So you need a vacation, but you’re low on inspiration and even lower on PTO. We get it. With everything going on in the world right now, choosing the perfect place to escape can feel weirdly high-stakes. But maybe we can help. Whether you’re dreaming of sunny beaches, historic landmarks, or full-blown psychedelic chaos, these 10 categories of travel-inspired art are mood boards for wherever your overstimulated soul is begging to go. Buckle up (or don’t, we’re not the TSA) and let these popular Threadless design themes be your weird little compass.
1. Retro Travel Posters
(For When You Wish Your Life Looked Like a 1970s Postcard)
Nothing sparks wanderlust like vintage travel posters—those bold colors, exaggerated landscapes, and typefaces that scream, “This is a good idea!” even when it’s not. Hang one on your wall or wear it on your chest, and suddenly you’re halfway to a spontaneous road trip with a mixtape and zero GPS signal.
2. The Beach
(For When You Want to Disappear Into the Ocean)
There’s something about a beach scene that instantly lowers your blood pressure—even if your inbox is 347 emails deep. These breezy, sun-soaked designs practically hand you a coconut drink and whisper, “Don’t check Slack.” Whether you’re a sun worshipper, ocean floater, or professional napper, a beachy art gives major “I’m not reachable right now” energy.
3. Maps
(For Those Who Pretend They’re “Good with Directions”)
Maps are like visual promises that you could, theoretically, know where you are. Whether it’s a world atlas or a doodle of imaginary cities, map designs put you in the mindset to go somewhere. Where? That’s for the universe (and your PTO balance) to decide.
4. National Parks
(For Those Who Think Dirt Is Just Seasoning for Adventure)
If your idea of a perfect getaway involves hiking boots, a trail map, and aggressively telling people to “leave no trace,” national park designs are calling your name. From depictions of Yosemite to Yellowstone, this type of travel-inspired art beckons you to go outside and experience majestic landscapes, epic wildlife, and those glorious moments when your phone has zero service.
5. Landmarks
(For When You Want to Stare at Something Giant and Vaguely Educational)
Sometimes the best part of traveling is standing in front of something massive, ancient, or wildly overrated and saying, “Huh, there it is.” Whether you’re into historic ruins, record-breaking statues, or obscure roadside attractions shaped like fruit, these landmark-inspired designs are a nod to the places that make you feel small in the coolest way possible.
6. International Cuisines
(For Those Who Let Their Hunger Guide Them)
Some of us pick destinations based on what we want to eat, not what we want to “see.” If you’ve ever booked a flight because you saw a TikTok of a bakery, food-themed designs are your compass. From noodles to tacos to whatever’s deep-fried and covered in cheese, these designs are your daily reminder that the true destination is the meal.
7. The States
(Because the U.S. is One Giant Roadside Attraction)
State-themed designs are perfect for inspiring that low-key domestic trip, whether it’s a cross-country drive or a long weekend somewhere that ends in “ville.” Whether you’re into big cities or tiny diners off forgotten highways, these designs help you figure out where to go next (and give you a cute shirt to wear when you get there).
8. Psychedelia
(For the Adventurer Who’s Definitely Not on Shrooms *Wink*)
Maybe your dream destination isn’t on any map—IT’S IN YOUR THIRD EYE. Psychedelic designs are less about location and more about vibe. Bright colors, melting shapes, possibly a sentient mushroom giving you directions. These designs inspire you to get lost, but like, in a cosmic way.
9. Outer Space
(For Those Ready to Leave Earth Entirely)
Sure, Paris is nice. But have you considered taking a long, reflective walk on the moon? Space-inspired art is for the traveler who’s sick of beaches, crowds, and gravity. These designs will launch your imagination into orbit and remind you that, yes, one day your next trip could technically be intergalactic. Just don’t forget to pack snacks. Space food is…lacking.
10. Time Travel
(For the Chronically Late and Historically Curious)
Why settle for a regular vacation when you can visit ancient Rome, 1980s Tokyo, or the dystopian hellscape of next Thursday? Once time machines are finally invented, you’ll be able to yeet yourself into the Renaissance or go back to the Jurassic Period to domesticate dinosaurs. Just don’t step on any butterflies.
Still undecided on where to go or what to wear while going? Browse the Threadless for more travel-inspired art that’ll spark your next adventure—real or imaginary. And if you are hitting the road soon, make sure you’re stocked with the essentials. Check out our post 10 Travel Essentials You Should Bring to Your Happy Place—that Weekender Bag is going to come in handy.
