Travelling and getting tattooed abroad: what you need to know...
Tattoo tourism is booming. More and more people are deciding to take advantage of a trip to get a tattoo in a special destination, either because of the local culture, the prestige of certain artists or the unique experience of having a souvenir of a trip on their skin. However, before embarking on the adventure, it is important to bear in mind a few important aspects to avoid surprises.
Why do people get tattoos while travelling?
- Cultural connection: some destinations have well-known tattooing traditions, such as Maori tattooing in New Zealand, sak yant in Thailand or handpoke in Japan.
- International artists: travelling allows access to renowned tattoo artists who do not usually travel.
- Indelible memory: beyond a photo or a souvenir, a tattoo is a permanent way of remembering a special trip.
- Unique experience: experiencing the process in a different environment adds emotional value.
Things to consider before getting a tattoo abroad
Health regulations
Each country has its own regulations. In some places hygiene controls are not as strict as in Europe, which can increase the risk of infection.
Language and communication
It is key to make sure that the artist understands your instructions perfectly. A bad translation can completely change the result.
Healing time
Getting a tattoo at the beginning of a trip can complicate activities such as swimming at the beach, sunbathing or intense hiking. It is best to get a tattoo at the end of your trip.
Revision and retouching
If something doesn't look perfect, you won't have the same facility to go back to the studio and ask for a touch-up.
Actual price
Sometimes cheap is expensive: getting a tattoo in another country does not always mean saving money, and if the materials are not of high quality, the result can be worse.
Advice for those who are thinking about it
1.- Research the tattoo artist: check their portfolio on social media and look for reviews from other clients.
Choose the area well: if you are travelling in hot climates, opt for areas that are easy to cover and protect from the sun.
3.- Take care of the healing process: take the necessary products with you (healing cream, protective film, neutral soap).
Don't improvise: avoid tattoos done "on the street" or in studios without visible certifications.
If you are thinking of travelling to Madrid and want to take an unforgettable souvenir home with you, we leave you with a study of total trust.
