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24 Stunning Symbols of Travel Tattoos and What They Mean

Dani Rhys

Table of Contents

1. world map , 2. globe , 3. hot air balloons , 4. coordinates , 5. airplanes , 6. paper airplane , 7. boats , 8. oceans and waves , 9. footprints and boot prints  , 10. cars and motorbikes , 11. compass , 12. pine trees , 13. palm trees , 14. mountains , 15. wildlife , 16. skylines , 17. landmarks , 18. camping gear , 19. quotes , 20. luggage and visa stamps , 21. letters or characters from different languages , 22. signposts , 23. stamps , wrapping up.

For most of us, the traveler’s life is always a dream and a fantasy. So even if we can’t live freely without a care in the world, we can still capture the essence of wanderlust by watching camping/traveling videos on YouTube or cherishing our own memories. 

Another method where we can keep the spirit of our past memories alive and still remain hopeful for the future is through tattoos. If you’re up for it, getting inked is always a great idea to mark your journey and remind yourself to keep working on your travel goals.  

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Let’s take a look at 24 stunning tattoo ideas to symbolize travel and wanderlust. 

world map tattoo

The World Map is one of the most common tattoos many travelers sport on their bodies. Traditionally, a World Map symbolizes the ultimate goal of the traveler: The freedom to go anywhere around the world. 

It can also signify the end of one’s journey, branding a traveler as one who’s visited many countries and has had their fill.  

A detailed black and gray World Map tattoo, — or a simple outline of any map you want, whether that’s your favorite island or home country — can signify your wanderlust and yearning to explore.  

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If the flat canvas of a World Map isn’t to your liking, a Globe tattoo can also fit the bill. Just like a World Map, the Globe can symbolize the entirety of your journey or your desire to keep traveling the world .  

For extra emphasis, you can add an airplane, boat, or paper plane circling the Globe or make it look like a palm is holding it (implying that you’ve got the entire world in the palm of your hand). 

hot air balloons tattoo

Standing in for freedom and the slow and deliberate journey of traveling around the world (ideally in 80 days), Hot Air Balloons are always synonymous with the archetype of the world traveler. 

In that same regard, Hot Air Balloons represent freedom and lightheartedness: they highlight your emotions where you are free from rules and responsibilities: a state where you actually begin to live in the present and cherish your journey.  

There are also dozens of variations to portray the carefree and joyous nature of hot air balloons. These variations strip the basket entirely and represent a globe or a pack of balloons hoisting luggage or a human. 

coordinates tattoo

If you want to be discreet and mysterious while keeping a personal reminder of the best places you’ve visited, Latitude and longitude coordinates make for awesome travel tattoos.  

Coordinate tattoos can have a more personal meaning and represent more than just a beautiful location.

You can pick whatever font you want or even pair it up with a personal quote, date, or an image of the scenery or event you associate it with. 

airplane tattoo

As a stand-in for the most common mode of transportation, Airplanes are extensively used by many travelers to embody the idea of travel and wanderlust.  

Although Airplanes may not represent freedom or respite from the humdrum of everyday life, as a vehicle of navigation, they represent the ability to traverse the world. 

There are tons of options for Airplane tattoos. You can get a simple outline or minimalist design or add a globe and dotted trail with a heart shape.  

If you’re looking for a little extra variety, you can also get a tattoo of an airplane seat with your favorite landscapes of landmarks off in the distance. 

paper airplane tattoo

Paper Airplanes take a more playful and lighthearted approach to airplanes and can be a great substitute if you feel the former is too complicated. Much like the hot air balloon, the Paper Airplane is free to roam the Earth and embodies the free spirit of the traveler.  

Besides that, a Paper Airplane also signifies randomness and living in the moment. No matter how much you try to direct it, the Paper Airplane seldom travels the intended path.

Instead, it chooses to explore, frequently stumbling across locations and people others rarely get to experience.  

boat tattoo

With meanings similar to airplanes (and traversing the world), Boat tattoos can also represent your wanderlust, especially if you’re a sailor or casually into “Yachting.” 

Boats are synonymous with navigation, exploration, the oceans, and freedom.

As such, it represents the free spirit of the traveler and your potential as an “Ocean Citizen,” open to exploring the seven seas and the lands that exist around it.  

ocean waves tattoo

An ocean represents many things; few among these are tranquility, mystery, life, and unlimited potential: essential characteristics of a curious tourist. As such, the Oceans and the Waves can stand in for your desire to travel and explore.   

Just like the endless sea, the tattoo options available to represent the oceans are limitless. You can go for a minimalist wave, seashell, or a detailed scenery of a sunset with boats in the distance.  

footprints boot prints tattoo

Standing in for exploration and expedition, tattoos of Footprints or Boot prints can often leave a cheerful reminder that you’re not afraid to create new paths or retread old paths to revisit your favorite locations.  

Although primarily used to denote the birth and growth of a child, simple footprints with no inscriptions can represent the desire to travel, hike and leave a mark on this Earth.

Boot prints are directly synonymous with outdoor living and signify the never-ending wanderlust of the hiker, camper, and wilderness adventurer. 

car tattoo

Apart from airplanes and boats, land vehicles such as cars, camper vans, off-road vehicles, and motorbikes can also represent the opportunity to travel.  

In most cases, these tattoos represent freedom in the context of camping, hiking, and outdoor living.  

So, if you’re exploring the highways in a car, traveling from beach to beach in a camper van, or climbing mountains with an off-road SUV, a tattoo to remind yourself of your land vehicle will always be a great choice.  

compass tattoo

One of the most common subjects in tattoos, the Compass stands for direction, navigation, purpose, and exploration.

It’s the fundamental symbol for travel and represents the explorer’s ability to collect their bearings and resume their journey, whether an actual road trip, hike or spiritual enlightenment.  

There are tons of variants for Compasses, with the majority being highly realistic, or alongside a world map, globe, landscape, or other elements.  

Newbies might find them cliche, but with universally-acknowledged symbolism, the Compass has always remained a timeless staple of the tattoo community. 

pine trees tattoo

Another heavily used subject in tattoos, the Pine Tree represents virtue and immortality in the spiritual sense, while on tattoos, it represents freedom, travel, and the great wilderness.

Hikers are particularly fond of pine trees or evergreens, which represent the forest in all its glory.  

A stunning landscape of a forest laden with Pine Trees or intricate artwork depicting elk, wolves, mountains, lakes, and the sun will always make for great tattoos.

That said, a minimalist Pine Tree tattoo to symbolize your travel experiences and wanderlust will also suffice. 

palm trees tattoo

Considered the de facto symbol representing vacation, freedom, tranquility, and the carefree travel lifestyle, Palm Trees make for great tattoos.

You can’t deny that whenever you imagine Palm Trees, it reminds you of the joyous times you vacationed on a beach or, at the least, saw others having the time of their lives.  

Throughout pop culture and media, we’re made to symbolize palm trees with feelings of wanderlust, abundance, and good times so getting a tattoo of them will surely help you and others get a sense of its serene nature. 

mountains tattoo

It’s no surprise that mountains symbolize nature, freedom, and adventure . Apart from the conventional symbolisms of eternity and stillness, the mountains and the surrounding landscape often stand as potent reminders to get out there and explore.  

A tattoo of the mountains can be a potent reminder and inspiration: encouraging you to climb those hills, trek through footpaths, camp outdoors, and witness the beautiful scenery through your own eyes. 

wildlife bear tattoo

Elk, Wolves , and Bears , these woodland creatures are most often associated with camping and hiking.

As a result, tattoos incorporating these animals and scenes in nature can often represent travel, wanderlust, and the beauty of the natural world.  

Besides that, you can also use tattoos of exotic animals to remind yourself of your favorite country or mark your previous travels.  

skyline tattoo

For tattoos of Skylines, there are only two options: minimalistic or fully photorealistic, and no in-between.

Whatever the case, these tattoos are great options to commemorate your trip to a famous city or country or even mark the end of your travel journey.  

landmarks tattoo

One of the best ways to commemorate your trip to a famous city or country is to get a tattoo of their most-recognizable landmarks.

These include skyscrapers, bridges, statues, and ancient or natural locations.

You can collect these tattoos with each trip and use them to signify each milestone during your travel journey. 

camping gear tattoo

Utilizing camping gear (such as Hiking boots, bonfires, backpacks, and tents) for the main subject of a tattoo can help symbolize travel, freedom, and the wilderness.

Often adorned with coordinates, quotes, compasses, or natural landscapes, these tattoos can stand as an eternal reminder: letting you cherish those brief moments when you explored freely to your heart’s content.   

travel quotes tattoo

Most tattoos will look great and add context whenever coupled with a fitting quote.

That said, Quotes on their own also make for great travel tattoos, inspiring yourself and others to live life on their own terms and work towards your goal of travelling the world.  

travel luggage tattoo

Almost always representing the need to travel, Luggage, particularly travel suitcases, make for tattoos that can signify your wanderlust.

These types of tattoos are depicted as suitcases filled with memorabilia from around the world or with various stickers and stamps.  

chinese characters tattoo

Another fitting alternative to commemorate your journey across the world (and prove it to others) is to get tatted with characters, words, or quotes from the local language.

These types of tattoos are great on their own or with other elements but regardless, there’s no denying that various letters from around the world definitely add some variety and an artistic appeal. 

signposts tattoo

Like compasses, signposts help us gather our bearings and find where we want to go. Ever since medieval times, signposts were used to guide travellers.

As such, their representations in tattoos can help symbolize your journeys and stand as a beacon of inspiration, reminding you never to give up on your dreams or your destination. 

travel stamps tattoo

Even if they aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing, tattoos of stickers or Visa stamps can make for great reminders. In most cases, tourists prefer to get tattooed with a replica of their Visa stamp (expiry date included).

Others might prefer a more tame approach with the names of the countries they’ve visited or the passport covers of different countries.

Whatever the case, these will always have a personal meaning to the wearer and inspire others to travel more. 

As we’ve seen through this list, there’s a good number of elements that you can incorporate for your next travel-inspired tattoo.  

Like most tourists, you can opt for an airplane or compass tattoo (coupled with a quote) for a more obvious interpretation or be more personal and mysterious, with coordinates and letters from other languages.  

Whatever the case, you’ll have more design choices and a better understanding if you go through this list and understand the different symbols associated with travel and wanderlust.  

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Dani Rhys

Dani Rhys has worked as a writer and editor for over 15 years. She holds a Masters degree in Linguistics and Education, and has also studied Political Science, Ancient History and Literature. She has a wide range of interests ranging from ancient cultures and mythology to Harry Potter and gardening. She works as the chief editor of Symbol Sage but also takes the time to write on topics that interest her.

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Top 10 travel tattoos explained: The symbols & what it represents

Top 10 travel tattoos explained: The symbols & what it represents

Traveling means something different to everyone. So do travel tattoos. But what exactly do some of the travel tattoos mean? Keep reading to find out the meanings and symbols of the top travel tattoos for your inspiration!

traveller tattoo meaning

Traveling is not a hobby but a lifestyle. Did you ever come back from a long trip feeling completely different? A brand new version of yourself! Maybe a  long backpack adventure  to Europe boosts your confidence. Or a hike in the mountains helped you realize how insignificant your problems were. 

Traveling has the power to change us for the better. That's why so many of us want to commemorate these memories with the right tattoo. Travel tattoos are so varied that choosing the right one can be overwhelming. That's why we made a list of our favorite travel tattoos ideas to inspire you! 

Top 10 unique travel tattoo ideas explained.

1. world map.

Even though we all use Google Maps nowadays, these tattoos are still trendy. The possibilities are endless. You can choose to get the world map tattooed all over your back or only outline the boundaries of your own country for a minimalist tattoo . You can opt for the map of a country you traveled to or an area in the world that has a particular meaning to you. For instance, your birthplace or a city where you learned something that changed life.

2. Hot Balloons 

Hot balloons are such a cute idea for a travel tattoo! They represent lightheartedness and cheerfulness. But they also symbolize complete freedom and eagerness to discover new places. 

3. Coordinates

Similar to the map, coordinates are an extremely personal tattoo. You can choose the place where you asked your partner to get married, your favorite spot as a kid, or any other place of significance to you. Every time you look back at it, you will be reminded of the meaningful experience connected to that particular place. 

Coordinates tattoos are discreet and could even pass unnoticed. Hence, they are one of the better options for those who are new to tattoos and want to start off easy.

4. Airplanes, trains, boats, bikes… and footprints! 

Just choose your favorite means of transportation and get a tattoo! 

Airplanes can represent the distance between you and your loved ones or a life you no longer live. They are also a symbol of fast travelers, constantly moving from one place to another. If you are eager to see and discover as many places as possible, this could be the right option for you. 

Trains can be more appealing to people who like to travel slowly. If you prefer to spend months in a specific country to discover its culture opt for these types of tattoos.

Boats are connected to the sea and are perfect for those who feel a strong attachment to this natural element. 

Bikes are the perfect option for outdoor lovers. They do not necessarily represent the life of someone traveling across countries but of people who like to explore and spend time outdoors in nature. 

From a simple line tracking the profile of a mountain to a palm tree or a feather, the possibilities are endless. You can choose to represent a certain mountain meaningful for you or a particular tree or flower. Nature tattoos are representative of your connection to nature and your love for exploration.

6. Skylines

Is there a city that particularly touched you during your backpacking adventures? Maybe you spent a  night in Paris  that changed your life, or a wonderful day in  Rome  that reminded you of how it feels to be truly happy. If this also happened to you, commemorate your time there with a unique travel tattoo! One of our favorite ways to do so is by sketching the skyline of your chosen city with all its most iconic buildings.

Camping tattoos are a fantastic idea for a minimalist travel tattoo. A small tent, van, and a hammock next to each other. If that doesn't remind you of good vibes, I don't know what will! 

Like nature tattoos, camping tattoos don't necessarily represent the eagerness to constantly travel from one place to another. They are a symbol of a simple way of life, of your connection with nature, and the importance you give to outdoor experiences over the busy and stressful life of the city. In the end, you don't need to go far to travel! 

A nice quote is always an elegant idea for a tattoo. Whether you decide to get it on your shoulder, arm, or hip, quotes tattoos will always look fantastic on your skin. You will only have to choose the quote that better resonates with your idea of traveling.

Some of our favorites are: 

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page  - Saint Augustine 
Not all those who wander are lost  - Tolkien 
Live with no excuses and travel with no regrets  - Oscar Wilde.

Compasses are the perfect option for those who like vintage symbols. A compass tattoo symbolizes the willingness to get lost to find your way. But it also represents orientation, our aims and goals in life, and our eagerness to achieve all of them

10. Passports stamps

Passports are one of the most valuable possessions of true travelers. Not only are they one of the material objects that allow us to cross borders, but they also share so many adventures with us! Checking our passport pages and taking a close look at the many marks and stamps left there is a bit like watching a photo album. It takes us back to beautiful moments of our past travels. So why not dedicate a tattoo to our passport as well?! 

Getting a tattoo of the different stamps on your passport is becoming more and more popular. Passport stamps tattoos are one of the most original ways to put all the countries you visited so far on your skin. Just make sure to choose an area of your body with plenty of space as you may have to add a few new stamps every year! 

Let Pilot create your next trip!

Once you decide which tattoo you're going to get, just find the perfect studio and… book a flight ticket! More and more people are starting to get tattoos while traveling to remember their experiences.

Let travel tattoos be a way to remember the good times during your travel journeys and let Pilot help you get inspired and plan future travels. If that sounds like a great plan, why not give Pilot a try?

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39 Travel Tattoos For Adventurers

What are the symbols for travel and adventure? Wear your passion on the sleeve with these unique and meaningful travel tattoos.

Traveling is not just something we do for leisure. It’s a way of living. Be it hiking in the Grand Canyon or snowboarding in Aspen, traveling is both educating and fun.

Saint Augustine said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” For many, traveling is a way to learn about the world as it is. A new language, new people, cuisines, and customs, the things we get to know on our journey stick with us for a lifetime.

And there are many symbols that travelers and adventurers relate to. For example, a compass symbolizes orientation. Back in the days when GPS was not available, a compass is a must-have for sailing and hiking.

So what are some classic symbols of travel? Check out these travel tattoos and adventure tattoos to wear your passion on the sleeve.

Disclaimer:  This tattoo collection is for inspiration only. Please do not copy the artwork. If you love these tattoos, follow artists and show them some support.

Exhilarating travel tattoos and meaning 

Mountain tattoo.

Landscape tattoo for traveler by @janapadar

If you love nature, consider the mountains as the design of your travel tattoo. It can be an abstract landscape. Or it can be an exact illustration of your dream destination. Whichever it is, a mountain tattoo will be a motivation to continue to explore and rise.

HIghway tattoo

Hit the road triangle tattoo by @pejczi

Start, and you are halfway there. The moment you hit the road, the best part of the adventure begins. As a symbol of travel, the highway is a reminder to enjoy every moment of the journey. The path is as beautiful as the destination.

The adventurer tattoo for women

Girl with an adventure spirit by @yan_san.art

@yan_san.art

Floral plane tattoo on the ribcage

Floral pattern plane tattoo on the ribcage by @bunami.ink

@bunami.ink

Airplanes carry us to different places in the world. To some, the plane means departure and separation. Thus it represents long-distance friendships or relationships.

But airplane tattoos can also symbolize adventures. You don’t need to be a pilot to wear one. If you love traveling across the globe, plane tattoos may speak to you.

Pack your bags

Pack your bags travel tattoo by @camomilletattoo

@camomilletattoo

Path to unknown

Path to unknown - travel tattoo by @klax.tattooer

@klax.tattooer

You never know what will happen on the way and where a small path will lead you to. But it’s the uncertainty that makes each journey special.

The moon, the ocean and the mountains

Moon sea and mountain symbol tattoo for travelers by @bunami.ink

If you don’t have a specific place in mind to tattoo on your skin, consider these minimalist nature symbols. You can never go wrong with these symbolic tattoos. Go big or go small; it’s all up to you.

Small airplane collarbone tattoo

Minimalist plane tattoo by @bodycanvastattooart

@bodycanvastattooart

Airplane window

Looking out from the plane window by @inkpplcom

Who loves to sit by the window on a plane? I do. Gazing out from the window is both soothing and exciting. You get a birds-eye view of the world, and the experience is unforgettable. Sounds like you? Then this unique wrist tattoo may resonate with you.

Hot balloons tattoo for adventurers

Hot balloons tattoo for adventurers by @march.tattoo

@march.tattoo

If you have been to many different cities or countries, you might not remember every one of them. But breathtaking scenery like the hot balloons in this tattoo is unforgettable. A realistic and vibrant tattoo like this one not only shows your love for traveling. It’s also a conversation piece that has everyone talk about it.

Hit the road

On the road tattoo by @nevilleandco

@nevilleandco

Keep flying, keep exploring

Hot ballon tattoo on the nape by @unpointsept

@unpointsept

Paper planes and balloons are popular elements in travel tattoos. They represent the pursuit of freedom and adventure. This nape tattoo combines both of them and will speak to passionate explorers.

Matching campervan tattoos

Matching van tattoos for traveler couple by @thepalmvan

@thepalmvan

When I was a kid, it was my dream to travel in a campervan. It’s like taking your home while going to different places. If you and your partner share the same enthusiasm, these matching couple tattoos will be proof of your bond and passion.

Traveler lizard

Traveler lizard by @buoythefishlover

@buoythefishlover

Travel tattoos aren’t always about meaningful symbols or quotes. Instead, they can be light-hearted and fun, just like this one. This cute traveler lizard tattoo will be perfect for those who love spontaneous trips and enjoy the fun of going into the unknown.

