Insight's 2013 photo album: our favourite holiday snaps of the year

2013 was a fabulous year for holidays at Team Insight. Several of us were lucky to visit some thrilling destinations, from scenic European stalwarts, to Australian metropolises. We saw iconic buildings, ate fantastic food (some tastier than others) and saw all types of weather, from Hong Kong humidity to Portuguese drizzle. Here is a snapshot of our photo album from the year. Click on the links for more photos and each article in full.

Sarah took in the glorious Alpine views in Switzerland on a trip to visit her brother in Lucerne. The journey up Mount Pilatus didn't disappoint on a clear, sunny day and she got to rack up her country tally by taking a day trip into neighbouring Liechtenstein. 

Read more about Sarah's Swiss sojourn...

Becky went all the way to the other side of the world to visit friends in Australia and was pleasantly surprised by relaxing, underrated Canberra (where she saw kangaroos in the wild and got terribly excited) and captivated by the iconic landmarks of bold, brassy Sydney.

Read how Becky got political in Canberra and saw the sun set over Sydney Harbour Bridge...

Becky also spent a week in Hong Kong on the way to Australia and got lost amongst the intoxicating markets of Kowloon. She ate more than her fair share of delicious dim sum, but wasn't so keen on the chicken feet in her broth.

Read how Becky fell in love with the view from Hong Kong's Peak...

Tom took a brilliant trip across three European cities; fun-loving Madrid, underrated Porto and sophisticated Paris. The party life in the Spanish capital and the classic sights of Paris more than made up for the rather miserable weather in Porto. Thankfully the wind didn't blow him off the city's famous bridge.

Read about Tom's adventures across Europe sipping port and eating tapas...

Alex was impressed by the art nouveau architecture, relaxing spas and unique ruin bars of Budapest on an autumnal writing break to the Hungarian capital. He stayed on the quieter of the river, in Buda, and enjoyed visiting the beautiful Gellert Baths in the evening.   

Read how Alex warmed up with goulash and hot springs....

Jana got into the party spirit at Oktoberfest in Munich, where she dressed the part and sampled a stein or two. The Germans certainly know how to have a good time.

See Jana's pictures from the raucous event...

Where did you visit in 2013? Tell us your travel tales @InsightGuides!