Given as input an edge-weighted graph, we analyze two algorithms for finding subgraphs with low total edge weight. The first algorithm finds a separator subgraph with a small number of components, and is analyzed for graphs with an arbitrary excluded minor. The second algorithm finds a spanner with small stretch factor, and is analyzed for graphs in a hereditary family G(k). These results imply (i) a QPTAS (quasi-polynomial time approximation scheme) for the TSP (traveling salesperson problem) in unweighted graphs with an excluded minor, and (ii) a QPTAS for the TSP in weighted graphs with bounded genus.