Deceptively vast and blessed with a ridiculous amount of stunning coastline – 540km (335 miles) to be exact – this is where you may find you’ve scored an entire beach to yourself. Kangaroo Island invites guests to indulge in its unique local produce, encounter adorable Australian wildlife and discover some of the country’s best beaches. And the island is a total show-off during the Aussie summer months of January and February.

Further afield in Tuscany – Italy's most romanticized region – is an undulating landscape of sinuous cypress trees, olive groves and coveted regional treasures. Glory in the Gothic majesty of Siena and the Manhattan-esque skyline of medieval San Gimignano before exploring the vineyards of Italy's most famous wine region, Chianti, and the rolling, cypress-studded hills of the Val d’Orcia.

Día de los Muertos – the Day of the Dead – is celebrated over three nights, from October 31 to November 2. According to Mexican tradition, it’s when the deceased may briefly cross into the world of the living. Families construct graveside altars, adorned with photos, candles, marigolds and sweets; skull masks are worn, marching bands play, and everyone feasts. While celebrations might be experienced all over Mexico, the state of Oaxaca – known for its strong Indigenous culture, unique cuisine and flourishing arts and crafts – is an excellent choice. Oaxaca City is a riot of artisan workshops, baroque plazas, and busy markets (where you can buy sugar skulls and pan de muerto, bread of the dead); the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures is also worth a look. Then explore further afield: visit the weaving town of Teotitlán, the historic Tlacolula market and Soledad Etla’s flamboyant Comparsa Parade. By night, head to the region’s many cemeteries for the festivities. Valletta, Malta Think cherry blossoms only pop in Japan? Think again. South Korea puts on equally dazzling displays come springtime. Several flower-related festivals are held in capital Seoul in April; wander beneath dreamy blooms at Seokchon Lake, on Yeouido Island and through the grounds of 15th-century Changgyeonggung Palace. Further south, around Busan, the port city of Jinhae is as pretty as a picture. Gyeongju hosts an annual Cherry Blossom Marathon in early April. The former capital of the ancient Silla dynasty, the city is also home to more temples, tombs, pagodas and palaces than anywhere else in the country. Dominica Planning tip: Naples becomes less chaotic from the water. Taking the ferry isn’t only an option if you’re going to islands like Ischia and Procida – you can also take a boat from the city to Sorrento, Positano and the Amalfi Coast. 10. Venice From the Jaffna Fort to the architecturally marvelous Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, a Hindu temple adorned with brasswork and staggering murals, Jaffna is a relaxed change from the rest of the country. Here you can immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of Sri Lanka’s largest ethnic minority: the Tamil people.

Planning tip: Visitors are required to cover their arms, legs and shoulders when visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The Kandy-to-Colombo train is an alternative way to experience Sri Lanka’s railway journeys, as popular towns such as Ella are 10 hours away from Colombo. 10. Kalpitiya Why now? Discover a winter wonderland of steaming hot springs, traditional villages and snow sports.For much of the year, Spain’s Basque Country is under a constant drizzle – but by June the sun is out, and so are the locals. Outdoor terraces, bars and beaches come alive as people gather to linger over seafood and pinxtos. Try San Sebastián for its culinary scene and crescent-shaped cove; Bilbao for bar-hopping and museums; or try any of its scenic hiking trails. We love the Wine and Fish trail that traverses through the region's vineyards and coastal towns. Jakarta, Indonesia Santiago makes a great base as there’s plenty to do within an hour of city limits. You can raft whitewater in Cajón del Maipo, swirl Cabernet in the Maipo Valley or snowboard at some of the biggest (and best!) ski resorts in the Southern Hemisphere.