Around the globe – a girly tattoo for travelers

A flower globe tattoo by @mapzmapas

Architecture nape tattoo for travelers

Architecture nape tattoo for travelers by @cagridurmaz

@cagridurmaz

If you love traveling, chances are you have a special place at heart. It can be a city, a street, a park, or any place you’ve been to. If so, why not get a tattoo to honor the trip and the memories? This simple architecture tattoo sets a good example.

Camera tattoo for nature lovers

A camera tattoo by @mr.ok_tattoo

@mr.ok_tattoo

Are you a fan of snapping shots on the way? This unique blackwork tattoo combines a camera and natural landscape. It will be an expression of identity and passion for travel photographers.

Break the window

Break the windows tattoo for adventurers by @ciotka_zu_tattoo

@ciotka_zu_tattoo

The pandemic has taken the joy of traveling away from many of us. And this dramatic tattoo expresses the desire to go outside and travel again. It also reminds us to be grateful for adventures and life.

Coordinate tattoo

coordinate tattoo by @tattoosbyina

@tattoosbyina

Coordinates are strings of numbers that represent a location. Usually, when people get coordinate tattoos, they want to remember a special place. For example, it may be a place they have visited or where their home is located. Also, because coordinates are easier and less painful to tattoo, they can be a good fit for tattoo virgins.

Door to the new world

Door to the new world by @saegeemtattoo

@saegeemtattoo

Dokodemo Door, or the Anywhere Door, is a magical gadget in the Japanese cartoon Doraemon. It’s a door that leads to any place you want. Traveling is a lot like opening a Dokodemo Door. You know where you are going. What you don’t know is what awaits at the other side of the door. And that uncertainty makes every trip interesting.

A forearm tattoo for travel lovers

Home is where the journey is at by @cuongle.tattoo

@cuongle.tattoo

Camping tattoo

Camping tattoo by @kellyneedles

@kellyneedles

Some say camping is the real way of exploring the world. Imagine spending time outdoors, sleeping under the starry night. It’s even better if you are with a loved one. So if you love spending time in nature, this small camping tattoo can be your next ink.

Wine and plane tattoo

Plane and wine tattoo by @thais.foxtattoo

@thais.foxtattoo

Sailboat tattoo

Sailing boat tattoo by @kelseyknown

@kelseyknown

This tattoo is not only for sailors. Ships and sailboats are often associated with courage. Without those who put their lives at risk and sailed to the unknown, the world might not as connected as it is today. So if you are a free-spirit and a brave traveler, consider sailboats to be your next ink.

Rocket tattoo

Rocket tattoo by @thommesen_ink

@thommesen_ink

Why stay on the ground while you can soar to the moon?

Wanderlust one word tattoo by @stefano__mazza

@stefano__mazza

Wanderlust, by word, refers to a lust to wander. Those who have wanderlust refuse to stay put or to be stuck in a rut. They are relentless explorers. New places and adventures fuel their souls.

Read also: 60 Meaningful one-word tattoos to wear your heart on the sleeve

Matching world map tattoos for besties

World map tattoo for best friends by @vladabenson

@vladabenson

Read also: 85 Hearty matching tattoos for best friends

Minimalist boat and world tattoo

Minimalist boat and world tattoo for travelers by @cagridurmaz

Simple shapes and lines never go out of time. And this small tattoo is a good example. The tattoo consists of a boat on the earth. What’s amazing about it is that the entire tattoo is one single line. It showcases both the creativity and technique of the artist.

Yosemite landscape tattoo

Yosemite landscape tattoo by @nycyla

If you have spent an unforgettable time in a place, it may be a good idea to tattoo it on the skin and make the memories permanent. And this Yosemite tattoo is a good example.

Tattoo for island-hoppers

Sunshine and beach tattoo by @tattoo_artist_olive

@tattoo_artist_olive

So even when you are at home, you can still relive the time sunbathing in on the beach.

Telescope tattoo

Telescope tattoo by @my_michelle_tattoo

@my_michelle_tattoo

We use telescopes to observe from afar. And as a tattoo, it symbolizes curiosity and the urge to explore.

Flying around the world

Travel around the world arm tattoo by @japassou_tattoo

@japassou_tattoo

To the sea_small tattoo for travelers by @tes.travelss

@tes.travelss

The ocean represents freedom. If you are a beach person and love staying by the sea, this simple quote tattoo may speak to you.

Road trip tattoo

Road trip tattoo by @marujostudio

@marujostudio

Ready to go

Ready to go by @tattoosbyina

Sleeve tattoo for hikers

Ready to go sleeve tattoo by @jikatattoo

@jikatattoo

Tiny suitcase tattoos

Suitcase tattoo by @sarakori

Passport stamps tattoo

postmark tattoo by @laissntattoo

@laissntattoo

Each passport stamp tells a story about a country. And that’s what makes stamps tattoos so personal. As an ink, they are a conversation piece.

Stamps tattoo

Stamps tattoo for adventurers by @tattooist_sigak

@tattooist_sigak

Stamps are considered to be collectibles for a reason – they represent a period, a special event, or a location. For people who relate to those elements, stamps can be a unique token of their memory.

This cute stamps tattoo is no exception. With the landmarks of different cities, the design says a lot about the wearer’s journeys and passion.

Which of these travel tattoos is your favorite?

Do you have a travel tattoo? What’s the story behind it? Share in the comments!

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46 Wanderlust Tattoos For Anyone Obsessed With Travel

Hostelworld Blog | Posted on January 20, 2022 |

Travellers all over the world are constantly collecting passport stamps, soul-stirring stories and often, stunning wanderlust tattoos. Each one tells a story, a tale of adventure, inspiration and often, personal achievement. They’re badges of honour, proudly emblazoned on the bodies of those whose hearts are stirred by travel. We asked YOU for your real travel ink stories (and pics), and as always, you did not disappoint. Brace yourself for an inspiration overload! #MeetMyInk

Here are 46 wanderlust tattoos for anyone obsessed with travel:

1. “The globe stands for Asia and the compass that ensure I will always know where my home is. The arrow stands for the jump into something new.”

wanderlust tattoos

📸: Tanja Gremmelmaier – Germany

2. “I’ve always wanted a palm tree tattoo, but I’m glad I waited to get this done on my trip to Bali as it has given it even more meaning and reminds me of my time there.”

wanderlust tattoos

📸:  Annina – Finland

3. “My life goal is to travel as much as I can, as often as possible, and that’s pretty much what the tattoo means to me!”

wanderlust tattoos

📸:  Vittoria – Brazil

4. “I got this wanderlust tattoo before I went on a backpacking trip to South America for six months. I work in travel and I grew up with travelling – that’s why I got this quote on my ribs.”

wanderlust tattoos

📸: Jana Shl – Germany

5. “I am a firm believer that tattoos should represent what you stand for and believe in. That is precisely the reason why I’ve tattooed the word ‘GO’ on my forearm. It’s a mantra, a moto, an inspiration – when life gets rough, when the day at work just doesn’t seem to be coming to an end. I try to remind myself I’m doing it for a reason: to be able to travel in the future, to have the luxury of experiencing a bunch of ‘firsts’ and to not take daily things for granted.”

wanderlust tattoos

📸: Pia – Slovenia (Tattoo by @fertattoo)

6. “I lived abroad for over 10 years, but home is always where the heart is.”

wanderlust tattoos

📸: Anmar Wilding – UK (Tattoo by Dolly at Black Sails, Brighton, UK)

7. “I made my tattoo on a trip in Thailand as is the Thai tradition, with bamboo. It is a Thai amulet that means luck and protection.”

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Thais Espildora – Brazil

8. “I’ve got the coordinates of Hawaii as a tattoo because I spent two wonderful months there. So if I’m lost, please send me back!”

wanderlust tattoos

📸: Judith Nora – Germany

9. “The latitude and longitude show where I come from, and the map shows where I’m going.”

wanderlust tattoos

📸: Washington Rosthayni – Brazil

10. “I went on a contiki trip to Europe in 2013 and met my amazing friend/Australian soul sister Eden. I went to visit her in Australia a year later and we decided to mark our friendship for life with this tattoo! Since I live in Canada, it’s my sun when it’s her moon, so we drew this one up and got it tatted. Then of course, we went to the beach.”

wanderlust tattoos

📸: Madison Baillie – Canada

11. “The world is about people and the moments you live with them.”

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Maria Eduarda Lacerda – Brazil

12. “My heart is in the mountains and never being tied down, so I got ‘wild’ to symbolize who I am! The tree is the Colorado state tree.”

wanderlust tattoos

📸: Vicky Petrauskas – USA

13. “Got my wanderlust tattoo compass done back in Latvia when I realised how much I want to go to places I’ve never been to.”

wanderlust tattoos

📸: Victoria Zarecneva – Latvia

14. “Got it after having lived near the ocean (Australia & Spain) and learning how to surf”

wanderlust tattoo

📸: Anneline Akkersdijk – Netherlands

15. “Tomorrow I’ll be going with a backpack all by myself to the Chapada Diamantina! Go, go!”

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Maysa Santos – Brazil

16. “Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” – Anita Desai

wanderlust tattoo

📸: Martina Anliker – Switzerland

17. “I LOVE palm trees! This is my first tattoo and I got it in Sri Lanka from a French guy who was living in Thailand. Plus, I got it for free!”

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Melina Trovatello – Germany

18. “My rose of the winds Daniele Duarte, who guides me to the most crazy and amusing ways of Brazil with our eternal friendship.”

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Lucas Sorreano – Brazil

19. “Got this one done by Coen Mitchell in New Zealand during my working holiday adventure”

wanderlust tattoo

📸: Julie Van Oosterwyck – Belgium

20. “’Not all those who wander are lost’ is my life phrase. Photo taken during the crossing of the Serra Fina Mountain, on top of Capim Amarelo.”

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Gabriel Oliveira – Brazil

21. “I just had to have my itchy feet eternalized with a palm tree.”

wanderlust tattoo

📸: Sandra de Groot

22. “’We travel, some of us forever, to seek other places, other lives, other souls.’ – Anais Nin

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Carina Katharina – Germany

23. “I discovered a few years ago (since the age of 18 I have travelled without my parents) that I love travelling and ever since then, I prepare every year to discover a destination. It is amazing to learn about other cultures, including exploring my own country! I feel that my heart gains part of every place I have ever visited.”

wanderlust tattoo

📸: Ana Carolina Dias – Brazil

24. “I’ve been to over 30 countries before the age 23. I worked for an airline in the States. Traveling has been a huge part of my life and has made me to who I am. I’m a more global thinker, more empathizing towards others, and it has made me more curious about other cultures. If I don’t get on a plane for couple of months, I start getting jittery! I know my love for travelling will never leave me, so that’s why I got a tattoo! (Pic taken on the beaches of Tamarindo in Costa Rica!)”

wanderlust tattoo

📸: Olivia Dwan

25. “I’m the captain of my soul!”

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Camila Fernanda

26. “After breaking my neck in New Zealand I had this tattooed with a Maori pattern (given to me on a kiwi river stone from my nurse) in the ‘P’ and ‘C’ to remind me how lucky I was.”

wanderlust tattoo

📸: Kinging-It – UK (Full story here if you want to know more: How I Broke My Neck) 

27. “I won this in a competition haha! I decided to mark the places I liked the most and to register a year that was unforgettable.”

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Luana Borges – Brazil

28. “A tattoo in the jungle of Thailand. A representation of an elephant for my best friend who passed away years ago, because an elephant never forgets.”

wanderlust tattoo

📸: Ryan Mitchell

29. “After the ascent to Mt Rinjani (3726m) in Lombok, Bali, I got this tattoo with the outlines of the mountain with my two friends.”

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Tina Specowius – Germany

30. “It represents all directions under the horizon, symbols of change and new paths.”

wanderlust tattoo

📸: Thaís Machado – Brazil

31. “All it takes is a backpack to travel the world.”

wanderlust tattoo

📸: Joe Nic-Smith

32. “Free hand wanderlust tattoo in a little hut on a beautiful island in Fiji.”

wanderlust tattoo

📸: Tessa Jerman

33. “A reminder that, wherever my soul wants to be, my feet will take me. Travel is, and always will be, one of the most amazing, spiritual journeys we could ever experience. Much love to my fellow free spirited travellers.”

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Toni-Lea Shin

34. “Quote means: ‘Travelling is the longing for life.’ by Kurt Tucholsky”

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Silvana So – Germany

35. “This is my first wanderlust tattoo. I got it last Friday and I took this pic today!”

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Tiago Wallace Barros

36. “I did a road trip with a camper/caravan in the western USA, and during a stopover in Las Vegas I got this tattoo.”

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Joke Blankenstein. Germany

37. “She’s mine. Besides signifying my passion for travel, it marked a uni exchange and my graduation in fashion.”

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Pamela Nardino – Brazil

38. “This stands for adventure, off-the-beaten-track. To experience things you can’t find in a brochure. It stands for my time in Spain when I volunteered as a juvenile tour guide, without even knowing the language and living with strangers, giving everything every day.”

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Vanessa Wepunkt

39. “My little feet will take me to the most wonderful and enchanting places in this world!”

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Simoni Celis – Brazil

40. “Adventure! The tree is a cedar and is standing for my Celtic birth date. The paper plane stands for serenity and freedom during adventures.”

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Theresa Fuxjäger – Germany

41. “I had our ‘Kinging-It’ crown and a map of Bali tattooed on my shin on my 27th birthday in Bali to signify a new beginning. Kinging-It forevz. As cliché and straight forward as this tattoo is, it’s one of my favourites.”

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Kinging-It – UK

42. “I got my wanderlust tattoo during my year abroad in Estonia. It reminds me every day how beautiful this year was and how much there is to see in the world.”

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Jasmina Meyer

43. “Light house in Warnemünd.”

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Käthy Nuarb – Germany

44. “To overcome the fear of my first trip alone and show me that I can go wherever I want.”

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Thábita Ojana – Brazil

45.”My tattoo is a reminder to never stop seeing the world, no matter whether that’s in a faraway land, or an adventure in my own country.”

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Mari – USA

46. “Every time I look at my tattoo, it reminds me to keep travelling, learning and following my dreams around the globe.”

traveller tattoo meaning

📸: Eduardo – Brazil

Thanks to everyone who submitted photos, and to the amazing @thetraveltellers for the banner image!

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traveller tattoo meaning

12 of My Travel Tattoos and the Stories Behind Them

I make a strong effort to collect permanent souvenirs as I make my way around the world. Whether it be tattoos that I get while traveling or tattoos with a travel theme, there’s nothing I like more than a little international ink.

Here’s a small collection of some of my favorites, along with a bit of backstory for each.

traveller tattoo meaning

I got this outline of a world map tattooed on my left wrist at Sacred Heart Tattoo in Vancouver, BC, after a five-day train journey across Canada. My best friend and I had arrived just in time for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and decided that we'd both celebrate with some West Coast ink. As a self-proclaimed map-obsessed geography major, it wasn’t a question of if I'd get a map tattoo—it was when. We got our tattoos and celebrated many of Canada’s great medal wins. This is still my favourite tattoo to date.

traveller tattoo meaning

Compass rose

After getting the world map tattooed on my left wrist, I wanted to get a compass rose on my right to display as a pair. The same friend I'd traveled to Vancouver with was getting some work done on her sleeve at Immortal Impressions in the small, rural town of Keswick, ON, so I tagged along on the three-hour drive. The artist made it quite a bit darker than I'd hoped, so this is the only tattoo I'm slightly less than impressed with.

traveller tattoo meaning

It took me about two years of searching all over the world to find a place that would tattoo the hand of someone who wasn’t already heavily tattooed. It isn’t something that tattoo artists like to do, so I was excited on the day an artist at New Tribe Tattoo in downtown Toronto finally said yes. It was a quick walk-in appointment, and, before I knew it, I finally had a tiny airplane on my right ring finger.

Intermission

Chicago’s soaring new attraction takes you flying over the windy city.

traveller tattoo meaning

Aside from getting travel-related images, I make a point of trying to get a new tattoo in each country I visit. I got this feather on the inside of my upper left arm at Inner Vision Tattoo in Sydney, Australia, after spending one month road tripping around the country. One of the reasons I decided to get a feather was to represent one of my favourite quotes: “I always wonder why birds choose to stay in the same place when they can fly anywhere on the earth, then I ask myself the same question,” (Harun Yahya).

traveller tattoo meaning

Chief Seattle

I might get a lot of tattoos while already traveling, but this was the first tattoo I actually planned an entire trip around. I'd been a fan of Nick Bertioli’s work for quite some time, so when I learned he'd be coming back to Montreal for a short time from London, I immediately booked an appointment, and a bus ticket. I made the eight-hour Megabus journey up to MTL Tattoo, spent a few days eating and drinking in the city, and got this incredible portrait of Chief Seattle on my inner right forearm. Not only was I named after Chief Seattle because of my Native heritage, but I really admire the man he was and love his words, “Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints.” Nick Bertioli currently works at Seven Doors Tattoo in London, UK.

traveller tattoo meaning

After a winter adventure trip around snowy Finnish Lapland, I returned to Helsinki and headed straight for Paradise Tattoo + Piercing, a small second-floor shop in the city centre. One of the most painful tattoos to date, the word "wanderlust" was scripted onto the top of my right foot. The special Finnish connection behind it is that the letter “t” is blue to match the blue cross of the Finnish flag. This is the only coloured tattoo I have.

traveller tattoo meaning

Coordinates

Along with majoring in geography at university, I also specialized in GIS (geographic information systems). This meant a lot of time with digital mapping software, GPS devices, and a big focus on learning how to properly use coordinates. So it was only natural that I'd want to get coordinates permanently embedded on my body. I chose the coordinates to the house I grew up in and still consider my home, as well as the coordinates of the first place I ever visited outside North America, which was southern Italy. These coordinates were positioned on the top of my right shoulder at Dawg Pound Tattoo in Niagara Falls, ON.

traveller tattoo meaning

Hawaiian islands

I have what I admittedly refer to as my “cheesy tourist tattoos,” ink that has a lot of meaning to me but is probably shared with thousands of travelers around the world. The first is the outline of the Hawaiian islands on my left foot that I had done at Island Ink in the hippy town of Paia, Maui. Combining the fact that Maui is my second-favourite location in the entire world with my background in geography, I knew I wanted a map of the islands to represent that. The placement on the top of my foot was even more painful than the previous wanderlust tattoo.

traveller tattoo meaning

After one month of rescuing sea turtles, exploring rainforests, and some hardcore relaxation in Costa Rica, I couldn’t think of a better way to round out the trip than to get a tattoo. While I originally thought the motto pura vida (directly translated to "pure life") was more of a clichéd, North American adaptation after a surf holiday, I soon learned it was simply the way of life in Costa Rica. I heard it day in and day out, used for hello, goodbye, okay, no worries, and to express general agreement or acknowledgement. I expected a bit of an eye roll from the artists at Anchor’s End Tattoo in Jaco, but Fito de la Rocha happily set to work scrawling the words across my left rib cage. Added bonus: I had it done on Earth Day.

traveller tattoo meaning

Passport stamps

My travel-themed half sleeve is my largest and most carefully thought out tattoo. I put years into planning it and will likely spend years getting it done, eventually becoming a full travel sleeve. So far, it consists of three large roses with animals that represent the members of my family (an elephant for my mother, a fish for my father, and an owl for my sister), which are all surrounded with passport stamps scanned directly out of my passport (Iceland, Finland, Turkey, and Australia). I plan to add at least two more animals and several more passport stamps to blend them down into the lower half of my arm. This beautiful work of art is being done by Morgan MacDonald of Seven Crowns Tattoo in Toronto, an artist I highly recommend.

traveller tattoo meaning

Sak yant bamboo tattoo

By way of taxi, van, bus, and finally a rickety motorbike for three, I traveled from exhaustingly chaotic Bangkok to peaceful Wat Bang Phra, Thailand, questing for a magical sak yant tattoo. This wasn’t just any tattoo—it was a traditional bamboo tattoo administered inside a temple by a Buddhist monk continuously tapping the end of a long pole to puncture the skin in a chosen design. However, the choice wasn't mine. Not only did the monk decide where the tattoo would go on my body, but he chose what design to give me. I received a Hah Taew design on my left shoulder blade, which displays five rows of magical spells for protection, good luck, love, fortune, and success, all sealed with the monk's blessing.

traveller tattoo meaning

Jim Morrison + quote

I originally contacted Tribo Tattoo in Prague, Czech Republic, to request an appointment with one of my favourite artists, Musa. In a bittersweet twist, Musa was out of town, but award-winning portrait artist Adam Kremer was in. I took one look at his portfolio and knew exactly what I wanted. There was a bit of a language barrier, but we communicated enough to make sure everything was understood before beginning. The second installment came from Mike Beddome at Adrenaline in Toronto, ON, where the following addition of Morrison’s poetry was made: “There’s only two ways to get unraveled, one is to fly and the other in travel.” Both are placed on my left thigh.

