I may not be covered from head to toe in tattoos, but I do love them. Every time I travel, I find myself yearning for a permanent souvenir from the local tattoo parlour.
Unfortunately, most of the places that I have traveled to always seem to pose some sort of dilemma, preventing me from getting that tattoo. Whether it be drastically over priced services or a questionable environment that seems severely un-sterilized, there’s always something to keep an eye out for while dealing with ink on the road.
The first time that I ever got a tattoo while traveling was during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia. I had just crossed the country, from Toronto to Vancouver by train, and was looking for something to remember the occasion; a permanent souvenir.
My friend, Kathleen, and I dropped off our bags at the hostel, and proceeded to wander the busy streets of Vancouver, in search of the perfect tattoo parlour.
We settled on different shops. First, I got mine done at Sacred Heart Tattoo. The first place we stopped at said that my wrists were too tiny to apply my design, so I just wanted to check with one more shop. We walked in to Sacred Heart, and there was a female artist working, with equally small wrists. She said that it would be no problem, and booked me in.
I ended up with this lovely world map on my wrist, that I am still in love with to this day. (the hearts are drawn on for this photo!)
Next, Kathleen booked herself in at Adrenaline, just around the corner. We felt entirely comfortable with the surroundings in both shops, because everything was clean and sterilized. Vancouver is probably one of the world’s cleanest cities, so we were at ease.
Kathleen ended up getting the design of a fish that we saw on one of the Native art decorations in the street; she had personal reasons for getting a fish, but also just loved the idea of it being a souvenir from our trip.
I spent a lot of time exploring the back alleys of Taksim in Istanbul, searching for a suitable shop. I was given plenty of warnings before hand, about the conditions of the parlours, but wanted to take a look for myself.
Each shop was worse than the last, and I never ended up being able to find one that looked clean enough to my liking. Most of them were simply small booths in the corner of small indoor malls, with no sink or walls.
Suffice it to say, I never ended up getting a tattoo in Turkey, though I would have loved to get one if I could have found a clean shop.
Each time that I was in Trinidad and Tobago, I asked around about tattoos. I saw a few random wooden signs pointing to small shacks that were “tattoo parlours” that I didn’t even want to venture in to.
On top of the iffy appearance, I was told that tattooing was quite expensive in Trinidad. Looks like I would have no luck here either.
Finally, I booked a trip to Iceland. Knowing that Iceland is a country that prides itself on being clean, I knew that I would be able to find a sterile environment with no problem. I would be getting a tattoo in Reykjavik, and that’s all there was to it.
Or, so I thought. When we arrived in Iceland, we learned that it was going to cost about $400 for a very small and simple piece of work. Seeing that I had just spent $200 on a Lopapeysa and another big chunk on souvenirs, I wasn’t in the position to spend that much on a tattoo that would likely cost around $100 at home.
One of these days, I will go back to Iceland, and I WILL get a tattoo!
This past summer, I made a quick trip to Niagara Falls, here in Canada. Going to Niagara Falls is not exactly an exotic destination for me, as I grew up rather close to it, but I still think of it as traveling.
Knowing that Gina (of Live For Travel) and I would be meeting for the first time and exploring the city, we decided that we wanted to get tattoos!
We both have a love for tattoos, and had each saved up a bit of extra spending money. So, thanks to the suggestion of a friend, we booked appointments at Dawg Pound Tattoos and excitedly awaited the day.
We arrived at Dawg Pound and were very happy with the environment. Everything was clean and sterile.
There are a number of things that you want to look for in a good tattoo parlour and I asked artist Jason “Jay” Hesse what my top standards should be, at home and abroad.
should have a barrier over it or on it.
Needles should be opened and disposed of in front of the customer
(seriously–ask for this!)
3. Tubes and grips should also be properly sterilized,
opened in front of the customer,
and properly disposed of following the tattoo.
4. A record of spore tests results are always a definite plus,
but vary due to numerous health board regulations
in different provinces, states or countries.
These are four things that I will always keep in mind during the rest of my travels. I certainly plan to continue looking for good places to get tattooed abroad, and eventually get a nice collection going. Has any one started a travel blog about tattoos around the world yet? :p
We got a chance to talk with Jay about other customers during our appointments. He told us that they get a lot of customers from other areas, and some from around the world.
Niagara Falls is a big tourist destination, so chances are probably higher for them to draw in international customers. I think that it’s great luck for those customers, because Jay and his other artists are really amazing at what they do!
Gina ended up getting an awesome compass on her forearm, after they came up with a design together in the shop. Gina told Jay what she wanted and made it personalized. It turned out perfect.
