John Morrison

Base in a valley — Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena or Alta Badia — and day-trip the mountain passes and lakes.

Base in Ljubljana and Lake Bled, then add the Julian Alps / Soča Valley for nature and Piran for the coast.

Base in Palma for city and culture, the Tramuntana north (Sóller, Pollença) for mountain scenery, and the east or north coast for beaches.

First-timers should stay Downtown — walkable to the waterfront, Stanley Park and Gastown, with the best transit. For local character, Kitsilano (beach) or Mount Pleasant.

First-timers should stay in the Centro Histórico — walkable to the zócalo, Santo Domingo and the markets — or in Jalatlaco for cobbled, colourful charm and a bit more calm.

Base in Funchal (the capital, where most stay), and consider the sunnier southwest (Calheta) or the wild north for nature.

Base in Banff townsite or Lake Louise inside the national park; Canmore, just outside the gate, is more affordable.

Most trips run Amman → Petra → Wadi Rum → Dead Sea, basing a night or two in each.

First-timers should stay in El Poblado (upscale, walkable, the best dining and nightlife) or Laureles for a more local, leafy feel and better value.

First-timers should stay in the Walled City (Centro Histórico) for colonial romance, or Getsemaní next door for street art, nightlife and better value. Bocagrande is the modern beach-hotel strip.