How to Create a Travel Vision Board
Studies have shown that vision boards work! Why? Visualization. According to psychologists, visualization is one of the most powerful mind exercises you can do. Vision boards are a constant reminder of what is important to you and what you hope to accomplish, and the board brings it to life.
All you need are a few supplies and an imagination. A travel vision board will feature pictures of places you want to visit or words inspired by travel. The idea behind a travel vision board is that surrounding yourself with inspiration about travel can help you reach your goal of going to those different places.
Here are some easy steps on how to create a travel vision board.
Gather Your Supplies
Consider gathering supplies over time so you don’t have to purchase everything at once. Look for discounted or free magazines and prints. Scout out garage sales and dollar stores, or use online printable images.
Set a budget for your vision board supplies if needed. Basic supplies like a poster board and glue will be relatively inexpensive. However, specialty papers, customized printing, frame options, and more can add up.
You will need:
-A poster board or corkboard-A bunch of magazines
-Glue stick
-Scissors, tape, push pins
-Colorful markers
-Time*
*Make sure you have a few hours of un-rushed, hopefully, uninterrupted time to make this travel board all it can be! It’s become popular to host vision board parties so everyone can enjoy time with friends or family and focus on their boards. If you have a family, you can include the kids in some places they would like to visit.
Create Your Board
Before creating your board, think about places you want to go and what travel means to you. For instance, if traveling is about spending time outside, your board might consist of manly outdoorsy-type pictures. After thinking about what you want your board to look like, start leafing through your magazines and cut out pictures and words that you think would look good on the board. Feel free to cut out too many pictures; you can always pair them down later.
Really visualize your ideal destinations. Imagine the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings you want to experience. Let your mind wander to adventure, relaxation, or exploration possibilities.
Look into deals and prices for your dream destinations. This will help make them more tangible goals. You can print out pricing screens or info to include on your board.
Start Designing Your Board
After you’ve gone through the magazine and have finished cutting things out, lay them on your board. Rearrange items and remove items that don’t fit. By completing this step before gluing items on it, you can arrange the items to create the vision you are going for.
Play inspiring music as you arrange your vision board. Upbeat songs about freedom, travel, and reaching your dreams can keep you motivated.
Take breaks occasionally if you start feeling burnt out. Vision boards are meant to be fun! Step away now and then to maintain some creative momentum.
Create Your Board
Glue the pictures and words on the board as you design them. If you like, add a picture of yourself or others you want to travel with. Don’t overdo it when adding items so that you can put more items on the board in the future if you choose to. You can also write words or sayings that mean a lot to you on the board.
We suggest adding some items along with the pictures, such as personal photos (perhaps of previous trips or people you would like to travel with,) quotes, stickers, and postcards.
Use a mix of landscape/portrait images to showcase destinations visually. Also include icons like planes, trains, and compass roses to symbolize travel.
Journal about what inspired your vision board as you create it. Writing down goals, wishes, and next steps brings them closer to reality.
Display Your Board
Put your board in a place where you can see it daily. This may be in your office, bedroom, or living room. The key to getting the most out of your travel vision board is to get inspiration from it and work towards steps to make the destinations on your board a reality. It’s easier to do this when you can see the board daily, and it can be a constant reminder of what you are working towards.
Social Media Vision Board
Choose an inspiring image of a destination you aspire to visit as the background picture for your vision board. Print out and cut out quotes, photos, magazine clippings, or even drawn images that represent your travel dreams and collage them on the board. Letter board signs and washi tape can help decorate, too. Create your travel vision board template digitally using Canva for a unique modern twist. Upload images and add text with inspiring affirmations about your journey. Then, post your digital creation on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. Ask friends and family to tag the places they most want to visit in the comments. See the world through their eyes, too! This social twist puts your intentions out into the universe while letting you learn about others’ aspirations.
Creating a travel vision board is a rewarding process that allows your adventurous spirit to run free. Not only is it a creative outlet, but envisioning your goals powerfully enables achieving them. Place your finished board somewhere. It can infuse your days with possibility. Let it stir up joy when times get mundane.
A travel vision board is the first step to making your travel dreams real. For practical guidance on making them affordable, see our guide to Travel Hacks to Save Money on Cruises, Flights and Hotels.
