I’d like to talk about a six-part travel series that I stumbled across on a popular streaming platform a couple of winters ago. At the time, I was stuck indoors during a rather dreary holiday break, feeling a bit restless and looking for something uplifting to watch on my laptop.
The series followed a veteran travel journalist who journeyed across the globe entirely by railway, focusing on relatively remote communities rather than major tourist hubs. Each episode featured a distinct region, but the ones that really captured my imagination were set in the rugged highlands of Scotland and along the high-altitude Andean railways in Peru. Instead of just showcasing luxury resorts, the host spent time interacting with local artisans, sharing simple meals, and exploring breathtaking landscapes.
What truly motivated me to visit these places was the sheer authenticity of the storytelling. The cinematography was incredible, with sweeping drone shots of mist-covered valleys and vibrant mountain markets, but it wasn't overly polished or staged. It made the destinations feel tangible rather than just postcard-perfect backdrops.
To be honest, before watching the show, I had always opted for fairly standard city breaks or beach holidays. However, seeing the cultural richness and stunning scenery completely triggered my wanderlust. It genuinely inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and seek out more adventurous journeys off the beaten track, leading me to book a walking holiday in the Scottish Highlands the following summer.