Creating a Travel Map Graphic for Your Blog or Instagram

Travel map graphics are one of the most engaging types of content for blogs and social media. Whether you're a travel blogger, influencer, or just sharing your adventures, a well-designed map graphic tells your story visually and encourages engagement.

In this guide, we'll show you how to create beautiful travel map graphics that stand out on Instagram, Pinterest, and blog posts.

Why Travel Map Graphics Work

Travel maps are highly shareable because they:

• Tell a Story — Visual representation of your journey
• Encourage Engagement — Viewers want to know about your travels
• Look Professional — Adds credibility to your content
• Are Versatile — Work for posts, stories, and blog headers
• Stand Out — Unique content that breaks through the noise

Choosing Your Map Style

Dotted Maps

Best for: Minimalist, modern aesthetic

• Clean and uncluttered
• Perfect for highlighting specific locations
• Works well with text overlays
• Great for Instagram feed posts

Outline Maps

Best for: Clear location markers

• Simple country/region outlines
• Easy to add pins or markers
• Good for route visualization
• Works for both feed and stories

Filled Maps

Best for: Showing visited regions

• Color-coded countries you've visited
• Clear visual distinction
• Good for "countries visited" graphics
• Popular for bucket list content

Step 1: Generate Your Base Map

1. Visit World in Dots
2. Select the region you want to highlight
   • Entire world for global travels
   • Specific continent for regional trips
   • Single country for detailed journeys
3. Choose a style that matches your brand
4. Customize colors to match your aesthetic
5. Download as PNG (high resolution) or SVG

Tip: For Instagram, use at least 1080x1080px resolution. For Pinterest, aim for 1000x1500px (2:3 ratio).

Step 2: Add Your Locations

Using Design Tools

Canva:

1. Upload your map
2. Add Location pins from Canva's icon library
3. Position pins on your visited locations
4. Add text labels for city/country names

Adobe Illustrator:

1. Import your SVG map
2. Create custom pin icons
3. Use Type Tool for labels
4. Apply consistent styling

Figma:

1. Import your map
2. Design custom marker components
3. Add text layers for locations
4. Export optimized for social media

Simple Markers

You can add simple markers using basic shapes:

• Circles for cities
• Stars for special destinations
• Lines for travel routes
• Numbers for itinerary order

Step 3: Design Your Graphic

Instagram Feed Post (1080x1080px)

Layout Ideas:

• Map fills entire square
• Add text overlay in corner
• Use white space for readability
• Include your handle or website

Text Elements:

• "Countries Visited: 23"
• "Next Stop: Japan"
• "Travel Bucket List"
• Your travel quote or caption

Instagram Story (1080x1920px)

Design Tips:

• Keep text large and bold
• Use high contrast colors
• Leave space for interactive elements
• Map can be background or focal point

Pinterest Pin (1000x1500px)

Best Practices:

• Vertical orientation performs best
• Include descriptive text
• Use bright, eye-catching colors
• Add call-to-action text

Blog Header (1920x600px)

Considerations:

• Wide format for blog headers
• Keep important elements in center (safe zone)
• Use subtle opacity if text overlays
• Match your blog's color scheme

Design Tips for Travel Maps

Color Schemes

Minimalist:

• Black/white/gray with one accent color
• Clean and modern
• Perfect for Instagram

Vibrant:

• Bright, travel-inspired colors
• Energetic and fun
• Great for Pinterest

Branded:

• Match your blog/social media colors
• Consistent across all graphics
• Builds brand recognition

Typography

• Use bold fonts for numbers and locations
• Keep text readable at small sizes
• Limit to 2-3 font styles maximum
• Ensure contrast with background

Composition

• Rule of thirds for text placement
• Leave white space for breathing room
• Balance visual elements
• Guide the eye with design flow

Content Ideas for Travel Maps

Countries Visited

Create a map showing all countries you've visited:

• Color-code visited vs. unvisited
• Add number count
• Include "Next destination" callout

Trip Itinerary

Show your route for a specific trip:

• Numbered stops
• Connecting lines showing route
• Dates or duration
• Highlights from each location

Bucket List

Visualize your travel goals:

• Highlight dream destinations
• Add inspiring text
• Use aspirational imagery
• Include "Save for later" messaging

Travel Stats

Share your travel statistics:

• "23 Countries, 5 Continents"
• "Miles Traveled: 50,000+"
• "Favorite Region: Southeast Asia"
• Combine with map visualization

Destination Highlights

Focus on a specific region:

• Detailed map of one country
• Mark key cities or attractions
• Add photos or icons
• Tell the story of that place

Tools for Creating Travel Maps

Online Tools

• World in Dots — Generate base maps
• Canva — Easy design and text overlay
• Figma — Professional design capabilities
• Adobe Express — Quick social media graphics

Desktop Software

• Adobe Illustrator — Full control and customization
• Photoshop — Photo integration and effects
• Affinity Designer — Professional alternative

Mobile Apps

• Over — Add text to images
• Unfold — Instagram story templates
• VSCO — Photo editing and filters

Instagram-Specific Tips

Feed Posts

• Use consistent style across all map posts
• Create a series (e.g., "Countries I've Visited")
• Include location tags in captions
• Use relevant hashtags (#travelmap #wanderlust)

Stories

• Add interactive elements (polls, questions)
• Use GIFs or stickers for fun
• Create highlights for travel content
• Link to blog posts or detailed content

Reels

• Animate map reveals
• Show progression over time
• Add trending audio
• Keep it short and engaging

Blog Integration

Header Images

• Use travel maps as blog post headers
• Match post topic to map region
• Include post title overlay
• Optimize for web performance

In-Post Graphics

• Break up text with map visuals
• Illustrate specific locations mentioned
• Create comparison maps
• Add interactive elements if possible

Sidebar Widgets

• "Countries I've Visited" widget
• "Current Location" map
• "Travel Bucket List" visualization
• Link to travel resources

Final Thoughts

Creating travel map graphics for your blog or Instagram is a powerful way to share your adventures and engage your audience. With the right tools and design approach, you can create professional-looking graphics that tell your travel story visually.

Start with a clean map from World in Dots, then add your personal touches — locations, text, and styling — to create something unique. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting your journey, map graphics help you share your story in a visually compelling way.

Ready to create your travel map graphic? Generate your map and start designing today.