Scotland Hits The Heights In 2014 Travel Guide

That purveyor of quality travel guides, The Lonely Planet, has served up a real boost to Scotland’s tourist chiefs in the run up to the all important 2014 season. It has been named as the third best country to visit next year, with the company stating that its "jam-packed schedule of world-class events" made it "the place to be" in 2014.

A Great Year Ahead For Scotland

It highlighted The Commonwealth Games which take place in Glasgow next summer, as well as The Ryder Cup being held at Gleneagles. It was also pointed out that next year is also Scotland's Year of Homecoming.

The book also cited the Highland Games and the Edinburgh festivals as events that will draw travellers to Scotland next year, and it said the country's cities were well worth a visit.

It is to be hoped that residents of Edinburgh will take it the right way when their home is described as "the most gothic city outside Transylvania". The Guide also encouraged travellers to "take the high road to Loch Lomond, Loch Ness and Cairngorms National Park and fall in love with the landscape that inspired poet Robert Burns".

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2014 contributor Tom Hall said: "Next year Scotland will be well-deservedly taking the spotlight on the world stage.  The country's buzzing cities and stunning scenery have plenty to offer visitors, combined with an incredible calendar of events and Scotland looks set for a year-long celebration."

Mike Cantlay, chairman of VisitScotland, said: "It's clear that 2014 is Scotland's chance to shine on the world stage, and to have this commendation from Lonely Planet is a fantastic seal of approval. From the bells bringing in our year-long Homecoming celebrations on Hogmanay, to the biggest ever sporting events to take place in Scotland - the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, and the Ryder Cup, this could be the greatest ever chance for our country to be seen as a globally recognised, must-visit destination for many years to come."

With its position as the host for the football World Cup, Brazil was the top country destination for 2014, although the choice of second placed Antarctica is a reminder that The Lonely Planet can be a guide that works close to the edge. It is described as "a chance to take life on and follow in the path of other intrepid explorers". Next year marks the centenary of the start of Ernest Shackleton's infamous attempted Antarctic crossing.

The Sikkim area of India was chosen as the best region to go to, and Yorkshire can give itself a pat on the back by coming third in this category, with the grand depart of the Tour De France from Leeds being classed as a major event.  Paris was voted the top city in a list that also included Cape Town, Shanghai and Chicago, while the Greek Islands were seen as the best-value destination.

Best family travel spot was Denmark, while Cappadocia in Turkey with its "fairy chimney" landscape was the best honeymoon destination.

                            Find out why the Lonely Planet has fallen in love with Scotland