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55 Meaningful Travel Tattoo Ideas to Inspire Wanderlust

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.

traveller tattoo meaning

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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Travel Tattoo

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Travel Tattoo

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Travel Tattoo RF

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Travel Tattoo RF

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Travel Tattoo RF

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Travel Tattoo

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Travel Tattoo

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Travel Tattoo

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Travel Tattoo

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Travel Tattoo

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Travel Tattoo

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Travel Tattoo

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Travel Tattoo

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Travel Tattoo

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traveller tattoo meaning

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Travel Tattoo

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Travel Tattoo

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Travel Tattoo

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Travel Tattoo

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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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18 thoughts on “55 Meaningful Travel Tattoo Ideas to Inspire Wanderlust”

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.

Fantastic article…Thanks for sharing such a great information with us.You are really an amazing writer.Good job.Keep it up.

Lost of good information here.Thanks so much for share this article.

I read your full blog and it was very informative, and helped me a lot. I always look for blog like this thanks for sharing

Fantastic blog. Thank for sharing this wonderful website with us. I’ll share this blog with my colleagues. I’m sure this info will be useful to those who need it.

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traveller tattoo meaning

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Travel Tattoos: Why We Get Them And What They Mean

By Lauren Klarfeld

As our body journeys through life, and life journeys on our body – why is it that some people feel the need to make reminders of their journeys on themselves? And what do these look like?

To answer this, we may have to look at our own tattoos differently to begin with – and instead of asking what we got – ask ourselves why we got it; why we actually felt the need that day to leave a permanent mark on our skin…

If you have a tattoo (although I don’t think you need to have one to relate to this) try and remember the moment you got it. Remember? As the ink punctured onto your skin? And the machine buzzed as tiny lengths of pain struck you? And how maybe for a moment you were realizing that this ink was going to be irreversible and forever?

What it became that day, was a choice. An enhanced and controlled version of a scar left on your body by choice. It’s a story to tell, but also a new part of you.

The new you, or a reminder of the old you. So while you were given the body at birth, you are now deciding to add something new to it – and that is something fundamental in the culture surrounding the naked body today (and in older civilizations too) – that we are giving ourselves the power of deciding what we would like to add to it.

And as change is a constant – as our houses, our money, our friends, our things and even our lovers can always disappear – the one thing that we will always remain the closest to, will be our minds and our bodies. They are interrelated. And I believe that sometimes the mind needs to sprawl itself on the body – as much as a body may sprawl itself on our minds.

So where is this analysis heading to? Like paintings and art currents, themes are easy to spot. And as I travel to meet other travelers for my book , it didn’t take long until I understood the categories of tattoos travelers wore on their skin.

Some shared stories of how their tattoos were reminders of their homes – or reminders of where they had been. Typically, these tattoos would come in the form of the outline of a country; a symbol of that place, coordinates on maps etc. They were more precise reminders of the places they had moved to and that had moved them in return. They were reminders of fixed places. A point and place in time. They were the reminders of the geography and lengths they had been to – and those they chose to remember.

Ironically and many may not admit it yet, but travelers are often going great lengths to look for what home means to them. And when they have found a closer meaning of it, that’s when the skin becomes the best canvas to remind it. Because sometimes homes aren’t where we are right now. But they are out there somewhere. Somewhere where we felt AT home…

Finally the last category of travel tattoos I have seen, have to do with symbols and states of minds. Typically these would be sentences like “wanderlust,” a paper plane, a map of the world, a compass…The symbiotic of the wanderlust generation.

Those that have travelled a lot or a bit – but rather than finding – or having found a home, want to keep the reminder of what drives them; the passion for travel, or more so, the will to keep exploring. The curiosity for life and self-discovery.

Our travel tattoos are our resources. Our points of departures – our protections. They are what make us different, and what shape our minds when we fear we might be in doubt. And what makes us doubt more than life itself.

And if when we travel it is true to say that we carry ourselves with – then it seems only logical to carry ourselves with the resourceful reminders of what we learned while we travelled and when we came back.

traveller tattoo meaning

  • Design and Ideas

40 Inspiring Travel Tattoo Ideas For Wanderers Out There

  • May 23, 2018
  • 3 minute read

Table of Contents Hide

Inspiring travel tattoo ideas for wanderers.

Inspiring Travel Tattoo Ideas For Wanderers , which also have deep meanings, are what we need to express our love for travelling. Travelling is fun; and it’s not just the fun part that makes people go crazy about travelling, a lot of valuable things can be learnt by making regular trips to known and unknown places.

Inspiring Travel Tattoo Ideas For Wanderers

If you acknowledge the importance of travelling, and you personally are a hardcore traveller, then getting a travel tattoo done would be the best bet. Thankfully, there are plenty of Inspiring Travel Tattoo Ideas For Wanderers that you can indulgently choose from. Here will let you know about the amazing tribal tattoo designs and ideas.   Check out the most appealing ones here-

The tattoo of a compass

Inspiring Travel Tattoo Ideas For Wanderers

A compass stands for direction. And the concept a wanderer can completely relate to is that of direction. Sometimes, people make planned trips and they know what lies ahead in their journey; and at times, they are completely oblivious of the destination, and are just concentrating on the moments the entire journey is woven of. Hence, the existence of direction or its lack thereof is what the life of a travel enthusiast revolves around. Hence, a compass tattoo suits them the best.

A paper aircraft with a trail

Inspiring Travel Tattoo Ideas For Wanderers

Talking about Inspiring Travel Tattoo Ideas For Wanderers, you certainly can’t overlook a paper aircraft with a trail. Although it’s a common tattoo that travel enthusiasts get done, it expresses everything in the mind of a travel aficionado in the simplest possible way. An aircraft signifies travel, and the trail behind it says that the plane is always on the move, and it’s not static.

The world map

Inspiring Travel Tattoo Ideas For Wanderers

The world is full of travel worthy places. And every place- big or small has its own specialities. The adventure and uncertainty that every journey entail is what makes travel enthusiasts want to travel again and again. If you think every place on earth is beautiful, no matter how remote it is, then you sure are a true adventurous traveller, and a tattoo of world map is perfect for you.  Here are best Cute Sleeve Tattoos For Girls that can suggest the best artwork for you. You can also add your creativity to the design.

A cute suitcase

Inspiring Travel Tattoo Ideas For Wanderers

No matter where in the world you go, do you ever leave your home without your travel bag? Well, we know the answer! And that is why a suitcase is what you need for a tattoo. With a suitcase tattoo behind your ears, on your wrist or your ankle, you can easily show the world that you are a free-spirited soul ready to move. The best thing about getting this tattoo done is that you can go for any combination of colours you want. But to keep things simple yet attractive, we suggest, you stick to the basic black colour.

The “Wanderlust” tattoo

Inspiring Travel Tattoo Ideas For Wanderers

So, you like to travel places; you can’t stay put in one location for too long; you love the air and vibes of different places in the world; and you simply love the moments spent on a trip. How would you describe yourself? Well, you will probably describe yourself as a “wanderlust.” Yes, there is no better way to describe a die-hard traveller. So, why wait? Get the word “wanderlust” etched on your skin, and let the world know about your love for travelling.

Inspiring Travel Tattoo Ideas For Wanderers

Getting inked is always a special thing. But what makes a tattoo special is how unique it is, right? While your tattoo design can be super cool, how about cranking it up a notch? So, be prepared to ditch the conventional tattoos this time and give super Futuristic glow in dark tattoo ideas a try. 

Inspiring Travel Tattoo Ideas For Wanderers

How many times has it so happened that you felt like screaming it out loud to the world that you love to travel? This is a peculiar desire almost every travel enthusiast nurtures. Here are Mightiest Superhero tattoo designs that are a way for us to show how much we admire certain heroes, whether that is their virtues, their morals, or simply just their image.   And if you are one among them, then listen up- you can flaunt your love for travelling with a wonderful travel tattoo. Starting from aircrafts, and suitcases to world maps and paper aircrafts, there is simply no end to Inspiring Travel Tattoo Ideas For Wanderers . So, don’t make any delays. Contact a tattoo artist right away and tell them how you would like your love for travelling expressed through a tattoo!

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From Iceland — A Brief History Of The Traveller's Tattoo (In Iceland, At Least)

A brief history of the traveller’s tattoo (in iceland, at least).

Published August 26, 2015

A Brief History Of The Traveller’s Tattoo (In Iceland, At Least)

With the burgeoning population of Icelandophiles and ever-increasing popularity of tattoos, it should come as no surprise that souvenir tattoos are becoming trendy among tourists to Iceland.

visvegir traveller tattoo

Of course, it’s not a new phenomenon. Fjölnir Bragason of The Icelandic Tattoo Corporation says that up until about ten years ago, every tourist who came to him wanted Björk’s famous tattoo, the runic protection symbol Vegvísir. He tells me people still ask for that one, of course, but not with the same frequency, having broadened their understanding of Icelandic history and culture through the magic of the internet.

All kinds of Viking stuff

Fjölnir says there are three types of tourists coming in to get tattooed by him: walk-ins who show up on a whim, those who come to Iceland specifically to get their tattoo, having made an appointment several months in advance, and Iceland Airwaves festival-goers.

The walk-ins are the most common type of tourist he gets. “They want the runes or magic staves and such, all kinds of Viking stuff,” Fjölnir says. “If they are Americans who have roots in Iceland, they may want something more Viking-esque, like a Viking ship.” Also common are the outlines of Iceland or the silhouette of Mt. Esja.

Then there are the tourists who have made an appointment many months in advance, like the Spanish mercenary soldier who came to Iceland specifically to seek Fjölnir’s services, looking for something more special, “He had to be tattooed by me,” Fjölnir says. “It had to be a Viking protective symbol done by a Viking.”

Fjölnir Bragason, The Icelandic Tattoo Corporation

As for the Airwaves crowd, anything goes. “They’re young hipsters. They want all kinds of things, often music related. But often they go with the tradition of magic runes and stuff.”

“That’s not hów it’s fúcking spelleð”

These trends are common at other tattoo shops around Reykjavík. Jason Thompson of Reykjavík Ink does a lot of tattoos of Ægishjálmur, another magical stave. “The other day, I did it four fucking times. It’s cool, I get it. It’s cooler than a plastic Viking hat or a fucking puffin T-shirt.”

Jason Thompson, Reykjavík Ink

Jason says as far as tourists go, he does a lot of runes, staves, outlines of Iceland, ravens, and phrases in Icelandic, among other things. The phrases in Icelandic can get a little out of hand, as Jason recounts: “We’ve had people come in and say things like, ‘I know this is written in Icelandic, but can you put some of those weird letters in there, to make it more Icelandic?’ And I’m like, well that’s not how it’s fucking spelled.”

Fanciful misspellings aside, many tattoo artists here are generally happy to give tourists tattoos. Marlena Misztalewska of Sweet Hell Tattoo says that she loves it. “They are so fun, so happy. They just want to share their experiences and talk about their countries.”

She understands the urge to memorialize a trip with some permanent ink: “People love Iceland so much they want to get a souvenir that will remind them forever of their time here. They’re doing crazy things on a crazy trip and tattooing is the crazy thing to finish it up with.” Marlena says these tourists follow the typical trend, opting to get runes and mountains and the like.

Keeping up with the Joneses

So while tourism tattoos are trendy, how do tats fit in with Icelandic society? Very well, but of course. Fjölnir, who has been a mainstay of the Icelandic tattoo scene for years, says that the trendy thing now is going big. “It used to be people coming in and getting just a small one, then a medium one, then a big one,” he says. “Now you’ve got people coming in and wanting the whole shebang.” He doesn’t notice any particular style trends, noting, “the trend is mostly in the boldness.”

Marlena Misztalewska, Sweet Hell Tattoo

It’s a good thing Icelanders are more open to a variety of styles, because their seeming obsession with following certain trends almost drove him crazy a few years back. “I sat there for ten years doing nothing but tribal tattoos. Tribals, tribals, tribals.” To avoid stigma, his customers apparently felt “they had to get a tattoo within the frame of what everyone else was doing,” Fjölnir says.

They may be open about getting big, bold tattoos, but it’s not necessarily an indicator of a rebellious streak. “Icelandic people are very, for lack of a better term, ‘keeping up with the Joneses,’” Jason says. “So it’s really good for us, because if you get a really big tattoo, then maybe that chick you work with is like, ‘Shit, that’s cool. I’m going to get one twice as big.'”

Who can blame them?

One thing Jason has noticed since he started tattooing here is the influence that the outside tattoo culture has had on Iceland’s. The owners of his shop have held an annual tattoo convention in Reykjavík since 2006, and Jason thinks that’s had a lot of influence on the widening of taste: “Since those started happening, more guest artists have been coming to Iceland and working, and it’s changed the face of tattooing.”

Marlena has noticed a multicultural influence as well. “Now Icelanders are getting a lot of minimalist and Indian designs like the mandala, and other things connected to Buddhism,” she says. “Before it was more Japanese, like the koi fish, and the Day of the Dead girl from Mexico.” Still, Icelanders being Icelanders, they’re really into their heritage, so she still does a lot of Viking-themed things for them. “A lot of Icelandic people just love Viking things.”

Clearly so do the tourists, but who can blame them?

Next: Kunstschlager: Young And Playfully Creative Previous: Today At The Reykjavík Dance Festival!

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1001 Inspired Travel Tattoo Ideas & What to Expect If You Get a Tattoo While Traveling

Italy - Rome - Woman with Tattoo - Travel Tattoo Ideas

Last Updated on: 22nd January 2024, 04:11 pm

Whether you have zero or twenty tattoos, if you love traveling then you’ve probably considered getting a travel tattoo at some point. 

Consider this the complete guide to getting a travel tattoo. First, I share my own experience of getting a travel tattoo in Jerusalem and questions for you to consider about getting one of your own.

Next, I have a giant – and I do mean freaking giant – list of travel tattoo ideas. I have general ideas at the top, then ideas for every country, sixty major cities, and every state in the US.

There are great ideas for travel tattoos for guys and travel tattoos for girls. I hope there’s a little something for everyone!

Can’t read now? Pin for later!

Travel Tattoo Ideas and a List of Travel Tattoos plus How to Get a Tattoo While Traveling

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These are my favorite companies that I use on my own travels.

Protect Your Trip via Safety Wing

Find the best city tours, day tours, bus tours, & skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide and Viato r .

Find the best deals on hotels & vacation rentals on Booking.com .

For English-speaking private airport transfers, book through Welcome Pickups.

For road trips and independent travel, rent a car through Discover Cars .

Find information and cruise reviews on Cruise Critic.

For packing and travel essentials order via Amazon .

Book an affordable family or romantic photography session on your trip through Flytographer (Use the code HISTORYFANGIRL for 10% off your first photoshoot).

For travel guidebooks to have with you during your trip, I always pick one or two from Rick Steves and Lonely Planet.

How to Get a Tattoo while Traveling

A tattoo is a common travel souvenir, but is it the perfect souvenir for you?

While I absolutely love my own travel tattoo and think they’re a great idea, there are still things you need to consider ahead of time. 

My Experience Getting a Travel Tattoo in Jerusalem

Jerusalem - Razzouk Tattoo - Getting a Travel Tattoo while Traveling

Before I visited Jerusalem in 2017, I had read about Razzouk Tattoo, which claims to have been in business since 1300!

As a history fan, I obviously wanted to check out the shop, but I wasn’t sold yet on whether I should get a tattoo here or not.

They do typical modern tattoos, but they also still do Coptic tattoos based on a set of blocks that have been in use for hundreds of years.

The original patrons of the shop were Coptic Christians and Crusaders, so a lot of these blocks feature Jerusalem crosses and other symbols that Crusaders wanted to commemorate what they saw as their time in a holy war.

Jerusalem - Razzouk Tattoo - Getting a Travel Tattoo while Traveling

I wanted to get a tattoo from one of these antique blocks, but I wanted to avoid getting anything with overt religious symbolism.

I found this flower detail that was a broken piece from a larger block.

I absolutely adored it, and it fit what I wanted: small, simple, and highlighting the different techniques used.

I even had them ink in the places where the edges of the stamp got ink on my skin since what I loved was the connection to history and the process as much as the tattoo itself.

Jerusalem - Razzouk Tattoo - Getting a Travel Tattoo while Traveling

My own travel tattoo was such a mix of research and impulse that I didn’t know I would actually get it ahead of time, but I knew if I ran into the tattoo shop that I would find out more (which I did by happenstance during a walking tour of Jerusalem).

I hadn’t even mentioned the possibility to anyone ahead of time!

Three years later, and I still love it!

Travel tattoos are really personal, and they’re as much about the experience and what it means to you as what it looks like.

So when you pick out what tattoo you want, your own opinion is the most important one.

Jerusalem - Razzouk Tattoo - Getting a Travel Tattoo while Traveling

There were a few things I had to give up in order to get it.

Besides having to spend the next week of my trip adding aftercare to my vacation itinerary, I had to skip a day trip to the Dead Sea since you can’t swim for two weeks after getting a tattoo. 

Things to Know Before You Get a Travel Tattoo on the Road

Getting a World Map Tattoo

Before I got one, I didn’t really think about a lot of these issues, but after going through it myself I now know these are things you need to consider before getting a travel tattoo:

First, if you’re excited to go to a particular tattoo parlor, find out if you need to make an appointment or if they typically are able to take walk-ins.

Next,  consider when you plan on getting it during your trip. Since you can’t swim and you need to keep it bandaged at night for a few days, you might not want to get it early in your trip.

Make sure you will be able to follow hygienic tattoo aftercare on your trip before you commit to a tattoo.

Next,  remember that you will need to travel home with it. If you get a large tattoo or a tattoo in a sensitive place, it may hurt for days afterward.

If you’ve ever traveled with a bad sunburn and been crammed into a plane, bus, car, or train, you know this can get very unpleasant. Make sure you can tolerate traveling with the soreness.

Finally, make sure a travel tattoo fits into your budget. Even small, simple tattoos at reputable places can cost a pretty penny. A tattoo might last forever, but they also are an investment.

Should You Wait to Get Your Travel Tattoo at Home?

I would suggest getting your tattoo on the road if the specific tattoo parlor is part of the experience, if you’re getting something a design that is special to the local culture and local artists will be the best to execute it, or if you want to get a tattoo in a local method like Bamboo tattooing in Japan.

