6 Best Travel Jewelry Ideas to Feed Your Wanderlust

For most people, travel is one of their greatest passions, representing not just a hobby but an obsession. Travel frees the soul and expands your horizons. And what better way to show this love than by travel themed jewelry!

There are many types of travel themed jewelry out there, from charms to earrings, pendants and necklaces. In this article, let’s take a look at some of the main travel jewelry symbols and styles. You’re going to fall in love with all of them!

1. Passports

Passport earrings
Cute passport earrings. See them here.

The one thing that all travelers have in common – a passport. Not only is a passport your key to the world but it identifies you and reminds you of your roots. No other item is as important as a passport, as anyone who’s had their bag stolen or lost while travelling abroad can attest to.

Passport replicas are best as little charms to be attached to a charm bracelet, or worn as dangle or stud earrings, or a pendant. It’s a quirky little design for jewelry and is bound to garner you some comments. Wearing a ‘passport’ is for the diehard traveler who’s obsessed with going places.

2. The World Map

World map globe gold pendant
World map with mother of pearl backing. See it here.
world map ring
World map ring. See it here.

Another highly popular choice, the world map or globe is an obvious option. Unlike jewelry featuring the map of a certain country or state, which leans towards patriotism, a world map features your love for travel, exploration, and seeing new things.

Typically, world map jewelry is perfect on pendants, as they remain in place and are easy to see. However, there are some very creative design ideas like the ring above, which feature the world map in a unique way. While not immediately obvious, once it catches your eye, you can’t really look away.

3. Globe Jewelry

Globe pendant
Stylish globe pendant. See it here.

Technically a world map, globes offer different design options due to their 3D spherical shape. Most jewelry featuring globes are pendants, as that’s the most functional. However, they’re also perfect for dangle earrings because of their proportional shape.

With globes, a little goes a long way, so it’s best to opt for a smaller sphere as these are stylish and classy, rather than a large one that sits awkwardly against your chest or dangles that look like they came straight out of a geography class. Unless that’s the look you’re going for, in which case, rock on we say!

4. Compass Jewelry

Brass bracelet with compass knot
Elegant compass charm on bracelet. See it here.

Compass jewelry is one of our favorite type of travel-themed jewelry. A compass speaks about more than just a love for travel, it also symbolizes adventure, finding your way, independence and confidence.

Compasses always point north, regardless of the conditions. This is can be interpreted as representing positivity and hope. All these are excellent characteristics of an avid traveler.

5. Forms of Transport

boat enamel earrings
Enamel boat earrings. See these here.

Forms of transport make up a significant aspect of traveling – from motorbikes in Vietnam, to tuktuks in India and gondolas in Venice. As Jack Sparrow says in Pirates of the Caribbean, ‘What a (ship) really represents is freedom’. And this can be applied to any form of transport.

Transport charms are the best way to add this concept to your jewelry and are perfect in charm bracelets. However, you’ll also sometimes come across cute designs like the ring featured above with an airplane incorporated into the design.

6. Travel Quote Jewelry

Travel quote pendant
Travel quote jewelry. See it here.

Travel jewelry with a favorite quote on it is a nice touch to bring your love of travel into your fashion choices. Here are some ideas for meaningful travel quotes and words to inspire your wanderlust:

  1. Not all who wander are lost
  2. To travel is to live
  3. Veni, vidi, amavi – I came, I saw, I loved
  4. The adventure begins
  5. Enjoy the journey
  6. Wherever you go, go with all your heart – Confucius
  7. Wherever you stand, be the soul of that place – Rumi
  8. Explore
  9. Wanderlust
  10. Adventure
  11. I go to seek a great perhaps
  12. I do believe it’s time for another adventure
  13. Follow your heart
  14. The world is yours… explore it!

You can also come up with your own quote and ask to have it engraved onto your chosen jewelry. Many jewelry designers offer custom services and these are often affordable.

Travel Jewelry vs. Travel Themed Jewelry

Girl traveling

In this post, we’ve talked about travel themed jewelry but there’s such a thing as travel jewelry too. Travel jewelry refers to jewelry that’s specifically created for those who travel a lot. If you’re feeling confused right now, don’t worry. This is a new concept and a very tiny niche that’s only really becoming a thing.

For those who travel a lot and don’t want to take their valuables with them, travel jewelry designers create specific jewelry for people who want to dress beautifully while traveling, without the fear of losing their best jewelry pieces. These are more affordable pieces that you won’t mind losing.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it, our top tips on travel themed jewelry.  There are so many options out there, but we only picked the categories, so that you can pick the jewelry.

If you’re looking to browse, we recommend searching on Etsy or Amazon for some amazing, unique and handmade travel themed jewelry. These come in a range of prices and styles to suit everyone, so we’re sure you’ll find something you love on these platforms.

Dani Rhys

Dani Rhys has worked as a writer and editor for over 15 years in the jewelry niche. She holds a Masters degree in Linguistics and Education. She has always been interested in expression through fashion and accessories, and her extensive experience in the field has made her a respected voice in jewelry trends and education. As the chief editor of Jewelry Shopping Guide, she not only leads the content strategy but also shares her insights through engaging articles. Her passion for storytelling is reflected in every piece she curates, exploring the intricate relationship between jewelry and personal identity.

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