6 Clever Travel-Inspired Home Décor Ideas

Travel junkies everywhere know that there’s no feeling quite like exploring a new place and the new culture that comes with it. Whether you’re a tourist or someone who has moved to and immersed yourself into a new place, travel is more than just a pastime to you — it’s a way of life.

And, according to research, it’s even more than that: travel is good for your body and mind. It makes you feel younger and healthier, less stressed, closer to those with whom you travel. That doesn’t even include the educational benefits of your broadened horizons.

So, with all of this information in mind, it’s no wonder that you want to decorate your home in a travel-inspired way. The following six ideas will help you make your space reflect your greatest passion and continue to inspire you to explore, collect and add more — as if you need more of a reason to get out and see the world.

1. Map It Out — With Pictures

Traditionally, travelers have hung world maps and put pins to show where they’ve been. That’s certainly a décor idea, but a photo map takes it one step further.

Choose a national or international map, depending on the reach of your travel. Then, choose your favorite picture from each location and cut it out in the shape of the country or state you visited. Tape it over that country or state on the map until you fill it up.

2. Make Your Own Subway Sign

If you have a favorite city — and that city happens to have a metro running through it — you can try your hand at making your own subway sign.

All you’ll need is a long canvas, acrylic paint, label paper and a sponge brush. Print out the names of your metro on the label paper, lay them out on top of your canvas and then adhere them. Paint over it with your acrylic and, once it’s dry, peel off each letter. That will reveal crisp, white letters beneath and an awesome finished product.

3. Pick Up a Special Souvenir

Steer clear of traditional souvenir shops on your next trip. Instead, pop into shops run by local artisans and see what local goods you can bring back with you.

For example, a shopping trip in Morocco could yield a one-of-a-kind rug that would have more than one special meaning. Aside from being a tapestry you chose for yourself, each Moroccan rug comes with symbolism woven into every pattern. Discovering and sharing the story of your particular home décor souvenir will bring you back to your travels for years to come.

4. Post Your Post Cards

One of the easiest souvenirs to find, carry and bring home is a post card. The only problem is, once you have them, what do you do with them?

One option is to frame each one like a tiny piece of art and hang them all in gallery formation. The end result will turn any blank wall into an eye-catching conversation piece that you can add to or change up as you continue your world travels.

5.  Stack Your Suitcases

Okay, you might not want to turn your actual suitcases into a table if you’re a travel junkie. However, you can hit up vintage and consignment shops to find a stackable set. Then, put them next to your sofa or favorite chair, add a lamp and a few knick-knacks and voila: you have a totally unique side table that speaks to who you are as a person to boot.

6. Make a Travel Savings Jar

It sounds crazy, but a travel savings jar is one of the best ways to save up for your next trip. And, if you’re crafty, you can make yours a cute addition to your entryway or bedroom décor.

Perhaps you can write on your jar a particular quote about traveling that inspires you, or decorate it in photos of your past trips so that you remember the joy of adventure. You could even buy a jar or vase on an upcoming trip and use that, more discreetly, as your place to drop coins at the end of the day.

What souvenirs will you put on display? What will you pick up on your next voyage? Let us know how you’re going to make your space travel-inspired!