Whether it’s a road trip to a nearby wine region, an overseas journey to Japan, or a weekend away for some serious R&R, slipping away from your routine is never a bad idea. In the pages that follow, we have various ideas and itineraries for every type of traveler—from the person without a passport, to the “been there, done that” globetrotter. Dust off your suitcase and explore more this year…

4 Festivals Worth Traveling To

By Megan Wiskus

1 / Wanderlust

Find your true north and celebrate mindful living amongst the breathtaking Sierra Nevada scenery at Wanderlust. The four-day festival at Squaw Valley allows you to choose-your-own adventure with yoga and meditation sessions, organic cuisine, inspiring lectures and workshops, outdoor activities, and heart-pumping tunes. From July 19-22, expect to unplug, unwind, and recharge as you partake in a pool party at 8,200 feet, attend a late-night concert under the star-lit sky, flow through an invigorating vinyasa class, or get your feet wet paddleboarding. wanderlust.com/festivals/squaw-valley   

STAY AT

Basecamp Tahoe City is the ultimate boutique hotel and prime place to pick as your home base. With stylish, cabin-chic rooms (including a “Great Indoors” option with a tent and faux fire pit), a cozy lobby pouring local craft brews, continental breakfast with DIY waffles, and nightly s’mores, it truly is the ultimate “base camp.” Located five minutes to the lake and smack dab in Tahoe City, guests can hop on the local TART bus for easy access to Wanderlust. basecamptahoecity.com 

2 / Outside Lands

Janet Jackson, Bon Iver, and Beck are just a small sampling of the artists performing at this year’s Outside Lands in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Escape the Sacramento heat from August 10-12 and enjoy three days (single-day tickets are also available) of world-class music, art, and comedy alongside some of the Bay Area’s best food, beer, wine, and people-watching. The festival is also committed to sustainability; to that end, over 90 percent of last year’s waste was composed of reusable, recyclable, and compostable materials. Now that’s “where’s it at.” sfoutsidelands.com

STAY AT

Though most hotels within close proximity to the park will be booked (and raise their prices by leaps and bounds), don’t let that discourage you from staying somewhere farther away. InterContinental San Francisco catches your eye before entering, thanks to its 32-story, cool-blue exterior, and continues to impress once you step inside (think elegantly appointed rooms dressed in rich wood and marble with sleek, stylish furnishings, and spectacular city views). Booking a Club Room means complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, and more. If going green’s your thing, you’ll be overjoyed to hear that the property is LEED EBOM Gold Certified under the U.S Green Building Council, and is the largest LEED Gold Recipient of existing buildings in California. The only downside? You may find it problematic to peel yourself away from the premises. But when you do make it out, a pre-paid shuttle to Outside Lands is just a short Uber ride or walk away! intercontinentalsanfrancisco.com 

3 / Wine in the Woods

Imagine sipping on handcrafted local wines, sampling artisanal food like Tomales Bay giant barbecue oysters and Harris Ranch tomahawk ribeye steaks with garlic butter and Cipollini onions, listening to live music, and indulging in dessert around a campfire—all under the beautiful pines of Yosemite. Sound too good to be true? Experience all of the above, and more, at Wine in the Woods—a low-heels, laid-back festival on August 25 that’s forest-to-fork at its finest. tenayalodge.com/packages/wine-in-the-woods  

STAY AT

All that wine means you likely won’t want to travel far when it comes time for bed. Luckily, booking a room at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite means you can walk your way to dreamland…no designated driver necessary. The luxury mountain resort—surrounded by the Sierra National Forest and just three miles from the south entrance of Yosemite National Park—features elegant environs and pretty panoramas from every room. Whether you choose to bring the kiddos and canines, or make it an adults-only getaway, Tenaya has packages to keep everyone content. tenayalodge.com

4 / Great American Beer Festival 

Though our region boasts its fair share of brew fests, the aptly named Great American Beer Festival in Downtown Denver is exactly that: great. Bringing together visitors from around the globe and over 100 judges to taste and critique thousands of American-made craft brews, it’s the largest ticketed beer fest in the U.S. This year’s event runs from September 20-22; admission includes unlimited one-ounce samples and a commemorative tasting cup, plus access to presentations, food, and hangout spots (including a silent disco and “Heavy Medal” area featuring, you guessed it, medal-winning beers). greatamericanbeerfestival.com

STAY AT

Hop your way home to The Maven or The Oxford, two of Denver’s hippest hotels. Both are just about a mile from the festival and within walking distance to plenty of after-party fun. Anchoring the city’s Dairy Block—a mixed-use development near Coors Field featuring shopping, a food hall, art-filled alley, and more—The Maven boasts loft-style, naturally lit, artsy rooms with amenities that run the gamut from a complimentary beer or margarita and coffee at “the Airstream” to discounts at a bevy of nearby businesses. The Oxford is one of the city’s most historic hotels and recently went through a major facelift, keeping all the old-timey charm (think antique headboards, claw foot tubs, and rich drapery) with today’s modern conveniences and amenities aplenty. themavenhotel.com, theoxfordhotel.com