If you are getting a common or easy design, like a word or phrase, you might want to wait to get it until you’re back home.

You should also wait if you know that good tattoo aftercare won’t be possible on your trip, or if you don’t have time in your itinerary (like you’ll be on a guided tour with little free time).

Alternatively, if you want something very complicated or large, you might want to get it at home if it will require multiple sessions. 

Tips for Picking the Right Travel Tattoo for You

Woman Traveling with Tattoos

Make sure you will like the placement, style, and content of your tattoo for years to come. This might be the only permanent travel souvenir you can get!

Style: there are lots of different styles of tattoos. You can get something watercolor, realistic, geometric, traditional, tribal, neotraditional, new school, etc.

Any motif you choose can be done in different styles. While an Eifel Tower tattoo might seem cliche, you can put a twist on it by doing it as a watercolor or as a small geometric tattoo.

Size:  you need to make sure you like the size of the tattoo AND that the tattoo makes sense for the size. Some pictures don’t look good small, while others look awkward when blown up too big.

Color:  if you will be getting something that has color, make sure it’s a color you can live with, especially if it will show. 

Visibility:  if you want something private that most people won’t see, get a tattoo on your ankle, behind your ear, or underneath your clothing. If you want something that will be easy to see, get something on your arm, leg, shoulder, or wrist. 

Best Travel Tattoo Ideas

Okay, here are approximately one billion travel tattoo ideas. Just kidding, it’s only a little over one thousand. For each of these, I’m providing the motif or subject. You can take these ideas and do them in hundreds of different ways. The sky is the limit!  

Train Tattoos

UK - Scotland - Glenfinnan Railway Viaduct in Scotland with the Jacobite steam train passing over

There’s nothing as romantic as train travel, and there are lots of ways to commemorate your love of trains and travel with a train tattoo. Consider getting:

A vintage train tattoo

A subway car tattoo

A cable car or tram tattoo (think San Francisco style)

A train window (think curtains and perhaps a beautiful view)

A train bridge tattoo

Train tracks tattoo (perhaps with a beautiful scene around them)

The Harry Potter Train tattoo

A train engine or mechanics tattoo (would be especially cool if it’s a bit steampunk)

A train conductor tattoo

A tattoo of train passengers

Air Travel & Airplane Tattoos

Travel Tattoo Ideas

Airplane tattoos instantly make me think of adventure and making a getaway. There are a lot of different kinds of tattoos you can get to celebrate air travel and flying the open skies. Some airplane tattoo ideas:

A cute little black airplane tattoo (They’re a staple for a reason. You can get them filled in or as a silhouette. They also are often accompanied with lines or other decorations like dots or dashes).

The view through a plane window. (Think clouds, sunrise, stars, etc).

The view through the cockpit. (This is a great tattoo for pilots).

An airport code tattoo (Think LAX for Los Angeles, CDG for Paris, etc.)

A tattoo of a plane over a map or globe.

A paper airplane tattoo.

A vintage plane tattoo. (This is another great steampunk tattoo idea).

A helicopter tattoo.

An actual airplane tattoo. (Not a silhouette or an old plane, but an actual representation of current airplanes).

A tattoo of Pilot Wings. (This is especially cool if you get one for an old airline that’s no longer in business).

Passport & Passport Stamp Tattoos

traveller tattoo meaning

There’s no item an international traveler holds more dear than his or her passport, which makes it a great travel tattoo motif. Here are different ways to incorporate this theme into a travel tattoo:

A passport stamp tattoo. (you can pick an actual design from your passport or one that’s a bit more artistic. Either way, you can use your real travel date as the date, which is extra cool).

A passport stamp tattoo collage. (If you’re looking to get a tattoo from every country you visit, this is a good theme to go with. You can do this in all black or pick different colors for different stamps).

A visa tattoo. (If you have a cool visa in your passport, like my old Turkey visa, these are a cool alternative to passport stamps).

A passport cover tattoo.

A passport page tattoo. (You can fill the stamps in over time. Just remember you will eventually run out of room…just like a real passport).

Road Trip Tattoos

Compass Tattoo

Road tripping on the beautiful roads of America, Europe, and Asia are some of my favorite travel memories of all time. Here are some tattoos you can get to commemorate epic road trips!

A highway sign tattoo. (Especially if the sign is of a famous road like Route 66 or the Pacific Coast Highway).

A vintage car tattoo. (Bonus points if you’ve actually road tripped in that car).

A road map tattoo. (Yes, we used to road trip using maps. Even if you only use Google maps for your road trips, I would opt for a more vintage or watercolor feel than an app).

A steering wheel tattoo. (You can expand it to the whole dashboard).

A tattoo of the view from the dashboard. (Ah, the open road ahead).

A tattoo of the view from the passenger seat. (Think views of mountains, lakes, or monuments).

An open highway tattoo.

A small dirt road tattoo. 

A tattoo of a roadside stop. (Think neon signs and gigantic balls of yarn).

Beautiful nature tattoos. (Get a mountain tattoo, lake tattoo, waterfall tattoos, wheatfields, prairies, etc. if you saw something you want to remember on your trip).

Postcard Tattoos

United States - New York - Souvenir Postcard

Postcards have the romance of mail and travel and bring tidings from far away lands. They are the perfect encapsulation of everything we love about travel. Here are some ideas if you’re leaning towards a postcard tattoo:

The front of a postcard tattoo. (The style here matters almost as much as what scene you choose to depict. You can bring in a real tattoo to help with inspiration).

A tattoo of the back fo the postcard. (You can even include a message in a script, like “I wish you were here!” or find your own).

A postage stamp tattoo. (You can use a real postage stamp from where you are for inspiration or work with your tattoo artists to create one using a mix of landmarks and symbols).

A canceled stamp mark tattoo. (These are the marks of the post system so they are great for travel tattoos since they mention the city and country the postcard is being sent from. You can send yourself a postcard if you want to have an example to work with, though you’ll probably want to put more of a flourish on it).

An entire postcard tattoo, front and back. (Basically include every element listed above. These tattoos are big and great for an arm or calf).

Travel Tattoo Quote Ideas

Travel Inspirational and motivational quotes - Your wings already exist, all you have to do is fly. Retro styled blurry background.

I have a giant list of 250 travel quotes , but a lot of these are way too long for an easy-to-read tattoo. Here are a few short travel quotes that will work beautifully:

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. -Helen Keller

To live will be an awfully big adventure. -Peter Pan

Travel far enough, you meet yourself -David Mitchell

So shut up, live, travel, adventure, bless and don’t be sorry. -Jack Kerouac

Paris is always a good idea. -Audrey Hepburn

You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut. -Dr. Seuss

Life is short and the world is wide. -Simon Raven

Not all those who wander are lost. -J.R.R. Tolkien

Every exit is an entry somewhere else. -Tom Stoppard

Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves. -Henry David Thoreau

Nautical Tattoos

Sailboat Tattoo

Not every journey starts in a plane, train, or automobile. Sailing enthusiasts, cruise lovers, and the like can get journey tattoos that fit their favorite kind of travel. Here are some maritime and nautical tattoos to choose from:

A sailboat tattoo. (Or another kind of boat. Think a kayak tattoo, canoe tattoo, cruise ship tattoo, tugboat, etc).

A nautical map tattoo.

An artisanal knot tattoo. (Think Portlandia but more fun).

A wave tattoo. (I especially like these when they are beautiful watercolor or fun geometric).

An oar tattoo. (Alone or as part of a larger rowboat tattoo).

A compass tattoo.

An astrolabe tattoo. (Or other vintage nautical equipment).

A tattoo of a boat in a glass bottle. (This is a great way to showcase a really gorgeous vintage ship).

An anchor tattoo.

A wooden helm tattoo.

Adventure Tattoo Ideas

USA - Arizona - Travel in Grand Canyon, man Hiker with backpack enjoying view, USA

If you love going on adventures like backwoods camping, multi-day hiking, rock climbing, etc, these are some ideas for adventure tattoos:

A mountain tattoo from a mountain you climbed. (Or a similar geographic landmark you’ve traversed etc).

A tattoo of a pair of running shoes. (Hiking shoes, climbing shoes, etc).

A tattoo of the coordinates of an important point on your adventure.

A number tattoo that’s important to your adventure. (Think 26.2 for a marathon tattoo, the height of a mountain, or the distance of a multi-day trek).

A tattoo of something that’s important to your kind of trip. (Think a carabiner tatoo, an oar tattoo, a runner’s bib tattoo, a hot air balloon tattoo, etc).

Study Abroad Tattoos

Trinity college, Dublin, Ireland

Studying abroad can be a really magical and formative experience, and it makes sense that an adventure this big would make you consider getting a commemorative tattoo. Here are a few ideas for getting a study abroad tattoo:

A beautiful campus building tattoo. (Especially if the campus has a famous landmark building or an especially beautiful one).

A tattoo of a beautiful word in the local language. (This is great if the place where you’re studying abroad speaks a different language than your native tongue. If the country uses a different alphabet than your own, make sure you know what the word means and exactly how it should be written).

A quote tattoo from a local author. (This is perfect for anyone studying literature abroad).

A number that is meaningful to you. (Maybe your apartment number, the room number of your favorite class, or even your flight number from your incoming flight).

A tattoo that represents the city. (Think landmarks, symbols, plants, airport code, etc. There are endless possibilities here).

Funny Travel Tattoos

Italy - Rome

If you want to have your travels inked with a little bit of levity, consider getting a funny travel tattoo.

A funny travel pun tattoo. (I have a giant list of travel puns here, plus articles on puns for many cities and countries that you can use for inspiration).

A tattoo of your favorite travel food. (Even better if it’s had a bite taken out of it. Think a gelato from Italy or a slice of apple pie from the USA).

A cartoon character from the country you’ve visited.

A tattoo of a funny word or joke in the local language.

A tattoo that commemorates a hilarious adventure you had. (If something especially funny happened on your trip, get a tattoo to remember it by. Then you can tell the story whenever someone asks you about the tattoo).

Camping Tattoos

USA - Colorado - The Camping Tent near mountain lake in the summer

If you love camping, get a camping tattoo to celebrate your hobby. Here are some ideas for camping tattoos:

A tent tattoo. (It doesn’t have to be the kind of tend you actually own. You can get a tent that’s a little more vintage or Wes Anderson-inspired).

A campfire tattoo.

A camping scene tattoo. (Think the tent, the campfire, a mountain or lake, etc).

A water canteen tattoo.

A bow and arrow tattoo. 

A trail map tattoo.

An RV tattoo. (Or a camper van tattoo. You can get a tattoo of your real motorhome or a vintage one. Alternatively, if your RV has a name, then you can get the name tattooed instead.).

A boy scout or girl scout tattoo. (If you were one, obviously).

A sleeping bag tattoo.

Pilgrimage Tattoos

Signal indicating the pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela

Whether you go on a religious, spiritual, or personal pilgrimage, these kinds of trips can result in a lot of soul-searching.

It’s common to come out on the other side changed, and a tattoo to solidify that progress or celebrate the experience is a great idea.

Of course, not every religion allows tattoos. If you do want to get a pilgrimage tattoo, here are a few ideas:

A religious tattoo. (Like the Jerusalem cross I mentioned above, there are sometimes special religious symbols for specific pilgrimages. These make great tattoos as long as they are done with respect).

A journey tattoo. (If you’re going on a walking pilgrimage like the Camino de Santiago, there are lots of special symbols about the journey, from the seashell that marks pilgrims on the road to the waymarkers on the path).

A landmark tattoo. (If your pilgrimage is about the destination and not the journey, why not get a tattoo of an important landmark in your destination city or village?)

A significant number tattoo. (It could be the date of your trip or the distance you walked).

A short prayer tattoo. (If your pilgrimage has a specific prayer associated with it, you can get this as a tattoo if it’s short enough, or get a quote from it if it’s longer).

Latin Travel Tattoos

Italy - Rome

People love tattoos in Ancient Latin and Roman Numerals. An unlike significant tribal tattoos and symbols in foreign languages that you don’t speak, a tattoo in Latin is neutral since it’s a dead language. Here are a few ancient Latin tattoos ideas:

A tattoo in Roman Numerals. (It could be the date of your trip or another significant number from your trip).

A tattoo of a famous Latin phrase. (Think Carpe Diem or Vini Vidi Vici).

An ancient Latin pun or joke tattoo. (Just make sure you are 100% sure of the meaning or you’ll have Latin nerds making fun of you the rest of your life).

A tattoo of an inscription. (If you love a particular ancient Roman building or statue, get the Latin inscription tattooed).

The Latin name for your favorite pace. (For example, I could get a Serdika tattoo to celebrate Sofia since that’s what the city was called during the Roman Empire).

Travel Tattoo Sleeves

Travel Tattoo Sleeve

If you love to travel and you do it often, you can get an entire sleeve. Great themes for sleeves include passport stamps, state flowers, landmarks, etc. Just think about what you want to do ahead of time so there’s some sort of cohesive plan.

A great tattoo artist can make it work, but it’s nice to go in with a plan. You can get the tattoos as you travel or get them done all at once after you’re back home.

Some cool travel tattoo sleeves that I’ve seen are a Route 66 themed sleeve, an  Oklahoma tattoo sleeve, and a sleeve of postcard tattoos.

Should You Get a Tattoo in Every Country You Visit?

This can be really fun, but it can end up being quite a large area if you do a lot of traveling!

If you want a small area then pick a minimalist travel tattoo for each country. Make sure it’s something that looks good as you’re getting it done and will also look good as you add more countries.

World Country Tattoos

Here are a few suggestions for travel tattoos from every country and major territory.

Afghanistan Tattoo Ideas

An Afghan Hound tattoo.

A pomegranate tattoo.

A Rubab tattoo.

Albania Tattoo Ideas

A Berat house tattoo.

An Albanian Bunker tattoo.

A tattoo of your favorite piece of Tirana street art.

Algeria Tattoo Ideas

A Ghardaia skyline tattoo.

A Fennic Fox tattoo.

An Oran architecture tattoo.

Andorra Tattoo Ideas

A tattoo of the Andorra Coat of Arms.

A skiing-inspired tattoo.

A Coma Pedrosa tattoo.

Angola Tattoo Ideas

An Ilha do Cabo tattoo.

An Angola Flag tattoo.

A tattoo of Kalandula Falls.

Anguilla Tattoo Ideas

An Anguilla Crayfish tattoo.

An Anguilla Catholic Church tattoo.

A Sandy Island tattoo.

Antigua & Barbuda Tattoo Ideas

A Rum Punch tattoo.

A Wadadli Beer tattoo.

A tattoo of the view from Shirley Heights.

Argentina Tattoo Ideas

A Ceibo Flower tattoo.

An El Sol de Mayo tattoo.

An Aconacqua tattoo.

Armenia Tattoo Ideas

An Armenian monastery tattoo.

An Armenian alphabet tattoo.

A Mount Ararat tattoo.

Australia Tattoo Ideas

An Australian animal tattoo. (For example a kangaroo tattoo or a koala tattoo).

An Acacia flower tattoo.

A 12 Apostles tattoo.

Austria Tattoo Ideas

A Prater tattoo.

A Klimt tattoo inspired by his colors and style.

An Edelweiss tattoo. 

Azerbaijan Tattoo Ideas

A fire tattoo. (This could be literal or something like the Flame towers).

A tattoo inspired by the tilework at the Palace of the Sheki Khans.

A petroglyph tattoo from Gobustan.

Bahamas Tattoo Ideas

  • A flamingo tattoo.

An Exuma pig tattoo.

A Blackbeard or pirate tattoo.

Bahrain Tattoo Ideas

A pearl tattoo.

A Bahrain Coat of Arms tattoo.

A Bahrain-style tattoo. (Think the beautiful Bahrain-style henna tattoos, but tattooed in permanent ink).

Bangladesh Tattoo Ideas

A Bangladesh flag tattoo.

A Bengal tiger tattoo.

A Bangladesh Coat of Arms tattoo.

Barbados Tattoo Ideas

A Rhianna song tattoo. (Perhaps an…umbrealla tattoo?)

A trident tattoo.

A flying fish tattoo. 

Belarus Tattoo Ideas

A colorful wooden house tattoo.

A Polesie moor tattoo.

A tattoo of the National Library of the Republic of Belarus.

Belgium Tattoo Ideas

A Magritte tattoo based on your favorite work.

A Chimay beer tattoo (or another great Belgian beer).

An Atomium tattoo.

Belize Tattoo Ideas

A Black Orchid tattoo.

A Laughingbird Caye tattoo.

A Rio Frio Caves tattoo.

Benin Tattoo Ideas

A leopard tattoo.

A Benin flag tattoo.

A tattoo based on your favorite bronze or wood carving.

Bermuda Tattoo Ideas

A Bermuda skink tattoo.

A Bermuda cedar tattoo.

A Gibbs Hill Lighthouse tattoo.

Bhutan Tattoo Ideas

A Bhutan Dragon tattoo.

A Jakar Dzong tattoo.

A Himalayan Blue Poppy tattoo.

Bolivia Tattoo Ideas

A Llama tattoo.

A Salar de Uyuni tattoo.

A traffic control zebra tattoo.

Bosnia & Herzegovina Tattoo Ideas

A Stari Most tattoo.

A Visegrad bridge tattoo.

A Sarajevo rose tattoo.

Botswana Tattoo Ideas

A Seven Sisters tattoo.

A Lilac-breasted Roller bird tattoo.

A Matsieng Footprints tattoo.

Brazil Tattoo Ideas

An Oscar Niemeyer tattoo based on your favorite of his buildings. 

A Brazil flag tattoo.

An Escadaria Selarón tattoo.

Brunei Tattoo Ideas

A Kota Batu tattoo.

A Simpor flower tattoo.

A National Emblem of Brunei tattoo.

Bulgaria Tattoo Ideas

A Buzludzha tattoo.

A Kopitoto tattoo.

A tattoo based on the colors and patterns of Rila Monastery.

Burkina Faso Tattoo Ideas

A White Stallion tattoo.

A Burkina Faso flag tattoo.

A mask tattoo.

Burundi Tattoo Ideas

A Karera Falls tattoo.

A Burundi Flag tattoo based on the 1962 flag.

A Tanganyika fishing boat tattoo.

Cambodia Tattoo Ideas

A tattoo of a tree taking over a temple. (Though if you aren’t Hindu or Buddhist then I would make the temple non-descript as I do not advocate coopting a religion that’s not your own).

An Angkor monkey tattoo.

A Romduol flower tattoo.

Cameroon Tattoo Ideas

A Cameroon flag tattoo.

A Mount Oupay tattoo.

A tattoo of the silhouette of the Monument de la Reunification. 

Canada Tattoo Ideas

A Maple Leaf tattoo.

A Canada Goose tattoo.

A Nova Scotia lighthouse tattoo.

Cape Verde Tattoo Ideas

A Cape Verde star flag tattoo.

A Cabo Verde map tattoo.

A tattoo of the view from Calhau beach.

Cayman Islands Tattoo Ideas

A Grand Cayman Parrot tattoo.

A stingray tattoo.

A tattoo of one of the dive sites. (Great for scuba diving enthusiasts)

Central African Republic Tattoo Ideas

An elephant tattoo.

A Bouar megaliths tattoo.

A Boali Falls tattoo.

Chad Tattoo Ideas

A Gala Beer tattoo.

A Nile Crocodile tattoo.

An Emnedi desert tattoo.

Chile Tattoo Ideas

A Copihue flower tattoo.

An Easter Island tattoo.

A Hand of the Desert tattoo.

China Tattoo Ideas

A panda tattoo.

A peony flower tattoo.

