IGUAZÚ FALLS, Argentina — Two years ago, I fell madly in love with Buenos Aires and could not bear to leave the sultry den of tango and its hip-as-Paris vibe.
It was love at first sight, and I intended to use every minute exploring the playground that is Buenos Aires — its leafy streets, teeming avenues, bountiful (and inexpensive) restaurants and cafes, and pulsing night life.
But as in many love affairs, there had to be sacrifices. One of them was spurning a trip north to behold the grandeur of Iguazu Falls, …

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam — A look of panic overcame the hotel concierge when I confessed I had never driven a motorbike. Yet, here he was scurrying to arrange a rental.
He offered a driver. I declined.
I preferred to ride solo. I don’t like being tethered to guides, I explained.
He glowered, turned to a bellhop and barked out in Vietnamese before his eyes again darted in my direction.
The deal was off, said Dao Cong Lap, the concierge at the Giant Dragon Hotel, which provided us comfy and inexpensive accommodations in …

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam — A look of panic overcame the hotel concierge when I confessed I had never driven a motorbike. Yet, here he was scurrying to arrange a rental.
He offered a driver. I declined.
I preferred to ride solo. I don’t like being tethered to guides, I explained.
He glowered, turned to a bellhop and barked out in Vietnamese before his eyes again darted in my direction.
The deal was off, said Dao Cong Lap, the concierge at the Giant Dragon Hotel, which provided us comfy and inexpensive accommodations in …