November marks Travel Insider’s first birthday: during the past year we have shared thousands of articles and photo galleries from Qantas The Australian Way, our Travel Insider Team and Qantas Cabin Crew. You have also shared a lot with us by commenting on the site – here are a handful of comments from readers that reminded us why we love travel so much.
San Sebastian stay
"We spent 2 nights here in July - and loved it. We were suprised with delicious welcome snacks + cava, loved the breakfasts and suprised even ourselves by enjoying the bikes they will lend you to ride around and explore the gorgeous town of San Sebastian. This place was comfortable and the staff very helpful! It's an easy walk out of town, just a few minutes to the beach - and Arzak. Stay long enough to visit the world's best restaurants in the area and try the local tapas!"
-Carla
New York by night
"Having lived in NY financial district for 2 years until 2 months ago I will say there are many hot spots in the city - depending if you are arts driven, shopper or a sightseeing. The Meatpacking area is being done up, is around West Street and West 14th Street. The best hot spot for my visitors was the NY Library 3rd floor - walking the brooklyn bridge and taking a ferry to new jersey and seeing the view of Manhatten by night."
-SamIam
Edinburgh morning
"I rose on a July dawn, left my hostel on Blackfriars, turned left on the Royal Mile, and a few minutes later I had the Castle all to myself, honey-gold in the sunrise, not another tourist in sight. Or in my photos."
-Peter
Appreciating nature in Arnhemland
"Last year I went to Davidson's Arnhemland Safari during the wet season (October). It was the most amazing experience riding around in our boat on the flooded plain watching the wildlife and the sun set. I would definitely rate this as one of my top "nature appreciation" moments."
-Michael
Brazilian celebrations
"In April this year it will be my ninth visit to this amazing South American country. What is actually more amazing, for me anyway, is visiting Rio or Salvador in the south, before Carnivale. That way you may actually see the small and intimate local street parades..."
-Brett
Eating local in Adelaide
"Excellent small local farmers food markets around Adelaide. Every Sunday from 8 to 1pm Wayville farmers market at Adelaide Show grds. Buy direct from producer & have a fresh cheap breakfast or just a coffee from Tony & a pastry"
-Nomad Gourmet
Christmas in India
"Staying in the Lake Palace Hotel at Christmas, the lake was full and the bedroom window at the lake level faced east. Sunrise over Udaipur was soft pink and clear after the monsoon, swans and ducks in blue water - and the rarest of things in India - silence."
-Darryl
Subantarctic awe
"As the former Station Leader for Casey Station (in) 1992, I visited Mcquarie Island entroute - it is truly the most amazing place on earth. The island reminds us of why we have a resposnibility to save our planet for future generations..."
-Noel
Tokyo treats
"The Iwasaki Sample Village is a bit out of the way from the main strip but is really worth going. The classes are a must - it is so amazing to see how they make the food and to get to try it yourself. Just make sure you aren't hungry cause everything looks so good..."
-hot_dog