travel name bracelet

Savvy Travel Advice

Travel Inspired Jewelry Guide: Travel Themed Jewelry for Travelers

Last updated: December 12, 2023 - Written by Jessica Norah 97 Comments

If you love travel and jewelry you’re probably going to love this guide to jewelry for travelers! We focus primarily on handmade and unique travel jewelry, and cover jewelry that will suit any budget and style.

I fell in love with travel themed jewelry while searching for travel themed wedding rings for Laurence and I’s wedding. I have since acquired more travel jewelry pieces and love using jewelry as a way of expressing my passion for travel.

We’ve put together a list of a wide range of travel jewelry items in this article for those looking for a way to express their own love for travel, searching for a gift for a traveler, or just looking for inspiration about what types of travel themed jewelry are out there.

Our list contains dozens of items that span the range of jewelry types, budgets, and fashion tastes. Although many of the jewelry pieces are designed with women in mind, we’ve also included a number of unisex and men’s jewelry pieces. 

We have physically reviewed many of these items and hope you enjoy this list of wonderful travel themed jewelry items and perhaps you’ll discover your new favorite pieces of jewelry along the way! 

Table of Contents:

Travel Inspired Jewelry: Best Jewelry for Travelers

As I said, I got a bit obsessed with travel inspired jewelry when searching for a design for our engagement/wedding rings (we purchased a customized version of these World Map rings ). After planning our wedding, I wrote a post on handmade travel themed wedding products , which included a few travel themed jewelry items. I wanted to expand on that to write a full article focused solely on travel jewelry, so here we go!

Just so you know, many of the items on this list we physically reviewed. Some were items we purchased or received as gifts, and others were given to us by artists for review. The other pieces are just ones I loved when searching for travel related jewelry online.

The majority of the items on our list are handmade or hand customized items, made by a single artist, family, or a small business. We love supporting these great individual artists and small businesses, and many of the jewelry pieces featured were inspired by the wanderlust and travels of the artists’ themselves!

But we have also included jewelry from national and international fine jewelry stores as well to provide a range of jewelry options. Prices of pieces on the list range from under $10 to over $500, with the vast majority of jewelry falling in the $25 to $75 range.

If you are looking for a traveler gift idea, but don’t find it here, consider checking out our guide to gifts for travelers . It has over 75 gift suggestions that range across budgets and traveler types.

We also have a guide to gifts for travelers made in the USA and British made gift ideas for travelers , if you are looking for items specifically made in the USA or the United Kingdom. Both guides include several travel-inspired jewelry suggestions.

We are happy to answer any questions you may have about any of these items included. We hope that this list helps inspire you to show your wanderlust in your own jewelry collection! 

Travel Inspired Jewelry: Travel Themed Necklaces

Necklaces are some of the most commonly worn pieces of jewelry. Whether you love long pendant necklaces, dainty sterling silver necklaces, chunky chokers, or personalized lockets, there are plenty of ways to show of your love for travel.

Here are a number of travel themed necklaces for some excellent ideas: 

State & Country Love Necklaces

This delicate sterling silver necklace is in the shape of the state of Ohio with a heart cutout. Any country, U.S. state, or continent is possible and pieces are also available in 14K gold or rose gold. Most pendants are available in three sizes, the heart location can be moved (or removed), various chain lengths are available, and text engraving options are available. 

Ivy By Design is one of my favorite shops on Etsy for state, country, or continent-related jewelry. Ivy can also do custom designs.

Vintage Style Travel Themed Pendant Necklaces

These whimsical handcrafted pendant necklaces are made from quality printed images covered by a clear domed glass cabochon that protects and magnifies the printed image underneath. Each pendant includes a matching 24″ necklace with a lobster-style clasp. Lots of designs with maps, quotes, and travel attractions available.

In addition to pendant necklaces, the pendant designs can also be ordered as bracelets, brooches, wine stoppers, key rings, and other products. Rosie can also do custom orders for most of the pieces. See more at Rosie’s Design Studio

Compass Rose Necklace

This dainty compass rose necklace has a small sterling silver charm and chain that is perfect for those who prefer small and more discreet jewelry. I wear this necklace a lot.

Comes with gift packaging so perfect for gift giving, especially for graduations and going away parties. You can see more jewelry by EfyTal here .

Globe Bead Necklace

This sapphire blue globe necklace features a small round sapphire blue Czech glass bead, antique pewter charm, and silver plated chain. Charm can be purchased alone or with a chain. Other globe designs in various shapes and sizes available.

This store has a large selection of travel themed jewelry and charms, and you can see more at Evelyn Mae Creations .

Jet World Pendant Necklace

Show off your wanderlust with this popular pendant necklace that features two pendants, one of a globe and one of a compass rose. Available in sterling silver, yellow gold, or rose gold. The chain is available in a number of different lengths so you can get the perfect fit.

See more travel related jewelry in Rani’s store here . She has matching world map earrings and bracelets as well.

World Map Necklace

This handmade world map necklace features multiple pieces joined together to create a world map design. Necklace and chain is made from sterling silver of 14K filled yellow or rose gold. Personalization possible.

This is one of the better quality world map necklaces out there. You can see more travel related jewelry at Ivy’s shop Ivy By Design .

Tiny Book Necklace

This tiny book necklace features a miniature copy of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. Several chain styles and 3 book sizes are available. Other books include Paper Towns , Huckleberry Finn , Harry Potter , Anne of Green Gables, The Count of Monte Cristo , and Alice in Wonderland .

Great necklace idea for someone who loves both books and travel. If you loves books, you can explore the miniature book jewelry from the Tiny Book Town shop .

Working Compass Necklace

This working compass necklace allow you to engrave the back of the compass with any sort of quote, text, or image of your choice. Compass is made from antique looking brass and comes on a brass chain. A leather case for the compass necklace can be added.

A travel-related necklace that doubles as a working compass—what is not to love as an adventurer?! Do note that the pendants do have a bit of weight to them since they are actual compasses. The Elite Custom Design USA shop makes several other working compass products, including custom orders.

Saint Christopher Pendant Necklace

This sterling silver pendant with stainless steel chain depicts the Christian saint Saint Christopher who is known as the patron saint of travel. He is depicted with a staff and carrying Jesus as a baby on his shoulders.

Many Christians display a token of Saint Christopher to show devotion and to aid in safe travels, and my grandmother always kept one in her car. You can see more St. Christopher jewelry here .

Double-Sided World Map Locket

This world map locket is made of vintage brass and enamel. It is double sided and shows the western hemisphere on one side and the eastern hemisphere on the other. Locket is also available in silver.

If you know what quote, images, or photos you want to have inside the locket, I would get the option to have them added into the locket. See more lockets by Silk Purse Sows Ear for more design options.

Mountain Range Necklace

This stainless steel mountain necklace features a mountain range, and is available in black, rose, silver, or gold colors. Perfect for mountain and outdoor lovers.

The store also sells matching earrings, bracelets, and rings. See more mountain and travel-related jewelry online by Rose Vila Jewelry .

Custom Map Locket

This vintage map locket allows you to choose any town, city, or region to include in the front of the locket for a unique piece of jewelry at an affordable price. Available in Antique Brass or Silver finish and chain has 6 length options.

If you like the look at these lockets, Jennifer has lots of custom map based jewelry and keychains on offer in her Brass and Chain store .

Custom Coordinates Bar Necklace

This custom coordinates necklace can be customized with coordinates to indicate any special destination you wish. Available in sterling silver, 14K filled gold, or 14K rose gold. Matching chains are available in various lengths.

Audrey also makes other coordinates necklaces and bracelets. See more personalized jewelry options at Jewelry Blues .

Wooden Country Pendant Necklace

This wooden painted pendant necklace has a laser etched wooden pendant with the silhouette of the country of your choice. It is then painted the color of your choice. The metal bezel is available in different shapes and color and the pendant come on a 24 inch chain. The laser etching can be customed with any country, state, or other shape of your choice.

A great way to show off your love for a particular country (or state). Check out Sarah’s store, Once Again Sam , for a number of personalized wooden jewelry items. 

Africa Charm Necklace

This inexpensive engraved Africa necklace depicts some of the animals, people, and resources of Africa. The pendant and chain are made of stainless steel and the pendant is available in black, silver, rose, or gold.

A good option for those looking for an affordable necklace to show off their love of Africa. See more Africa themed necklaces here .

City Skyline Engraved Bar Necklaces

These personalized city skyline necklaces feature an engraved city skyline and can also include a word or phrase. They can be engraved on one-side or both sides and are available in sterling silver, 14k filled yellow gold, or 14K filled rose gold. Can show almost any major city skyline.

See more personalized travel and coordinates related jewelry at the Boston-based Danique Trends shop .

Scottish Sea Glass Necklace

This Scottish sea glass necklace contains a piece of sea glass collected off of a beach in Scotland and then wrapped with silver coated wire and place on a silver plated chain. Each piece is unique and you can choose the location where the glass was found.

A unique necklace for a traveler who loves Scotland. But also may give you ideas for jewelry that may be from other destinations you love. See more Scottish sea glass jewelry at the Glasgow based store By Rois .

Travel Inspired Jewelry: Travel Themed Bracelets

Travel jewelry can also fit around your wrist. Think handstamped travel quote bracelets, map designs, charm bracelets, thin stacking bracelets, and thick leather cuffs.

Here are several designs to get you thinking of travel bracelets that might be a good fit for you:

Bohemian Silk Wrap Bracelets

These silk wrap bracelets are made with a hand-stamped aluminum tag that is then attached to a multi-colored hand dyed silk ribbon. This specific bracelet pictured says “Wanderlust” but the ribbon color and wording on the tag can be customized as you wish with any phrase, name, date, or icon.

Great for any bohemian traveler and these can be customized to include any word, name, coordinates, or phrase you wish. See more colorful wrap bracelets by Mystique Sieraden here .

Aluminum Map Bracelets

These silver aluminum bracelets have map designs on them that are created using a dye process that fuses the ink into the surface of the aluminum. The bracelets can be adjusted to fit different size wrists, and the cuff bracelets come in both a wide design (1.5 inches) and a narrow design (3/4 inches wide). The bracelets are hypoallergenic, unisex, and waterproof. Hundreds of map designs are available.