A Ginko tree tattoo.

Colombia Tattoo Ideas

A Fernando Botero tattoo.

A Wax Palm tree tattoo.

An emerald tattoo.

Comoros Tattoo Ideas

A Comoros map tattoo.

A Humpback whale tattoo.

A Mount Ntingui tattoo.

Congo Tattoo Ideas

A mango tattoo.

A Nabemba Tower tattoo.

A Republic of Congo flag tattoo.

Costa Rica Tattoo Ideas

A Parque Francisco Alvardoa tatto.

A Pura Vida tattoo. (But try to come up with a unique angle since this is the most common Costa Rica tattoo).

A La Guaria Morada orchid tattoo.

Croatia Tattoo Ideas

A lavender tattoo.

A Podgaric monument tattoo.

A maraschino cherry tattoo.

Cuba Tattoo Ideas

A Cuban flag tattoo.

A White Mariposa flower tattoo.

A vintage Cuban car tattoo.

Cyprus Tattoo Ideas

A tattoo based on your favorite piece of Cyprus street art.

  • A Cyclamen flower tattoo.

A halloumi tattoo. 

Czech Republic Tattoo Ideas

A Czech beer tattoo.

A Lime tree tattoo.

A Bohemian Paradise tattoo.

Democratic Republic of the Congo Tattoo Ideas. 

A DRC flag tattoo.

An Okapi forest giraffe tattoo.

A Mount Nyiragongo tattoo.

Denmark Tattoo Ideas

A Little Mermaid tattoo.

A Carlsberg tattoo.

A Danish Modern furniture tattoo.

Djibouti Tattoo Ideas

A Lac Assal tattoo.

A Djibouti flag tattoo.

A Lake Abbe tattoo.

A Sisserou parrot tattoo.

A sea turtle tattoo.

A scuba diving tattoo.

Dominican Republic Tattoo Ideas

A mahogany tattoo.

A baseball tattoo

A mangrove tattoo.

Ecuador Tattoo Ideas

A Cotopaxi tattoo.

An empanada tattoo.

A Galapagos turtle tattoo.

Egypt Tattoo Ideas

A Hatshepsut tattoo.

  • A lotus tattoo.

An ankh tattoo.

El Salvador Tattoo Ideas

  • A camel tattoo.

A Dahlak Islands tattoo.

A tattoo based on the Gama cave petroglyphs.

Equatorial Guinea Tattoo Ideas

A Silk Cotton tree tattoo.

A Malabo skyline tattoo.

A Colobus monkey tattoo.

Eritrea Tattoo Ideas

An Eritrean flag tattoo.

A Fiat Tagliero service station tattoo. 

Estonia Tattoo Ideas

A cornflower tattoo.

A Walls of Tallinn tattoo.

A barn swallows tattoo.

Eswatini Tattoo Ideas

A lion and an elephant tattoo.

A Coddia flower tattoo.

A rhinoceros tattoo.

Ethiopia Tattoo Ideas

A Calla Lily tattoo.

An Ethiopia coat of arms tattoo.

An Erta Ale volcano tattoo.

Fiji Tattoo Ideas

A Tagimaucia flower tattoo.

A Fijian Druras boat tattoo.

A Fiji map tattoo.

Finland Tattoo Ideas

A whooper swan tattoo.

A Crusell Bridge tattoo.

A ladybug tattoo.

France Tattoo Ideas

A fleur-de-lis tattoo.

A Gallic Rooster tattoo.

A Pont du Gard tattoo.

French Guiana Tattoo Ideas

A Lily tattoo.

An Ariane 5 Rocket tattoo.

Les Roches Gravées Petroglyphs tattoo.

Gabon Tattoo Ideas

A tattoo based on Gabon’s green, yellow, and blue national colors.

A tattoo based on the poetry of Maurice Okoumba-Nkoghe.

A Pathers football tattoo.

Georgia Tattoo Ideas

A Khinkali tattoo.

A tattoo of your favorite piece of kitsch at the Dry Bridge Market.

A Borjgali tattoo.

Germany Tattoo Ideas

A funny Germany tattoo. (You can use one of these Germany puns ).

A German castle tattoo. (One fo the palaces in Potsdam would work nicely).

A poem based on the works of Herman Hesse.

Ghana Tatoo Ideas

A Ghana flag tattoo.

A Golden Eagle tattoo.

Kintampo Waterfall tattoo.

Great Britain Tattoo Ideas

A Union Jack tattoo.

A tattoo based on Great Britain’s great children’s literature.

A British Isles map tattoo.

Greece Tattoo Ideas

A Greek Island house tattoo.

An olive tree tattoo.

A Temple of Delphi tattoo.

Grenada Tattoo Ideas 

A Grenada Dove tattoo.

A Bougainvillea tattoo.

A Cricket tattoo.

Guadeloupe Tattoo Ideas

A Gallic rooster tattoo.

A Guadeloupe flag tattoo.

A La Grande Soufrière volcano tattoo.

Guatemala Tattoo Ideas

A Quetzal tattoo.

A coffee tattoo.

A marimba tattoo.

Guinea Tattoo Ideas 

A Mount Nimba tattoo.

A Tinkisso Falls tattoo.

A turtle tattoo.

Guinea-Bissau Tattoo Ideas

A  Guinea-Bissau flag tattoo.

A Bissagos Islands tattoo.

An Orango National Park tattoo.

Guyana Tattoo Ideas

A Jaguar tattoo.

A water lily tattoo.

A Kaieteur Falls tattoo.

Haiti Tattoo Ideas

  • A Hibiscus tattoo.

A Hispaniolan Trogon bird tattoo.

A Port-au-Prince Houses tattoo.

Honduras Tattoo Ideas

A Scarlet Macaw tattoo.

A Roatan tattoo.

A Honduras coat of arms tattoo.

Hong Kong Tattoo Ideas

A Giant Panda tattoo.

A Hong Kong orchid tree tattoo.

A Hong Kong skyline tattoo.

Hungary Tattoo Ideas

A Turul tattoo.

A Hungarian wine tattoo.

A paprika tattoo.

Iceland Tattoo Ideas

An Icelandic horse tattoo.

A Gyrfalcon tattoo.

A Northern Lights tattoo.

India Tattoo Ideas 

An India train tattoo.

A tattoo inspired by the colors of the Meenakshi Amman Temple.

A Vallam boat tatoo.

Indonesia Tattoo Ideas

A Komodo Dragon tattoo.

An Ubud monkey tattoo.

A Bali swing tattoo.

Iran Tattoo Ideas

A Mount Damavand tattoo.

An Azadi Tower tattoo.

A tattoo based on the colors or tilework of the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (the Pink Mosque).

Iraq Tattoo Ideas

An Ishtar Gate tattoo.

An Eagle of Saladin tattoo.

A Lion of Babylon tattoo.

Israel Tattoo Ideas

A tattoo based on the architecture of Tel Aviv

A Hoopoe bird tattoo.

Italy Tattoo Ideas

  • An Italian coffee or drink tattoo.
  • An Italian wolf tattoo.
  • A Vespa tattoo.

Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire) Tattoo Ideas

  • An African elephant tattoo.
  • A Baobab Flower tattoo.
  •  A Cascade in Man tattoo.

Jamaica Tattoo Ideas

  • A Red Stripe tattoo.
  • A Jamaican boat tattoo.
  • A Dunns River Falls tattoo.

Japan Tattoo Ideas

  • A tattoo based on the artwork of Hokusai. 
  • A traditional Bamboo tattoo.
  • A Chery Blossom tattoo.

Jordan Tattoo Ideas

  • An Amman Citadel tattoo.
  • A tattoo based on the artwork in Petra.
  • A Wadi Rum tattoo.

Kazakhstan Tattoo Ideas

  • A Nomad’s Land tattoo.
  • A Big Almaty Lake tattoo.
  • An Emblem of Kazakhstan tattoo.

Kenya Tattoo Ideas

  • A Mount Kilimanjaro tattoo.
  • A Maasai Market tattoo.
  • A lion tattoo.

Korea Tattoo Ideas 

  • A Korean magpie tattoo.
  • A Siberian tiger tatoo.
  • A Kimchi tattoo.

Kosovo Tattoo Ideas 

  • A Newborn monument tattoo.
  • A Stone Bridge tattoo.
  • A Balkan lynx tattoo.

Kuwait Tattoo Ideas

  • An Arfaj dessert flower tattoo.
  • A Kuwait Towers tattoo.

Kyrgyzstan Tattoo Ideas

  • An Epic of Manas tattoo.
  • A Komuz tattoo.
  • A Peregrine falcon tattoo.

Laos Tattoo Ideas

  • A Plumeria flower tattoo.
  • An Asian elephant tattoo.
  • A Kuang Si waterfall tattoo.

Latvia Tattoo Ideas 

  • A White Wagtail bird tattoo.
  • A Freedom Monument of Riga tattoo.
  • An amber jewel tattoo.

Lebanon Tattoo Ideas

  • A Cedar of Lebanon tattoo.
  • A Ruins of Tyre tattoo.

Lesotho Tattoo Ideas

  • A Black Rhinoceros tattoo.
  • A tattoo based on iconic Lesotho textiles.
  • A Lesotho map tattoo.

Liberia Tattoo Ideas

  • A Liberian flag tattoo.
  • A Pepper flower tattoo.
  • A Pygmy Hippopotamus tattoo.

Libya Tattoo Ideas 

  • A Barbary Lion tattoo.
  • An Afzejare Arch tattoo.
  • A tattoo based on the Tadrardt Acacus rock art.

Liechtenstein Tattoo Ideas 

  • A Jägerndorf shield tattoo.
  • A Vaduz Castle tattoo.
  • A Yellow Lily tattoo.

Lithuania Tattoo Ideas

  • A Lithuanian flag tattoo.
  • An iron wolf tattoo.
  • A White Stork tattoo.

Luxembourg Tattoo Ideas

  • A Goldcrest bird tattoo.
  • A Vianden Castle tattoo.
  • A Bofferding beer tattoo.

Macau Tattoo Ideas 

  • A Macau flag tattoo.
  • A Morpheus tattoo.

Madagascar Tattoo Ideas

  • A Ring Tailed Lemur tattoo.
  • A Baobab tree tattoo.
  • A Tsingy de Bemaraha tattoo.

Malawi Tattoo Ideas 

  • A Thomson’s Gazelle tattoo.
  • A Lake Malawi rocks tattoo.
  • A Chongoni Rock Art tattoo.

Malaysia Tattoo Ideas 

  • A Petronas Towers tattoo.
  • A Malayan tiger tattoo.
  • A Gunung Mulu tattoo.

Maldives Tattoo Ideas

  • A Yellowfin tuna tattoo.
  • A Maldives map tattoo.
  • A Pink rose tattoo.

Mali Tattoo Ideas

  • A Tomb of Askia tattoo.
  • A Firefinch tattoo.
  • An ancient Timbuktu skyline tattoo.

Malta Tattoo Ideas 

  • A Maltese balcony tattoo.
  • A Maltese fishing boat tattoo.
  • A Pharoah Hound tattoo.

Martinique Tattoo Ideas

  • A large Madnina flower tattoo of the different flowers on the island.
  • A manicou opossum tattoo.
  • A Trois Rivieres  rum tattoo.

Mauritania Tattoo Ideas

  • A White Antelope tattoo.
  • An Atar Stone Circles tattoo.
  • An Oulata architectural detail work tattoo.

Mauritius Tattoo Ideas

  • A Mauritius flag tattoo.
  • A Dodo bird tattoo.
  • A Star and Key tattoo.

Mayotte Tattoo Ideas

  • A seahorse tattoo.
  • A Mayotte map tattoo.
  • A ylang-ylang flower tattoo.

Mexico Tattoo Ideas

  • An eagle holding a snake tattoo.
  • A Nopal cactus tattoo.
  • A dahlia flower tattoo.

Moldova Tattoo Ideas

  • An Eternal Flame monument tattoo.
  • A Struve Geodetic Arc tattoo.
  • A cognac tattoo.

Monaco Tattoo Ideas

  • A Hedgehog tattoo.
  • A Barbagiuan tattoo.
  • A Monaco skyline tattoo.

Mongolia Tattoo Ideas

  • A Przewalski horse tattoo.
  • A seabuckthorn berry tattoo.
  • A falcon tattoo.

Montenegro Tattoo Ideas

  • An Our Lady of the Rocks tattoo.
  • A Sveti Stefan tattoo.
  • A mimoza tattoo.

Montserrat Tattoo Ideas

  • A Montserrat Oriole tattoo.
  • A Heliconia tattoo.
  • A pribby tattoo.

Morocco Tattoo Ideas

  • A Barbary lion tattoo.
  • A Chefchauouen tattoo.
  • An Ait Benhaddou skyline tattoo.

Mozambique Tattoo Ideas

  • A Mount Panda tattoo.
  • A Maputo railway station tattoo.

Myanmar/Burma Tattoo Ideas

  • An Inle Lake boat tattoo.
  • A Chinthe tattoo.
  • An Indo-Chinese tiger tattoo.

Namibia Tattoo Ideas

  • An oryx tattoo.
  • An Ecola tattoo.
  • A red sand dunes tattoo.

Nepal Tattoo Ideas

  • A Madal tattoo.
  • A Peepal tree tattoo.
  • A Khukuri tattoo.

New Zealand Tattoo Ideas

  • A kiwi tattoo.
  • A silver fern tattoo.
  • A Wanaka tree tattoo.

Nicaragua Tattoo Ideas

  • A Sacuanjoche flower tattoo.
  • A motmot tattoo.
  • A five volcanoes tattoo.

Niger Tattoo Ideas

  • A Dama Gazelle tattoo.
  • A Maraadi architecture tattoo.
  • A Dabous giraffe petroglyph tattoo.

Nigeria Tattoo Ideas 

  • A Red Eagle tattoo.
  • A Nigerian flag tattoo.
  • A Y tattoo.

North Macedonia Tattoo Ideas

  • A Skopje statues tattoo.
  • A Macedonian pine tattoo.
  • A Lake Ohrid boat tattoo.

Norway Tattoo Ideas

  • A moose tattoo.
  • A purple heather tattoo.
  • A cod tattoo.

Oman Tattoo Ideas

  • A Khanjar dagger tattoo.
  • The Giant Incense Burner tattoo.
  • An Oman roundabout tattoo.

Pakistan Tattoo Ideas

  • A jasmine tattoo.
  • A markhor tattoo.
  • A Himalayan Cedar tattoo.

Palestine Tattoo Ideas

  • A West Bank Separation Wall tattoo. (If you want to make a political statement).
  • A Banksy hotel or street art inspired tattoo. (Another good political tattoo idea).
  • A Palestine sunbird tattoo.

Panama Tattoo Ideas 

  • A Holy Ghost Orchid tattoo.
  • A Panama beer tattoo.
  • A Panamanian Golden Frog tattoo.

Papua New Guinea Tattoo Ideas

  • A Dugong tattoo.
  • A Sepik Blue Orchid tattoo.
  • A Tree Kangaroo tattoo.

Paraguay Tattoo Ideas

  • A Pink Lapacho tattoo.
  • A Pampas fox tattoo.
  • A Paraguayan harp tattoo.

Peru Tattoo Ideas

  • A vicuña tattoo.
  • A Cantuta flower tattoo.
  • A Peruvian panflute tattoo.

Philippines Tattoo Ideas

  • A Jeepney tattoo.
  • A Sampaguita jasmine tattoo.
  • A Phillippine pearl tattoo.

Poland Tattoo Ideas 

  • A Warsaw dragon tattoo.
  • A Red Corn Poppy tattoo.
  • A Pierogi tattoo.

Portugal Tattoo Ideas

  • A Portuguese tilework tattoo.
  • A Barcelos Rooster tattoo.
  • A Portuguese University Robes tattoo.

Puerto Rico Tattoo Ideas

  • A Coqui frog tattoo.
  • A Puerto Rican flag tattoo.
  • A Cuatro tattoo.

Qatar Tattoo Ideas

  • A Limonium tattoo.
  • A Museum of Islamic Art tattoo.

Reunion Tattoo Ideas

  • A Reunion map tattoo.
  • An Ile Bourbon tattoo.
  • A Piton de la Fournaise volcano tattoo.

Romania Tattoo Ideas

  • A Bran Castle tattoo.
  • A Romanian egg tattoo.
  • A Great White Pelican tattoo.

Russian Federation Tattoo Ideas

  • A Russian bear tattoo.
  • A Cosmonaut tattoo.
  • A Cheburashka tattoo.

Rwanda Tattoo Ideas

  • A Sprinbok tattoo.
  • An Inanga tattoo.
  • A Rwanda flag tattoo.

Saint Kitts and Nevis Tattoo Ideas

  • A map tattoo of the islands.
  • A poinciana flower tattoo.
  • A Saint Kitts and Nevis flag tattoo.

Saint Lucia Tattoo Ideas

  • A Saint Lucia flag tattoo.
  • A Saint Lucian parrot tattoo.
  • A Gros Piton tattoo.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Tattoo Ideas

  • A map tattoo.
  • A St. Vincent Parrot tattoo.
  • A Soufriere Tree tattoo.

Samoa Tattoo Ideas 

  • A manumea bird tattoo.
  • An Alofaaga Blowholes tattoo.
  • A Fuipisia Falls tattoo.

Sao Tome and Principe Tattoo Ideas

  • A  Sao Tome and Principe flag tattoo.
  • A Sao Tome shrew tattoo.
  • A Cao Grande Peak tattoo.

Saudi Arabia Tattoo Ideas

  • An Arabian horse tattoo.
  • A Mada’in Salih tattoo.
  • A Royal Jasmine tattoo.

Senegal Tattoo Ideas

  • An African Spoonbill tattoo.
  • A Green star tattoo.
  • A Kora tattoo.

Serbia Tattoo Ideas

  • A Lily of the Valley tattoo.
  • An Ada Bridge tattoo.
  • A Golubac Fortress tattoo.

Seychelles Tattoo Ideas

  • A Striped Dolphin tattoo.
  • A Seychelles flag tattoo.
  • A Triangle instrument tattoo.

Sierra Leone Tattoo Ideas

  • A Lion tattoo.
  • A Charlotte Falls tattoo.
  • A Hoddu tattoo.

Singapore Tattoo Ideas

  • A Merlion tattoo.
  • A Singapore skyline tattoo.
  • A Supertree Grove tattoo.

Slovakia Tattoo Ideas

  • A  Čumil, Man at Work tattoo.
  • A Linden tree tattoo.
  • A Most SNP tattoo.

Slovenia Tattoo Ideas

  • A Lippizaner horse tattoo.
  • A Špičnik 1 heart road tattoo.
  • A Ljubljana Dragon tattoo.

Solomon Islands Tattoo Ideas

  • A Conch shell tattoo.
  • A Five Stars tattoo.

Somalia Tattoo Ideas

  • A Leopard tattoo.
  • A durbaan drum tattoo.
  • A King Protea tattoo.

South Africa Tattoo Ideas

  • A Capetown skyline tattoo.
  • A King Protea flower tattoo.
  • A Blue Crane tattoo.

South Sudan Tattoo Ideas

  • An African fish eagle tattoo.
  • A Suddia grass tattoo.
  • A tattoo of Juba from above.

Spain Tattoo Ideas

  • A Camino de Santiago tattoo.
  • A Bull tattoo.
  • A Spanish guitar tattoo.

Sri Lanka Tattoo Ideas

  • A blue water lily tattoo.
  • A Sri Lankan birdwing butterfly tattoo.
  • A Columbo Lotus Tower tattoo.

