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CARCASSONNE, France Somewhere at the intersection of fantasy and history stands the medieval city of Carcassonne, a castle-on-the-hill getaway in the south of France.

The two-lane logging road snakes through the forest 鈥� on one side, glimpses of silver river through the willow branches, skeletal maples draped in velvety green moss and a forest of naked poplars.

The best travellers aren鈥檛 those with the fattest wallets, but those who take planning seriously. Jack might jet off to Europe as a free spirit, with no real itinerary 鈥� and return home full of complaints about how expensive and stressful it all was.

ISLA HOLBOX, Mexico Several weeks before I found myself uncomfortably close to the world鈥檚 largest shark, I told a few folks I would be going to Holbox. 鈥淲hole what?鈥� asked more than one. 鈥淗olocene,鈥� corrected my smartphone.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina During Buenos Aires鈥� heyday, fabulous wealth flowed into the city from Argentina鈥檚 agricultural heartland, turning the country into one of the world鈥檚 richest by the early 20th century.

London, one of the world鈥檚 busiest and biggest cities, bubbles with top-notch entertainment seven nights a week. It鈥檚 also ever-changing and expensive, so it can be challenging to winnow down your options and stretch your dollars.

鈥楾his is a great time to come.鈥� One hears that a lot from the locals when visiting Zion National Park in winter. Fewer people, easy parking, available hotel rooms, much less crowded trails, beautiful snow-covered vistas, no oppressive heat.

鈥楬ow on earth do we get up there?鈥� I blurted out. 鈥淟ooks like we clamber up that rock face,鈥� my friend Brian replied, his eyesight more acute than mine.

PORTLAND, Oregon Here鈥檚 the thing about this laid-back seaport city nestled in the shadow of Oregon鈥檚 Mount Hood. To really enjoy it, it鈥檚 best to go native. Portland, to quote our Uber driver, has 鈥渁 very chill vibe.

Deep in the Kootenays, a helicopter dropped off me and nine other eager skiers on what seemed like the top of the world.