudes are strongly discouraged from using the Sydney Building Skywalk because it is an outdoor attraction with a glass wall. Additionally, because the queues for the tower have the potential to become very long, we strongly recommend that you purchase your skip-the-line ticket in advance of your visit.
After establishing your location, you should head to Hyde amusement Park, the earliest park in the city. It is a stunning park well-known for its magnificent fig trees growing all over the pathways. The Anzac Memorial is another structure in Hyde Park that commemorates the service of soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand military Divisions who participated throughout the First Great War.
The Art Exhibition of New South Wales may be found in the Domain, which is one of the many parks that can be found in Sydney. This art gallery is situated in Sydney and houses an extensive collection of artworks from all over the world, including those from Europe, Asia, and Australia. Tickets may be required for particular displays, such as those competing for the prestigious Archibald Prize, although general admission is always free.
As you make your way through the Central Business District, make your way down to Pitt St Plaza, which is widely considered to be Sydney’s premier shopping district. This pedestrian area is lovely in every way, even if all you want to do is window shop, as retail stores and recognizable brand names surround it. Even if you don’t have a lot of money, you may still have a good time in this region.
You will want to take a left down into the historical Strand Avenue, a beautiful commercial plaza that dates back to the late 1800s and is on the heritage list. This is the case regardless of whether or not you plan to shop at the location in question.
The winding nature of Sydney Harbor has resulted in several picturesque ports and harbors forming. One of the canals that are among the most interesting is known as Darling Harbor.
Not only is this neighborhood a stunning portion of the city, but it also serves as the arts and entertainment nerve center for the entirety of the city. There are many things to do there, like going to the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Sydney Aquarium, or the wax museum at Madame Tussauds.
Another action-packed day of sightseeing may be capped off with a relaxing meal in Sydney’s China, located in the Haymarket neighborhood. Even though it encompasses just a few lanes, it is packed with a wide variety of delectable foods on every one of those roadways.
Read Also: Unlimited Skyfeast at Sydney Tower
Day 3: Bondi to Coogee Walk
Famous Bondi Beach is, without a doubt, the third most famous location. The Central Business District is where the first two are. It’s among the most beautiful beaches in the state.
Bondi Beach is where you will want to start your day on the shoreline. The beach, shaped like a crescent, is often crowded with people. A short walk from the water will bring you to the famous Bondi Pavilion. Inside, there are many places to eat, and Bondi Park is right in front.
If you continue following the coastline, you will eventually arrive at Beach Icebergs Resort, a favorite location among Instagram users. Due to the proximity of this outdoor pool to the shore, you can frequently hear the sound of waves crashing over the edge of the pool on days when there is severe weather.
If you want to dive into the water, you must purchase a pass. However, looking at it from the close rocks is no fee. The beginning of the famous seaside walk that goes from Bronte and Bondi can be found not far from the Beach Icebergs Resort. Following this stunning trail for the best Sydney itinerary, you can reach Bronte Beach, located on the Suburbs coast.
Bronte Shore is yet another of Sydney’s beaches that have been there for a long time. It is well-known for having an easygoing day trip and a laid-back vibe. The question is, why stop at Bronte? The portion of the Bondi to Coogee Beach Trail that goes from Bondi and Bronte is merely a minor portion of the journey.
You will eventually get to the breathtaking Coogee Beach if you continue going down the shore. This journey of day trips will bring you to some of the most breathtaking beachside views in Australia, and it doesn’t matter if you don’t want to like bathing or surfing.
See Related: Chau Chak Wing Museum
Day 4: The Blue Mountains
After spending the past few days strolling around the city and traveling from shore to shore, it’s now time to explore the rest of what Sydney has to offer. The Blue Mountains are widely regarded as the most stunning natural landscape on the planet.
There is no other location that comes close. Even though it is only a few hours away by car, this location is ideal for spending a day apart from the city’s bustle and appreciating nature’s splendor.
In addition to being densely forested with trees and shrubs and featuring an abundance of valleys and ridges, these Mountains are home to many other stunning natural features. The 3 Sisters are three sandstone rock pillars that protrude from the side of a mountain and are known landmarks. You can take a hop-on hop-off tour in the mountain.
This naturally occurring rock formation is the most visited site in the area. There are several Aboriginal legends around the location. According to one of them, the name of the stone originates from the story of 3 sisters who were transformed into the rock.
The Echoes Cliff Viewpoint in the neighboring village of Katoomba provides visitors with the most breathtaking perspective of the Three Sisters rock formation while having day trips in Sydney. People can also visit Katoomba Waterfall and Gordon Waterfall while at Katoomba, in addition to several overlooks such as Bridal Veil Viewpoint and Elysian Rock Viewpoint.
You would have been correct in assuming that Katoomba’s neighbor, Wentworth Falls, would likewise contain several stunning waterfalls due to the proximity of the two towns. There are hiking routes around Wentworth Falls that offer fantastic vantage points of this mighty cascade.
The Wentworth Falls drop an astounding 100 meters into the valley beneath. The Grand Staircase is a portion of the National Route, a route that runs along the brink of a cliff and is carved into the rock in the early 1900s. It is not recommended that people who fear heights travel this trek.
The Blue Mountains are home to several natural wonders, one of which is the Jenolan Caves, which should not be missed. You could look for them at a different location.
There is a common belief among people that these limestone caverns are among the earliest of their sort anywhere in the globe. The cave day trips take visitors through eleven distinct caverns within the complex of caves. Each one is illuminated to highlight the natural splendor of its ancient rock formations.
Read Also: The Sebel Sydney Chatswood
Day 5: The North Shore
The main goal of this Sydney itinerary up to this point has been to take your town where Jackson Bay is. Though it doesn’t stop at the water’s edge, there’s much more to see on the other side.