Sudan Tattoo Ideas

  • A Sudan Cheetah tattoo.
  • A Rose Mallow flower tattoo.
  • A Nubian pyramid tattoo.

Suriname Tattoo Ideas

  • A Faja Lobi flower tattoo.
  • A Paramaribo architecture tattoo.
  • A Sipaliwini Savannah Petroglyph tattoo.

Sweden Tattoo Ideas

  • A Swedish horse tattoo.
  • A  Swedish cabin tattoo.
  • A Stockholm skyline tattoo.

Switzerland Tattoo Ideas

  • A Matterhorn tattoo.
  • A Swiss Flag tattoo.
  • A Swiss Chocolate tatoo.

Syria Tattoo Idea

  • An Olive Tree tattoo.
  • A Palmyra tattoo.
  • A Syrian Bear tattoo.

Tajikistan Tattoo Ideas 

  • A Rising Sun tattoo.
  • An Iskanderkul tattoo.
  • A Tajikistan flag tattoo.

Tanzania Tattoo Ideas

  • A Giraffe tattoo.
  • An African Blackwood tree tattoo.

Thailand Tattoo Ideas

  • A Siamese Fireback Pheasant tattoo.
  • A Thai elephant tattoo.
  • A Long-tail boat tattoo.

The Gambia Tattoo Ideas

  • A Gambia River & Canoe tattoo.
  • A Jul Brew tattoo.

The Netherlands Tattoo Ideas

  • A windmill tattoo.
  • A wooden shoe tattoo.
  • A funny Amsterdam tattoo. (You can use one of these Amsterdam puns if you want).

Timor Leste Tattoo Ideas

  • A Hibiscus flower tattoo.
  • A Mount Ramelau tattoo.
  • A Sia Maubara tattoo.

Togo Tattoo Ideas

  • A Hippopotamus tattoo.
  • A Togo flag tattoo.
  • A plantain tattoo.

Trinidad & Tobago Tattoo Ideas

  • A Chaconia tattoo.
  • A steelpan tattoo.
  • A Scarlet Ibis tattoo.

Tunisia Tattoo Ideas

  • A Tunisian door tattoo.
  • A tagine tattoo. 
  • A Cape Angela lighthouse tattoo.

Turkey Tattoo Ideas

  • An Ottoman house tattoo.
  • A tattoo based on Turkish tilework.
  • A Cappadocia hot air balloon tattoo.

Turkmenistan Tattoo Ideas

  • An Akhal-Teke horse tattoo.
  • A Darvaza Gas Crater tattoo.
  • A Turkmenistan TV Tower tattoo.

Turks & Caicos Tattoo Ideas

  • A Turk’s Head Cactus tattoo.
  • A conch shell tattoo.

Uganda Tattoo Ideas

  • A Crested Crane tattoo.
  • A Lake Bunyonyi tattoo.
  • A tattoo based on the poetry of Okot p’Bitek. 

Ukraine Tattoo Ideas

(Please do not get a Chernobyl tattoo unless you have more of a connection to it than just a tourist).

  • A Kyiv tattoo.
  • A Nightingale tattoo.
  • A Batkivshchyna Maty tattoo.

United Arab Emirates Tattoo Ideas

  • A Burj Khalifa tattoo.
  • A Tribulus Omanense tattoo.

United States of America Tattoo Ideas (USA)

  • An American Flag tattoo.
  • A Statue of Liberty  tattoo.
  • A Route 66 tattoo.

Uruguay Tattoo Ideas

  • A La Mano tattoo.
  • An Uruguayan sun tattoo.
  • A Mercado del Puerto tattoo.

Uzbekistan Tattoo Ideas

  • A Plov tattoo.
  • A tattoo inspired by the colors of Uzbekistan tilework.
  • An Amir Timur Museum tattoo.

Venezuela Tattoo Ideas

  • An Orinoco river tattoo.
  • A Flor de Mayo tattoo.
  • A Venezuelan troupial bird tattoo.
  • A Ha Long Bay tattoo.
  • An egg coffee tattoo.
  • A bamboo sling tattoo.

Virgin Islands Tattoo Ideas

  • An oleander tattoo.
  • A Mourning Dove tattoo.
  • A Bananaquit bird tattoo.

Yemen Tattoo Ideas

  • A tattoo inspired by the poetry of Waddah al-Yemen.
  • A Yemen National Library tattoo.
  • A Socotra Dragon tree tattoo.

Zambia Tattoo Ideas

  • A Victoria Falls tattoo.
  • A Zambia Flag tatoo.
  • A  Lukusuzi National Park tattoo.    

Zimbabwe Tattoo Ideas

  • A Flame Lily tattoo.
  • A Sable Antelope tattoo.

World City Tattoos

If you want to rep your favorite city to travel to (or even your home city), these are tattoo ideas for some of the world’s major cities.

Tokyo Tattoo Ideas (Japan)

  • A Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower tattoo.
  • A tattoo of your favorite plane or scene at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
  • A geometric tattoo based on Shibuya Crossing.

Jakarta Tattoo Ideas (Indonesia)

  • A Thousand Islands tattoo. (The islands outside of Jakarta, not the salad dressing).
  • A Monas Tower tattoo.
  • A tattoo of a dragon with pearls in its mouth. (Based on the ones at Jin De Yuan).

Delhi Tattoo Ideas (India)

  • An India Gate tattoo.
  • A tattoo of your favorite scene, plant, or tomb in the Lodi Gardens.

Seoul Tattoo Ideas (South Korea)

  • A  Gyeongbokgung Palace tattoo. (You can pick something based on the colors, patterns or architecture).
  • A Dongdaemun Design Plaza tattoo. (This would be especially cool as a minimalist tattoo of just the shape).
  • A tattoo of a scene from Bukhansan National Park.

Manila Tattoo Ideas (Philippines)

  • A seal of Manila tattoo.
  • A Manila skyline tattoo.
  • A Coconut Palace tattoo.

Mumbai Tattoo Ideas (India)

  • A Gateway of India Mumbai tattoo.
  • An Elephanta Island tattoo.
  • A tattoo based on the Bandra–Worli Sea Link Bridge.

Shanghai Tattoo Ideas (China)

  • A tattoo of the Oriental Pearl tv tower.
  • A tattoo of your favorite plant or scene from the Yu Garden.
  • A Shanghai Disneyland tattoo.

New York City Tattoo Ideas (United States)

  • The quote “I’m in a New York State of Mind” tattoo. (Or pick another New York City quote or pun ).
  • An art deco tattoo from the Chrysler Building or Empire State Building.
  • An “I Heart NY” tattoo. (It’s not just for NYC souvenirs )!

Beijing Tattoo Ideas (China)

  • A Forbidden City tattoo. (Take inspiration from the colors, designs, and architecture).
  • A Drum Tower or Bell Tower tattoo.
  • A tattoo of a boat on Kunming Lake.

Mexico City Tattoo Ideas (Mexico)

  • A Frida Kahlo-inspired tattoo.
  • A tattoo of the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
  • A Chapultepec Castle tattoo. (It is one of the most beautiful castles in the world after all).

Moscow Tattoo Ideas (Russia)

  • A St. Basil’s Cathedral tattoo. (You can go literal or pick some of the colors and patterns for a more abstract interpretation).
  • A Bolshoy Theater tattoo. (You can pick the building or something from the inside of the opera house or something inspired by a performance you saw there).
  • A Shukhov Radio Tower tattoo.

Cairo Tattoo Ideas (Egypt)

  • A Pyramids of Giza tattoo.
  • A Nile River tattoo.
  • A tattoo of a scene or plant from the Orman Botanical Garden.

Bangkok Tattoo Ideas (Thailand)

  • A Skytrain tattoo.
  • A tattoo of a boat on the Chai Phraya River.
  • A scene or symbol from the  Chatuchak Market.

Los Angeles Tattoo Ideas (United States)

  • A tattoo of the Hollywood sign. (Bonus points if you make it say ‘Hollywoo’ instead).
  • A Santa Monica pier tattoo.
  • A Disneyland tattoo.

Buenos Aires Tattoo Ideas (Argentina)

  • A Caminito Tattoo. (Great if you want a really colorful tattoo from Buenos Aires).
  • A  Centro Cultural Borges  tattoo.
  • A Kavanagh Building tattoo.

Istanbul Tattoo Ideas (Turkey)

  • A Galata Tower tattoo.
  • An Istanbul cat tattoo.
  • A Bosphorus Bridge Tattoo.

Lagos Tattoo Ideas (Nigeria)

  • A Lagos Bridge tattoo. (The city has a few great ones to pick from).
  • A National Arts Theatre tattoo.
  • A DANFO tattoo.

Rio de Janeiro Tattoo Ideas (Brazil)

  • A Sugarloaf Mountain tattoo.
  • A tattoo of the Escadaria Selarón.
  • A Cable Car tattoo.

Lima Tattoo Ideas (Peru)

  • A Park of Love tattoo.
  • A Lima coat of arms tattoo.
  • A tattoo based on the work of Mario Testino.

Paris Tattoo Ideas (France)

  • An Eiffel Tower tattoo. (Yes, it’s cheesy, but you can find ways to make it original).
  • A funny Paris tattoo. (Feel free to borrow a Paris pun ).
  • A tattoo of a detail from the artwork or architecture of one of Paris’s churches.

London Tattoo Ideas (United Kingdom)

  • A Big Ben tattoo. 
  • A funny London tattoo. (Feel free to borrow a London pun ).
  • A tattoo of a sign or symbol from your favorite London tube station.

Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon Tattoo Ideas (Vietnam)

  • A tattoo of your favorite flower or scene from the  Saigon Zoo And Botanical Garden  
  • A Mong Bridge tattoo.
  • An abstract tattoo based on the colors and designs of the  Temple Goddess Mariamma.  

Bogota Tattoo Ideas (Colombia)

  • A tattoo based on your favorite piece in the Gold Museum.
  • A Monserratte tattoo.
  • A Guadua Bridge tattoo.

Chicago Tattoo Ideas (United States)

  • A Chicago Dog tattoo. (If you want a funny Chicago tattoo but don’t want food, you can use a Chicago pun).
  • A Chicago Bean tattoo.
  • A tattoo based on your favorite piece or art at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Johannesburg Tattoo Ideas (South Africa)

  • A Johannesburg skyline tattoo.
  • A Nelson Mandela Bridge tattoo.
  • A tattoo based on the amazing Johannesburg street art.

Taipei Tattoo Ideas (Taiwan)

  • A tattoo based on the colorful village of Jiufen
  • A Xiaolongbao tattoo. 
  • A Bubble Tea tattoo. (It was invented in Taipei ).

Hanoi Tattoo Ideas (Vietnam)

  • A  Pont Thê Húc Bridge Tattoo. 
  • A tattoo based on the beautiful architecture of the Hanoi Old Quarter.
  • A Train Street tattoo.

Kuala Lumpur Tattoo Ideas (Malaysia)

  • A Petronas Twin Towers tattoo.
  • A tattoo based on your favorite piece in the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery.
  • A Batu Caves inspired tattoo.

Santiago Tattoo Ideas (Chile)

  • A street art tattoo based on your favorite piece in the  Museo Cielo Abierto .
  • A tattoo based on a sculpture at the Sculpture Park Museum
  • A Calicanto bridge tattoo.

Madrid Tattoo Ideas (Spain)

  • A Real Madrid tattoo. (I would only get this if Real Madrid is your favorite team).
  • A Madrid landmarks tattoo.
  • A tattoo based on the Chrystal Palace.

Toronto Tattoo Ideas (Canada)

  • A CN Tower tattoo.
  • A tattoo inspired by Nathan Phillips Square.
  • A Lake Ontario inspired tattoo. 

Miami Tattoo Ideas (United States)

  • A Miami lifeguard station tattoo.
  • A Cape Florida Lighthouse tattoo.
  • A street art tattoo from your favorite piece of Miami street art.

Dallas Tattoo Ideas (United States)

  • A Dallas Cowboys tattoo. (If they’re your favorite team).
  • A Reunion Tower tattoo.
  • A kitschy Dallas tattoo based on your favorite item in the International Bowling Museum.

Houston Tattoo Ideas (United States)

  • A NASA tattoo. 
  • A Kemah Boardwalk tattoo.
  • A tattoo of the Beer Can House.

Philadelphia Tattoo Ideas (United States)

  • A South Street tattoo based on the works of Isaiah Zagar.
  • A Ben Franklin or Walt Whitman Bridge tattoo.
  • A Love Park tattoo.

Barcelona Tattoo Ideas (Spain)

  • An LGTB tattoo inspired by the monument  Barcelona’s Monument to Trans History
  • A Flor-de-Barcelona tattoo.
  • A Gaudi tattoo based on your favorite work.

Atlanta Tattoo Ideas (United States)

  • An ATL tattoo. 
  • A tattoo of your favorite piece from the High Museum of Art (one of America’s best art museums ).
  • A vintage Coca Cola tattoo.

St. Petersburg Tattoo Ideas (Russia)

  • Your tattoo inspired by the Hermitage museum.
  • An Aurora Cruiser tattoo.
  • A Neva River or Dvortsovyy Most tattoo.

Washington DC Tattoo Ideas (United States)

  • A tattoo of your favorite piece or art of historical artifact in the Smithsonian.
  • A tattoo based on the portraits of Michelle Obama or Barack Obama. (I’d go with colors and symbols over something literal).
  • An American Beauty Rose tattoo.

Sydney Tattoo Ideas (Australia)

  • A Sydney Opera House tattoo (though I personally would do something geometric or based on the shape as opposed to realistic here).
  • A Sydney Harbour Bridge tattoo.
  • A Vintage Sydney Olympics tattoo.

Boston Tattoo Ideas (United States)

  • A Boston Tea Party tattoo.
  • A Boston Terrier tattoo.
  • A Beacon Hill tattoo.

Melbourne (Australia)

  • A Flinders Street Railway Station tattoo.
  • A Melbourne Skyline tattoo.
  • A Luna Park tattoo.

Phoenix Tattoo Ideas (United States)

  • A Camelback Mountain Tattoo
  • An actual Harry Potter-style Phoenix tattoo.
  • A tattoo of your favorite plant from the Desert Botanical Garden.

Montreal Tattoo Ideas (Canada)

  • A  Pont Jacques-Cartier tattoo.
  • A Habitat 67 tattoo.
  • A La Plateau house tattoo.

Vancouver Tattoo Ideas (Canada)

  • A Vancouver Skyline tattoo.
  • A tattoo inspired by your favorite hike near Vancouver.
  • A Van City tattoo.

Prague Tattoo Ideas (Czech Republic)

  • An  Astronomical Clock tattoo.
  • A Charles Bridge tattoo.
  • A tattoo based on the works of Kafka.

Budapest Tattoo Ideas (Hungary)

  • A funny Budapest tattoo. (Feel free to use one of these Budapest puns ).
  • A Danube River Bridge tattoo.
  • A tattoo inspired by the artwork in the Gellert Spa and Bath.

Berlin Tattoo Ideas (Germany)

  • A Brandenberg Gate tattoo.
  • A tattoo of a piece of Berlin street art.
  • An Ampelmann tattoo. (I have an explanation of these here ).

Venice Tattoo Ideas (Italy)

  • A Gondola tattoo.
  • A tattoo of the Giant Hands of Venice.
  • A tattoo based on the maze of canals and houses in the city.

Athens Tattoo Ideas (Greece)

  • A Parthenon tattoo. (Or another building on the Acropolis ).
  • A laurel wreath tattoo.
  • A tattoo of the Mask of Agamemnon.  

Nashville Tattoo Ideas (Tennessee)

  • A Grand Ole Opry tattoo.
  • A tattoo of your favorite piece of Nashville street art.
  • A Nashville Hot Chicken tattoo.

Rome Tattoo Ideas (Italy)

  • An SPQR tattoo.
  • A Bernini-inspired tattoo.
  • A Spanish steps tattoo.

Edinburgh Tattoo Ideas (Scotland)

  • A tattoo of your favorite flower or plant in the Royal Botanic Garden.
  • A  Greyfriars Bobby tattoo.  
  • A tattoo based on your favorite piece in the Scottish National Gallery.

Dublin Tattoo Ideas (Ireland)

  • A Ha’Penny Bridget tattoo.
  • A tattoo of your favorite artifact in the Little Dublin Museum. (I vote for the James Joyce death mask myself).
  • A colorful Georgian door tattoo.

Las Vegas Tattoo Ideas (United States)

  • A tattoo of the iconic Las Vegas sign.
  • A casino-themed tattoo.
  • A Las Vegas skyline tattoo.

Lisbon Tattoo Ideas (Portugal)

  • A tattoo of a Pasteis de Nata from Belem .
  • A Lisbon tram tattoo.
  • A Pont 25 de Abril tattoo.

Amsterdam Tattoo Ideas (The Netherlands)

  • An Amsterdam Canals tattoo.
  • An Amsterdam houses tattoo.
  • A bicycle tattoo with Amsterdam tulips.

US State Tattoo Ideas

Here are a few ideas for tattoos of American states.

Alabama Tattoo Ideas

  • A University of Alabama tattoo. (Think cute elephants, the Roll Tide motto, etc).
  • A camellia tattoo.
  • A Sweet Home Alabama tattoo.

Alaska Tattoo Ideas

  • A tattoo of Alaska from the water. (Think mountains and whales and beautiful waves).
  • An Alaskan animal tattoo. (Think bears, moose, seal, puffins, etc).
  • A tattoo of the Alaskan state motto “North to the Future.”

Arizona Tattoo Ideas

  • A Grand Canyon tattoo.
  • A saguaro cactus tattoo.
  • An Arizona flag tattoo. (Love the stars and colors on the Arizona flag).

Arkansas Tattoo Ideas

  • An apple blossom tattoo.
  • A Thorncrown Chapel tattoo. (This would be a great opportunity for a cute geometric tattoo).
  • A tattoo of a scene of Hot Springs.

California Tattoo Ideas

  • A tattoo of the word Eureka!
  • A cable car in San Francisco tattoo.
  • A funny California tattoo. (Feel free to borrow one of these California puns ).

Colorado Tattoo Ideas

  • A Colorado flag tattoo.
  • A Rocky Mountain tattoo.
  • A Pikes Peak sign tattoo.

Connecticut Tattoo Ideas

  • A Mystic Lighthouse tattoo.
  • An American robin tattoo.
  • A Stars Hollow tattoo. (Yes it’s a fictional town, but it lives in our hearts forever.

Delaware Tattoo Ideas

  • A peach blossom tattoo.
  • A Kalmar Nyckel tattoo.
  • A tattoo of Delaware state motto “Liberty and Independence”

Florida Tattoo Ideas

  • A Disney World tattoo.
  • An orange blossom tattoo.
  • A pelican tattoo.

Georgia Tattoo Ideas

  • A Georgia peach tattoo.
  • An Eastern Tiger Swallowtail tattoo.
  • A tattoo of the Fountain at Forsyth Park in Savannah. (If you’re a fan of the book or movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, note that the statue is actually in Illinois).

Hawaii Tattoo Ideas

  • A pineapple tattoo.
  • A tattoo of the Hawaiian archipelago.
  • A volcano tattoo (especially if you fell in love with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park )

Idaho Tattoo Ideas

  • A tattoo of a scene from Idaho’s magnificent landscapes. 
  • A potato tattoo. (Especially if you’re looking for funny Idaho tattoos).
  • A mountain bluebird tattoo.

Illinois Tattoo Ideas

  • A Frank Llyod Wright tattoo. (You could go minimalist with a geometric pattern from his work or something bigger inspired by the houses in Oak Park).
  • A cardinal tattoo.
  • A monarch butterfly tatoo.

