A captivating rail journey through the Scottish Highlands has propelled Scotland onto National Geographic’s prestigious ‘Best of the World – Top 20 Travel Experiences’ for 2024. 

The Royal Scotsman train excursion through the Highlands clinched the 14th spot, making it the sole UK destination to grace the coveted annual list. 

The allure doesn’t end there; among other remarkable experiences highlighted are horseback safaris in Kenya, bear watching in Alaska’s Katmai National Park, diving with sharks in Western Australia, hiking a volcano in Panama, and wandering tea trails in Sri Lanka. 

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, lauded the recognition, emphasizing the breathtaking landscapes as a prime draw for visitors. He underlined Scotland’s commitment to responsible tourism, fostering sustainability and preservation of natural, social, and cultural assets. The comprehensive ‘Best of the World 2024’ guide, a collaborative effort between National Geographic’s global editorial teams, provides an authoritative suite of must-do, must-stay, and must-consume recommendations for immersive engagement with destinations. 

National Geographic praises the Royal Scotsman train’s elegant traversal through Scotland’s wild, scenic Highlands, where new suites boast interiors reflecting the captivating landscapes. Departing from Edinburgh’s iconic Waverley Station, the two- to seven-night rail journeys traverse the heart of the Highlands, from Perthshire to Inverness to the rugged west coast. 

Guests can explore castles, stargaze in Cairngorms National Park, savor whisky at revered distilleries, and even take a refreshing dip in a loch during stops. Notably, the Scottish Highlands earned a place in National Geographic’s ‘Best of the World’ for 2023 in the ‘nature’ category, solidifying its status as a premier global destination. 

The Royal Scotsman offers a variety of Highland journeys, weaving through picturesque locations such as the Cairngorms, Culloden, the Kyle of Lochalsh, and more. For further insights into Nat Geo’s Top 20 Travel Experiences list, as showcased in their best of the world guide 2024, visit NatGeo.com/BestOfTheWorld.

Words: Visit Scotland

Picture: Scottish Highlands. Credit: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam