Rubber ducks may be small, but they have taken on larger-than-life roles much farther than the bathtub. Today, they are found spreading kindness on highways, whimsy on the high seas, and even resulting in viral social media trends. Two of the most commonly practiced travel-inspired ducking trends—Cruising Ducks and Jeep Ducking—show that a fun little quack can turn an ordinary trip in a car or truck into an experience that will surely be unforgettable.
In this post, we will share how these fun traditions began, why they became so popular, and how you can get in on the fun on your next adventure.
Cruising Ducks: A Treasure Hunt at Sea
The Cruising Ducks are a phenomenon sweeping cruise lines worldwide, transforming large ships into floating scavenger hunts. The premise is straightforward: passengers hide small rubber ducks in unexpected places around the boat that beckon curious children and adults alike—tucked inside a lounge chair, perfectly perched on a railing, or patiently waiting inside an elevator. Most ducks also come with a tag that includes a note, a social media hashtag, or a message inviting the finder to either keep the duck as a souvenir or return it to its original hiding place for someone else to find.
What makes this trend exciting is the sense of community it fosters. Cruisers share photos of their finds on social media, using hashtags to connect with other participants. Families love the chase, and adults find just enough silliness to brighten their days at sea. It is a low-cost, high-reward activity that keeps people having fun and a sense of community among strangers.
For many travelers, the best part of their trip is not just the ports they visit, but the joy of discovering a hidden gem from a fellow traveler. Cruising Ducks become travellers’ memorabilia that conjure memories of fun, community, and something enjoyed long after the vacation is over.
Jeep Ducking: A Roadside Act of Kindness
On land, Jeep Ducking is winning hearts across highways and neighborhoods. Originating in Canada in 2020, this grassroots movement began when a Jeep owner placed a rubber duck on another Jeep as a random act of kindness. The gesture quickly spread, and now, Jeep drivers around the world “duck” each other by leaving small ducks—often with notes or tags—on parked Jeeps they admire.
The meaning is simple but powerful: it’s a compliment, a way to say “I see you” or “nice ride,” and a playful act of goodwill. Jeep Ducking has since become a hallmark of Jeep culture, creating smiles wherever it goes. Many drivers proudly display their “duck collection” on their dashboards, turning their vehicles into rolling showcases of kindness they have received.
What makes Jeep Ducking so enduring is its spontaneity. You never know when you’ll find a duck waiting for you, and that element of surprise makes it all the more heartwarming.
Ducks That Travel with You
Both Cruising Ducks and Jeep Ducking are examples of how an ordinary thing can bring people together. These traditions turn rubber ducks into traveling mascots that represent fun, curiosity, and kindness.
For travelers, collecting the ducks received from cruises or roadside “duckings” is a way to commemorate the experiences. Convictor, rather than simply taking photos or purchasing postcards, you bring home a duck with a story. Some even go as far as decorating their ducks with custom outfitting, flags, or themes to enhance their memorable experiences.
The travel ducks are ultimately souvenirs. However, they are coins of shared joy. Whether they lie on a ship’s deck or sit on the dashboard of a Jeep, they remind us that travel is not only about the destination, but also about the connections made throughout the journey.
Duck-Inspired Souvenirs and Creative Ideas
Whether you’ll be ducks in the rain or your friends’ car, here are some fun ideas about what you can do to enhance your ducks and spread even more happiness:
- Customized Tags: Leave a note sharing your name, hometown, or social media handle so those who find your duck can connect with you online.
- Travel-Themed Ducks: Get creative by selecting ducks as sailors, captains, or even globetrotting ducks to enhance travel adventure for fellow duck pilgrims.
- Event Ducking: Consider embracing this idea and hiding ducks at events, festivals, schools, or even community events.
- Duck Hunts at home: Set up mini scavenger hunts around a birthday party or family gathering at home, inspired by the cruise ship’s ridiculous tradition of leaving ducks around!!
- Memory Ducks: Keep a little travel journal and log each duck you have given away or received during your duck explorations, because your duck experiences could become a storybook.
By sparking your imagination with kindness, you can transform a simple duck into a cherished keepsake for someone else’s meaningful journey.
Where to Find the Perfect Ducks
For those looking to add some quack-tastic fun with rubber ducks, you should have plenty of specialty “Ducks” from which to choose. Specialty shops, such as Le Petit Duck Shoppe, offer a wide range of collectible and themed rubber ducks, from classic to silly pop-culture parodies.
What’s fun about shopping at our store is the choices that reflect current interests. You can find them dressed as superheroes, pirates, celebrities, or even political or cultural figures. These selections can help make your ducking adventure even more enjoyable, adding value to each gift and memory. Whether you are planning an activity on a cruise, looking to surprise fellow Jeep enthusiasts, or need a travel souvenir, we are the perfect option for rubber duck lovers.
Conclusion: Small Ducks, Big Adventures
From cruise ships to highways, rubber ducks are proving that joy knows no bounds. Cruising Ducks create excitement at sea, while Jeep Ducking spreads kindness on the road. Together, they show how a simple toy can foster connection, spark smiles, and turn ordinary journeys into extraordinary experiences.
So, whether you’re packing for your next cruise or heading out on a road trip, tuck a few rubber ducks into your bag. You never know whose day you’ll brighten—or how a little quack might make your journey all the more memorable.