10 Perfect Days in Japan

By Megan Wiskus

For those who’ve never stepped foot in Asia or are apprehensive to do so, I have a destination for you. Not only is Japan a juxtaposition of centuries-old traditions and cutting-edge technology, but the cuisine is a gourmand’s paradise—with more Michelin star restaurants in Tokyo than anywhere in the world—the public transportation effortless, the streets safe and spotless, and the scenery spectacular. It’s a place that’s welcoming to Westerners and will leave an imprint on more than just your passport. 

 DAY 1: Stay your first three nights at one of Tokyo’s newest properties: The Centurion Classic Akasaka. Centrally located and sited next to popular attractions, the well-designed space provides all the creature comforts of home and an abundance of amenities. Directly opposite the hotel is one of the most authentic spots to slurp down a soul-soothing bowl of ramen. Look for the yellow facade and slip into one of the uniquely Japanese wooden booths at Akasaka Ittenbari—a shop that’s been in business for over 35 years and has the art of ramen-making down pat. After polishing off the spicy miso variety and an order of chewy, fresh-made dumplings, you’ll be in an official food coma and ready to snooze your jet lag away.  

DAY 2: Lace up your comfiest pair of shoes and start the day on foot with a visit to Hikawa Shrine, whose red “torii” gates are visible from the hotel. Arriving in the early morn means the grounds are especially spiritual. Continue on foot to the Imperial Palace, an expansive park-like area surrounded by a water-filled moat and home to gardens galore and palaces aplenty. Other must-see areas—all easily accessible via the easy-to-navigate, efficient trains—include Harajuku 

 (the city’s pop culture and fashion-forward hub whose side streets are scattered with upmarket boutiques and cozy cafés) and neon-splashed Shibuya (home to the famed “Shibuya Crossing,” which is rumored to be the busiest intersection in the world). After a bit of downtime, it’s time to make delicious memories with an All Star Arigato Food Tour. The three-hour walking experience takes you through the sights, sounds, and tastes of Tokyo most tourists miss. Learn more about the locals’ lifestyle as you dig into seasonal dishes at multiple stops and see a whole new side of the city. Post-tour, you’d be remiss to skip Golden Gai. Home to a hodgepodge of pocket-sized pubs that span six narrow alleyways and fit no more than 10 people, it’s a bar-hopper’s paradise. 

DAY 3: Though there’s plenty to do in Tokyo proper, sometimes a day away—especially when it involves snow monkeys swimming in hot springs—provides even more perspective to a place. Located about two hours via bullet train (Japan Rail), a trip to Nagano and the aforementioned monkeys, is well worth the early morning wake-up call. Though doable on your own, I advise booking a one-day tour courtesy of Snow Monkey Resorts. A professional guide will greet you at the train station and take you on a fun-filled journey to Jigokudani Park for some up close and personal “monkeying” around with the wild Japanese macaques (the most northerly living non-human primates), followed by a hearty lunch, visit to Zenkoji Temple, and sake tasting—all while ensuring you don’t get lost and providing interesting insight into the country’s culture. 

DAY 4: Spend the morning exploring the world’s biggest wholesale fish and seafood market, Tsukiji, where you can have sushi for breakfast, shop for souvenirs, and meander through the narrow streets and stalls. Another must-do early morning adventure is a trip to the Arashio Beya Sumo Stable where, on select days, you can witness the aspiring wrestlers in action. After seafood and sumo, hop on the bullet train for a two-hour, 20-minute trip to Japan’s original capital, Kyoto—a much quieter, slower-paced city in comparison to Tokyo. The 10-room Arashiyama Benkei, a traditional Japanese inn known as a ryokan, delivers personalized and unparalleled service from kimono-clad staff. Tradition weaves its way through every nook and cranny here, including the delectable multi-course dinner (kaiseki) that’s eaten in-room while wearing a yukata, tatami-mat beds, and open-air hot spring baths (onsens) that’ll whisk all your worries away. 

DAY 5: After waking up to another mouthwatering meal, explore the surrounding Arashiyama district—a nationally designated Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty that’s full of old-style shops and sited along the gently rolling Hozu River. Must-see activities include the Bamboo Forest, a serene, tree-filled grove whose swaying stalks will calm even the most militant minds; Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site said to be one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples; and going for a ride on a traditional rickshaw. Once you’ve had your fill of green tea things (it’s abundant in this area), head to neighboring Kyoto City. The best way to get your bearings—while getting full-sized food samplings and a bit of exercise—is to take the Kyoto Food Night tour with Ninja Food Tours. After experiencing the city’s tucked-away restaurants and izakayas (bars) and wandering the lantern-lit streets, you’ll be a Kyoto (and cuisine) ninja!