These bracelets are a great way to commemorate a city, a region, a hometown, a national park, a hiking trail, or your favorite road trip. Doreen is great to work with and can put just about anything map-related on the bracelets, and she can also do custom designs. You can see more at her shop December Moon Design .

Leather Cuff Bracelets

These handmade leather cuff bracelets are made using recycled leather and handstamped pewter metal. A lot of travel-inspired designs and quotes are available. The store offers both narrow leather cuff and wide leather cuff bracelets.

All the items are handmade by Meghan in Spokane, Washington. In addition to bracelets, she also makes rings, necklaces, keychains, and other items. See more in her store Love Your Journey .

Gold World Map Cuff

This wide metal cuff contains a laser cut-out of the world map. Available in 24K gold plated or rhodium plated brass. Made to fit almost any arm.

A beautiful cuff for a globetrotter with a fine taste in jewelry. See more Christina Ramella bracelets here .

Custom Map Bracelet

This custom map bracelet using vintage maps and is made of antique or silver finished brass. You select which six map destinations you want to include, whether it be a city, a state, or a country.

Great affordable bracelet for showing off multiple destinations that are important to you. See more map related jewelry at Jennifer’s shop Brass & Chain .

Pura Vida String Bracelets

Pura Vida is known for its colorful string and braided bracelets made by artisans in several countries. The one below is the Wanderlust Bracelet Pack , which includes a set of 3 bracelets with a travel-related theme.

The string and braided bracelets are coated in mineral oil to make them waterproof and beach-friendly. However, best to keep the bracelets with metal charms dry and out of the water.

Pura Vida’s goal is to provide sustainable jobs to artisans worldwide and raises awareness for numerous charities.

Note that the Wanderlust bracelet set is one of their most popular sets so is often sold out, so you may need to wait until it is back in stock. But they also have several other travel-related bracelets that we love, including the Beach Princess, Happy Camper, Dreaming Outloud, Jetsetter, Pretty Peaks, and North Shore packs. The styles change regularly, and you can check them all out here .

Pandora Disney Charm Bracelets

Do you or someone you know love visiting the Disney parks? Consider getting a Pandora Disney bracelet and filling it with Disney charms over time. This makes a great gift for any Disney lover who likes to wear bracelets. Most charms and bracelets are made of sterling silver.

Pandora also makes a number of travel related charms and other charms, which you can explore here .

Leather Wrist Wallet Cuff

Looking for a bracelet that doubles as both a wrist accessory and a place to store your money and credit cards? These leather wrist wallets have a hidden pocket that can store cash, cards, and tickets and closes shut with metal snaps. Available in different colors, sizes, and designs.

Great when you want to travel purse or bag free. See more wrist wallets at the Colorado-based The Wearable Wallet shop .

Custom Photo Bracelet

This custom photo bracelet lets you upload your own photos or images to be placed on the bracelet. Each photo component is interchangeable and attached by magnets so you can add and remove the “hexes” containing the images as you wish, and you could add updated photos in the future! The bracelet is made of a zinc alloy.

A great bracelet for displaying your favorite vacation photos. You can see more of the custom photo jewelry in the Hexlets store .

Airplane Bracelets

These airplane bracelets are made of a variety of sterling silver and gold chains and cuffs with airline pendants. Most of the bracelets are adjustable. Engraving is possible on some designs. Most of the designs are more suited to men, but can work for women as well.

For more pilot and airplane related jewelry, see the Tomer M Jewelry store .

Travel Themed Charms & Charm Bracelets

Consider collecting charms based on your travels for a charm bracelet. This Eiffel Tower charm is available in a variety of metals including sterling silver, 22K gold plated, 10K yellow gold fill, 14K white gold fill. Can be used for a charm bracelet or attached to a necklace.

This Eiffel Tower charm is just one of many attractions, flags, passports, and travel themed charms you can collect. See more travel related Rembrandt Charms here .

Leather Map Bracelet

You can see more travel-related jewelry by Cristina Ramella .

Travel Inspired Jewelry: Travel Themed Rings

Rings are another terrific way to show off your love for travel and adventure, whether it be a statement ring, a funky wooden ring, a hand-stamped silver ring, or a custom laser-cut titanium ring.

Here are a number of rings for travelers to get you thinking: 

Handstamped Adjustable Wrap Ring

This handstamped wrap ring has the quote “to travel is to live” stamped on it as well as a small airplane outline stamped on the inside. Rings are made of aluminum which is lightweight and doesn’t tarnish.

The handstamped nature of the rings ensures that each one is unique and Carissa can customize just about any ring for you if you have a specific date, coordinates, phrase, or name you would like handstamped on a ring. Check out Stampin Off the Path for a large selection of handstamped travel themed rings!  

Stacking Coordinates Rings

These dainty coordinates rings are thin and designed to be stacked. Great for collecting and adding the coordinates to your favorite destinations. Available in solid sterling silver, rose gold fill or yellow gold fill.

The Emily J Design shop specializes in dainty jewelry and has several coordinates and mountains related pieces.

Titanium Laser-Etched World Map Rings

This titanium map ring has been laser cut with a world map design, and this is repeated 3 times around the ring. The intricate map details are laser etched with a very high power laser and these are the most detailed world map rings we’ve ever seen. Can be engraved. Great for men or women.

We did a custom version of these for our wedding rings. Boone Titanium Rings can also etch f ingerprints, photos, and custom images onto the rings. The world map design is also available as a spinner ring.

Wooden Mountain Rings

These wooden mountain rings are made from laser-cut high-quality birch plywood that are painted and finished to look like mountain peaks. You can arrange this set of three awesome rings as you wish, wearing all three on one finger or splitting them up across fingers.

Clive also makes miniature house and tree rings that you can buy if you want to mix and match them on your fingers as they are all interchangeable! See more of the unique wooden jewelry made by Clive Roddy . 

Statement Map Ring

This dainty silver Africa ring has a silhouette of Africa and metal band, both made of silver (Argentium silver 935). The ring comes in any size and a heart cutout can be added to the ring. The ring is also available in 18k gold plate.

Africa Dreamland has loads of Africa-inspired jewelry, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and brooches. Mar can also do custom jewelry designs.

Sterling Silver State Outline Rings

This sterling silver state ring shows the outline of Texas, but is available to depict any USA state. Design can also be customized to show other countries as well.

Eugene also makes a number of country and continent outline rings as well as many other travel-related pieces of jewelry! He can also personalize many of these pieces. See more here .

Adjustable Oxidized Silver Map Ring

This adjustable oxidized sterling silver ring is a great budget-friendly world map ring that is perfect for everyday wear.

Also available in a number of other metals and designs. Bubble Box also carries a number of other affordable map and globe related jewelry pieces great for every day wear. See more of their jewelry here .

City Skyline Ring

This handmade city skyline ring lets you wear the skyline of your favorite city around your finger. They can do any major city skyline. Available in sterling silver, 18K gold fill, or 18K rose gold fill. Inside engraving also available.

See more cityscape jewelry on Amazon Handmade here .

Dainty Mountain Peaks Ring

This sterling silver mountain ring is subtle and dainty depicting two mountain peaks. Available in sterling silver, brass, or gold plated.

The Ruth Ryan Jewelry shop makes a lot of other mountain rings, as well as necklaces and earrings.

Sterling Silver World Map Cutout Ring

This white gold map ring features the continents attached to two silver bands giving it a unique look.

These rings are available in sterling silver as well as in 14K yellow, rose, and white gold for those with a bigger budget. See more at the aptly named World Map Ring Co store here .

Custom Mountain Range Ring

This custom mountain ring allows the buyer have the shape and details of the ring tailored to a specific mountain or mountain range for a unique ring. Available in gold or sterling silver.

If you love the mountains, you will want to check out all the mountain-inspired jewelry by Denver-based Lovely Baubles Jewelry .

Celebrate your love of the ocean with a wave ring. This handmade sterling silver ring forms the shape of a wave. Available in different thicknesses. Popular with men and women.

A popular piece of jewelry for surfers and beach lovers. Check out more Hawaii and beach-inspired jewelry at the Jonara Blu Maui Jewelry shop based in Maui.

Silver State Coin Ring

These state coin rings are made from real 90% silver state quarters from various U.S. states and territories. You choose which state or territory and the finish of the ring. Available in wide and narrow widths. Great for men or women.

Interesting way to show off your love for a particular state in the USA. See more coin jewelry at the Midnight Jo shop .

Silver Airplane Ring

This dainty airplane ring is made of sterling silver and has an open back so that it can be adjusted to be worn on most fingers.

Shop also makes matching bracelets and necklaces and can do customized pieces. See more of Black Tied’s handmade jewelry pieces here .

Gold-Plated Map Long Ring

This 24K gold-plated world map long ring creates a unique and classy look with the world map cutout and long ring design.

Also available as a platinum-plated ring. See more travel-related jewelry by Cristina Ramella .

Travel Inspired Jewelry: Travel Themed Brooches & Pins

Brooches and pins are another great way to show your love for travel, and look great on sweaters, scarfs, and coats. You can also pin them on backpacks, luggage, and other travel gear. Many brooch designs are perfect for those who have a vintage or retro style.

Here are a number of great travel themed brooches to get you thinking:

Fun Travel Pin Set

This set of 3 fun pins has a travel and adventure theme and each is made of high-quality enamel. They include a caravan, diamond-shaped pin with word Traveler, and a pin with scenery that says “Life of Adventure”. Can be worn on clothing, jackets, backpacks, etc.

The company also makes other travel-related pins as well as vinyl stickers, patches, and other items. You can see more here (Amazon) and here (Etsy).

Custom Flag Brooch

These country flag brooches are made using a flag image under glass set on antique brass. You can choose any flag to display from any country.

Artists can also makes custom map brooches. See more travel-related jewelry in their store Bjeweled Vintage .

Wooden Mountain Pin

Great for the outdoorsy traveler who wears pins. See more whimsical wooden brooches and lapel pin designs by Min in her Bottle of Clouds shop .

This small camera pin is made of enamel and nickel plated. It has a simple camera design and is 1 inch wide and 0.5 inches high. Perfect for the photography loving traveler.

The company makes hundreds of different pin designs, and you can see more pins by PinMart here . You can also see lots more photographer gift ideas here.