Indiana Tattoo Ideas

  • A Hoosier pun tattoo.
  • A peony tattoo. 
  • A tattoo of Indiana’s flag.

Iowa Tattoo Ideas

  • A geode tattoo.
  • An acorn tattoo.
  • A goldfinch tattoo.

Kansas Tattoo Ideas

  • The tattoo of the state motto “Ad Aspera Per Aspera.”
  • A Jayhawk tattoo.
  • A sunflower tattoo.

Kentucky Tattoo Ideas

  • A honeybee tattoo.
  • A banjo tattoo. (Or another Bluegrass-inspired motif like an Appalachian Dulcimer).
  • A Viceroy butterfly tattoo.

Louisiana Tattoo Ideas

  • A green treefrog tattoo.
  • A Pirogue boat tattoo.
  • A magnolia tattoo.

Maine Tattoo Ideas

  • A lobster tattoo.
  • A Portland Head Lighthouse Tattoo.
  • The tattoo of the state motto “Dirigo.”

Maryland Tattoo Ideas

  • A Baltimore Oriole tattoo. (The bird or the baseball team).
  • A crab tattoo.
  • A Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly tattoo.

Massachusetts Tattoo Ideas

  • A cranberry tattoo.
  • A Dr. Seuss tattoo.
  • A Norman Rockwell tattoo. 

Michigan Tattoo Ideas

  • A Lake Michigan tattoo.
  • A Pictured Rocks tattoo.
  • A Model-T tattoo.

Minnesota Tattoo Ideas

  • A blueberry muffin tattoo.
  • A tattoo of the state motto “L’Etoile du Nord.”
  • A North Star tattoo.

Mississippi Tattoo Ideas

  • A Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly tattoo.
  • A Gulf of Mexico-inspired tattoo.

Missouri Tattoo Ideas

  • A St. Louis Arch tattoo.
  • A silver dollar tattoo.
  • A flowering dogwood branch tattoo.

Montana Tattoo Ideas

  • A Going-to-the-Sun Road Tattoo (or another scenic road or beautiful Montana landscape).
  • A Montana seal tattoo.
  • A bitterroot tattoo.

Nebraska Tattoo Ideas

  • An ear of corn tattoo. (Or another corn theme).
  • A goldenrod tattoo.
  • A Kool-aid Man tattoo.

Nevada Tattoo Ideas

  • A Hoover Dam tattoo.
  • A Desert Tortoise tattoo.
  • A Seven Magic Mountains tattoo.

New Hampshire Tattoo Ideas

  • A Red-Spotted Newt tattoo.
  • A Ladybug tattoo.
  • A Purple Lilac tattoo.

New Jersey Tattoo Ideas

  • A Boardwalk tattoo.
  • A Cape May Lighthouse tattoo.
  • A Dogwood tattoo.

New Mexico Tattoo Ideas

  • A hot air balloon tattoo.
  • A Dusty Roadrunner tattoo.
  • A New Mexico state flag tattoo.

New York Tattoo Ideas

  • A Niagara Falls tattoo.
  • A Lilac tattoo.
  • A Montauk Lighthouse tattoo. (Or other motifs from small towns in New York ).

North Carolina Tattoo Ideas

  • A Whirligigs tattoo.
  • An Outer Banks lighthouse tattoo.
  • A wild Spanish Mustang tattoo.

North Dakota Tattoo Ideas

  • A Wild Prarie Rose tattoo.
  • A Western Meadowlark tattoo.
  • A Flickertail March tattoo.

Ohio Tattoo Ideas

  • A bullfrog tattoo.
  • An Ohio Buckeye tattoo. (The tree or the university).
  • A Hocking Hills waterfall tattoo.

Oklahoma Tattoo Ideas

  • A Redbud Tree tattoo.
  • A bison tattoo.
  • A scissortail flycather tattoo.

For more, check out my guide to Oklahoma tattoo inspiration.

Oregon Tattoo Ideas

  • A Mount Hood tattoo.
  • A tattoo of the Oregon state motto “She Flies with Her Own Wings.”
  • A Crater Lake tattoo.

Pennsylvania Tattoo Ideas

  • A Hershey Kiss tattoo.
  • A Fallingwater tattoo.
  • A firefly tattoo.

Rhode Island Tattoo Ideas

  • A Castle Hill Lighthouse tattoo.
  • A Rhode Island Red tattoo.
  • A Harbor Seal tattoo.

South Carolina Tattoo Ideas

  • A South Carolina Flag tattoo.
  • A Yellow Jessamine tattoo.
  • A Loggerhead Sea Turtle tattoo.

South Dakota Tattoo Ideas

  • A Sylvan Lake tattoo.
  • An American Pasque tattoo.
  • A Triceratops tattoo.

Tennessee Tattoo Ideas

  • A Smoky Mountains tattoo.
  • A Dollywood or Dolly Parton tattoo.
  • A Raccoon tattoo.

Texas Tattoo Ideas

  • A San Antonio Missions or Alamo tattoo.
  • A Bluebonnet tattoo.
  • A Texas Longhorn tattoo. (The animal or the university.

Utah Tattoo Ideas

  • A Rocky Mountain Elk tattoo.
  • A tattoo based on one of Utah’s National Parks.
  • A cherry tattoo.

Vermont Tattoo Ideas

  • A Red Clover tattoo.
  • A Sugar Maple tattoo.
  • A Vermont Flag tattoo.

Virginia Tattoo Ideas

  • A Shenandoah tattoo. (Especially views or trees on Skyline Drive ).
  • A tattoo of the state motto “Sic Semper Tyranus.”
  • An Oyster tattoo.

Washington Tattoo Ideas

  • A Seattle Space Needle tattoo.
  • A Public Market Sign tattoo. (Or another landmark in Seattle tattoo).
  • A Mount Rainer tattoo.

West Virginia Tattoo Ideas

  • A West Virginia state tartan tattoo.
  • A New River Gorge Bridge tattoo.
  • A Golden Delicious apple tattoo.

Wisconsin Tattoo Ideas

  • A Milwaukee Art Museum tattoo. (Think geometric tattoo or something inspired by it rather than a literal version).
  • A Wisconsin Badger tattoo. (The animal or the university).
  • A cheese tattoo. (If you want a funny Wisconsin tattoo, I have a giant list of cheese puns you can use).

Wyoming Tattoo Ideas

  • A Bucking Horse and Rider tattoo.
  • A Horned Toad tattoo.
  • An Old Faithful tattoo.

More Travel Resources

Italy - Venice - Stephanie

If you’re looking for more information on traveling, check out how to travel solo , how to make friends while traveling solo, and where to find dates when you travel.

5 Things to Pack for Your Trip

Canada - Toronto -Luggage

The   Lonely Planet   guidebook. It can be kind of a pain to find the major guidebooks once you land, or you’ll find them overpriced. I always like to pick mine up ahead of time.

An Unlocked  Cell Phone   so that you can use a local sim card while here to help navigate public transportation and when you’re on the road. (For people without local cell phone plans).

Backup Charging Bank  for your cell phone since you’ll be using it as a camera, GPS, and general travel genie.

A Camera  since you’ll want to take a million pictures on your trip. I use a mix of my  Nikon D810  and my  Samsung8  smartphone these days.

A Great Day Bag   so you can carry what you need with you (like your camera, snacks, water, sunscreen, cash, etc). My current favorite is the  Pacsafe Citysafe , which is especially great for travel because it has many anti-theft features designed to deter pickpockets. It also transitions to a night bag more easily and won’t embarrass you if you go to dinner directly after sightseeing all day or cities with pickpockets. 

Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!

Before you leave for your trip make sure you have a valid  Travel  Insurance Policy  because accidents happen on the road. I pay for  World Nomads,  and I happily recommend them. It’s especially important to get travel insurance if you’ll be hanging enjoying time in the beautiful (but occasionally slippery) outdoors.

I have been a paying customer of  World Nomads  for travel insurance for three years, and I happily recommend them.  If you get sick, injured, or have your stuff stolen, you’ll be happy to have the ability to pay for your medical bills or replace what’s stolen or broken.

Pin this Guide to the Best Travel Tattoos & Travel Tattoo Ideas for Your Next Trip!

Travel Tattoo Ideas and a List of Travel Tattoos plus How to Get a Tattoo While Traveling

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Home » Budget Travel » Travel Tattoos: A Guide to Getting Inked on the Road (2024)

Travel Tattoos: A Guide to Getting Inked on the Road (2024)

Tattoos and international travel have been connected since the unholy start of times. 

I’m sure ya’ll are familiar with sailor tattoos. For seafarers, tattoos were badges of honour that allowed them to showcase their travels like human log books. No tramp stamp was without meaning! Hula girls meant you’d been to Hawaii, HOLD FAST knuckle tats brought good luck on stormy seas, and 5,000 nautical miles sailed earned you one swallow.

Nowadays these traditions have been picked up by modern nomads and gap-year kids prancing around the planet. For many travellers, tattoos show their journey – just like with our old-timey sailor friends.

Almost all of my tattoos are souvenirs: only my first one is a keepsake from my native Finland. The rest of the collage I’ve picked up from here and there.

So with the great authority of someone who has been travelling and gathering tattoos from all over – and some contributions of the generally very-tattooed Broke Backpacker family – here are the ins and outs of getting inked on the go. Is it safe? Will you get banned from Japan? Will your family disown you if you come back covered in art? 

Let’s find out.

man with travel tattoos sitting on a suitcase by a road with the sunset behind him

Why You Should Get a Travel Tattoo

The experience of travelling with tattoos, how to get a travel tattoo, how to take care of a fresh tattoo while travelling, tattoo taboos – can you get in trouble traveling with a tattoo, life is short – get a travel tattoo.

The neat thing about travel tattoos is that they’re not just pretty pictures – they’re souvenirs. (The easiest ones to carry, too, if you don’t like overloading your packing list !)

Travel-inspired tattoos are a great memory from a place you once loved.

On the other hand, they also preserve some part of an older version of you. Your 2.0 might not choose the same tattoos now as you did before your figurative software update, but they’re still nice reminders of where you’ve been and how far you’ve come. From home – or mentally.

They can serve as mile markers on your discovery into your beautiful self and the lessons you’ve learned on the road.

girl with travel tattoos

Shocking plot twist! Travel tattoos can also have a totally opposite meaning to travel – they can be reminders of home. Sailors used to get compass roses and nautical stars tattooed as symbols that they could always find their way home. For me, it’s the Big Dipper on my arm that makes me think of Finland. (I do also have a compass rose but fuck me if I know how to read it. The thing might be broken.)

As lifestyle hobos, it’s sometimes good to remind ourselves of where our roots lie.

But hey – tattoos don’t actually need to mean anything at all. People love to ask me ‘but WHAT DO YOUR TATTOOS MEAN??’ And I don’t regret that I don’t have a deeper answer than: ‘flower :)’.

Tattoos are dope, and they look dope, and how cool is it that whenever you want to see art, you can just gaze down at your own skin? You’re carrying around a whole art gallery and if that’s the only meaning behind your tattoos, that’s already pretty damn epic.

traveller tattoo meaning

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As told by Ziggy, the Vice-Head of Hand Tattoos and Resident Ink Master of The Broke Backpacker Team

The more prominent your tattoos are, the more you stand out. Dems the breaks!

Ziggy standing in a forest eating ice cream showing his travel tattoos

Even in Western countries, particularly unusual tattoos (hand tats, neck tats, etc.) garner you extra attention. This is increased tenfold in countries where foreigners already stick out like… well… a neck tat.

I’ve had strangers unprompted begin stroking my tattoos. I’ve been asked to flash gang signs in selfie-photoshoots with locals to feature my hand tats. And I get asked ‘what my tattoos mean’ way too often (there is no question in the world that shits me up the wall as much as this one).

BUT there is an upside! Tattoos can form a rather darling point of connection.

In countries where tattoos are uncommon, locals with their own tats will go out of their way to initiate a conversation with you. Most dealers will also pretty openly offer drugs to anyone with some wicked psychedelic tats. (Just be savvy when taking drugs while travelling!)

And sometimes, it’s really goddamn helpful to look like a foreigner. My hitchhiking experiences in Palestine can attest to that: none of the Arabs think you’re Jewish while none of the Jews think you’re Arab.

Overall, I wouldn’t say that being a rather painted human interferes with your travel experience excessively so. Perhaps it just modifies it a touch. There can be some negatives, but usually the experience is positive, or at the very least, quirky.

So now that you’re convinced that you cannot go a day more without decorating your skin, it’s time to hop onto the next step of the process. Lads and ladies, let me present to you: choosing your tat, finding an artist, and taking care of it so well that you won’t get a skin infection and die.

How to Choose Your Travel Tattoo

How do you communicate with just your skin that you’re SO COOL because you’ve TRAVELLED?

Will you go for the compass?

The coordinates to your favourite city?

Will you go big because travelling is so fun you’re definitely not going home and get the map of the whole world tattooed on you?

Well, you don’t actually HAVE to get a travel-themed travel tattoo.

I mean, you can, if you want. No judgement here. (Judgement will only be dealt out for racist and live, laugh, love tattoos.)

tweet about the meaning of travel tattoos

I only have one travel-themed tattoo: a compass rose I picked up in Lisbon, and a couple of others inspired by the places I’ve been to. The rest of it just came from random synapses of thoughts in my head forming an idea and my brain going, ‘OOH, PRETTY’. 

There are myriads of iconic symbols for travel tattoos if you wanna take the road way well travelled. A good place to sus out some spicy inspiration is Pinterest. Or, if you’re feeling brave, you can always just march into a tattoo shop and pick something that tickles your pickle from their flash sheets.

Tattoos don’t necessarily have to be meaningful. They don’t even have to be unique! But they do have to be something you enjoy looking at.

Choosing a travel-inspired tattoo can be a tough choice. You don’t actually need to get a tattoo if you’re not sure what to get. Ideas tend to flow and if a good one comes to you, it will. But if you get a tattoo just for the sake of getting a tattoo, you might end up with something that you won’t vibe with in the future.

How to Find a Kickass Tattooist While on the Road

My preferred method of hunting is through Instagram. There’s much to be said about how terrible Instagram is, but it is unbeatable for finding and contacting tattoo artists. It lets you see their style and spy if they consistently do good work. Often artists also post pictures of healed tattoos. It’s the simplest way to make sure you’re getting a quality tat.

The most important thing is to pick an artist that does the style you want and is experienced in it. When I went to get my mountain tattoo in Macedonia, I knew that the artist had done a few neo-traditional pieces, but mostly she worked in watercolours. It still looks awesome – but the discrepancy in style in my soon-to-be traditional sleeve arm is something people keep pointing out.

(I was also hungover as hell that day and the tattoo bled A LOT. First rule of tattooing, kiddos: do not drink before. Drinking is a big travel problem so it’s better for you to lay off the booze for one night.)

getting a travel tattoo

Of course you don’t need all that fancy schmancy research if the experience of getting a tattoo is more important to you than the tattoo itself. I’ve run into many a wanderer with their skin full of little doodles by some half-scrupulous hostelside stick-and-poke tattooer. (I’ve heard of a guy doing it for a plate of tacos in a place here – immediately added that to my list of things to do in Canggu .)

Many tattoo shops also accept walk-ins if one day you wake up in the mood to upset your mama.

However, if you value guaranteed quality and an easy healing process, finding a reputable artist might be a worthwhile idea.

How Much Do Tattoos Cost?

You’ll hate me when I say: it depends.

Obviously it depends on the style and the size of the tattoo but often on the artist, too: someone with a booking list the length of an ancient scroll is gonna want a bit more cash money than the guy in the corner.

travel tattoo of an inhaler

One of the biggest reasons I love getting tattooed while on the road is actually the price. I’m from Finland where all the fun things cost a pretty penny. In countries where the general cost of living is lower, you can also expect services to have a smaller price – including tattoos. My favourite country to get tattooed in has been Brazil: many people are tattooed so excellent studios are all over the place, plus it’s very cheap.

You miiiiight end up paying a “tourist tax”, though. Foreign passport = multi billionaire, apparently, according to some people in some countries. Not naming names but, uh, I’m pretty sure Iranians don’t pay 100 USD for a tiny tattoo. That’s what I was quoted, and why I turned it down.

Granted that tattooing is illegal in Iran, but still…

There’s always a chance that as a foreigner, you’ll pay more than locals do. Fair enough – I’m well aware that as a Western traveller, I have some loose cash to toss around. It kinda stops being fair when the mark-up enters ridonkulous territory.

Here’s the catch, though: you should never argue with a tattoo artist about the price of the piece. There are better ways to save while budget backpacking. Often there are hidden costs you don’t even think about: the hours spent designing the piece, studio rental, taxes… There’s a reason why the artist values themselves at the price they want from you.

Not to mention that arguing will probably just piss the artist off. Most tattoo artists I’ve met have been lovely. Some do have the kind of egos you would expect from people who are legally allowed to stab others in the name of art.

If it’s too expensive for you, fair enough. Save up some more money, get a different tattoo or go somewhere else.

You gotta remember that a tattoo is an open wound. A pretty wound fo sho but an open one anyway, and you gotta treat it like that. Apparently experts recommend that you let your new tattoo heal for at least two weeks before travelling. Hah! Those are normal people experts. The backpack nation doesn’t get to take two weeks off from adventuring.

I’ve never had any trouble healing my tattoos even while travelling but it’s good to sprinkle in a little extra care!

Is It Safe to Get Tattooed While Travelling?

If you’re worried about keeping it clean, then sure, that’s a valid concern. Tattoo aftercare is very important but not terribly tough – kinda like remembering to brush your teeth twice a day.

But if you find yourself asking, ‘Is it safe to get tattooed abroad?’, then my sweet summer child, you’re getting misguided.

“Abroad” isn’t some one-size-fits-all hellhole outside the bounds of your homeland. Actually suggesting that just because something is foreign it would be dirty and unhygienic is kinda xenophobic.

Sure, some countries have, uh, more lenient legislation when it comes to hygiene. Still, in most countries you’ll still be able to easily find a studio that follows all the same hygiene practices as the studios in your home country.

traveller tattoo meaning

Make sure the artist is using new needles and that the studio looks clean. Make sure you know how to tell if a tattoo artist is bad . Or don’t – a lot of the normal precaution explodes into space if you’re getting one of those famous bamboo tattoos in Thailand or a stick-and-poke from some hipster in the hostel.

Don’t drink before. Do NOT surrender to the hostel bar’s happy hour the night before your tat. Alcohol thins your blood which means that you bleed a lot more while getting tattooed, and it can affect the quality of it. And being drunk or hungover doesn’t make the pain any easier – it can make it worse.

If you’ve avoided crappy craftmanship, then voilá! The hardest part is over and the healing process is generally easy-peasy, as long as you don’t pick on the picture. While travelling, you have to take a little extra care of the fresh ink since you’re likely to be more active than when healing a tattoo at home. Avoid extreme exercises and super-stunts until the tat is healed.

I remember hearing a story about a guy who decided to tackle Bolivia’s Death Road with a day-old tattoo. He fell and managed to basically scrape off the entire tattoo. OUCHIE.

