Top 15 Best Scratch Map Suitable for World Travelers

Track your journey by using the best scratch map! In fact, these scratch maps that we listed will help you feel motivated to visit other places around the globe.

In this digital era, we can easily fulfill all of our needs as long as we are connected to the internet. It is also undeniable that many apps can facilitate you in finding the locations you want to visit, or marking locations that you have visited. However, there are still many people who prefer manual and analogous ways to fulfill their satisfaction. Furthermore, this analog-type will give you a pleasure that can not be presented by any apps.

In fact, one of the analog ways of enjoying your travel is to use a scratch map. It is a map designed so that users can mark and trace their journey. Moreover, there are many variations of scratch maps that you can adjust to your necessities.

Covered Areas

Based on the areas, scratch maps has several types, such as country-specific maps, continent-specific maps, and world maps.

• Country-specific maps usually contain country details, including landmarks, provinces, and some even include culinary information. This map is also suitable for you who will be traveling to a specific country. However, the minus point of this is that not every country’s scratch maps are available in the market;
• Continents-specific maps are containing detailed territories of countries, such as in Europe, America, or the Caribbean;
• World maps are more complex than the other two because it has a much broader area. However, the minus point of this map is the small size area, sometimes are not included in the map.

Details

There are several map details that you can consider, such as:

• First, country or state flags as well as colors. Some scratch maps are providing flags details, others only providing different color for each state after you rub the foil;
• Second, a landmark. These scratch maps are mostly available in a country-specific map;
• Then, label. Some of the scratch maps are providing a border to differentiate each region, while others don’t provide it;
• Lastly, the scale. It will help you to determine how long you will be staying in a place since you know the exact area.

Projection

There are two types of map projections that you can take into consideration, that is:

• Mercator Projection

This type has a rectangular shape, and it will be making your map look full but the minus point is that the areas that are far from the equator, such as Canada, Australia, and other kinds of deviated from the latitude position. But, this map is travelers favorite;

• Robinson’s Projection

This type also has a pseudocylindrical shape that gives the illusion of a globe. Its curved and less distorted edges, this map looks rather blank at the edges.

Materials

There are several types of materials used to make scratch maps, and the most common are paper and plastic.

• Maps made of paper usually coated with foil and have a texture that is rather smooth and fragile. In fact, if you scratch too hard, it is easily damaged. This type is also more difficult to roll and easy to tangle;
• Not different from the characteristics of plastic in general, maps made from plastic are and very durable. It is easy to roll and more flexible than the paper one.

Some types of maps use a foil, which becomes too strong over time and makes it difficult to scratch and detach. So, it makes it easier to damage.

We know that plastic is a big enemy of the environment, so many materials for making scratch maps are not environmentally friendly. But some manufacturers make their products from recycled materials. You should be more observant while choosing the map products that you will buy.

Size

Size is an important thing to consider because this will be affecting your way of packing during the trip. First, you have to know whether you want a map with a large size that fills the room, or small size map that is friendly to the size of your backpack. There are also three most common types of scratch map sizes, which are 32.5inch x 23.5inch, 17inch x 24inch, and 17inch x 11inch.

A small map is the best for those of you who change locations a lot because it’s easier to pack and doesn’t require a lot of space. But, if you want something more aesthetic, a large map is the best choice. It’s easier to scrapped than the small one.

Prices

Price is an important thing to consider because it will be affecting your travel budget. In fact, there are several price ranges to choose from:

• First is the cheapest. With prices ranging from $20 to $30. It is usually has a small size and made of paper;
• Then the medium price. With prices ranging from $30 to $40. This price is also the most common on the market, and it’s usually providing markers or scrubbing tools;
• Lastly, expensive, with prices ranging from $40 to $80. It has a larger size as well as a decorative design. Furthermore, with this price, you can get a map made of plastic, the best quality, and sometimes included the frames.

Accessories

Accessories usually include frames, foil scrubbers, a stylus for small-sized areas, microfiber, felt cloth, and travel markers. In fact, microfiber and felt cloth are used to eliminate tin foil shavings to keep the map neat.

Other Information

Some other information that you should know before buying are:

• A small area of the countries or small islands are sometimes not depicted on world maps;
• In addition, to remove the foil on the map, don’t use sharp things. You can use guitar picks or coins because this material has blunt edges;
• Dry your hands before touching, because sweaty hands aren’t good for the foil.