I ended up getting the GPS coordinates (I know this is a cliché tattoo for many people, but I am a geography major specializing in GIS, and I am just plain obsessed with maps and all things travel, if you hadn’t noticed) of the place that I grew up and the first place that I ever traveled to (Italy).
I only ever managed to get a photo on my iPhone.
In the end, Dawg Pound Tattoos was the perfect definition of what to look for in a tattoo parlour while traveling. I will continue my quest in tattoos around the world, and I will always reflect on my experience in Niagara.
I’d love to hear about your traveling tattoo experiences too, especially the not-so-good ones! :p
More on Travel Tattoos:
My Travel Tattoos
Getting Tattooed While Travelling
Travelling With Tattoos
Travel Tattoos
Getting Tattooed by a Buddhist Monk
I got my tattoo ten years ago on my first big trip, I lived in the Philippines for 9 months and every time I see the tattoo there is a sense of accomplishment. I have never regretted it.
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That’s amazing, you’re lucky to have lived there 😀
What did you get??
I’m going to England and possibly another country in Europe in March and I really wanna get a tattoo there! I think that’d be so much fun! Definitely the ultimate souvenir.
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You should definitely do it! And England should be another country that will have no problems with cleanliness and sterilization.
I didn’t pay much attention to available parlours when I was there, but I’m sure there are plenty 😀
I don’t remember what it was called but it is a tattoo on the main strip of khaosan road in Bangkok Thailand where I got my most recent. I lived in Thailand teaching English for a while and got a quote that sums up not only that trip but my life in general written in Thai around my wrist. As I have had 14 tattoos up to now some very good and some very bad I knew exactly what to look for in terms of sanitation and this place was pretty legit and I was able to haggle the price quite a bit to get it very inexpensive as with most things in Thailand I didn’t trust the water in the country enough tho to use it to wash my new tattoo so I was careful to wash it with bottled water to avoid unknown bacteria but I look forward to more travels and tats
That’s awesome; I’d love to get one in Thailand! I’ll keep that water tip in mind.
Good luck with your future travels and tats 😀
Good read and timely for me. I have one tattoo that I got while living in London and 10 years later I’m ready for my second one. Haven’t decided if I want to do it here at home (Los Angeles) or on the road. Having it done in a foreign country does add something special to the whole experience, but not sure I can wait until my next trip in a few months.
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I know the feeling! I always crave for them, but I’m never sure if I can wait until the next trip. You could get two? One at home and one when you travel? :]
Now you’re talkin! Brilliant idea. 🙂
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It’s so weird that I found this article today because I was JUST telling someone that I want to get a tattoo this January when I’m in Spain and Portugal. Only problem: I have no idea what tattoo I would get!
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Haha, good timing! I like to head into the trip with the tattoo in mind, but then come up with something while I’m there :]
7 years ago I went to Central America. I was in Granada, Nicaragua, recovering after my epic hulk to the top of Volcan Conception. I met an Aussie guy who wanted some company while he got a huge back piece done. I was supprised that he actuialy found a place to get tattooed, as its very illegal and connected with gang crime there. Is it turns out it was at the artists house (cinder block shack). The ‘needle’ used was a piece of wire that resembled a guitar string and was sharpened with a router tool. Even though the condition were appalling, I decided it get a nautical star on my left foot. It turned out really well, although I went straight to the pharmacy to get antibacterial cream. The Aussie guy’s tattoo was a different story. His design was suppost to be tribal angel wings, but the result was NOT semetrical and the fill colour was shaded as if by a 3 year old with a crayon :(. It was badly bruised because the needle worked too deep and I left 2 days later, but I’m sure it was infected. He payed $300 for 6hours and I payed $40 for mine.
No regrets for mine. I may not have done it now in my wiser years, but happy with my souvener none the less <3
Wow, thanks for sharing; that is a great story! I really love to hear about others’ tattoo experiences abroad.
That’s too bad about the Aussie’s piece, but I’m glad that yours worked out! They really do make the best souvenirs 😀
Superb post! I found a great tattoo parlour while in Austin, Texas last year. Cheaper than one I had done at home in the UK! Definitely will call in again if I ever go back.
Graham GlobalGrasshopper recently posted..12 cheap spa & wellness hotels around the world 2012
Cool! Are they expensive in the UK?
Love your world map. I especially like the fact my country New Zealand is there really really small, most people wouldn’t have bothered because it’s so small but you did. I think I’d also like to get tattoos when I travel if I really fall in love with a country.
