There is nothing new about people getting inked. In fact, they have been doing it for thousands of years. It is a way of expressing individuality and celebrating something that is important to you. Of course, tattoos are not for everyone. But if you really want to get one (or several, no one’s judging), you can combine it with your love for traveling and visit some of the world’s best destinations to get a tattoo. Have we sparked your imagination just yet? If your answer is yes, here are some fantastic places to get inked around the globe.
San Francisco, United States
This one is a no-brainer. San Francisco Bay Area has been the Mecca of tattoo enthusiasts for decades now. Its rise to glory began in the 1960s, but it has since remained a place where you can get both traditional and contemporary-style tattoos. You can even get a tattoo in the place where the forefather of the modern tattoo scene, Lyle Tuttle, once worked. While you are not going to be his client, since he retired long time ago, the work is guaranteed to be amazing.
New Zealand
While entire Polynesia is a fantastic tattoo destination, New Zealand stands out due to the revival of indigenous Maori motifs and tattoo methods. Many tattoo parlors offer a fusion of styles in case you want to show off a mixed cultural heritage. Some of the artists combine the Maori designs with Japanese or other traditional motifs.
London, The United Kingdom
The U.K. is one of the countries with the highest percentage of tattooed people in the world. It is a great place to go if you are not a stickler for tradition, and don’t have any particular tattoo style you love. In London, you can find everything from old-school to highly experimental works.
Sydney, Australia
Australia also belongs to the group of countries where tattoos are extremely popular. Similarly to the United Kingdom, Aussies do not prefer a specific style of ink, and if you visit a Newtown tattoo studio, you will see that the artists are specialized in a wide range of styles, including trash polka, watercolor, geometric, and Japanese.
Sweden (and Scandinavian countries in general)
If you have been binge-watching Vikings, then you know that tattoos have been a part of the Scandinavian culture for centuries. Most of the tattoos in this part of the world represent Nordic texts, mythology, and homage to Nordic gods. The patterns speak about the strength to conquer the enemy or fight natural obstacles.
Japan
Japan is an exotic destination in itself, but going there to get inked will definitely make it even more exciting. The tattoo styles and methods in Japan are different from what we are used to seeing. The so-called horimono includes using needles fixed on the end of the bamboo straw and dipped into ink to draw the traditional imagery of Ukiyo (heroes from the folklore). Some artists still practice this traditional method, while others take on a more modern approach.
Thailand
Are you a tattoo-buff visiting Thailand? Don’t go back home without some ink on your body. This is the place where you can get traditional yantra tattoo – a meticulously detailed artwork inspired by Buddhism. Since it is believed that these designs conceal magical powers, they are administered by monks in Buddhist temples. What an adventure, right?
Indonesia
The city of Denpasar in Indonesia has the highest percentage of tattoos purchased by tourists (99%), and this shouldn’t come as a surprise since the ancient tribal tradition known as “hand-tapping” is very inspiring and beautiful. The body art ranges from simple black lines going across the body to floral shapes portrayed with Dyak tattoos.
Miami Beach, United States
We’ve all watched an episode or two of Miami Ink, and we have all been impressed by some of the body art presented in the legendary TV show. If this statement is true for you too, you should experience the bustling tattoo scene of Miami in person. You will find everything from traditional and neo-traditional designs to geometric shapes and realistic portraiture.
Berlin, Germany
A regular host of tattoo conventions (the tradition began in 1991), German capital takes pride in the creativity and talent of its artists, and for a good reason. This European city is bursting with designers creating surreal works including 3D tattoos, floating elements, and incredibly detailed artworks. Some of the artists are so renowned that their waiting list is two years. So, if you are visiting Berlin with the plan of getting inked, make sure you set an appointment early on.
Every travel is an adventure you want to keep in your mind forever, but what if we told you that you could have a permanent mark of your experience on your body? Regardless whether you are an inkaholic, or you are considering putting some ink on your body for the first time, these destinations are the best places to get a fantastic tattoo.
Peter Minkoff is a guest writer. He is an editor at High Style Life.
