National Geographic has just released its annual list of must-visit destinations that should be on your travel radar for the next year. And from China’s Henan province to Choquequirao in Peru, the results are well and truly giving us an itch to start planning a trip.
While not all of us will be able to jet off to one of the more far-flung destinations on the list, there’s a travel-worthy spot right here in the UK that made the cut: the Scottish Highlands. And it’s easy to see why. From a scenic adventure down the North Coast 500 (sometimes known as the UK’s answer to Route 66), which has recently been crowned the best road trip in the UK, to a relaxing stay in majestic old castles, the area really does offer something for everyone.
As well as its striking hiking routes and pinch-me-moment views, there’s another reason why the Highlands earned a spot on the list (specifically, on the list’s ‘nature’ category). A vibrant new rewilding movement is well under way, aiming to restore wildlife by planting trees and reintroducing flora and fauna – meaning that the area could be about to get even more stunning in years to come.
Manchester and Bath also made the National Geographic list. You can find out more and browse the full ranking here.
ICYMI: this is officially the best Christmas market in the UK.
Plus: you could buy the UK’s only museum of windmills (yes, really).