Vintage Postcard Brooch

This handmade brooch is made from high-quality digitally printed cotton linen and is attached to a safety catch brooch bar. Five different vintage postcard designs are available.

This is a unique brooch that goes great with any vintage inspired outfit. Check out Rachael’s store Grace and Favour for lots of other vintage travel inspired products!

Vintage Inspired Wooden Brooches

These vintage-inspired wooden brooches are all made from printed images on paper applied to a laser cut wooden backing and then attached to a metal brooch pin. The three brooches in the photo depict a vintage caravan , a compass , and a vintage suitcase but dozens of designs are available.

Lavinia has designed hundreds of wooden brooches, and you can see more vintage-style brooches at Lavinia’s Tea Party

U.S. State Pins Collection

If you like to display pins places you’ve visited in the United States, you might consider this pin set that includes pins from all 50 states of the United States. Pins are enamel and gold plated.

This set will save you a lot of money versus purchasing each pin individually. The company also makes state and country flags and other travel related pins. See more here .

Stained Glass Lighthouse Brooch

This lighthouse brooch is handmade using stained glass and metal. Various lighthouse designs available. Perfect for the lighthouse or sea lover.

The Russian based artists also do many other ocean, travel, and animal themed stained glass brooches. You can see more at Art Brothers Glass .

Travel Inspired Jewelry: Travel Themed Earrings

When thinking about travel jewelry, don’t forget your ears! Whether you like dainty studs or big dangles, we hope some of these designs get you excited to travel.

Here are a number of earring designs to get you thinking about the perfect travel inspired earrings for you:

Sterling Silver Country or State Earrings

These solid sterling silver stud earrings are cut in the shape of any desired state, country or continent. These earrings are available in two sizes: mini and standard. Almost any state, country, state, or continent is possible.

See more state and country jewelry at Austin’s store Macek Metals .

Set of Laser Cut Wooden Earrings

These wood earrings are laser cut from birch wood and handpainted. The backings are made of surgical steel and are hypoallergenic. The shop sells a variety of nature and geometric inspired wooden cutouts of mountains, clouds, birds, toadstools, animals, leaves, and hot air balloons.

Check out Anne’s store, Birch Street Studio , for lots of other great wooden earrings and other products.

Airplane and Cloud Gold Earrings

These tiny gold earrings are shaped like an airplane and a cloud. The statement earrings are made of 18K gold with a diamond accent. They come in a gift box so are great for those looking for a special travel jewelry gift.

See more fashion and fine jewelry designed by NYC-based Carleen here .

Passport Earrings

These dangle passport earrings are designed to look like real mini United States passports, complete with a blue cover and paper passport pages with mini passport stamps. They come on sterling silver hooked posts.  

Cute earrings for American travelers. See more earrings at Cheryl’s store My Earring Lady . 

Camping Inspired Earrings

These handmade camping-inspired stud earrings are made from resin covered polystyrene with titanium backings. One earring features a tent design and the other a campfire. Great earrings for any lover of camping.

 See lots of quirky outdoors inspired jewelry at Poptone . 

NASA Spaceship Earrings

Dreaming of space travel ? These NASA dangle earrings have a vintage NASA design depicting a space shuttle launching into space and a rainbow. The hooks are silver plated.

These space-age dangle earrings are perfect for those who see the world in terms of the universe rather than the earth. See more space travel related jewelry for more options.

Road Trip Earrings

These lovely road trip inspired earrings are made of fine silver and sterling silver with sterling silver hooks. The textures give these earrings some depth and dimension. Also available as a necklace pendant.

See more of Kris’s fine silver and sterling silver jewelry in her shop The Silver Pendant . There are many different road related earring designs in the shop.

Tiny Globe Earrings

If you love globes, you’ll probably fall in love with these tiny realistic mini desktop globe earrings ! The stud earrings are made of plastic with titanium earring posts, stainless steel flat pads, and stainless steel nut backs. All earrings in the shop are hypoallergic and nickel free.

Obsessories is a USA based shop that offers stud earrings depicting a range of realistic objects from animals to travel to food. Custom designs are also possible.

Nautical Anchor Earrings

These dangle anchor earrings are made of white and navy blue enamel on a silver plated brass backing. Matching necklace also available.

These anchor earrings are perfect for those who prefer their travel to be on the high seas rather than on land. See more nautical jewelry here .

Camera Earrings

These silver camera earrings are composed of pewter camera charms attached to surgical steel hooks. Perfect for a photographer. 

Rebekah specialized in geeky, steampunk, and retro jewelry designs, and you can see more at her shop  The Robot Princess . Also if you buying for a photographer, see our guide to gifts for photographers .

Compass Rose Earrings

These compass rose stud earrings are made of stainless steel and are available in three colors. Matching bracelet and necklace also available.

Perfect for gift giving. See more jewelry by Rosa Vila Jewelry here .

World Map Earrings

Matching necklaces and bracelets are also available in the shop. See more travel-inspired jewelry at Rani’s London-based shop here .

Hot Air Balloon Earrings

These handmade dangle earrings depict a laser-engraved hot air balloon design on wood with French style hooks. Buyer chooses the color of paint in design and the finish of the metal.

This store has a number of really cool travel-themed cameo style jewelry and many pieces can be personalized. See more of Sarah’s work at Once Again Sam .

Campervan Earrings

These vintage campervan earrings are made of stainless steel and plastic. Perfect for those who love traveling in their campervan or RV. Multiple campervan designs and colors available.

See lots of interesting and funky earrings designs in the Montreal-based store La Méchante Sorcière .

Handpainted Wooden Mountain Earrings

These cute snow-capped mountain earrings are made from laser-cut bamboo and are handpainted. They have silver-coated ear posts.

See more colorful wooden jewelry handmade by Claire at her UK-based studio at The Mountain and Me shop .

Travel Inspired Accessories: Cufflinks

If you or someone you know wears cufflinks, these can be the perfect way to add a touch of travel to a traditional French cuff. A great accessory to show’s ones love of travel when dressed up, whether you are headed to a business meeting, a wedding, or a fancy dinner.

Whether you prefer to travel by train, bike, or airplane, here are some travel inspired cufflinks to get you thinking:

Train Locomotive Cufflinks

These train cufflinks feature a colored image of a train locomotive under flat glass with pure bronze metal parts. Available in four finishes including silver plated stainless steel, pure bronze, or sterling silver. Several other train designs available.

This store has a lifetime guarantee on all its products. Definitely a shop to check out if you are searching for cufflinks as they can make hundreds of travel and transportation related ones. See more at Oakmont Cufflinks .

Wooden Laser Location Cufflinks

These British Isles wooden cufflinks are laser etched with designs on a thin piece of British wood that is varnished and then attached to a metal bezel. Customers can choose whether they want a rhodium plated or silver plated bezel. Engraving can be added to the back of the earrings.

See more travel-related cuff links, jewelry, and accessories at Maria Allen Boutique .

Round Globe Cuff Links

These globe cuff links feature a small round blue and yellow novelty globe on rhodium plated steel. The small globes actually spin!

See more unique cufflinks designs from LBFeel on Amazon here .

Airplane Cuff Links

These airplane cuff links are handmade of sterling silver. Similar designs are available in 24K gold plated brass. Personal engraving possible.

Tomer makes a lot of high quality airplane and pilot themed jewelry and accessories, and you can check out more in his store here .

Personalized Map Cufflinks

These handcrafted custom map cufflinks are made using a small clear glass dome, vintage maps, and silver plated stainless steel backing. Maps can be customized to any map location. Two sizes available.

See more map related jewelry at the Bjeweled Vintage shop .

Bicycle Cufflinks

If you prefer to travel by bike rather than car, then these cufflinks might be for you. These sterling silver bicycle cufflinks are made of sterling silver and come in 3 finish options (sterling silver, yellow gold, or rose gold). The cufflinks can be engraved and personalized.

A perfect gift option for the well-dressed cyclist in your life! See a lot more metal cufflink designs at Personal Cufflinks .

Silver Country Coastline Cufflinks

This pair of silver Scotland cufflinks show off the coastline of Scotland, but can be customized with the coastline of any country you wish. They are made of sterling silver and hand pierced with positive and negative images of Scotland’s outline. Available in different finishes and can be created with other metals.

See more of Hannah’s coastline and skyline jewelry in her shop here .

Travel Inspired Jewelry: Other Travel Jewelry Pieces & Accessories

When thinking about jewelry, most of us think about earrings, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, and rings. But there are other pieces of jewelry and accessories that can also express one’s love for travel, whether it be anklets, tie clips, lapel pins, wristwatches, belt buckles, hair clips, hat pins, or belly button rings. Many of these are also well-suited for men as well as women.

Here are several pieces that fall outside the most common categories of travel jewelry to get you thinking about new ways to express your love for travel: 

Map Wristwatches

This map wristwatch is made with a Japan quartz movement timepiece with a glass dome and a leather band. Customers can choose from either a high-quality synthetic leather band or genuine leather band in over 10 colors for each watch design. The watch designs shown is the World Map design.

Both men and women’s watches are available. Carmen focuses on travel-related watch designs, and you can see more in her store Ayo Bijou . 

Belt Buckle

This handmade aluminum belt buckle is made using a dye process that fuses ink onto the surface of aluminum. Will fit onto a snap belt up to a width of 1 3/4 inch (4.4 cm). This one depicts a vintage map image of Cleveland, Ohio, but almost any map location, National Park, or trail map can be depicted on a belt buckle. Custom designs possible.

See more handmade map related belt buckles at Doreen’s store December Moon Design .

Compass Anklet

This dainty simple anklet features a small silver-plated compass pendant and a Korean silk cord. Anklet is adjustable and the cord comes in several colors.

See more anklets and other dainty jewelry at Kerry’s UK-based store Despicably Charming .

World Map Neck Tie

This map tie is a hand sewn tie made from a light blue cotton fabric with a world map design. The tie is made to standard size but can be made wider or more narrow by request. Also available as a bow tie.

See more neck ties and bow ties at VIVID Clothing Toronto .

Adventurer Shoelace Tags

Looking for a gift for the person who doesn’t wear much jewelry but loves hiking? These shoelace tags are made of pewter and the personalized wording and designs are hand stamped. You can customize them with any wording or icons. For example, of the ones pictured, the tags one says “Live Your Adventure” and the other depicts an evening mountain scene. They simply slide onto one’s shoelaces.

