Readers' tips and advice: The best way to travel around Spain

Our most enjoyable train trip was the three hours between Valencia and Barcelona where for a lot of the journey the train followed the coast and sometimes you felt you were almost on the sand.

Maree McEvoy, Prahran VIC

COLD COMFORT

At just 12 years old I had the privilege of, with my parents, exploring the Arctic with Quark Expeditions. It was probably the most amazing experience of my short life.

I can't explain the thrill of seeing my first polar bear, hiking around beautiful landscapes and experiencing this rugged yet beautiful part of the world.

My family and I were on a small-ish boat of around 140 for an 11-day trip. The expedition team and other crew were very committed, welcoming and interesting.

I strongly recommend a trip to this amazing part of the world while it's still possible.

Molly Harris, VIC

I had a fabulous trip with Peregrine adventures with my son Alex to the Arctic. Lots of stunning scenery and wildlife, excellent crew with adventures in the zodiacs and with Alex in a Kyack paddling around the icebergs. We left from Svalbard, cruised along the Greenland coast popping in and out of the fjords and calling into an inuit village to chat to school children. What a beautiful serene place. Alex died a few years after out trip, but I encourage anyone to take a holiday with their grown up child – words cannot describe the fabulous memories you will have.

Sharyn Kleemann, NSW

Our family, including two teenagers, walked a three-day stretch of the iconic Kumano Kodo pilgrimage for Christmas. Easily organised via Tanabe City Kumano Tourism website we booked everything from accommodation in tiny villages, lunch packs and luggage transport between stages. The walking was not difficult, from shrine to shrine, through mainly pine forests and mountain hamlets. We saw two others on the trail in the whole trip. Signs noting Not Kumano Kodo prevent getting lost. Amazing food and onsens and the friendly Japanese locals made this a family trip to remember always.

Jane Coburn, Thirroul, NSW

AUSTRALIAN STORY

Like so many Australians I focused my travel on exotic overseas locations when I was younger, and fitter, leaving my own country for later (Cover story, Traveller on Sunday, September 3). Big mistake. There are so many wild and beautiful places here that while we can still enjoy them in middle age many sites and activities can out of reach physically.

I have recently done a number of basic outback tours through the Kimberley and NT where I have been virtually the only Australian on board.

It seems to me that many backpackers from other countries see more of our wild places than we do. These camping 4WD tours are cheap in comparison with what's offered by some other companies targeting people my age (65) and I would encourage younger people to give them a go. You will be blown away!

Nada Stojkovic, Newport, VIC

I've just moved from Sydney to Melbourne and still finding my way around (and getting lost).

In early November a friend from the UK will be staying with me for five to seven days.

I want to show her the best of this "World's Most Liveable City" but as I'm a relative newcomer myself, I'd welcome your advice and suggestions.

We're not young in years but we are in hearts and minds. We love classical music, jazz and blues, opera, ballet and contemporary dance, drama, visual arts, fine food and wine, historic houses and gardens and of course, a bit of shopping.

I live within a 25-minute tram ride to the city and we are both as mobile as we were in the swinging sixties when we shared a flat in London (Ok, almost as mobile).

Any itinerary suggestions gratefully received.

Roseanna Donovan, Elwood, VIC