QUOTE (Kaust @ Feb 6 2012, 04:35 PM)

Well a lotta people use world maps, that way the areas themes are sorta self-contained.
However, you could just subtly remove common elements of what defines each area as you progress from map to map and slowly add in elements of what would become the next. Ie, travelling from a grassland to a desert you'd see less shrubbery, maybe add in some patches of dead grass, a few tiles of sand...I'm sure you'll see where I'm going with this.
And welcome to the forums

Unfortunately, world maps are out of the question as I plan for an almost completely open world. I will try to blend the elements a bit, however, thanks.