DAY 6: Rise and shine and get ready to tackle the temple-laden town via two wheels. With its bike-friendly, mostly flat streets and various rental companies (Cycle Kyoto offers numerous guided tours and affordable rental options), it’s the easiest and fastest way to explore your surrounds without being confined to a car. Though dotted with historic shrines, temples, and other structures at every turn (there’s more than 2,000), I recommend stops at Tofukuji Temple, the famed (and often photographed) Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Kiyomizu-dera. End the evening strolling through Nishiki Market and the geisha-filled Gion district before devouring handmade, bite-sized dumplings from Gyoza Hohei and expertly crafted cocktails from Bar Sloth. 

DAY 7: Catch the futuristic, white-nosed bullet train for a detour to Hakone, a mountainous town home to hot springs, views of Mount Fuji, and an abundance of natural beauty.  A stay at the newly opened, ultra plush Ten-yu means bathing in mineral-rich waters at either your in-room onsen or the public baths (one of which boasts an infinity pool and magnificent mountain views); modern, minimalistic rooms that still hold tight to tradition; and artful, multi-course meals prepared with hyper-local ingredients that are almost too pretty to eat. With nearby hikes, morning yoga, easy access to nearby attractions, and the aforementioned baths, leaving here is the hardest part. For those seeking a hotel that’s high-end without being hoity-toity, a stay here is well worth the splurge. 

DAY 8: When in Hakone, one must avail of the money-saving Hakone Free Pass, which provides unlimited use of buses, trains, boats, cable cars, and ropeways in the Hakone region, in addition to discounted admission to select tourist attractions. From Ten-yu, start your journey at Lake Ashi where you can witness the majestic Hakone Shrine before boarding the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (“pirate ship”) and—on clear days—catch a glimpse of mighty Mount Fuji. After disembarking, hop on the Hakone Ropeway for a 30-minute aerial journey above the region’s violent volcanic fumes. At the final stop, stretch your legs and—if you’re brave—try a famed “black egg,” which is rumored to add seven years to your life. Following a ride on Japan’s only and oldest mountain railway, you’ll arrive at Gora where you can stop for lunch, check out the Hakone Open-Air Museum, and eventually continue on the “Romancecar” back to Tokyo.

DAY 9: For your final two nights in the “land of the rising sun,” I suggest snoozing at one of Tokyo’s most stylish “social apartments”: Hotel Graphy Nezu. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, the hotel-hostel hybrid is a short walk to Ueno Park, some of the city’s best museums, and plenty of under-the-radar shops and eateries. The property itself boasts features like a communal kitchen, cozy café-bar that makes a mean marshmallow matcha latte, and rental bikes. Don’t expect too many bells and whistles here, however—just clean, comfy surrounds with friendly staff, a retro-rad ambiance, and plenty of perks like free smartphones, laundry, and an adult beverage each evening. 

DAY 10: Last days are always bittersweet, especially when you’re in a place as jaw-dropping as Japan. To end the trip on an especially unforgettable note, check out the area known for its riverside views and rich tradition, Asakusa, and hop over to the Asahi Beer Headquarters where you can sip on suds from 22 floors up while taking in magical views of the skyline and Sumida River. Nearby is one of Tokyo’s most popular attractions, Sensoji Temple, a massive (and the city’s oldest) Buddhist temple that dates back to 645 AD. Leading up to the gates is a colorful pedestrian path filled with snacks and souvenir stalls, so you can make any final purchases before saying sayounara. 

As anyone who’s been to Japan can attest, it’s a country that surprises, delights, and inspires—a place that’s easy to love and will have you longing to return. 

For more information and assistance in planning your own journey, visit www.japan.travel/en and www.gotokyo.org/en/index.html. 

TIPS: 

//  Order a 7-Day Japan Rail (JR) Pass before you leave the states and activate it upon arrival at the airport. It’s also beneficial to purchase a PASMO Card, which allows you to travel on all other modes of transit. Loading it with approximately $30 USD is enough to get you through 10 days doing the activities above. 

//  All subway signs and stops—in addition to most menus—are in both Japanese and English; what’s more, the locals are always happy to help, so don’t be afraid to ask. 

//  Direct flights to Tokyo abound from SFO; if you’d rather depart from Sacramento, look at flying into LAX and hopping on a direct flight from there (in my case, this option was actually cheaper).

4 Grape Escapes

By Tara Mendanha & Debra Linn