How to Display Travel Photos in 7 Unique Ways

Travelling can be a life-changing experience, often leaving us with vivid memories. And what better way to celebrate those memories than displaying your travel photos at home? If you're like us, you probably have hundreds or thousands of photos from your travels saved on your hard drive. Finding creative ways to display your best travel photos can be a fun project– it might even inspire more trips!

In this guide, we walk you through how to display travel photos beyond the classic photo book. From simple digital collages to thoughtful gallery walls, these ideas will make sure you can admire and enjoy your travel images every day.

How to display travel photos

There's really no right or wrong when it comes to displaying your travel photos. We recommend starting by choosing a location in your house where you want to display them. If you don't have any wall space available, a coffee table, hall table or bookshelf can also be a great spot for picture frames.

Will you be printing your own photos, or buying travel artwork from a professional? Keep in mind while most modern phone cameras can take high quality photos, there might be limits on how large you can blow up your pictures. If you're not sure, read our guide on printing and framing photos.

Then consider whether you want to display one stand-out photo or a range of holiday snaps from your latest trip. Need some inspiration? Here are 7 ideas of how to display travel photos creatively at home:

1. Digital collage

A collage is the perfect way to show off a range of photos in the same picture frame. You can even make your collage on the computer using digital photos and then print the whole thing off in one go. The most straightforward collage is a grid, but you can be as playful and creative as you like. Use a collage template if you need guidance, or try overlapping your photos for a more natural, organic look. For something a bit more playful, arrange your photos in a shape. For example, to commemorate your trip to Italy, create your collage in the shape Italy.

2. Handmade collage

Don't have the tech savvy to do a digital collage? Go old school and make a collage by hand instead. Print out your favourite photos, and arrange them creatively on a thick backing card. You can even cut your photos to the right size, or cut them into fun shapes. Add some souvenirs to the collage, cut out a map from a brochure or write the names of the places you visited. Use your scrapbooking skills and have fun with it. Finish it off with a large custom frame. This will protect all your hard work and give it a professional look.

3. Travel map

A travel map is a great way to keep a visual record of where you've been. And it’s the perfect reminder of all the places you want to visit one day. Purchase a map, draw your own or download one online. Then add your favourite travel photos to the relevant places on your map. You could even add some string or draw arrows pointing to specific places if you want to get precise.

4. Travel gallery wall

Got a tonne of photos to choose from? Showcase a wide range of them using a gallery wall. Start by selecting the photos you want to print and what size you want to print them. Then cut out rectangles of paper the size of your frames to figure out the best arrangement. Keep all the frames the same size and style for a cohesive look, or mix and match different sizes and styles for a more eclectic look.

Also read:How to arrange different size picture frames on a wall.

5. Framed polaroid grid

If you're a fan of polaroids, chances are you've got a whole lot of little photos from your travels floating around. Why not create a polaroid grid to showcase all your travel memories? Arrange your polaroid prints on a thick card backing, using tape or glue to secure them in place. Then frame your grid so you can hang it on the wall. Framed polaroid grids can be as big or as small as you like, and they make a great conversation starter.

6. Travel shadow box

It's not just holiday snaps you pick up on your travels. You've probably got souvenirs and treasures from your travels too. Create a three dimensional display with your souvenirs using ashadow box. It's like a frame, but with more space between the glass and backing to fit bulkier items. Perfect for shells you found on the beach, nicknacks you picked up in visitor centres, woven artworks and more. 

At Portfolio Picture Framers, we have a saying "you name it, we frame it". If you want to showcase a travel souvenir but aren't sure how, let us know! We can help you find the perfect way to display your memories and keep them protected for longer.

7. Custom artwork

Not all of us are professional photographers. If you've got a favourite travel memory in mind, but don't want to display your own photos, why not commission an artwork instead? Buy a painting of the Swiss Alps or request a custom watercolour of Bondi beach. Do your own travel sketches or ask an embroidery artist to make a custom design for you. Either way you'll have a one-of-a-kind framed artwork to celebrate your favourite places.

Where to frame your travel memories

Travel memories are precious, so it's important to frame them well. The best option is a custom frame from a professional art framer. That way you get the exact look you want and the highest quality protection for your photos and travel souvenirs. And with our factory direct prices at Portfolio Picture Framers, custom framing isn't as expensive as you might think.

We provide custom framing service Perth-wide. Call us on (08) 9330 5884 for a free quote.