Why travel for a tattoo when seemingly every corner of the U.S. and most of the world has amazing artists working within a short drive? Some people want to commemorate a place or experience. Others have their eyes set on a specific artist who is at the top of their craft. Certain regions of the world have culturally significant styles and methods of tattooing. Whatever the reason, it requires a bit more planning, expense, and time than going to your local talent. The payoff is the experience and hopefully a trip that will leave you with lifelong memories, more than a cool new tattoo. Traveling for a tattoo requires thoughtful planning and preparation. Whether you’re seeking out a renowned artist, exploring a new tattoo scene, or simply adding a unique stamp to your travel memories, here's a comprehensive guide to getting tattooed away from home.
Research and Plan Ahead
Planning is key to any successful travel, and it's especially important when trying to make sure you’re going to get in with a desired artist. Tattooers can book anywhere from a couple of days to a year in advance. Artists and studios who are world-renowned can be extremely hard to get appointments with, so it’s very important to reach out ahead of time to pre-schedule your piece. Like any tattoo booking, you want to ensure you are comfortable with the booking, design, and execution before committing. You don’t want to feel pressured after the time and expense of traveling to commit to a piece or process that you’re not into!
Booking and Preparing for Your Tattoo
If you are more of a walk-in type, looking for a souvenir while traveling, make sure to research the shops you want to try beforehand. There are many studios around the world with rich histories that can be a great stop to add to your collection. Call ahead to see if they accept walk-ins and check their availability.
For larger projects, it’s crucial to discuss the process and understand expectations with your artist. When talking sleeves, backpieces, etc., it often makes sense to schedule several days in a row if you’re traveling for it. This can be physically and mentally challenging. Discuss pain management, goals, and any limitations you know you have for these more intense sessions. The environment and the artist's bedside manner matter a lot in these sessions, so reach out to other collectors for feedback on their experiences.
Logistics and Practical Considerations
Some people prefer a spa-like setting for long sessions, while others enjoy the chaos and distraction of a convention. Consider the logistics: Will there be a lunch break? Should you bring your own food or order out? If you hit a wall and need to stop for the day, will the artist be understanding? Knowing these details beforehand is especially important when you are in a foreign location without the comfort of your home environment at the end of the session.
Remember, after getting your tattoo, even though you may be on vacation, you still need to take aftercare into account! Do any swimming, hot tubbing, sunbathing, strenuous hikes, or sightseeing before you get that tattoo, not after! If you’re in town for a music festival, don’t get the tattoo somewhere where it’s going to bake in the sun immediately afterward. A bad heal is going to be a challenge to touch up when you don’t live near the artist who did it.
Cultural Sensitivity and Legal Awareness
Destination tattooing is pretty well accepted in most Western countries, but there can be cultural stigma in other areas of the world, especially for women. Some places still have illegal or quasi-legal status for tattoos. Safety and health regulations vary globally, as do the quality of supplies and pigments. The artist-client relationship also differs; what might be considered respectful in Western cultures could sometimes be offensive in others (like tipping or being picky about design). Part of traveling is experiencing different cultures, so it’s important to embrace the local customs and ideally do some reading beforehand to know what to expect. Language barriers can lead to negative experiences if you’re not prepared, so the more information you have about the expected experience, the better off you’ll be.
Embrace the Experience
Traveling for a tattoo is not just about the end result; it's also about the journey and the memories you create along the way. Embrace the opportunity to explore a new city, immerse yourself in its culture, and connect with fellow tattoo enthusiasts. Cherish the experience of being tattooed in a new environment, and savor the stories that accompany each tattoo session.
By combining careful planning, cultural sensitivity, and a spirit of adventure, destination tattooing can be a deeply enriching experience. The result is not just a piece of art on your skin, but a collection of unforgettable memories and stories from your travels.
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