See more handstamped shoelace tags at Crystal and Kristin’s Nebraska-based store Hammer and Black .

Gold Airplane Hair Pins

This set of two hair pins features gold colored brass airplanes on gold bobby pins.The airplane portion measures about 1.5 inches in length and is mounted on a 2.16 inch (55mm) length bobby pin.

See more hair pin designs at Luxe Buffalo .

So that is our guide to jewelry for travelers, and hopefully we have helped you find the perfect piece of travel jewelry for yourself or for that special traveler in your life!

If you are looking for more gift ideas for travelers, check out our travel gift guide for over 75 gift ideas that are perfect for travelers. Ideas for every budget and type of traveler.

Think you’ll be buying travel jewelry in the future? Just PIN this article to Pinterest to save it so you can come back and read it again later:

Did any of these travel inspired jewelry items catch your eye? Do you own any travel jewelry pieces yourself, or have any tips for traveling with jewelry?

If you have any questions about any of these travel jewelry items, just ask us and we’re happy to share our thoughts or provide any advice.

**Disclosure: As noted earlier in this post, we received several complimentary items in order to review them for this post and some we received and then returned to the artists. Others were purchased by us or given to us. This article contains only our own honest thoughts and opinions. Check out our Ethical Code for more information about how we work. **

Share this Post!

There are 97 comments on this post.

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

Zadok Post author

June 29, 2022 at 11:43 pm

This is such a great list!! I Love the stuff you’ve picked!! Especially the Sterling Silver necklace!! Thanks for sharing!!

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

June 30, 2022 at 3:08 am

Glad you enjoyed our travel-inspired jewelry list, and thanks for taking the time to comment.

Best, Jessica

Priya Sharma Post author

August 3, 2020 at 4:26 am

My brother is a travel junkie and I am sure he will surely love many of these jewelry pieces. Will surely try adding them to his collection, and also share it with my friends and family as well.

August 3, 2020 at 11:42 am

Hi Priya, Glad you enjoyed our post and I am hope you find some lovely travel inspired jewelry to gift to your brother! Best, Jessica

Amanda Blake Post author

November 25, 2019 at 3:54 am

Great guide to so much travel themed jewelry, who knew there were so many options! I am wondering if you have any suggestions for anklets for a trendy young woman who loves to travel?

November 25, 2019 at 4:20 am

I would suggest something fairly simply like a nice chain with a compass, compass rose, globe, or airplane charm. For an anklet, especially if gifting, I’d recommend something made of either a fairly strong metal that doesn’t tarnish easily or a strong cord material as anklets can get a lot of wear and tear and are often more exposed to dirt/moisture than other types of jewelry. You can explore some options on Etsy here .

Hope that helps! Jessica

Luke Smith Post author

September 11, 2019 at 12:18 pm

I like how comprehensive this guide is because it enumerated the perfect jewelry for each type of travel. Since my best friend is a big fan of jewelry and traveler herself, she wanted to buy additional pieces for her growing collection. I think I need to share this list with her so that she can check what type of jewelry will she be buying to help her save time and resources.

September 13, 2019 at 1:18 am

Glad you are enjoying our travel jewelry guide! Yes, we’d love if you’d share with your best friend and it sounds like she buys a lot of jewelry!

Victoria Post author

June 10, 2019 at 7:44 am

LOVE this list of travel jewellery!! I just bought the world map globe locket necklace from your list as a gift and my mum and she loved it. Can’t wait to get some pieces for myself!

June 10, 2019 at 8:16 am

Hi Victoria, Glad you found our travel jewelry list helpful and so glad your mother loved the globe locket, it is a beautiful piece and a great way to store a special photo or image! Best, Jessica

Mariya Anikanova Post author

August 31, 2018 at 2:21 am

Many many thanks for sharing this great list of travel jewelry – gave me some good ideas!

August 31, 2018 at 3:15 am

You’re welcome Mariya, glad you enjoyed it!

Laurie Emerson Post author

October 26, 2016 at 8:05 pm

#1 I love the Alice in Wonderland Quote “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there Pendant. #2. Africa Necklace – I heart Africa necklace #3, Wanderlust Ring #4, Saint Christopher Pendant. #5. Travel Storage Wristlet

Kristina N. Post author

October 26, 2016 at 7:38 pm

The Travel Storage Wristlet is my favorite, Smart idea!

Vikki Billings Post author

October 26, 2016 at 6:15 pm

I love the Texas outline love necklace, its where the love of my life is living!

Jillian Too Post author

October 26, 2016 at 5:38 pm

I love the Luggage Necklaces and the Aluminum Map Bracelets. Thanks so much for taking the time to put this amazing list together. I’m going to keep coming back to this for gift ideas.

Lisa Vanhook Post author

October 25, 2016 at 7:27 pm

I love the Jewelry Travel Pouch but I would have to fill it with an assortment of your beautiful items. The bluebird necklace and world watch caught my eye the most…:)

KateS Post author

October 25, 2016 at 4:52 pm

The compass necklaces are my absolute favorites! They are adorable, make a great accessory plus they can be very useful when traveling!

Melissa Post author

October 24, 2016 at 5:43 am

i love the awesome Travel & Globe Pendant Necklaces! 🙂

Bilqees Bano Post author

October 23, 2016 at 9:29 pm

I really love World Traveler watch

Kristy Graboski Post author

October 23, 2016 at 8:43 am

I love the Anchor earrings! They would be perfect for our next cruise!

nicole bwoers Post author

October 22, 2016 at 10:39 pm

WOW! What great jewelry! This single working mama of 3 is always on the go and I really love the Map Wristwatch to help me Stay on Point!

Senna Kory Post author

October 22, 2016 at 8:36 pm

I love the world map rings and the sparrow necklace- so adorable!

Karen Propes Post author

October 22, 2016 at 5:43 pm

I love all the jewelry, so unique and beautiful. I put the Travel Storage Wristlet as my favorite because I think it’s so useful. I have MS and it’s hard to use my cane and carry a purse. This would be great, funny how many clothes I don’t have pockets on. Thanks for sharing all these fabulous pieces.

Nancy Post author

October 22, 2016 at 12:24 pm

I love the Wanderlust Ring, the World Map ring and the Wooden Vintage Travel Brooches.

LeAnn Harbert Post author

October 21, 2016 at 8:35 pm

I like the hot air balloon necklace the most.

Margaret S Porter Post author

October 21, 2016 at 5:33 pm

Love the camera earrings and the map watches

Grant D Post author

October 21, 2016 at 5:26 pm

I really like the travel watches, and the state shaped earings are really cool too.

Ahila Post author

October 19, 2016 at 6:10 am

Lovely list of travel themed jewellery!

Susan Chester Post author

October 18, 2016 at 5:53 pm

I am crazy about the Hot Air Balloon Locket!

Jamie Williams Post author

October 18, 2016 at 11:34 am

Another one of my favorite items is the wanderlust bracelet. So beautiful and unique.

Kelsey Post author

October 17, 2016 at 3:21 pm

I love the travel jewelry roll. It is so pretty and looks so helpful

kim s Post author

October 17, 2016 at 3:49 am

Since I’m from Texas I gotta say the Texas Outline Love Necklace is my favorite!! Thank you!

Laura Post author

October 16, 2016 at 10:51 pm

My favorite is the Handstamped Patina Blue Sparrow Necklace. I absolutely love it!

Pam H. Post author

October 16, 2016 at 4:11 pm

I like the Silk Jewelry Travel Roll, the Blue Sparrow Necklace, and the Custom Travel Photo Bracelet.

Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard Post author

October 16, 2016 at 3:40 pm

I love all the personalized bracelets!

Edye Post author

October 16, 2016 at 2:17 pm

I love the wanderlust wrap bracelet. So nice 🙂

Terry Poage Post author

October 16, 2016 at 1:03 pm

I love the Compass watch the most if I had a choice.

Kelly McGrew Post author

October 16, 2016 at 11:29 am

my favorite are the working compass necklaces! such a good idea as a decorative piece but also a survival tool!!

Bailey Dexter Post author

October 16, 2016 at 10:02 am

I have never seen the Travel Storage Wristlet Bracelets, LOVE IT! Perfect for stopping in little villages or just when you don’t want to carry a purse!

wendy browne Post author

October 16, 2016 at 7:32 am

This is such a comprehensive travel jewelry list, great for gift ideas. I like the Texas pendant best but I’m biased.

jenny stratton Post author

October 15, 2016 at 8:01 pm

I like the wooden I love UK necklace but want it for Ecuador. Ecuador is my favorite place to travel.

travelcats Post author

October 16, 2016 at 6:21 am

Hi Jenny, They can definitely customize that necklace for you to have a silhouette of Ecuador on it – just contact Bridget at Clouds and Currents and tell them before placing an order! You can also change the heart to another shape or add any extra wooden charm if you wish. It is great that most of these pieces are quite customizable! Best, Jessica

Holly Post author

October 15, 2016 at 4:03 pm

I like the Dublin Cufflinks.

Theresa C. Post author

October 15, 2016 at 3:58 pm

Love everything! But most of all the “Let’s Be Adventurers!” locket 🙂

October 15, 2016 at 1:56 pm

I loved the cheshire cat necklace. I’m a huge alice in Wonderland fan so that’s perfect.

Fiona N Post author

October 15, 2016 at 1:47 pm

I also love the World Traveler watch Thank You for this awesome review and giveaway

Stephanie LaPlante Post author

October 15, 2016 at 1:30 pm

I would love the Happiness is a Direction Compass Necklace

Anne Post author

October 15, 2016 at 10:22 am

What a lovely idea! Wearing your passion is a great way to make you feel good about yourself and your appearance.

Shane Post author

October 15, 2016 at 9:40 am

The watches are my favorite!

Jennifer H. Post author

October 15, 2016 at 7:30 am

I love the state necklace, coordinates necklace, St. Christopher medal. map wristwatch and the travel jewelry roll.

angie w Post author

October 15, 2016 at 7:24 am

There are lots of fun and interesting pieces featured here! I really like the pendants and the blue sparrow necklace 🙂

Julie Waldron Post author

October 15, 2016 at 7:08 am

My favorite is the Wanderlust wrap bracelet. So cute!

