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Cultivating Connections Travel Planners

How to make a Pushpin Travel Map

Updated: Oct 18, 2021


push pin travel map food lovers foodies culinary travel culinary focused wine lovers distillery trail brewery tours travel planningErin Smith ~ Affinity Group Travel Advisor
How to make a Pushpin Travel Map

One of the perks of traveling is the memories you have after you visit all these new places. If you’re an avid traveler as I am, you will know that one place is not enough. The need to explore makes us want to go to as many destinations as possible and come back with treasures that signify that we’ve been there.


A pushpin travel map helps to decide where we plan to travel to and show where we have been. When I was little, my grandparents had one on their wall, that showed the destinations they had been to. It was impressive that they had been to so many places. And it was extra special because my grandfather had needlepointed that map! I guess they were the ones that brought out the thirst for travel in me...


Making a pushpin travel map yourself is way better than purchasing one from a store. If you’re like me and you love the feeling that comes with creating things yourself, here’s a way to make your pushpin travel map.


What you’ll need:

  • A map

  • Smoothing tool

  • Cork roll

  • Plyboard

  • A frame

  • Scissors

  • Paint

  • Paint Brushes

  • A small paint roller

  • Adhesive

  • Hanging hardware

  • Pushpins


Directions:

1. Cut the cork

Spread the cork over a flat surface and mark the dimension of the cork to the plyboard 24 inches by 36 inches. Be extra careful when cutting the roll to prevent it from ripping. And please, make sure you use a sharp knife so that the edges can be perfect.

2. Gum the plyboard to the cork

The best way to do this is with a paint roller. Pour the (adhesive) glue into a small bucket, then use the paint roller to spread it, so everywhere gets touched.

3. Gum the corkboard to the map

Use adhesive spray to glue the map and ensure that there are no lumps. Also, don’t apply too much glue, so it doesn’t ruin the map.

4. Use a smoothing tool to level out the bubbles

You have to be extra careful at this point, so you don’t ruin the map. Your smoothing tool shouldn’t have sharp edges.

5. Keep heavy items over the map

The point of this is for the map to glue with the cork and for the cork to stick to the plyboard. Allow it to stay for at least an hour.

6. Paint your frame

This would make it look cooler. While the heavy items are above the map, you should use the opportunity to paint the frame. Allow it for 30 minutes to dry properly.

7. Place the map inside the frame

Be careful not to bend the edges while you try to attach/fix it. And make sure the frame is dried when you place it, so you don’t stain your map.

8. Determine your planning method

Do you intend on pinning the places you plan to go to AND destinations you’ve been to? You can color-code them, so the map doesn’t get confusing.

9. Hang it in a place where you can see it often

Because the more you see it, the more likely you are to travel to your dream location! It’s a mindset thing.


I'd love to see your pièce de résistance! Post a photo of it in our new Facebook Group!


Haven't heard about it? Here at Cultivating Connections Travel Planners, I believe that when people come together, great things happen. That's why I have recently launched a private Facebook Group.

In this group, it's my goal that our like-minded group of passionate travelers can share stories, tips, ideas, and up-to-date news on our favorite ways to travel!


I will be sharing exclusive content here in the group, and I am looking forward to connecting our community like never before!


I would love for you to be a part of it. To get access to the group, follow the link below.


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