If you want a reason to take a boat out on the water, here are seven places on Sydney’s North coastline that you would wish to look at. If you want to go on the water on a ferry, you don’t need a reason to stop yourself!
1. Manly
Manly is the most popular place on the North Shore for the 5 day Sydney itinerary. No other home on the North Shore comes close. Manly is a great place to spend time on the Northern Beaches since its famous for ferry rides. The golden beaches of Manly Beach have a little walking distance.
You can get there by walking through Corso, a lively pedestrian area. This beach is two kilometers long from the central part of the town. It has a friendly wave for surfing. If you go further north, you’ll get to cool Beach, one of the less-crowded beaches in the area.
2. Zoo of Taronga
When people go to Australia, they often think about animals. The tour to Zoo would hopefully assist them to get rid of those thoughts. The zoo puts a lot of effort into preserving and rehabilitating native animals. Taronga also has homes for animals from different parts of the world, like capybaras from South America.
Behind the scenes, various shows, interactions, talks, and activities happen every day as part of the schedule. This makes sure that this will be a memorable day trip. Here you can buy a ticket to the Taronga Zoo to go straight to the front line.
3. Luna Park
The most fabulous location to have a good time in a more traditional sense is Luna Park theme, located close to the Harbor Bridge in Sydney. In 1935, Luna Park welcomed its first paying customers; today, it is recognized as a significant heritage landmark.
The theme park features a wide variety of rides, including the Hair Raiser, a breathtaking fall, the Wild Rodent, a spinning pace, and the Tango Train, fun reminiscent of the mid-1960s. There are also traditional rides, such as the Roller Coaster and Carousel, and activities that are appropriate for every age group. Get your Luna Park admission ticket here.
See Related: Sydney Jewish Museum
4. Royal Botanic Garden
Since its founding in 1816, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney holds the title of being Australia’s oldest surviving operating research organization. The garden spans 30 hectares and is Australia’s first and most prominent and ancient botanic garden in Royal national park. Royal Botanic Gardens houses an impressive collection of over 27,000 plants from all corners of the globe.
If you thought 5 days in Sydney was enough? or what you could see in a Sydney trip in five days was terrific, just think about what you could do if you had a whole week or more to spend there. Visit Surry hills, which also has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, like The Gap and Camp Cove Beach. The coast is where both of these beaches are.
5. Watsons Bay
Doyle’s on the Beach, a legendary establishment known for its seafood cuisine, can be found in Watsons Bay. Indulge in a sumptuous meal of Watson’s bay on the sea while munching on raw seafood, lobsters, shrimp, and other delights from the ocean.
Taking a ferry to Watsons Bay is highly recommended by our team. The journey here is brisk and uncomplicated, and the scenery along the route is breathtaking.
You will disembark the ferry at Watsons Bay Wharf. A few moments walk from the Watson’s bay boutique hotel lobby. It only takes a Watson’s bay ferry trip of fifteen minutes to get from Manly and Circular Quay to Watsons Bay Wharf.
6. Sydney Streets
One of the busiest and most essential thoroughfares in Sydney is Oxford Street. Paddington and Darlinghurst are the most well-known parts of the route, despite the fact that it begins at Bondi Junction and continues all the way to the Central Business District.
7. King Street
Another one is King Street which is the most active and unique street in America because of its rich heritage, exciting collection of style, art, vintage, home decoration, and fantastic cuisine. King Street is the premier destination for shops of all stripes because it features an ideal mix of local, national, and international businesses.
How to Get Around Sydney
You can travel on all of Sydney’s public transit, including the airport rail, buses, boats, and trains, using an Opal Card (except private ferries). To enter and exit the building and pay for your activities as you go, you must swipe your card. There are a lot of perks that come along with having an Opal card.
Suppose you wish to visit several locations outside the city or on the outskirts of town in a single day. In that case, it is highly recommended that you rent a car because there is a significant distance between locations.
You will have a wonderful time and get to know a significant portion of Sydney if you remain there for one whole week. It’s inevitable that after you’ve been to Sydney, you’ll understand why so many people are enthusiastic about it as a vacation destination.
You’ll also certainly join them in their love for the city. Although it is a great spot to begin, you shouldn’t overlook that other cities such as Melbourne and Brisbane are also quite remarkable to visit.
Best Places to Stay in Sydney, Australia
Westin Sydney
The Westin Sydney or known as the Fullerton Hotel Sydney is a great, high-end hotel in the center of Sydney, about 15 minutes on foot from Darling Harbour. The hotel is a great place to stay because it has excellent offerings.
The Four Seasons
Some of the most beautiful views in all of Sydney can be seen from the Four Seasons Hotel. Because it is at Circular Quay, the Four Seasons Hotel has gorgeous views of both the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. If you want a room with a great view of the neighborhood, this hotel is the place to stay.
Midrange Hotels in Sydney
Holiday Inn Old Sydney
The Holiday Inn Old Sydney is in a beautiful and historically significant part of Sydney called The Rocks. From the rooftop patio of this hotel, guests can get another great view of the opera house. Walking to the Circular Quay boat station won’t take more than a few minutes.
See Related: Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Sydney, Australia
Apartment Hotel in Sydney
The Adina Darling Harbor Aparthotels
If you want to stay in an aparthotel since you are traveling with your young children and need a kitchen, You may consider this option. You don’t need to give up the convenience of being in the middle of things.
Close to places that are good for families, with a swimming pool and easy access to public transportation. This is the best thing to do in Sydney.
The Best Insurance for Your Trip to Sydney
You should have health and travel insurance before going on your trip. If you don’t turn it off, it will automatically renew every month, so you don’t have to think about it for longer trips.
They are different from many other travel insurance companies in that you can sign up for coverage while you are already on your trip.
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