Why you should skip new ink on the road
There are a lot of reasons you might be thinking of getting some new ink while you are traveling. First visit to a new country, celebrating a special event or maybe you just have the time. Hell, sailors have been doing it for centuries! Nevertheless here are some reasons to hold off on that tattoo until you are home…[NoCache]
Safety– Rules vary greatly throughout the world about how standards of hygiene are regulated at tattoo shops. Even in the U.S. these rules can vary from state to state. While most shops do an excellent job of self-regulating themselves, it would be prudent to have some local knowledge of health codes.
Artist– Knowing your artist is an awesome thing. Most people, if it is their first time getting a tattoo, will talk to friends that have tattoos and ask for recommendations. Having a good relationship with your artist is especially important if you are not picking flash off the wall. Having an artist you can relate to will aid you and them in transferring your ideas from your head to skin.
The shop– You want to know the shops reputation. How long has it been in business? If a shop hasn’t kept a happy clientele like any business it wont last. Somethings you may not know unless you are a local. Yelp reviews can only be trusted to a certain point. Ask around.
Aftercare– Once the work is done it is your job to do the aftercare. Ointment and lotion for about two weeks. Avoid sun and no swimming. No fun if you are at the beach. The aftercare is crucial and keeping your new pride and joy well lubed for the next two weeks may interfere with your travel plans.
Touchup– Sometimes even with a great artist and a perfect aftercare regiment some ink may have faded out during the healing process. A solid artist will tell you to come back in after it has healed up and he or she will touchup anything needed. Hard to do if you are now thousands of miles away back home.
My “hands-up” pose at Chicago’s Midway with well healed tattoos
Now that you know some of the drawbacks to getting a new tattoo while traveling, absorb it all decide if the cons outweigh the pros. Have fun.
Yea, I guess getting a tattoo while vacationing in Polynesia may not be a good idea!
Raul recently posted…How Can You See Atlanta’s Carpet of Green? Pine Mountain!
To me the aftercare is really important & something I don’t want to deal with especially if I was in Polynesia!
Good and sensible reasons to think about before getting a tattoo while traveling, though I must admit I’d be tempted. My tattoo artist moved to another town, now I need to find another one 🙁
There’s nothing wrong with it, just throwing some precautions out there.
Wow… Your back looks awesome!
Lol, work in progress
Hi, thanks for the post! I love that inks have their stories! I’ve been avoiding tattoos but when I got my custom made one I undestood it can look really awesome on your skin. I don’t understand how people can get a tattoo from a catalogue without knowing anything about meaning. What do you think about custom made tattoos? Thanks
Some great pics on your site, wow!
Hi Karl, I appreciate your post, you have shared a useful information. Its a sensible reason to think before getting inked while on traveling. Thanks for sharing! Keep Posted!