Of course, it’s there! I haven’t been, but I hope to go! Also, I wish I could include every country.
I like how NZ turned out like an upside down exclamation mark :]
I may have already mentioned it before, but I am in LOVE with your wrist tattoos!
I only have one tattoo right now, and I didn’t get it abroad. But I did get it after traveling to New Zealand. I’m a big Lord of the Rings fan (the reason I went to NZ for the first time), and so I wanted something special to remind me of that. I have a quote tattoo’d around my wrist in Elvish lettering, designed for me by the New Zealander who did all the calligraphy/mapwork in the LotR films. It say “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” I love it so much.
I want to get another one the next time I’m in NZ. But I’m up in the air about what to get – I either want a NZ fern leaf, or a map outline of NZ on my foot… Decisions, decisions!
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Oooh I love the map outline idea! I always want map outlines, but I’m afraid that I’m going to be all covered in little maps.
But your tattoo sounds great. Perhaps you could keep a theme going, but still relate the next one more to NZ as well?
Ah yes, decisions, decisions…
Not too expensive in the UK, but the one I got in Austin cost less than a smaller one I had done here. Don’t mind though, as I love them both!
Graham GlobalGrasshopper recently posted..12 cheap spa & wellness hotels around the world 2012
I love this! I can’t wait to go travelling and get tattoos as a souvenir. I got my first tattoo done while on holiday in Calpe in Spain. The people there were so nice, everything was clean, I ended up fainting and they really went the extra mile to make sure I was ok!
Aw, that was nice of them 😀
What did you get done??
I’m not sure I’ll ever collect tattoos, btu I am determined to get one sometime while I travel.
There was a bit of a furor in Australia recently with somebody getting HIV from a dirty needle when tattooed in Bali, actually. Made me a little wary of picking one up when I hit SE Asia this year.
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IDK. It’s a cool idea, but, simply based on what you have here, it seems that you have only actually gotten tattoos from traveling twice. Both in Canada, at that. I get the sterilization requirements. Trust me, I do. I got a tattoo done when I was visiting Armenia, and that was pretty much in a back-alley, but that’s all I could find in the city I was in.
Funny enough, that tattoo is one of the nicest healing processes I have ever had. I know I was just lucky, but I figured I’d share a bit of a happy-ending story.
This is a super cool idea, and I love the tattoos that you got, but I think you should try harder when looking for tattoos… And be willing to shell out the cash when you find an okay place. I know it’s not cheap, but if you’re serious about the collecting, why not go ahead? It’s not like you’ll ever visit Reykjavik for the first time again.
And why not get the co-ordinates from the city you were in if it’s a souvenir from the trip? Even if it’s just the addition. I love the idea of getting the co-ordinates of the city you were born and first traveled to. Actually, I have one too, so I really can’t hate.
Just some thoughts. I hope I didn’t sound like too much of an asshole. I love the tattoos. Especially the world map. Really, really cool.
That was exactly the point of the article; it is about how getting tattooed while traveling can be difficult. It was not meant to be an article about how I get tattoos every place that I travel, nor did I ever say that.
Nevertheless, thank-you for your happy-ending story. Perhaps one day, when I am no longer a broke student, I will also be able to have a similar story.
Hey this is a sweet idea. I want to get a tattoo of a world map and then everywhere I go mark it! but this is sweet! I was in Norway and was looking at tattoos but they also are super expensive!
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I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. These tattoos are gorgeous! Every last one. 🙂 I’ve been absolutely craving a tattoo since I was roughly 16 years old (I am now 23 – from Panama City, Florida). I’ve always adored travel and decided a long time ago to get a travel-related tattoo. Thanks to the fact that my mom and dad are also in love with traveling, I’ve been all over the U.S. since I was young. I went out of the country a few years back with my best friend (all throughout the Western Caribbean). It was like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. It was so amazing to see countries aside from my own. I’m planning a trip to Australia soon, and as much as I’m dying for my tattoo NOW, I would be so much happier if I waited and got it there. Besides, considering the theme, it’s appropriate, right? hehe
You should definitely get it there! It will probably have more meaning if you can say “I got this tattoo in Australia” 😀
I’m fully jealous that you’re heading there… have a great trip!
And thanks :]
Getting tattoos while traveling is good thought. I makes us remember about our trip. Getting tattoos on trips makes the trips unforgettable. The pictures on your post are good and also beautiful.
Agreed! and thanks :]
I’m far too indecisive for a tattoo but I love yours! The map is awesome.
