Dreaming of your next incredible trip? From festivals and piazzas to gorgeous winter sun, we’ve curated your travel hit list for the coming months

Here at DFS, we believe that travel should always be on the agenda. And as the end of the year draws near, the global holiday season gears up in many beautifully diverse ways – from festive Christmas markets to barbecues on the beach and everything in between.

There’s a whole world out there to discover. So to help you plan, we’ve curated a list of extraordinary holiday destinations that will have you covered whether you’re looking for a cozy museum or a cocktail by the pool.

Paris: A Holiday Romance

Paris is stylish and romantic all-year-round, but this goes to a new level come winter. The festive spirit is strong: there are city-wide Christmas markets that are as much for locals as tourists and an ice-skating rink popping up by Hôtel de Ville. And this all adds a special atmosphere to Paris’ famed attractions – from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre to Sacré-Cœur – and its equally renowned culinary landscape. Fashion tip: Parisian winter style is all layering, so fit in by stepping out in eye-catching coats, scarves and boots to stomp the arrondissements.

Stop by: Head to Samaritaine Paris Pont-Neuf by DFS, a stunning department store housed in a buttery yellow historic art deco building – with 20,000 square meters of over 600 global fashion, jewelry and watch brands and the largest beauty space in Europe, it makes for a truly Parisian shopping experience.

Venice: A Winter Carnival

Color, culture, canals: these are all things we associate with Venice. And there’s no better time to see all of this come together than February, as live music, costumes and elaborate masks take over the streets (and gondolas) for the captivating Venice Carnival.

This is the marquee event on the Venetian calendar that adds to the treasure-trove of cultural sights and experiences of the revered isle.

Stop by: The ivory T Fondaco Dei Tedeschi by DFS, a destination for a glamorous Venetian shopping experience. Formerly a trading hub dating back to the 1200s, this elegant department store has a pontoon for passing water-buses and a rooftop terrace boasting views of Rialto Bridge.

Sydney: The Southern Summer

Looking for winter sun? While the northern hemisphere transforms into a winter wonderland, summer hits Sydney and it’s a sight to behold. From holiday barbecues to festivals at Darling Harbour, it’s the perfect time to visit and soak in the sunshine. Head to Bondi Beach to see its famed saltwater pool and you might spot a surfing Santa taking on the waves. When night falls, the city erupts with rainbow light at holiday installations everywhere you turn – especially at the gigantic Martin Place Christmas tree.

Stop by: Stock up on warm weather gear at T Galleria by DFS, Sydney, a sprawling shopping destination tucked away in the historic cobblestone lanes of The Rocks, the oldest neighborhood in the city. Find just what you need while admiring the architecture of heritage buildings dating back to the 1800s.

Okinawa: Natural Warmth

Reindeer may be gearing up for a big expedition in the North Pole, but a different animal departs for Okinawa’s warm waters: the humpback whale. Winter is prime whale watching season here, when the December-February period brings mild temperatures and sunshine. Explore Taketomi Island’s white sand beaches and villages by bike to see traditional terracotta houses and visit the Southeast Botanical Gardens, which lights up for the holidays. You’ll also find Americana influencing fashion and food here, mixed in with plenty of its unique Ryukyu identity – a fun and unique marriage of cultures that you can only find in this part of the world.

Stop by: Omoromachi is one of Naha’s biggest shopping districts and you’ll find a T Galleria by DFS, Okinawa here, which has helpful services for tourists like baggage storage. Don’t miss the museum filled with Ryukyu artifacts, hip boutiques and local artisanal products.