Do you love to explore the world? If so, you may be thinking about a way to commemorate your wanderlust experiences—some other way than just sticking some photos in an album or posting about it on social media. Getting a meaningful travel tattoo that celebrates your love of adventure may be the answer.
There are many different tattoo designs to choose from, and each idea is unique. Below, you’ll find some of our favorites.
These Meaningful Travel Tattoo Design Ideas Will Inspire Your Wanderlust
Why Should You Get a Travel Tattoo
A travel tattoo is the perfect way to collect beautiful, meaningful memories of your journeys. It can commemorate a special moment or remind you of an experience that had a lasting impact. Going through the process of choosing a design and getting inked will help make it even more meaningful as you’ll be actively participating in adding something unique to your life story.
Additionally, having something tangible like this is more memorable than just taking pictures or simply keeping souvenirs; you’ll have something that carries with it its own meaning and serves as an instant reminder of where you’ve been and what you’ve done.
Remember, tattoos are permanent, so this is not a decision you should take lightly.
If you’re not committed to a forever tattoo just yet, then check out Etsy’s temporary tattoos to test one out, (I personally LOVE WearFINK’s simple mountain range.
How Should You Pick What Type of Meaningful Tattoo to Get
If you’re considering getting a meaningful tattoo, then consider what it is about the design that resonates with you. Ask yourself why you want to get it, if it has special meaning for you and if there’s any story behind the idea. It’s important to be sure that this type of tribute to something means something to you before moving ahead with the idea—think about if you will still feel proud when pointing at your ink many years down the line? It will be with you forever, so choose wisely!
What are Some Travel Tattoo Ideas
Everyone feels inspired when they travel, whether it’s conquering a fear of heights by trekking through the mountains or finally exploring that place you’ve been dreaming about for years. That experience is something you’ll never forget—so why not mark it forever with an inspiring travel tattoo?
That experience is something you’ll never forget—so why not mark it forever with an inspiring travel tattoo? From language-based pieces to honoring your ancestral home, there are countless ways to symbolize your journey with a special tattoo. Why not get an image of the city skyline or the country flag of the place where you had your transformative experience? Or even a design that incorporates important dates and personal mementos from your journey?
Whether it’s a quote from a local language, the coordinates of somewhere meaningful or an image that symbolizes the experience, travel tattoos can be a great way to commemorate special memories from your travels. Here are some of our top picks:
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How Should You Prepare for Getting a Tattoo
Getting a tattoo is a big decision! It’s not just about getting some ink; it’s about making sure you get the quality and design you’re looking for, and that you find a safe place to get it done.
When prepping for your first tattoo, take time to research good studios with experienced artists who are reliable and have positive reviews. Make sure the shop is sanitary and that all needles are single-use and sterilized before each use. Also consider what kind of design you want: think about which artist’s style speaks to you, if you want something custom or pre-drawn, what size would work best, and even where on your body its placement could be perfect.
These are all things that can help make sure your experience goes well and that you leave with an unforgettable piece of art.
How Should You Take Care of Your Tattoo After Getting It
Taking care of a new tattoo properly is essential for maintaining its vibrancy and minimizing the risk of infection. Immediately after getting a tattoo, your artist should cover it with a layer of petroleum jelly and gauze to help protect it.
To keep your tattoo looking good, gently wash it twice daily with an antimicrobial soap, ensure that it stays moisturized by applying an authorized ointment several times each day, and avoid exposure to sunlight or the chlorine in swimming pools.
Furthermore, try not to scratch or pick at scabs as they form since this can damage the tattoo. Lastly, be sure to follow any other instructions given by your artist since their advice is tailored specifically to you and your healing process. Taking care of a new tattoo may require some extra effort but will pay off in making sure your design looks great for years to come.
If you’re looking for ways to honor your travels with ink, there’s no shortage of meaningful travel tattoo ideas to inspire wanderlust. A classic and simple world map is always a great option with lots of personalization choices, but as you can see there are many other great designs to choose from. No matter which idea you go for, travel tattoos are a great way to show off your love for exploring the world and make sure you never forget those incredible experiences!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my links, I earn a commission that helps to keep this blog running—at no extra cost to you. For more information read my full disclosure.
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Great tips, I’m going to check them!
Wow! All of these tattoos are so cool. :)
So awesome tattoos and stunning photos you shared.
Wow some of these are really intricate! I’d love an outline of the world map that I could colour in as I visited a new country… though visiting Russia or China will be painful! >.<
Russia and China would definitely take a little bit longer than Fiji or Belize!!
I loved some of those tats, for some reason the little boat was my fav :) My travel tattoo is an elephant head that I got at the Elephant Nature Park in Thailand. I got it done at the park by a woman who volunteers full time there. Amazing tattoo, amazing experience. You can read about it if you’d like: https://travellingcrone.com/2013/01/25/travelling-crone-takes-home-a-permanent-souvenir/
Wow! What a way to remember an incredible experience. I have been to the Elephant Nature Park and it was AMAZING!
There’s always a story behind all tats. That hiking tattoo has to be the coolest for me because I love the outdoors.I love being on mountain tops. I love the intimacy of the outdoors.
I agree, there is always some story behind a tattoo!
These are fantastic tattoos! I love it when tattoos share a story of someones vacation. It is my dream to travel to a Buddhist temple to be tattooed by a monk. I believe that that is the ultimate travel tattoo! :)
Cool designs. I never thought that travel tattoos can be this awesome. Thanks for sharing.
A full sleeve tattoo is on my bucket list and is nearly completed now. You can see the first part of my lion portrait which is a work of art at https://www.thesonofthom.com/lion-tattoo/
Wow! That looks really cool!
Sounds like the well-known swearing that starts with f…Anyway, the best reason against getting a tattoo seems to be that the skin is a living organ and a butterfly that one has had painted today can become in several years a moth! Besides, isn’t the human body beautiful enough without ink on it? Just a thought–or two.
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