Corinne @ ReflectionsEnroute Post author

October 15, 2016 at 6:33 am

I really like that world map watch. I don’t really travel with jewelry but some of these pieces are gorgeous!

Kathy Clark Post author

October 15, 2016 at 5:10 am

I just love these pieces! I love long chains and oversized lockets and the world watches are ????????????

Anna Post author

October 15, 2016 at 12:46 am

Such a cool selection of jewelry items: all so unique and full of meaning! Travel Pendant Necklaces look absolutely awesome, dreamy, romantic and vintage! Thanks for sharing, got some new ideas!

Marlene V Post author

October 14, 2016 at 11:04 pm

I really like the Blue heart World Map Pendant

Tami Post author

October 14, 2016 at 6:59 pm

Two favorite? Wow that’s tough! How about the California State earrings, and the World Map Ring. Oh! But I also love the Custom coordinates globe necklace!

Wehaf Post author

October 14, 2016 at 6:24 pm

I love the hot air balloon locket – one of my good friends proposed to his wife on a hot-air balloon and ever since they’ve seemed pretty romantic to me. 🙂

October 15, 2016 at 5:51 am

Hi Wehaf, I definitely agree as my husband and I have taken 3 hot air balloon rides together 🙂 I’ve always loved the look and idea of hot air balloons and love them on this locket – the locket is one of my favorite items as you can add so much customization and make it truly unique and special. There are also some really nice hot air balloon earrings on Etsy as well! Jessica

Pamela Post author

October 14, 2016 at 6:14 pm

I love the Coordinates Necklace. It would make a unique gift and a conversation piece to wear!

Ruth Post author

October 14, 2016 at 5:37 pm

You killed me with this article! Looks like somebody is going to spend some money on jewelry (me! me!). I checked some of the products and I like that they are affordable. I can’t wait to get some of these!

October 15, 2016 at 5:49 am

Hi Ruth! Sorry to “force” you to spend some money but I think you’ll love some of these pieces. And yes, the jewelry we selected are a very good value for the price (in our opinion!) and many of these sell for under $20. Even our wedding rings were an excellent value and under $400 each. Let me know what you order, and feel free to message me if you have any questions about a specific piece! Best, Jessica

Dawn gordon Post author

October 14, 2016 at 5:25 pm

I love the mountain rings !!! The passport earrings !

Ashley Post author

October 14, 2016 at 5:03 pm

The World Map Watch is so awesome and interesting!! I would love matching ones for my husband & I!! We plan to travel the world one day together 🙂

Renee Rousseau Post author

October 14, 2016 at 4:13 pm

For myself, I love all the compass items available. For gifts, I really like the camera brooch and earrings for the camera lovers on my gift list.

Anisa Post author

October 14, 2016 at 3:10 pm

I love all these items, but my favorite is definitely the Texas Love necklace – so cute! Thanks so much for sharing.

October 14, 2016 at 3:49 pm

Hi Anisa, Haha, not surprising you traveling Texans like the Texas state necklace the best! ~ Jessica

Richard Brandt Post author

October 14, 2016 at 2:31 pm

I really like that compass watch.

October 14, 2016 at 3:02 pm

Hi Richard, Yes, Laurence really loves the compass watch and has been wearing it everyday! The only downside is that it is difficult to tell the exact time as it just had the compass directions for 12, 3, 6, and 9, but the in between hours/minutes can be a bit trickier. But Laurence still loves wearing it. If you want a watch for both a cool accessory and to tell exact time, I would choose one of Carmen’s designs with numbers. You can also message Carmen as she may be able to do a compass design with numbers or have other suggestions; she is always adding new designs. ~ Jessica

Upeksha Post author

October 14, 2016 at 1:04 pm

That’s a great collection. I think I like the World pendants the best. Thank you for sharing!

Anda Post author

October 14, 2016 at 12:43 pm

Oh, Jessica, I can tell you are really into traveling and you love showing it off. You have some beautiful stuff here, it looks very tempting. I particularly like the map bracelets, but I haven’t decided yet. Thanks for sharing this.

diana Post author

October 14, 2016 at 6:07 am

Wanderlust wrap bracelet

Daryl Post author

October 14, 2016 at 5:55 am

I love the Texas outline love necklace because that is where my girlfriend lives.

Samantha Scarlett Post author

October 14, 2016 at 5:45 am

I’m crazy for Mountain rings!

Natalie Post author

October 14, 2016 at 5:03 am

I LOVE both of the watches! I like the world traveler and the world map watch.

Christina G. Post author

October 14, 2016 at 3:00 am

I really love the passport earrings. They are so cute. Thanks for the giveaway!

October 14, 2016 at 11:36 am

You’re very welcome Christina! Those passport earrings are really cute 🙂

Rajeeva Post author

October 14, 2016 at 2:48 am

i love all the watches.

Marcella Gaskill Post author

October 13, 2016 at 10:57 pm

The travel pieces are lovely! So glad I found these and will definately consider when purchasing gifts! Thanks

Jenny Scheldberg Post author

October 13, 2016 at 8:08 pm

I love the Blue Sparrow Necklace. Also the Anchor Earrings! The Blue Heart necklace too.

MARTHAIA Post author

October 13, 2016 at 8:03 pm

World map rings are my pick.,

Lucille Jeanne Lanuza Post author

October 13, 2016 at 7:10 pm

I really like the coordinates necklace! It’s pretty!

shannon fowler Post author

October 13, 2016 at 1:59 pm

I really love the texas necklace because that is where I am from originally. All the pieces shown are amazing, and given my love of traveling I want many of them. They also would make great gifts for some of my family members.

Rosanne Post author

October 13, 2016 at 1:45 pm

I love the Travel Jewelry roll

Marty Post author

I love the stuff you picked so much! This jewelry is a lot of fun, I am actually wearing a silver cuff with a map of the New York City subway system right now and I think I get more questions and compliments about it from strangers on the streetcar or at the grocery store than with anything else I ever wear. Travel jewelry is a great conversation starter.

October 14, 2016 at 11:35 am

Hi Marty – Yes, it is! Laurence has been wearing a few pieces as have I during our recent 6 weeks of travels and people often comment. A NYC subway map bracelet is a great idea as well – I think Doreen at Decemeber Moon Designs makes those on Etsy! Jessica

Katt Lewis Post author

October 13, 2016 at 5:11 am

I think the heart shaped world is the best and would be great if it were a set with earrings, necklace and bracelet or charm for bracelet.

October 13, 2016 at 7:32 am

Hi Katt, Yes, that is a nice pendant. Perfect for daily wear or even a wedding! Since the blue heart shaped world is a pendant you could buy multiple pendants and easily convert them into earrings, necklace, and a bracelet. You can also contact Kristen to see if she could do a custom order for you if you’d like the pieces made for you. Best, Jessica

Kyra Post author

October 13, 2016 at 2:52 am

Such a nice article! Carefully selected, I love travel jewelry and you did a wonderful job picking these pieces! Thank you 🙂

Amy Post author

October 12, 2016 at 7:30 am

I want all of these things!

Meredith Post author

October 10, 2016 at 4:51 pm

Wow – love the round up of all the great travel-related items! I’m always amazed at all of the different things people can come up with. Thanks for sharing some great ideas!

October 11, 2016 at 6:43 pm

Hi Meredith, Glad you loved so many of the travel jewelry items! Hope they got your thinking about some great holiday wish-list or gift ideas 😉 ~ Jessica

November 16, 2016 at 11:18 am

This list was great for holiday gift ideas! Always good to get ahead on that as well 🙂

Also received my package this week = very exciting package! Love the gypsy wrap-bracelet particularly 🙂 Now off to Etsy to leave feedback there for great products.

November 16, 2016 at 11:45 am

Hi Meredith, It was my pleasure and I am so happy you won these great items and are loving them! We love promoting the artists on Etsy and I am sure they will greatly appreciate any support/feedback/sales you send their way! Definitely some great holiday gift ideas here for travelers, a few of these pieces are definitely going to be gifts for our own loved ones. Jessica

Seana Turner Post author

October 10, 2016 at 4:14 am

I got the cuff links for my husband a couple of years ago because I thought they were so neat. I like the state outline idea, but I have to say that CT doesn’t have a very interesting state. Sort of makes me want to be from Texas:) The wristlet is something totally new to me – that is a great idea!

October 11, 2016 at 6:42 pm

Hi Seana, Yes, Laurence loves his map cufflinks as well as the UK ones! Yes, some states definitely have better outlines (thinking Texas, Ohio, Florida…) haha. The wristlet is definitely a great idea for those who want to go handsfree and don’t need many items! ~ Jessica

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of replies to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!)

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips

We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. To do this, we store the data as outlined in our privacy policy . Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above.

All your travels. One place.

Item added to your cart

What is el camino.

ca·mi·no - {noun} - way · route · bypath · road· path · track · trail

Everyone's El Camino bracelet and necklace is unique. It's a representation of the path you've travelled or dream of travelling around the world.

A glimpse at your El Camino can tell 1000 stories...

We love travelling, we know how addictive it can be and that's why we started El Camino. Each country you've visited is an accomplishment and the country's name becomes more than just a name to you but a memory of everything you experienced there. Your El Camino is a way to keep track of the countries you have travelled to or dream of travelling to in future. It's a reminder to you, your friends and people you meet along the way of the memories you've created all over the world .

Quality products:  We take pride in everything we produce here at El Camino HQ. That's why we only use the finest materials for all of our products. From the high strength cord used to make the bracelets and necklaces to the glass Region, Ocean and Sea Steps, which are all handmade in England. Hand polished surgical grade stainless steel is used to make the clasps, Country Steps, Small Steps, Custom Steps and Adventure Steps. Our spacers are all made from sustainably sourced woods and coconut.

Go to the Store , or for more information visit our Getting Started section.

You don't want to miss this!

Save 5% when you spend £50 with discount code Travel5. Save 10% when you spend £100 with discount code Travel10 . Save 15% when you spend £150 with discount code Travel15.

Free Shipping Available (min. spend)

Handmade in the UK

Easy Returns and Exchanges

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Opens in a new window.

Best Travel Memory Bracelets For Travellers | Travel Bracelets & Jewellery

One of my favourite souvenirs that I always pick up on my trips, is what I like to call my ‘travel bracelets’!  They are often cheap, come in a whole range of different colours and you don’t need to worry about needing to have space in your luggage because you just chuck them on your arm.  Problem solved!