I have plenty of tattoos, but I only got one of them while traveling in Seattle. Now that I just moved to Scotland, I have a feeling its time for another.
Hey, I’m going to Seattle in June and was planning to get a tattoo… Where did you go for yours??
I’ve never been to Seattle…
Oh, I was actually responding to Miranda’s comment… 😉 =)Sorry for the misunderstanding!
Oh, haha sorry I didn’t see that! :]
I got a nice tattoo in UK where I’m from. It was in a parlour called body art. There were a couple of the same around the city at the time too so it was an easy choice. I live in little city call Hull. And there’s quite a lot of parlours there to be honest. Sure I saw one next to the station here with two next door to each other hahaha some great ones but also there can be bad ones. Only one I ever heard was called classics, as it was doing underage tats and not clean enough too. Kid came to college one time and his skin was literally falling off =/. But I love mine to peices! Back of my, leg a cross for my late nan and gdad saying “no goodbyes, just good nights” underneath it. Going to turkey tommorow which brought me to this page looking for some advice on a good parlour. Doesn’t sound great so il be leaving it I reckon. Maybe just being some artwork back with me =)
like the map on your wrist its awesome =) thanks for the safety tips too!
Sorry late reply, have been on the road. Didn’t see your tattoo photo on FB! A tattooed travellers page would be awesome, haha.
I hope you found some good artwork in Turkey, let me know if you ended up finding a good parlour there :]
I can maybe get a picture for it on my fb account =) if not maybe start a page on fb for tatto travellers? Sounds pretty cool to me =)
– Connor Charles Royston Howland
Don’t know if this will work but click on my name now n it will go to my fb. Il have a pic of my tat there tommorow =p
Seattle,
What an awesome name! Second, good tips on get tattoos while traveling. I have 3 tats but all done by the same guy in San Francisco. I’m not sure if I am brave enough to get them from an unknown person. However, with my upcoming trip to Europe and SE Asia, I might be extremely tempted to get a tattoo of a fish. 🙂
Keep up the good work!
Thanks! I wanted to get one in SF, but it was a bit too last minute. Tips for next time I’m there?
You should definitely get one during your trip–they make awesome souvenirs :]
Love the info, thanks! I’ve been backpacking Europe for 3 months on my first totally solo trip and I’ve been wanting to get a tattoo the whole time. I’m from Los Angeles born and raised and I’ve always wanted a simple wave design because the beach/ ocean is a huge part of my life. I’ve just decided to go to San Sebastián, Spain for my last few days of my trip and as it’s a beautiful surf town (and one of my favorite places) it’s the perfect place to finally get it done! Hopefully I’ll be able to find a good place that’s not too expensive 🙂
Hey! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established blog.
Is it very hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I’m
thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? With thanks
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I love this post! I got a new tattoo in Prague in November 2013. It is based on a Georgia O’Keefe painting from 1931 called “Cows Skull with Calico Roses”. The roses are blush instead of white and it is gorgeous! I got it at Hell Tattoo Parlor in Prague and while it was decorated true to its name they were extremely professional and the work speaks for itself! Yours are beautiful and I love getting tattoos abroad.
Ah, that is a beautiful painting so I can only imagine that it would make for a beautiful tattoo. Do you have any photos of it online somewhere? I feel like Prague is just full of amazing tattoo artists! I got one of my favourites there :]
I don’t have any pictures online but I would definitely email you one if you would like to check it out! It;s on my right side right at my bra line. Painful 3 hour sitting but definitely worth it. I am also completely obsessed with your sleeve! I love the concept and the idea of using your passport stamps. Very unique and your artist did a fantastic job.
I don’t have any pictures online but I would definitely email you one if you would like to check it out! It’s on my right side right at my bra line. Painful 3 hour sitting but definitely worth it. I am also completely obsessed with your sleeve! I love the concept and the idea of using your passport stamps. Very unique and your artist did a fantastic job.
