Scratch The World Travel Map Review: Big Enough to Matter?
An extra large scratch off world map from Maps International, a mapmaker with teams in Minnesota and the UK. Every trip reveals a little more color.
Yes, for people who travel every year or dream of it. It is large and detailed enough to show US states [1], and it arrives rolled, not folded. Skip it for someone who rarely leaves home.
By Andrew Pataleta, GiftX founder · Updated October 29, 2026 · Sources
Specs at a glance
| Size | 23 x 33 in [1] |
| Detail | World map with US states [1] |
| Finish | Gold scratch layer, glossy [1] |
| Underneath | Colored political map [1] |
| Delivery | Rolled in a tube [1] |
| Maker | Maps International [1] |
Pros and cons
- Needs a large frame and wall space
- A mostly gold map can feel like a reminder
- Scratched flakes get messy, do it over paper
Why size matters on a scratch map
Small scratch maps blur the details: tiny countries disappear and a weekend in Belgium becomes a smudge. This one is big enough to scratch small places properly.
It measures about twenty-three by thirty-three inches and includes US state outlines [1]. Under the gold layer is a colored political map [1].
That makes it work for people who travel at home as much as abroad.
The mapmaker behind it
It comes from Maps International, which says it has more than sixty years of experience making maps, with teams in Minnesota and the UK [1].
The map is rolled in a tube for delivery, so it arrives without creases and is ready to frame [1].
The listing also says it was featured as a gift pick on NBC's TODAY Show [1].
The glossy gold finish looks smart even before a single country is scratched, so it works as wall art from day one.
When a scratch map backfires
For someone who rarely travels, a big gold map can feel like a list of places they have not been.
It also needs space. At this size, it wants a proper frame and a clear wall, which can add to the cost.
And scratching sheds gold flakes; tell them to do it over a sheet of paper.
Making the gift personal
Before wrapping it, scratch off one place you went together as a starting point. It turns a poster into a shared record.
From this guide, it pairs naturally with the Atlas Obscura book for planning the next trip, or with the WACACO Nanopresso for the traveler who wants decent coffee on the road.
A small coin taped to the tube for scratching is a nice finishing touch.
FAQ
How big is the Scratch The World map?
It measures about twenty-three by thirty-three inches, which the maker describes as an easy to frame A1 size [1]. That is larger than most scratch maps, so small countries and US states are easier to scratch accurately. It ships rolled in a tube to avoid creases [1]
Does the Scratch The World map show US states?
Yes. The listing describes it as a world map with US states, and the map underneath the gold layer is a colored political map [1]. That makes it useful for people who take road trips at home as well as trips abroad [1]
What do you use to scratch a scratch off map?
A coin, a guitar pick or a fingernail works well. Scratch gently and over a sheet of paper, since the gold layer comes off in flakes. Some people scratch only the outline first, then fill in, to keep the edges neat on small countries [1]
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Sources and how we checked
- Amazon.com listing for the Scratch The World Travel Map
Source check: Amazon prices and contents above were checked on October 29, 2026. We did not test these products hands-on. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, Amazon listings and the reasons people actually give these gifts.
As an Amazon Associate, GiftX earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change, so check Amazon for the current price.