Disclosure: Please note some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking. I am also part of the Pura Vida Rep programme where I receive a small commission for every sale that uses my Pura Vida coupon code.

Once they make ‘the arm’, I rarely take them off, they have to withstand the sea, swimming pools, baths etc and to be honest, a lot of them don’t stand the test of time. They end up snapping or just look manky. Apart from three. My El Camino travel memory bracelet, Life Less Ordinary coordinates bracelet and my Pura Vida bracelets! 

At the bottom of the post I share my Pura Vida coupon code to receive 20% off their travel bracelets, so keep reading!

El Camino | Life Less Ordinary | Pura Vida

Travel Bracelets

El Camino travel memory bracelets definitely aren’t a cheap option. In fact I think my whole bracelet is currently worth £100/$140 which is EXPENSIVE, especially for me who doesn’t really ‘do’ jewellery!  

BUT it’s one tough cookie , I wear it through all my crazy sports and it’s solid, nothing is going to break it! On the El Camino website, is states that the cords they use have a breaking strain of 34kg . Putting this into perspective, most airlines will give you a checked suitcase allowance of 23kg…it can hold MORE than the weight of a full suitcase!!!

I have quite small wrists and I liked the way you can pick the size of the bracelet . They say not to measure too close to your wrist as you have to leave room for the size of the beads. Mine is 18cm and completely filled with beads.  

If you plan on wearing it a lot, I’d suggest getting a darker colour too . I first had the turquoise double loop one and it got a bit grubby after a while so I switched to a single loop black (I found the single loop more comfortable too).

Then comes the fun part! You can choose Country Steps which are exactly what they say on the tin, they are stainless steel beads engraved with the country name.

There are Small Steps , which are slightly smaller in size to the Country Steps and are engraved with cities, regions, major attractions. You can then make custom steps which are engraved with whatever you want!

To finish it off, there are a range of Region Steps which are coloured glass beads .  They started as continents but now include areas such as the Caribbean (light green) and Scandinavia (plum). 

Their latest addition is Ocean Beads which have a bit of a wave design on them, again different colours represent different oceans!

I separate every step with one of the Spacers.  I have a mix of dark wood spacers and coconut spacers but you can also get light wood ones.

I don’t have every country I’ve visited, my wrist isn’t big enough so I picked ones that mean something. Including all the Steps and Spacers, my 18cm bracelet holds 31 beads . Here’s a look at what I have on my travel bracelet and a memory from each ‘Step’ as to why I picked it! (I filled up my bracelet at the end of 2015 so I have none of my travels represented from 2016 until present):

Country Steps

Portugal, Gibraltar, Latvia, Jamaica, Slovenia, Australia, Costa Rica, Maldives, Iceland

Small Steps

Hawaii, Cornwall

Custom Steps

“Route 66 – 2868 Miles”, “Erg Chebbi – Sahara Desert”

Region Steps

Europe (Dark Green) – My home, North America (Red) – Where I lived for 4yrs

I have the Region Steps on either end, with all the Country Steps squished in the middle, so it’s the travel bracelet version of ‘Between England and Iowa’!!

Life Less Ordinary Coordinate Bracelets

One of my latest editions is the Life Less Ordinary coordinates bracelet ! They reached out to me and gave me a bracelet in return for my review. I opted to have the coordinates of my home town engraved on the bracelet but the possibilities are literally endless!

I loved the way you can choice the colour of the band too. As you can see, it fits in perfectly with the style of travel bracelets that I love wearing! You can read my whole review about the company and the bracelets here:  Life Less Ordinary Coordinates Bracelet: Ethical Travel Jewellery!

They have since expanded the range to include What3Word bracelets and eco friendly travel accessories made from cork!

Pura Vida Bracelets

(You’re almost at the Pura Vida coupon code!)

As you can see from above, Costa Rica made the cut of one of my stand out travel memories.  Pura Vida is a Spanish saying which translated means ‘Pure Life’. It’s a lifestyle choice that makes up a big chunk of Costa Rican culture.  

They are laid back and enjoy and appreciate the little things in life.  I stayed on a beach , in a shelter that had no walls, let alone electricity and was definitely living the Pura Vida lifestyle!

Pura Vida Bracelets started when two Americans, that were travelling in Costa Rica, met two local bracelet makers/artists and started a partnership to bulk sell their bracelets. They now have bracelet makers/artists from all around the world.

Supporting Charities

As well as their ‘original’ bracelets and jewellery that come in a whole range of colours and styles, they now have ‘ Charity Bracelets ‘. These are in the same style as the original bracelets but there are certain colour combinations that represent over 174 different charities.  

The bracelets cost the same as the originals but 10% from each bracelet then goes to that particular charity.  There are a huge representation of different causes from various cancer charities to saving dolphins to anxiety awareness to ‘random acts of kindness’ (which looks very much like the whole ‘ Orange Frog ‘ thing)!

I have 3 individual bracelets, that just like my El Camino travel memory bracelet, I have been wearing for years. Each bracelet has around 8 ‘strings’ so it looks like a lot more than 3! I chose bracelets that were all kinda similar in colour, lots of blues, purples and pinks. There are ready made ‘packs’ that you can buy that pairs 3 to 7 bracelets of different styles and colours that work really well together.

They now have several different travel themed charms, such as: anchors (I’m looking at you, cruise fans!), arrows, waves, yoga symbols, suns, pineapples, caravans etc!  My most recent addition is the black wave charm bracelet . The sea is my happy place!  I also have an anklet too.

They work great as travel bracelets because they are wax coated and waterproof so are tough and can stand up to salt water and chlorine abuse!  If the colour has faded at all, I can’t tell.  I’ve had maybe 2 of the individual strings break, I just cut them off and they still look exactly the same.  And they really aren’t that expensive!

Other Travel Related Products on my Wrist!

(Disclosure: Some of the following links are Amazon affiliate links)

Garmin Instinct 2

I have since upgraded to a Garmin Instinct 2 fitness tracker. It is waterproof, has dual timezone clock faces and tracks a whole bunch of sports and different health options. The watch also has a 3 week battery life which is a lot more that many other fitness trackers on the market.

Baby G Watch

I’d be lost without my watch, so much so I wrote a whole post on why they are such great watches for travel !  The biggest reasons being that the Baby G watches are waterproof and have a dual time zone function which is really handy for flicking between timezones quickly!

St Christopher – Patron Saint of Travel

Mine had a boat, car, a truck and a plane on the reverse but unfortunately after wearing it for years the chain snapped and I never got round to replacing it!

Mayrhofen Friendship Bracelets

This isn’t one that I wear all the time, but I absolutely loved the idea that this Austrian tourist board came up with! If you went into the Mayrhofen Tourist Information Centre, you can pick up a pack of friendship bracelets for free. 

The pack contained 2 bracelets .  One for you and then a 2nd that you could tie to another bracelet on special sculptures found in the Zillertal Valley ! One side of the bracelet had the destination’s hashtag and the otherside had various flags, mainly from European countries where the majority of the visitors to the area are from (think Germany, France, Switzerland etc).

BuzzOff Mosquito Repellent Bracelet

I’ve also started wearing a BuzzOff Mosquito Repellent Bracelet. I’m not really sure how affective it is, but it’s very ‘me’ so wasn’t a complete fail! I found it in a souvenir shop in Turks and Caicos ! It came with a teenie tiny spray bottle of cintronella oil which you spray on a little cork bead. 

I was only travelling with hand luggage and so the spray was a perfect size to squeeze in to an already full liquids bag! I only keep the bead ‘oiled’ in the summer, the rest of the time I just wear it as a bracelet. I like that it does have a second function though!

What travel jewellery do you wear?  Do you have a travel memory bracelet?

My travels have taken me to over 40 countries worldwide (& I lived in USA for 4yrs). I hold a BTEC National Diploma in Travel & Tourism (triple distinction) and have been writing on Between England & Everywhere since 2015.

Expert in : Adventure travel 🎢 , beach destinations 🏖️ , and packing light (mid-budget backpacker) 🎒

Inspired by these travel memory bracelets? Pin It For Later!

Last Updated on March 8, 2024

I love the El Camino bracelets – I have a red one from back in the old days when they did a lot more colours. I’ve wanted a Baby G since I was about eleven so I think it might be time to go and do some reading and ordering. Thanks for reminding me that they still exist.

Yeah I bought one very early on! Yay!!! Did you see my post from a week ago where I actually reviewed my Baby G watch in detail?!

Hi I love the colors of the pura Vida ones you have in your photo! Is there any chance you remember the names? Especially the first one that looks beige/pink and middle blue/grey? 🙂 thanks!

I found the receipt in my email box! The first one was Berry Cute and the middle was Aquamarine Daydream!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from between england & everywhere.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Your cart is empty

Click below to start your collection!

EASY RETURNS | Free shipping on ORDERS $50+

We offer a deluxe matte box for Wanderchains as well as a silky blue pouch for Travel Tokens. Both come inside of a navy blue gift bag for a beautiful presentation. ✨

*Gift Packaging is only available for Tokens and Token Holders

*Wanderchain sold separately

Add a Monogram to the Back +$12

Personalize Back of the Token? +$6

Add Date to Token Back? +$5

Edit Monogram

Edit personalization.

We don’t have that token but you can make your own with our Custom Tokens!

How It Works

Keep your travel memories alive by collecting tokens for all the places you've been.

Handmade in the USA, our holders are the perfect way to keep your travels in one place.

Every order placed feeds a child in need through our non-profit partner, Rice Bowls!

Best Sellers

Country Tokens

MLB Stadium Tokens

Landmark Tokens

US State Tokens

US National Park Tokens

Custom Tokens

Brown Wanderchain

Baseball Glove Wanderchain

Chestnut Wanderchain

My life goal is to get to all 63 National Parks by my 63rd birthday. These National Park Tokens are such a treasure! They remind me of all the memories I’ve made on my past trips and keep my mind on my goals for the future!

The colors are vibrant and it’s wonderful that you can add the date on the back. Very easy to identify the country at a glance. I HIGHLY recommend these tokens to memorialize your travels.