After knowing the important things that you should consider before buying, it is time to choose the type that you will buy.

We have compiled 15 scratch maps from Amazon that you can choose

Note: Sequential numbers do not determine their rank.

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Pro’s and Con’s of Each Scratch Maps

Areas Map

1. Travelbug – Watercolor World Scratch Off Map | US States and Canadian Province

Pros:

• Eye-catching package design.
• It also includes scratching tools.
• Colorful.
• State borders are precisely marked.

Cons:

• It weighs more than 1Kgs

2. JetsetterMaps – Scratch Your Travels | United States of America Watercolor Art Map

Pros:

• Light in weight.
• Unisex design of packaging tube.
• Includes as well as packages.

Cons:

• Scratching tools not included.
• The packages are temporary.
• Lastly, it’s small in size only.

3. Earthabitats – Scratch Off USA Map Poster

Pros:

• 100% satisfaction warranty.
• It perfectly serves a lot of details.
• Various of scratching tools are included, as well as magnifiers.

Cons:

• No detail information on the packaging style.
• Only available in the color of black.

4. Maps International – Scratch Off Map Of Europe

Pros:

• Packaging tubes are included and crease-free delivery.
• It also uses high-quality materials.
• Across the world, delivery are also available.

Cons:

• Quite heavy with 7 ounces weight.
• Scratching tools don’t include.

5. Luckies of London – UK Scratch Map

Pros:

• High quality and easy to scratch material.
• Various size options.

Cons:

• Heavy shipping weight (more than 1kgs).
• It can be delivered in several countries only.
• Scratching tools don’t include.

World Map

6. Maps International – Scratch the World

Pros:

• High-quality material.
• Detail information in each area.
• Crease free delivery.

Cons:

• Quite heavy with 8.8 ounces weight.
• Scratching tools don’t include.

7. Luckies of London LTD – Scratch Map Original

Pros:

• Premium quality materials.
• Geographically details.
• Despite its large size, it’s an inexpensive product.

Cons:

• Quite heavy with 9.8 ounces weight.
• No warranty.
• Scratching tools and packaging doesn’t include.

8. Luckies of London LTD – Scratch Off Map World Poster Deluxe Edition

Pros:

• More details than the original version.
• Environmentally friendly material.
• Luxurious look.
• Inexpensive.

Cons:

• Scratching tools and packaging tubes don’t include.

9. Scratchiez – Scratch Off World Map + Scratch Off USA Map Travel Poster | US States and World Country Flags Detailed

Pros:

• It includes tube packagings.
• Every purchase got an extra US scratching map.
• 252 scratchable flags in the world.
• Lastly, it’s 100% satisfaction warranty.

Cons:

• Scratching tools don’t include unless updating to a premium package.

10. W Wanderlust Maps – Scratch Off Map of the World + USA Map

Pros:

• Scratcher tools are included, as well as stickers.
• Light in weight.

Cons:

• It doesn’t include packaging.
• Minimum purchase is 4 items

11. Travellization – XL Scratch Off Map of the World with Flags

Pros:

• Lifetime warranty.
• Extra large.
• Containing 196 country’s flags in the world.
• Light in weight.
• Lastly, perfect for nomads travelers.

Cons:

• Scratching tools are not included unless updating to a premium package.
• Quite expensive.

12. Scratch Story Maps – Scratch Of Map of The World with States

Pros:

• Accessories such as bags, erasers, stickers and magnifying glass are included.
• 100% satisfaction warranty.
• It’s also Inexpensive.

Cons:

• It doesn’t include the packaging tube.

13. Earthabitats – Scratch Off World Map Poster

Pros:

• 100% satisfaction warranty.
• Accessories such as scratching tools, memory stickers, erasers, and magnifiers are included.
• Light in weight.

Cons:

• It doesn’t have tube packaging.

14. My Map – Gold Scratch Off World Map Wall Poster

Pros:

• Stylishly designed tubes are included.
• 100% money guarantee.
• Accessories such as greeting card felt pins, buttons, stickers, a small cartoon cutout, and a guitar pick are included.

Cons:

• It weighs more than 1Kgs.

15. Landmass Goods – Black Scratch Off World Map Poster with Flags

Pros:

• 100% satisfaction warranty.
• Scratching tools and stickers are also included.
• The packaging is an eco-friendly triangular box.
• Light in weight.

Cons:

• Without the discount is quite expensive.

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