A visual tool that allows individuals to track and represent the U.S. states they have traveled to. This often takes the form of an outline map of the United States which can be physically marked, colored, or otherwise annotated to indicate visited states. A common example involves printing a blank map and coloring in each state upon visiting it.
This serves as a tangible record of personal travel experiences, creating a visual representation of geographic exploration within the United States. The creation and maintenance of this record can enhance travel planning, serve as a conversation starter, and offer a sense of accomplishment. Historically, physical maps have been employed for similar tracking purposes in various domains, from marking territories explored to logging business travel.
The following sections will delve into the practical applications of a personal travel record, discussing readily available resources for creating such a record, personalization techniques, and alternative digital approaches for documentation.