I bought the keychain with the Country Tokens and had the years engraved on the back of each. He abolutely LOVES it. He's showed it to everyone and has said countless times how much he appreciates it.

I ordered all my Country and State Tokens. They are so beautiful. I also got a Lavender Token Holder with my initials on it. Super good quality - I will be buying again!

I have always loved getting a small souvenir with the names of the places I visit. Now I can take my Tokens with my wherever I go!

This has been an enjoyable way of reminiscing and it brings just as much joy helping the children all over the world. I also baught this as a gift and I have gotten many compliments! Thanks for this great idea and bringing the world closer, Wander Club!

YOU  love to travel and what brings you the greatest joy is hiking, flying, driving, learning, eating, getting lost, and making amazing memories! WE  handcraft high-quality, lifelong keepsakes to help you and your travel buddies celebrate those memories. TOGETHER  we can change the world by fighting hunger with every order placed. Come wander with us!

Customer Reviews

Finally took the plunge and ordered a Wander Club key ring and tokens after years of seeing ads on Instagram. The new token designs are what won me over. The craftsmanship is fantastic, the box it comes in is such a nice touch and I love that the purchases benefit Rice Bowls. I bought this after my third visit to Germany to visit my late father's dear friends. Only have four tokens on it now, but I look forward to adding more in the years to come.

I love to travel & I love these tokens. I even had to get a second ring for my state ones because I have just been to so many places. So excited to keep collecting these on our future travels. 🌎

We bought two for our son and his wife because they enjoy traveling. I can’t wait for Christmas!

I ordered country and state tokens. They are all beautiful. I also ordered the lavender token holder with my initials on it. Very good quality. I will be buying more.

I have collected tokens for years now. I REALLY love the new ones that come in color. I collect country tokens and have collected 28 thus far.

I have started my grand daughters’ collection of states. They love them!

I have also influenced friends and family to start collecting the tokens as well.

The holders (key chain) is of HIGH QUALITY. I have nothing negative to say.

Keep up the awesome service and choice selections.

Smile, Tanya

Within the last 3 years, I have created a life goal for myself. My life goal is to get to all 63 National Parks by my 63rd birthday. These updated National Park tokens are such a treasure! They remind me of all the memories I’ve made on my past trips and keep my mind on my goals for the future!

I bought the key chain with the country tokens. I also had the years engraved on the back. He absolutely loves it. It shows it to everyone and has said countless times how much he likes it.

This has been an enjoyable way of reminiscing the wonderful times traveling and it brings just as much joy helping the children all over the world. I also baught this as a gift and I have gotten many compliments! Thank you for this great idea of sharing and bringing the world closer Wander Club!

I love collecting the flag tokens from each country I’ve visited, and the legacy tokens from each US state I’ve been to….I need another holder before I travel again!! I’ve enjoyed putting this together so much that I got a gift certificate for a friend who also loves to travel!

I’ve always loved the wander club tokens but the new design is AMAZING! It’s so much easier to add the token to the key ring. The colors are vibrant and it’s wonderful that you can add the date on the back. That’s because size is larger which makes it the perfect gift. Very easy to identify the country at a glance. I HIGHLY recommend these tokens to memorialize your travels

I just recently started to travel and I love having this keychains as a reminder of all of my travels. When ppl see my keychains they love it! I look for to traveling more and adding to my keychain

Beautiful tokens, good quality and excellent service, I received all in time.

• Translation missing: en.accessibility.refresh_page

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

R&K Insider

Join our newsletter to get exclusives on where our correspondents travel, what they eat, where they stay. Free to sign up.

A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

• Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

Read Next: Things To Do on Socotra

To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

How to Get a Decent Haircut in a Foreign Country

Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Travel Itinerary for One Week in Beijing

If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

How I Planned My Trip to Vietnam

The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

Places to Visit in Barcelona That Aren’t Beaches

First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

20 Travel Tips I’ve Learned From Travelling The World

There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

12 Stunning National Parks and Regional Parks In France

If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

How To Stop Procrastinating When Trip Planning

Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

Two Weeks In Thailand: The Perfect 14-Day Itinerary

I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

You Will Also Like: 3-Day London Itinerary

Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

How to Save Money While Traveling in Europe

The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

JOIN MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER!

Email Address *

YOU WILL ALSO LIKE

10 Dishes You Must Try When Going To Moscow

15 Fantastic and Easy Day Trips Close to Moscow

When Is the Best Time To Visit Russia

24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

My website uses cookies so that I can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to my website and helping me to understand which sections of Mind The Travel you find most interesting and useful.

You can adjust all of your cookie settings by navigating the tabs on the left hand side.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that I can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, I will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit my website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Today's Digital Daily

site categories

Parent item expand the sub menu, frasers group buys back matches’ ip, l’occitane plans to go private, adam scott on being a ‘diverse facial hair styler’ and grooming, hermès bucks luxury slowdown as jewelry, home and leather goods flourish.

The company remains confident in China and the U.S. as first-quarter sales gain 17 percent, with jewelry and home growing fastest in the period.

Watches, Jewelry and Fashion Editor

• Share this article on Facebook
• Share this article on X
• Share this article on Flipboard
• Share this article on Pin It
• Share this article on Tumblr
• Share this article on Reddit
• Share this article on LinkedIn
• Share this article on WhatsApp
• Share this article on Email
• Print this article
• Share this article on Talk

Loyal local consumers and leather goods are helping Hermès buck the global slowdown in luxury spend, even as aspirational Chinese consumers are retreating.

The French luxury firm trotted ahead of its rivals in the first quarter, with sales up 17 percent at constant exchange rates to 3.81 billion euros.

Related Articles

Hermès to open a third freestanding store in new jersey this week, wwd's seven best timepieces from watches and wonders 2024.

While the rest of Asia recorded an overall 13.9 percent increase, the company noted softer traffic in Greater China following the Lunar New Year.

“But this doesn’t have any repercussions on our numbers since it was offset by an increase in the average basket purchases,” du Halgouët said in response to an analyst’s question. He later added that the “slight drop” in footfall had affected the aspirational demographic in China.

For Bernstein luxury goods analyst Luca Solca, “it does raise the question whether the non-leather goods métiers, which are more exposed to the middle class, can keep up the pace, as Hermès increases both leather goods volumes and prices,” he wrote in a research note.

Du Halgouët said the 12 percent increase in sales in the Americas included a 7 percent increase in prices. “It is lower than the average increases of 8 [to] 9 percent and that’s due to the value of the dollar, so the volume effect is all the more important when you compare this overall growth and remove the price increase,” he said.

“The U.S. is a market where we have full confidence for the midterm,” he said, noting the company would nonetheless be prudent in the second half of the year due to the upcoming presidential election.

He described the footfall in the U.S. as stable, with stores on the East and West Coast “doing really well,” while fewer visitors to Hawaii dragged on numbers.

Another sign of the company’s continued confidence in both China and the U.S. is that most store openings will be concentrated in those territories, he added. Its 41st store in the U.S. opened in Princeton, N.J., on Wednesday. 

Chinese clients were also shopping in Europe and France in the first quarter. “In Europe, it’s mainly local clients but our export clients [cohort] is made up in the same way as first-quarter 2023,” said du Halgouët, with a mix coming from Greater China, South Asia, Middle East and the Americas.

Separately on Thursday, Hermès revealed the opening of a second store in Mumbai’s Jio World Plaza , its third boutique in India.

Hermès executive chairman Axel Dumas said the figures reflected “the loyalty of our clients worldwide, the strength of the group’s artisanal model and the desirability of our creations in a more complex environment.”

Noting Hermès had beat consensus estimates of 13.9 percent growth in the quarter, Solca said the company benefited from “a significantly deeper price increase reservoir, as it has been lagging competitor price increases out of the pandemic.”

Despite this, Hermès shares dipped 2.4 percent on the Paris Bourse on Thursday.

After release of the results, Barclays analyst Carole Madjo wrote that “the comments around the weakness of the Chinese aspirational shoppers was a bit of a new theme and contrasted with the comments of LVMH that was not seeing any particular difference in China by cohort as stated in their [first-quarter] sales update.”

Growing fastest in the quarter was the “other Hermès sectors,” which include jewelry and home products that recorded a 24.5 percent leap in sales.

Jewelry benefited from an increase in volumes and value, according to du Halgouët, both for small to medium pieces as well as the high jewelry segment.

“There is one métier where we have a strong value effect and that is jewel-making,” he said. “And that helped us offset in China, this slight drop in volumes, so we continue to invest in jewelry.”

The maker of Kelly and Birkin bags saw sales in its core leather goods and saddlery business grow 20.3 percent. The company plans to boost its production with four additional leather goods workshops by 2027, including one coming on stream this year.

“But we can’t extrapolate that for the whole year for a simple reason: the Chinese New Year is always a peak in leather goods demand and that’s the five extra points that goes above our annual target,” set at 15 percent, du Halgouët said in response to an analyst’s question.

Asked about inventory levels, he said they were relatively homogenous across regions, with a dip in Greater China post-Chinese New Year celebrations, with deliveries planned to make up for this. “There is no overstocking, there is no scarcity either,” he added.

Ready-to-wear revenues gained 15.9 percent, while beauty rose 4.3 percent.

The launch of the Hermès Cut at the Watches and Wonders fair and in stores in April was part of that strategy.

Compagnie Financière Richemont will be the next luxury player to present its figures, with full year for the 2024 financial year coming May 17.

Sign up for WWD news straight to your inbox every day

Ethan Hawke, Maya Hawke & Laura Linney Talk ‘Wildcat’

WWD and Women's Wear Daily are part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Fairchild Publishing, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Fashion Expand fashion menu

• Fashion Trends
• Fashion Features
• Fashion Scoops
• Designer & Luxury
• Ready-To-Wear
• Accessories

Business Expand business menu

• Government & Trade
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Marketing & Promotion
• Human Resources
• Business Features
• Real Estate

Beauty Expand beauty menu

• Beauty Features

Men's Expand mens menu

• Mens Accessories
• Mens Clothing Furnishings
• Mens Designer Luxury
• Mens Lifestyle
• Mens Retail Business
• Mens Sportswear
• Mens Fashion

Runway Expand runway menu

• Men’s Fall 2024
• Pre-Fall 2024
• Spring Ready-to-Wear 2024
• Fall Couture 2023
• Resort 2024

Denim Expand denim menu

Sustainability expand sustainability menu.

