It may have been triggered by, or at least encouraged by, this wonderful gift that we were given from my sister.
A wall map that covers all possible destinations in the world in gold. Gold that you scratch off as you travel around the globe! What a genius idea.
I've seen similar things like these in the past, but the ones I've come across require you to stick a pin into each visited place, which always reminded me of those maps you see in war movies where they're planning the attacks.
This one is so much more fun, gorgeous to look at, and really makes you want to get off your bum and see the world. E and I have been fortunate enough to travel to lots of different countries individually, but we decided to only count the places we've been to together.
Naturally, we started by scratching off our honeymoon paradise - the Maldives.
Another thing that has been feeding my craving to explore is this book. I actually got it as a gift for someone, but it just sat there calling my name… so I gave in. Don't worry, I'll get another copy!
How could I not though, when it promises to give you an off-the-beaten-path guide to city breaks in 125 different European cities?
It's really a beautiful book, the illustrations are lovely to look at, and I can't wait to read all about those places we'll scratch out in future months and years.
Do you have a favourite European city that you've visited?
I've always wanted to buy this book! I still have so much to explore in Europe. I'm really into Italy and Greece at the moment. The map looks so cool. I need to get one too! xx
ReplyDeleteThat map is such a neat idea! I've never seen anything like it - I usually see the ones, like you said, with the pins stuck in it. I really want to get my hands on a scratch map now!
ReplyDeleteoh gosh. i love that man. and i love the pinning idea too. i definitely want to create one for my wall! and that book! would be great for a coffee table~ i haven't been to europe but we sure would love to go one day :)
ReplyDeleteI want one of those scratch maps so much, but I have to resist buying one until I'm a bit older and actually start travelling haha - it'd be a bit depressing to look at at the moment with virtually nothing scratched off. The book looks gorgeous too!
ReplyDeletexx
Love the scratch map idea!! Sadly, I haven't been to Europe, maybe someday!!
ReplyDeleteOh what a cute book! I might have to buy a map like that for all our travels!! Amazing!
ReplyDeleteI've been experiencing a huge wanderlust lately as well. And what a cool map & book you have!
ReplyDeleteTamara's Blend
Ooh, that map is a great gift idea! We're off to Berlin for a few days next month, my itchy feet have been raring to go! I'm off to search for that book, it is far too cute for me not to have a browse through!
ReplyDeleteLove that scratch off map!! We have a large map with pushpins in the places we've visited, but this is a much more fun way to keep track! As far as my favorite European city goes…LONDON, without a doubt!! :)
ReplyDeleteI have that map too! My boyfriend bought it for me at Christmas and it is such a cute idea. It's not helping me keep the travelbug at bay though! :)
ReplyDeleteI've heard of that map before and I NEED ONE. I didn't know they scratched off to reveal that amazing green though! Just gorgeous. How big is it? And that book looks like a necessity too. I just need to get back to Europe! My favorite European city has to be Paris...so cliche, but I have really been to a lot of cities there and it's just my love haha. Budapest is pretty amazing though, and Berlin was super fun! I need to go back to London sometime, because I feel like every time I've been there I haven't had the money (the US to UK exchange rate is the worstttttttt) to actually do anything besides buy Pret A Manger sandwiches and endless Flake chocolate.
ReplyDeleteI have that map too! It is so great and my husband and I have also been scratching of places we have been together. So much fun!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I have been going back and forth about getting the scratch map. They seem to be all over here in Germany. I love that book. It is definitely going on my "find in english" list. :)
ReplyDeleteBrittny
www.awrittenjourney.com
Great minds think alike - I actually got both of these things (scratch map and book) for Christmas this year! :) My only qualm with the map was that framing it was tricky. I got a little crafty and used an exacto knife on an Ikea mat and it worked out surprisingly well.
ReplyDeleteGlad to have found your blog via Casey at Road Less Traveled! :)