Dive Indonesia’s Raja Ampat archipelago (pictured). Eat your way through Senegal. Float along on an iconic river in Australia. Can’t go now? We’ve got everything you need to plan your dream trip—and that’s good for you, even science agrees.

This week, we’re taking you to one of our 25 Best of the World destinations—Kanazawa, Japan. We’re also exploring Italy’s Abruzzo region, discovering the real Transylvania, and beating Versailles crowds to Potsdam, Germany. We’ve got tons of travel tips, too, for sleeping on a plane and beating jet lag. And don’t forget the gear—read on to see what we’re packing.

The capital of Ishikawa Prefecture is a seaside castle town that preserves its ancient history.

Nearby Kyoto is shutting down some historic zones due to unprecedented crowds. “Kanazawa is a fantastic alternative, it’s a place to go to experience classic Japan and not have it be so crowded,” says Karen Carmichael, who wrote our Best of the World list.

Kanazawa is “a very well-preserved castle city. Kanazawa Castle is right in the middle of the city and then it’s surrounded by Kenroku-en Garden, considered one of the absolute, most beautiful gardens in Japan,” says Carmichael. Next door, the Nagamachi Samurai District, “is basically right out of Shogun,”says Carmichael. At workshops like Gold Leaf Sakuda, travelers can decorate objects with delicate gold leaf, a 400-year-old handmade art form born in Kanazawa. “Gold leaf is so omnipresent in Kanazawa,” says Carmichael, “that you can even eat it with ice cream.” Find a sample itinerary here.

If you’re flying there, pack essentials to get through long flights. Walk around on the plane to help prevent muscle soreness and wear compression socks for circulation. Plan for jet lag by booking a flight that lands during the day, so you can get a dose of sunlight as soon as you disembark. Most importantly, don’t forget sleep—these light-blocking masks can help.

With historic sites, modern museums, and serene temples, Kanazawa is a walker’s paradise. Bring a comfortable pair of shoes, a sturdy crossbody bag, and a water bottle to keep you hydrated. Here are our favorites.

PHOTO BY MATTHIEU PALEY

Across Madrid, Madrileños utter a curious expression that’s come to speak volumes about the Spanish capital. From a layout that lets locals live most of their lives outside, to a vibrant social buzz that spills from bars and tavernas into the streets all day long, Spain’s capital city holds Earthly paradise for all who come looking.

These historic haiku sites offer a tour of Japan’s poetic side

A modern loft in Shibuya and more best hotels in Japan

Kyoto may be Japan’s tofu capital, but there’s more to dig into

The ultimate—and practical—guide to visiting Japan

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