• Environment
• Social Impact

Home/Design Expand home-design menu

• Interior Design
• Architecture

WWD Weekend Expand wwd-weekend menu

Events expand events menu, eye expand eye menu.

• Celebrity Real Estate

Shop Expand shop menu

More expand more menu.

• Fairchild Live
• RetailRx Community

Verify it's you

Please log in.

Insider Q&A: Avelo Airlines CEO Andrew Levy describes the challenges of starting a new carrier

It’s not easy to break into the U.S. airline industry, which is dominated by four big carriers and a sprinkling of other niche players, but that didn’t scare away Andrew Levy.

Neither did a pandemic that briefly caused air travel to plummet more than 90%.

In April 2021, while COVID-19 still raged and billions of dollars from taxpayers were propping up big airlines, Levy launched Avelo Airlines with flights between Burbank, California, and Las Vegas.

The airline saves money by flying older Boeing 737 jets that can be bought at relatively low prices. It operates out of less-crowded and less-costly secondary airports, and flies routes that are ignored by the big airlines.

Levy was involved in the launch of ValuJet, which became Allegiant Air, and he also did a stint as the chief financial officer of United Airlines before starting Avelo (it rhymes with yellow).

He spoke with The Associated Press about the challenges of starting a new airline, how the carrier is doing, and plans to sell shares to the public. The answers were edited for length and clarity.

Q: Why did you think you should start a new airline?

A: Shortly after I left Allegiant in 2014, I actually started thinking about about doing this. The market had become very consolidated, and there was a lot of opportunity that was out there that wasn’t being served by the existing, incumbent carriers. You have these four behemoths that are massive, that are protected by the government it seems, because certainly they’re stronger than they have ever been, after the pandemic. My view was we had room for more.

Q: What have you learned?

A: While there are these four behemoths, the toughest challenge, quite honestly, might even be the regulatory regime. For smaller companies like ours, it imposes these really substantial burdens on us. I’ll give you an example. For the (Department of Justice) lawsuit (against) JetBlue and Spirit, we had to go spend a ton of money on our end to produce documents for something that we really didn’t care how it ended up. And they’re trying to get us to do the same thing for Alaska-Hawaiian, which again, we could care less if Alaska and Hawaiian merge.

Q: How do you get people to fly on a new airline?

A: Number one, you have an awareness issue. You want people to know that you exist. So that’s one challenge, which is more of a marketing challenge. The other challenge is of course getting people to trust you. Like, ‘Who are these people? Are they going to really get me there? What’s the airplane going to look like? Is it safe? Is it reliable? What happens if something goes wrong?’ All those questions that most consumers may have when they think about choosing an airline that perhaps they’re unfamiliar with. You just have to focus on doing a really great job. Obviously not every flight is on time, but as time goes on I think people recognize that, hey, you know what? These guys offer a lot of value. We offer great convenience.

Q: Where does the name, Avelo, come from?

A: There’s no great story there. I wish I could tell you it was. It was a play on two words: velocity, which is swift in Latin, and convenience.

Q: Avelo reported a profit for fourth quarter 2023 but gave no details. Was that on a GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) basis? And how much was it?

A: We actually have cash that generates interest income nowadays. Those are GAAP numbers where we have audited financials from Ernst & Young. These are real numbers with no adjustments or anything else. I’m not going to give you the numbers because we are a private company and so we have no real need to provide that kind of information. I’ll tell you that we made money in the first quarter as well.

Q: You've talked about your cost advantage as a startup. Is that sustainable?

A: Most costs creep up over time for every airline because our labor costs are tied to pay scales, but it is very sustainable. It’s based on how we designed the business. We distribute our product directly to the customer so we don’t use third-party intermediaries. We go in to smaller, more convenient, less-expensive airports. Your taxi times are lower; you’re not burning gas. We spend money on things that matter, and that includes our people. Our pilot pay is very competitive. It’s not the same as United Airlines, but it’s extremely competitive. We operate older equipment also — midlife (Boeing) 737 NGs, and those are certainly less expensive than brand-new aircraft. They burn a little bit more gas, but not much, and we like that trade.

Q: Do you plan to sell stock to the public, and when?

There’s obviously two issues. The single biggest one is one we don’t control, which is when are the IPO markets going to be actually open and vibrant, and they’re not right now. Beyond that, we have to be ready as a company. We put two straight quarters of profits ... so we expect every quarter this year to be profitable. We hope that we’ll have a company that people would want to own, and hopefully by year end or sometime next year. There’s no magic to being public for us. It’s just that historically that is typically the best way to access the capital markets for companies like ours. It is a very capital-intensive industry.

Q: What advice would you give to somebody else looking to start a business?

A: There’s nothing more rewarding than taking control of of your destiny. Just make sure you know what you think you know about whatever it is you’re going to start. I think you have to be wired a certain way to want to do something like this because it’s unbelievably difficult. I’ve been at this now for almost six years. When we get to a certain point, I’ll look back and feel really good about what we’ve done. We’re not there yet, but we’re getting close.

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

'Conan O'Brien Must Go' is side-splitting evidence of life beyond late night TV

Eric Deggans

Conan O'Brien dresses as a Viking in Norway. Conaco/Max hide caption

Conan O'Brien dresses as a Viking in Norway.

To be honest, when I first heard Conan O'Brien was ending his TV talk show in 2021, I assumed news that he might turn to variety shows and online programs to continue his career was some combination of face-saving and wishful thinking.

But after watching the four episodes of his new Max series Conan O'Brien Must Go , it's now obvious — even to a thickheaded critic like me — that leaving late night TV really was liberating for O'Brien. He's leveraged his unique sensibility into several different podcasts, a deal with Sirius XM , specials featuring other stand-up comics and now this travel series for Max — which resembles jokey specials he did for cable channel TBS back in the day.

And as the late night TV genre crumbles under sagging viewership and the decline of traditional media, O'Brien's renaissance also provides an example for the future — where fertile comedy minds and talented performers can spread their work over a much larger canvas.

Pop Culture Happy Hour

Is conan o'brien the best 'hot ones' guest ever discuss., learning a lesson from 'hot ones'.

O'Brien already made a splash recently with his brilliantly maniacal appearance on the interview-while-eating-hot-wings show Hot Ones , slobbering over hot sauces while claiming, as he was checked over by a fake doctor, that "I'm fine! I'm perfectly f*****g fine!"

This is the place where O'Brien shines — he's called it "this strange phantom intersection between smart and stupid" — and it's on full, freakish, super silly display in every episode of Conan O'Brien Must Go .

The conceit of the show is pretty simple. O'Brien heads overseas to visit average folks in Norway, Argentina, Thailand and Ireland who had once Zoomed in to speak with him on the podcast Conan O'Brien Needs a Fan . Sometimes the visits seem like a surprise — he catches one aspiring Norwegian rapper in shorts and Crocs after popping up on his doorstep — and others seem a bit more planned, including his visit to a radio show with about four listeners in Buenos Aires.

Each episode begins with a solemn monologue which sounds like it is delivered by the film world's most eccentric voice, German filmmaker and actor Werner Herzog (he's not credited in the show and when asked, a publicist at Max shared a quote from O'Brien: "I can neither confirm nor deny the voice in question.")

The torturous accent by "Herzog" makes every line sound absurdly hilarious, describing O'Brien as "the defiler ... with dull, tiny eyes ... the eyes of a crudely painted doll ... he scavenges in distant lands, uninvited, fueled by a bottomless hunger for recognition and the occasional selfie."

Now that's smart. And oh so stupid.

A funhouse mirror version of a travel show

O'Brien performs onstage with a fan in Norway Conaco/Max hide caption

O'Brien performs onstage with a fan in Norway

Fans of O'Brien's Conan Without Borders specials on TBS already know what his style is when he tackles a travel show — throwing himself into outrageous reactions and situations while working his quirky brand of improvised conversations with hapless bystanders.

In the Max series Conan O'Brien Must Go , that includes O'Brien offering screechy vocals onstage during a performance of a Norwegian emo/rap band. Or asking provocative questions of a couple therapist/sex expert. Or getting beat up in a "fight" with a 10-year-old boy in a bar.

It's all an excuse for O'Brien to unleash his energetic wit, taste for silly absurdity and skill at drawing laughs from sympathetic — if often befuddled — strangers. Whether you enjoy this special will depend on how you feel about O'Brien's style, which can feel a bit like the world's best class clown doing everything possible to make you crack a smile.

(Rent a family in Norway so they can say goodbye when he gets on a SeaCraft? Check. Get local artists to paint a mural of O'Brien, a soccer star and The Pope on the side of a building in Argentina? Double check.)

'Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend' Is A Joke Name For A Podcast — Sort Of

But what amazes in a larger sense is how O'Brien has turned his sensibility into a comedy brand to fuel work on many different platforms. And, at age 60, with more than 30 years as a comedy star, he's been released from the shackles of any genre to shine wherever he chooses — whether it's an episode of Hot Ones or a streaming service which sometimes looks like a collision between True Detective and 90 Day Fiancé .

Leaving late night TV as late night left him

I'm old enough that I started covering TV not long after O'Brien made his first move from the shadows of life as a comedy writer – he worked on Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons — to succeed David Letterman in 1993 as host of NBC's show Late Night (now hosted by Seth Meyers). Back then, NBC gave O'Brien years to figure out the show, honing his smartly serious comedy in a way that would inspire then-teenage fans like Seth Rogen and Bill Hader .

O'Brien left NBC after a disastrous deal where the network tried to make him host of its venerated late night program The Tonight Show and also keep its former host Jay Leno at the network. He moved to a late night show on TBS in 2010, but even then, there was a sense that his creativity was a bit hemmed in by the format.

After 28 Quirky Years, Conan O'Brien Is Leaving Late Night

By the time he left his TBS show Conan for good, it seemed O'Brien was already caught in a trend which would hobble other late night shows — as young viewers consumed his content online and ratings on cable dropped.

Now, with a podcast and digital media company worth many millions and growing status as a TV comedy legend still willing to do almost anything for a laugh, O'Brien is proving there is a successful life beyond late night.

Particularly, if you have the talent to play the fool while leaving little doubt you're also the smartest person in the room.