Hello Emma ! I just saw you got a tattoo in Prague. ! Are the prices similiar compare with the cost here in US ? Or cheaper ! Planning vacations to prague and I would love to have a tattoo there , thank you
My 2nd tattoo I got in Okinawa, Japan back in April of 2010. It was my first time going abroad. I got a cherry blossom on my right rib cage which represents the fragility and the beauty of life. In March 2012 I went to Spain & Portugal. In Spain I got a yellow & red outlined heart (representing the colors of their flag). The left side of the heart is an “S” for Spain. My last name originated there. In September of 2012 I went to Greece with two of my girlfriends & I added 3 falling petals to my cherry blossom, but in the shading of white & blue (also representing the colors of their flag). They got the word “LIVE” in Greek letters to match the theme of my Japanese cherry blossom. In March 2013 the same two girls I went to Greece with & myself went to Dubai, but tattooing isn’t allowed in their country so that was a no-go. This year in March 2014 I am traveling to Amsterdam & Paris with my boyfriend. Amsterdam is famous for their tulips so I want one added to the background of my cherry blossom. I already began e-mailing some tattoo shops over there & so far only one has gotten back to me & wants to overprice. Hopefully I can haggle the price once I’m there. Any tips on how pricing should be in euros. They quoted me 150-200 euros which today is from 203-270 usd, but I want is so small. Here in Miami it would go for $150 max which would be 110 eur.
awesome blog! I’m leaving for Italy in a few days and have been thinking about getting a tattoo while there. I’ll have the most time in Florence, Rome and maybe Sorrento..Any suggestions on a good shop?
Thanks!!
-Jenn 🙂
Awesome, I hope you have a great time in Italy! However, I have not been tattooed there, so I don’t know of any personally. Just check shops online, read reviews, look at photos–and try to look for someone that’s really good at what you want specifically.
Did you run into any issues keeping your tattoos clean so early in the healing process while you were flying? I’m planning a trip to England next year and really want to get a tattoo there, but I’m worried about the flight back to the US. Advice?
Nope, I’ve been tattooed before long flights several times and have never had any big issues. In fact, I just had an 8 hour sitting before a 7 hour bus ride yesterday and it went pretty smoothly. It can obviously be uncomfortable depending on where it is, but just give a wash right before boarding and as soon as you can after landing (in the bathroom at the airport is fine–try not to use water from the airplane sink, it’s very unclean). Also, throw on a piece of saran if you’re worried about it rubbing against anything. I just kept my sweater sleeve over it yesterday.
Fantastic!! Thanks so much! 🙂
Really cool! Found your blog searching for images of two tattoo ideas and you happened to have the exact two that I want: the world map and the plane. AND you’re currently living in my hometown (much love for Toronto, but currently living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)! Still can’t decide where I want to place the tattoos… I was thinking of having the plane pointed up between my shoulder blades on the back.
Anyway, awesome to have found this blog. Keep up the cool content!
Haha, awesome! Do you have any other tattoos? That spot on your back, between the shoulders id definitely a good spot to start on, as it doesn’t hurt too much. That’s where I got my first tattoo :] Post a link to a photo if/when you get them done!
Hey Seattle….. Planning my next vacations to Prague… I saw you got a tatto there ! Any advice ? Cost ? A place to recommend ? Thank you
Hi John, tattoo prices are much much cheaper in Prague! I paid about $200 for a fairly large piece and 3 hours (and that was on the higher end of the talent/price spectrum). I highly recommend Tribo tattoo. Either Adam Kremlin or Musa are very good. Great shop overall!
Hello, I really enjoyed reading this page. It brings me a lot of ideas of what kind of tattoo design to get. I’m thinking to have a Tattoo in Philippines when I visit next year.
IFirst off- I am in LOVE with your world map tattoo!! And second, the main reason I’m commenting, I have what may be a stupid question. I’m heading to Spain in a couple weeks and plan on getting a tattoo there. I’m super excited, however I have no idea if I’m supposed to tip the artist or not. I obviously tipped when I got my tattoos in the U.S., but I know Europe is a little different with tipping. Any help would be appreciated 🙂
I always tips everywhere I go. Sometimes they are surprised, but if I’m happy with the work, I am happy to tip them :]
Any advice on tattoo places in punta Cana Dominican republic?
Hey, i am going to Holland in a few days, how are the prices there and any recommendation about shops in Rotterdam, Utrecht or Amsterdam? 🙂
I am not surprised you didn’t find a place in Turkey because you weren’t looking in the right places. Taksim Square is extremely touristy, and you should never just walk around ducking into shops. Doing just a bit of research beforehand would have shown you some INCREDIBLE artists in Istanbul.
I totally agree with Sera. Also i love tattoos but still prefer temporary.. Thanks for sharing.
Congratulations on your new tattoo! The design is not only beautiful but also very cute, which I can appreciate.
Nice artical for tattoo world super
I definitely agree with getting tatted on holiday. I would just look for the best tattoo artist in the area though, not just random.
I wish I could do the same. But it hurts while tattooing. So when we get a tattoo while traveling, can’t it make the experience worse? Most of my travel has some kind of adventure like hiking. I really need the courage. LOL