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4 Reasons Why Scotland Deserves A Top Spot On Your 2024 Travel Bucket List
Buckle up — it’s about to get real majestic.
It’s a truth universally acknowledged by travel lovers: few destinations across the globe offer it all. Some places are known for their serene beaches and zen vibes, while others are made up of mountainous landscapes ripe for adventure and thrill-seeking experiences. But those places — those travel anomalies that check off all the boxes on your wanderlust list — actually do exist.
Scotland is a country that boasts everything: rugged coastlines, sparkling city lights, ancient Caledonian forests, and historic royal burghs. It’s a bit less, well, obvious, than its European counterparts like Italy or France, but that road-less-traveled energy is what actually makes Scotland the perfect place to visit.
The best news? You never have to worry about planning for the “right time” to visit, because Scotland doesn’t discriminate based on season. Stargazers can enjoy the northern lights mid-winter from some of the country’s darkest skies. Sports lovers can spectate major events like The Open at Royal Troon and the World Yacht Race in the peak of summer. And outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in a mild spring or fall trip down the brand new 30-mile Tweed Valley Canoe Trail or cycle across the south of Scotland on the country’s long distance route, the Kirkpatrick C2C. But natural beauty is just the beginning. Below, find all the reasons we’re selecting Scotland to host our Big Trip™ in 2024 and beyond.
1. Getting There Has Never Been Easier
A key factor in choosing your next must-visit destination is finding a spot that isn’t a hassle to travel to. Luckily, Scotland can now be added to that list. Leading Canadian airline WestJet is offering a ton of nonstop flights to Edinburgh — departing everyday from Toronto, four times a week from Calgary, and three times a week from Halifax. And bonus: WestJet’s prices are actually affordable, so you’ll have plenty of travel budget left over to spend on experiencing the country itself once you touch down. Simply pop on an eye mask, get comfy in your seat, and wake up to the vacation of your dreams.
2. It’ll Be A Trip For The History Books — Literally
Heritage and history are central to Scotland’s core, and the list of UNESCO sites you can visit without crossing the border is lengthy. It’s actually the first country in the world to bring 13 UNESCO sites together in one easy-visit trail. On it, expect to see the Antonine Wall, the northern-most part of the Roman Empire, the edgy design of V&A Dundee, and New Lanark, a groundbreaking cotton mill site opened in 1786, all while hearing stories of days gone by from passionate guides at spots across the country.
Pack a good pair of walking shoes, because you’re going to want to experience it all.
3. The Food Scene Is Having A Moment
Although it may not be the first place to pop into your head while planning a European food tour, there’s no question that traditional Scottish cuisine is grossly underrated. Take advantage of the country’s famously delicious and high quality seafood, lamb, and beef, and indulge in Scottish staples like cranachan, a standout dessert made with fresh raspberries, cream, oats, and — yup, you guessed it — whisky.
And while classics like haggis and fish & chips can be found at nearly any local pub, seeking out the iconic harborside seafood shacks in coastal destinations like Aberdeenshire and the trendy pop-up restaurant scenes in Glasgow and other cities will give you a foodie experience you won’t soon forget.
Edinburgh alone is home to its own kind of culinary renaissance. Michelin-starred spot The Kitchin embraces a nature-to-plate philosophy, while Restaurant Martin Wishart blends classic French techniques with local produce.
4. There’s So Much Left To Still Be Discovered
One of the most unique things about Scotland is how a single country can contain both cities on the cutting edge and seemingly untouched wilds. No trip is complete without a journey up north to Caithness and Sutherland, a region of the Highlands that was named one of Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Destinations of 2024.
Jump on the most scenic train ride of your life through heather-clad hillsides, and you’ll go from dense streets and trendy restaurants to jaw-dropping jagged cliffs, rugged hiking trails, and coastal beauty like you’ve never seen before. Whether you’re keen on birdwatching from the Forsinaird lookout tower, hiking along the Pictish Trail then stopping off for a gin at Dunnet Bay Distillers, or simply standing where Dunrobin Castle meets the sea, you’ll be reminded of just how much magic can be found off the beaten path.