How to Keep Your Tattoo Clean While Travelling

  • Every artist will give slightly different care instructions re: keeping the plastic on, putting on cream, which cream to put on… Et cetera into infinity. If it’s your first tattoo, it’s best to do what the artist recommends, even if you’ve read something contrary on the interwebz.
  • Protect extra well from sunlight and sea water.
  • Can you fly after getting a tattoo? Absolutely yes. Pack some tattoo-friendly cream and wipes into hand luggage and wear loose-fitting clothes.
  • Protect a fresh tattoo from dust/sunlight/prying hands of curious little children. For a few hours after getting it, cling wrap is your pal. Afterwards you can shield it from the elements with a (clean and washed) bandana if your clothes don’t cover it.
  • Don’t pick at it. I repeat: DO NOT PICK AT IT. You risk messing up the lines if you paw at it. (Open wound, remember?)
  • If a tattoo gets infected, it’s more likely due to shoddy tattooing than your half-hearted aftercare. When your cool new tat tries to kill you, it’s important that you have a good travel insurance policy in place . At The Broke Backpacker, we recommend World Nomads insurance . With good insurance, it won’t cost you a penny for a doctor to judge you for getting a back-alley tattoo.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

traveller tattoo meaning

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Let’s get the obvious out of the way: perchance don’t get a nazi tattoo. In Germany, it will get you arrested and anywhere else, probably the shit kicked out of you.

Moot point, anyway – I trust that TBB readers are better than that.

Having a tattoo still carries a bit of a stigma anywhere in the world. Even in the grand West where almost half of millenials are tatted up, there’s always a disgruntled suburban mum who thinks that tattoos automatically make you a hooligan. In countries where tattoos are fairly uncommon, they’re almost non-existent on women which surely shines an even bigger spotlight on a gal on her own. Just another fun aspect of the solo female travel experience !

In general, people everywhere are pretty chill about tattoos.

travel tattoo of a rabbit

Take Middle East for example. Islam prohibits tattoos so you won’t run into too many tatted up locals around those parts. But people are not dumb: they understand that your culture is not their culture. Seeing tattoos on a foreigner doesn’t carry nearly the same weight as it would on a local, and tourists generally get a free pass.

Actually, having tattoos is usually a great ice breaker since people who are not used to seeing them are pretty curious about them. And the ones that have tattoos themselves love connecting with you over your shared love of ink. Travelling with tattoos wasn’t a problem for me even in Iran where the whole craft is illegal.

And as a woman (and I guess as a man, too) in the Middle East, most of the time you’re so covered up anyway that your tattoos can hardly cause a scandal.

Religious Tattoos

Most religions seem to be pretty chill about using their symbols as decorations. (Never saw any Christian mums come for teenage girls during the Great Cross Fashion period of 2011.) However, with Buddha tattoos you have to be very, very careful.

In the Grand Place in Bangkok, Thailand, souvenir sellers are shaded by giant umbrellas with the words scripted on them: Buddha is for respecting; Not decoration; not tattoo.

three rainbow-coloured om symbol travel tattoos

Sri Lanka takes it one step further. Tourists have been arrested and deported from Sri Lanka for sporting visible Buddha tattoos. There isn’t a specific law banning tattoos of his jolly curvy figure but authorities take any perceived disrespect very seriously.

I don’t want to comment on the ethics of getting a religious tattoo or what I think of it: your body, your temple, literally, I guess? Just know that religious symbols are extremely holy to many people and some people might find religious tattoos offensive.

Travelling to Japan with Tattoos

Japanese woman with back tattoo

Japan might be the most notorious of all tattoo-taboo countries. Traditionally, tattoos in Japan were only reserved for the members of Yakuza – the Japanese mafia – and so a tattooed person was automatically assumed to be a criminal. Onsens and tattoos don’t mix: Many of them have signs telling tattooed people to kindly fuck off.

Again, though, rules are different for foreigners. Your imagination has to stretch pretty far out to believe a blue-eyed, pink-haired, 5’4 Finnish girl with zero Japanese skills to be a part of the local mobsters. (You’d be more likely to mistake me for an anime character.)

Besides, the tattoo taboo has been loosening in the recent years as young people and celebrities have started getting tatted up. Getting a tattoo in Japan is not illegal (but it might be expensive).

From what I’ve heard, most tattooed tourists don’t face any trouble in Japan. Some onsens do restrict access to us tatted up folks but there are many others that don’t have a problem with a little ink on the skin. In an emergency (you know, the kind of when you just NEED to go to hot springs, I guess), smaller tattoos can be covered up.

Unique Travel Tattoos Connecting People

My second tattoo was a unicorn on my bicep. It’s a badass thing, charging down my arm mid-attack all furious glory and epicness. I got it done in London in 2016.

Months later, I was in Brazil for an exchange semester and decided to take a photography course. One of the Brazilian girls in my class came to chat with me and praised the unicorn on my arm. ‘It’s so cool!’ she told me. ‘I saw something similar a while ago and saved it on my phone, hold up.’

She pulled out her phone and showed me a screenshot – of the Instagram post my tattoo artist had made of my tattoo . Tens of thousands of miles away on the other side of the world, and this random Brazilian girl had had a picture of my arm on her phone long before we met.

It’s a small world and it seems like we’re all connected in the strangest of ways.

unicorn travel tattoo

With absolutely zero scientific evidence, I feel very confident to say that travellers tend to be more tattooed than an average person. When you’re around people like that long enough, you might start thinking that you should get a tattoo as well. It’s the famous peer pressure your teachers always warned you about! Although instead of crack cocaine, it’s cool ass tattoos.

You don’t NEED to get a tattoo just because everyone else has one. Sure, it’s really cool, but if it’s not your style, there’s no reason to rush into it.

On the other hand – getting a tattoo is really not such a big deal. People make it out to be so. Countless tattoos later, my mum still won’t stop reminding me that they’re permanent (so are children, Mother dearest, and still you keep hounding me to have those?).

tattoo-meme

People worry what happens if they get sick of their tattoos. What do you do if you get sick of the shape of your nose? Tattoos become a part of your everyday looks so much that I barely even notice mine. 

The day I realised I could decorate my body the way I wanted was the day my life changed. As a serial expat, my body really is my only permanent home, and I love that I’m able to put on tattoos like someone else might hang up a painting. And with every new picture it feels like I’m becoming more myself. My tattoos are not only memories and keepsakes, they also tell the world something about who I am as a person.

In the grander scheme of things, nothing is permanent. Life is short: get a travel tattoo. For the memories – or for shits and giggles.

girl in a pink top with travel tattoos looking at mountains

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Elina Mattila

Elina Mattila

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70 Unique Travel Tattoos to Fuel Your Eternal Wanderlust

  • April 4, 2024

When we travel, we often want to find ways to remember the unique experiences we had. Some people take photographs, others keep journals, and some even collect souvenirs. However, many travelers choose to commemorate their adventures with unique travel tattoos.

Travel tattoos are a popular way for globetrotters to celebrate their wanderlust, and they come in a wide range of styles and designs. From intricate maps to iconic landmarks, there are endless possibilities for a travel-themed tattoo. This blog post will explore unique travel tattoo ideas and discuss what makes them special.

The adventurer tattoo for women

unique-travel-tattoos

For adventurous women who love to travel, a tattoo can be a meaningful way to express their love for exploration, nature, and adventure. Here are ten adventurer tattoo ideas for women:

5 Best Europe Travel Outfits Ideas
  • Mountain range tattoo

traveller tattoo meaning

 A mountain range tattoo can symbolize strength, perseverance, and the thrill of conquering a challenging climb.

  • Compass rose tattoo

A compass rose tattoo can represent a love for navigation and direction and a constant desire to explore new places.

  • Wanderlust tattoo

 A wanderlust tattoo can be a simple yet powerful way to express your love for travel and your never-ending curiosity to discover new cultures and experiences.

  • Adventure quote tattoo

 An adventure quote tattoo can inspire and motivate you to live fully and embrace new challenges and opportunities.

  • Nature-inspired tattoo

 A tattoo inspired by nature, such as a tree, a flower, or an animal, can symbolize a connection to the earth and a desire to explore its beauty and diversity.

 A map tattoo can be a creative way to showcase the places you’ve visited and the places you dream of going, as well as your love for geography and exploration.

  • Hot air balloon tattoo

 A hot air balloon tattoo can represent the freedom and excitement of travel and a desire to see the world from a new perspective.

  • Anchor tattoo

 An anchor tattoo can symbolize a love for the ocean, the adventurous spirit of sailing, and the idea of staying grounded and authentic to oneself.

traveller tattoo meaning

  • Floral plane tattoo on the ribcage

A floral plane tattoo on the ribcage can be a unique and creative way to express your love for travel and nature. Here are ten ideas for a beautiful floral plane tattoo on the ribcage:

  • Vintage plane with blooming flowers

 A vintage plane with blooming flowers can symbolize a love for old-school aviation and the beauty of nature.

  • Colorful wildflowers around a plane

Colorful wildflowers around a plane can represent a free-spirited and adventurous personality.

  • Geometric floral plane tattoo

 A geometric floral plane tattoo can be a modern and abstract interpretation of a classic travel symbol.

  • A flower bouquet in a plane window

 A flower bouquet in a plane window can symbolize a love for beauty and the desire to see the world from a new perspective.

  • An airplane made of flowers

An airplane made of flowers can represent the delicate balance between the power of human innovation and the fragility of nature.

  • Floral wings on a plane

Floral wings on a plane can symbolize the freedom and movement of travel, as well as the beauty and grace of nature.

  • Watercolor floral plane tattoo

 A watercolor floral plane tattoo can be a vibrant and artistic representation of the beauty of nature and the excitement of travel.

  • Flower vines on a plane

 Flower vines on a plane can represent the connection between travel and growth and the importance of nurturing and caring for our environment.

  • The plane flies over a field of flowers .

 A plane flying over a field of flowers can symbolize the exhilarating feeling of adventure and the beauty of nature’s landscapes.

  • Floral plane with a banner

 A floral plane with a banner can be a personalized and meaningful way to add a quote, name, or date representing a special travel memory.

  • The moon, the ocean, and the mountains

Combining the moon, the ocean, and the mountains can be a powerful and meaningful symbol for a tattoo. Here are five ideas for a beautiful moon, sea, and mountains tattoo:

  • A full moon rising over a mountain range with waves crashing on the shore

 This tattoo can represent the ever-changing nature of life, the power of nature, and the importance of embracing change and new beginnings.

  • A mountain peak with an ocean view under a crescent moon

 This tattoo can symbolize a sense of adventure and exploration, as well as the idea of finding inner peace and balance through the beauty of nature.

  • A small mountain range with a full moon reflecting on a calm ocean

 This tattoo represents tranquility, serenity, and the importance of finding peace within oneself.

  • A moonlit ocean with a mountain range in the distance

This tattoo can symbolize the power of the elements and the importance of embracing the unknown and taking risks.

  • Travel tattoo sleeve

 A travel tattoo sleeve can be a comprehensive and artistic way to showcase your love for travel and all your adventurous experiences, from hiking and camping to surfing and snowboarding.

traveller tattoo meaning

  • A half-moon with a mountain peak and an ocean horizon

This tattoo can represent the balance between light and darkness, the idea of duality, and the importance of finding harmony within oneself and with the world around us.

  • Around the globe – a girly tattoo for travelers

For girly travelers who love to explore new places, a tattoo can be a meaningful way to express their wanderlust and love for adventure. Here are five ideas for a beautiful around-the-globe girly tattoo:

  • Watercolor globe tattoo with a floral wreath

A watercolor globe tattoo with a floral wreath can symbolize the beauty and diversity of the world, as well as the importance of appreciating and nurturing the natural environment.

  • Compass rose with a map of the world .

 A compass rose with a map of the world can represent a sense of direction and purpose and a constant desire to explore new places and discover new cultures.

  • A hot air balloon with a world map

 A hot air balloon with a world map can symbolize the freedom and excitement of travel and the idea of seeing the world from a new perspective.

  • A world map with heart-shaped pins

 A world map with heart-shaped pins can represent the places you’ve visited and the people you’ve loved along the way, as well as the idea of creating meaningful connections and memories through travel.

  • A globe with a quote

 A globe with a quote, such as “the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page,” can be a simple yet powerful way to express your love for travel and your curiosity to discover new experiences and perspectives.

  • Architecture nape tattoo for travelers

An architecture nape tattoo for travelers can be a beautiful and unique way to express your love for exploring new places and admiring the beauty of buildings and structures. Whether it’s a skyline, a specific building, or an architectural detail, this tattoo can symbolize your appreciation for the art and science of design.

  • Camera tattoo for nature lovers

A camera tattoo for nature lovers can represent the desire to capture and preserve the beauty of the natural world. In addition, it can symbolize a love for adventure and the importance of cherishing moments in nature.

  • A forearm tattoo for travel lovers

A forearm tattoo for travel lovers can be a unique and personal way to express your passion for exploring new places and creating unforgettable memories through travel. It can symbolize the adventurous spirit within.

  • Rocket tattoo

A rocket tattoo can symbolize ambition, determination, and the drive to achieve your goals. It can also represent the desire for adventure and exploration beyond the earth’s limits.

  • Matching world map tattoos for besties.

Matching world map tattoos for besties can symbolize the bond and shared love for travel between two individuals. In addition, it can represent a shared passion for adventure and exploring new places together.

  • Yosemite landscape tattoo

A Yosemite landscape tattoo can represent a love for the natural world and the desire to explore and appreciate its beauty. In addition, it can symbolize a connection to nature and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

  • unique travel tattoos for island-hoppers

A tattoo for island hoppers can symbolize a love for tropical destinations, the beach lifestyle, and the desire to explore different cultures and experiences across multiple islands.

traveller tattoo meaning

  • Telescope tattoo

A telescope tattoo can represent the desire for exploration, curiosity, and the search for new perspectives. It can symbolize the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding the world.

  • Sleeve unique travel tattoos for hikers.

A sleeve tattoo for hikers can represent a love for the great outdoors and the beauty of nature. In addition, it can symbolize the importance of adventure, perseverance, and overcoming challenges on the trail.

  • Inspiring  Travel Tattoos for Travel Addicts

Tattoos have become a popular form of expression for many people, and one of the unique types of tattoos is unique travel tattoos. These tattoos can represent a person’s love for traveling and the memories they’ve made while exploring the world. In this article, we’ll look at 50 unique travel tattoos that will inspire your next tattoo.

 A small airplane tattoo on your wrist or ankle is a simple and cute way to show your love for travel.

traveller tattoo meaning

  • Passport Stam

 Getting a tattoo of a passport stamp from a country you’ve visited is a great way to commemorate your travels.

  • Coordinates

Getting the coordinates of a place you’ve visited tattooed on your body is a great way to remember that specific location.

  • Mountain Range

If you love hiking and exploring mountains, a mountain range tattoo might be your perfect choice.

 A palm tree tattoo is a great way to represent your love for tropical destinations and beach vacations.

 A car or camper van tattoo is perfect for someone who loves road trips and exploring the country.

  • Airline Ticket

 A tattoo of an airline ticket can represent a love for traveling and the excitement of visiting new places.

 A tattoo of a suitcase or backpack is a great way to show your love for traveling and exploring new destinations.

  • Minimalist boat and world tattoo

traveller tattoo meaning

A minimalist boat and world tattoo can represent the desire for adventure and exploration and the importance of finding balance and harmony between travel and home.

  • Beach Scene

 A tattoo of a beach scene can represent your love for the ocean and beach vacations.

  • Eiffel Tower

A tattoo of the Eiffel Tower is perfect for someone who loves Paris and the romantic vibe of the city.

traveller tattoo meaning

 A tattoo of the word “wanderlust” is perfect for someone with a strong desire to travel and explore the world.

 A world map tattoo is perfect for someone who loves to explore new places and wants to showcase all the countries they’ve visited.

  • City Skyline

traveller tattoo meaning

 A city skyline tattoo is perfect for someone who loves the energy and excitement of big cities.

  • National Parks

 A tattoo of a national park can represent your love for nature and outdoor adventures.

  • Beach Sunset

 A tattoo of a beach sunset can represent the beauty of nature and your love for the ocean.

  • Plane Window

A tattoo of a plane window can represent your love for flying and exploring new destinations.

  • Statue of Liberty

 A tattoo of the Statue of Liberty is perfect for someone who loves New York City and the history of the United States.

 A globe tattoo can represent your love for traveling and exploring different parts of the world.

traveller tattoo meaning

  • Henna Tattoo

 Getting a henna tattoo while traveling is a great way to remember your trip and the local culture.

  • Tribal Tattoo

 Tribal tattoos are a great way to represent the indigenous cultures of your visited places.

A tattoo of a wild animal you saw on a safari or in the jungle is a great way to remember your trip and the beauty of nature.

  • Adventure Quotes

 A tattoo of an adventure quote can inspire you to explore the world and make new memories.

  • Cultural Symbols

traveller tattoo meaning

Getting a tattoo of a cultural symbol from a country you’ve visited is a great way to show appreciation for their culture.

Which of these travel tattoos is your favorite?

Traveling is an incredible experience that opens up new doors, introduces you to new cultures, and helps you grow as a person. It is a beautiful way to create memories you can treasure forever. unique travel tattoos are a lovely way to symbolize your love for travel and your passion for exploring new places.

Choosing unique travel tattoos can be daunting, as there are so many unique and creative designs to choose from. Each travel tattoo has significance and meaning, making it essential to choose one that speaks to you and resonates with your journey.

Some popular travel tattoo designs include the adventurer tattoo, floral plane tattoo, the moon, the ocean, mountains tattoo, and around-the-globe girly tattoo. In addition, a camera tattoo or Yosemite landscape tattoo can be an excellent choice for nature lovers. Finally, a tropical island tattoo can be the perfect way for island hoppers to remember the sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.

One of my favorite unique travel tattoos is the minimalist boat and world tattoo. This tattoo design features a simple ship sailing across the globe, symbolizing the journey of life and the importance of exploring the world around us. The minimalist design of this tattoo makes it both beautiful and subtle, making it suitable for any occasion.

Another favorite of mine is the compass rose with a map of the world tattoo. This tattoo design symbolizes direction and purpose, making it perfect for someone who loves to explore and discover new places. The intricate details of the map and the compass rose to make it a beautiful piece of art that can be customized to represent your travel experiences.

Final World 

Traveling is a life-changing experience that allows you to explore new cultures, meet new people, and create unforgettable memories. For many, travel is not just a hobby but a way of life. If you’re a travel enthusiast looking for a unique way to commemorate your adventures, a fantastic travel tattoo might be the perfect option. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore 50 unique travel tattoos that will inspire you to express your love for travel and the experiences that come with it. From minimalist designs to intricate works of art, these unique travel tattoos are as unique and personal as the experiences they represent. So, whether you’re an adventurer at heart, a nature lover, or a city explorer, there’s a travel tattoo for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by these incredible travel tattoo ideas.

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21 Travel Tattoos Idea to Fuel Your Wanderlust

Travel tattoos are more than just ink on skin; they’re a lifelong commitment to adventure, wanderlust, and the memories made while exploring new horizons. These designs capture the essence of journeys taken and dream destinations yet to be explored.

Dive into our curated list of travel tattoo ideas and let your spirit of exploration be forever etched on your canvas. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or someone with a dream to roam, there’s a design here to inspire your next adventure.

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“Travel along” – My new dotwork tattoo design inspired by traveling, adventures and wanderlust. Hope you’ll like it, you can find more designs on my Instagram (@the_rawflow). 🖤 by u/tamasRAWAF in TattooDesigns

About the Author Anna Timbrook

Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.

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9 Symbols of Adventure & Travel (Explained)

traveller tattoo meaning

Are you ready for an adventure? Symbols of adventure can hold great significance and meaning, evoking the spirit of exploration, discovery, and adrenaline. From compasses and mountains to anchors and maps, these symbols can inspire us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the unknown.

In this article, we will dive into the world of symbols of adventure, exploring their meanings and their connection to our innate desire for thrill and excitement. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler looking for a new tattoo idea or simply seeking inspiration for your next daring endeavor, join us as we unravel the symbolism behind these iconic emblems of adventure.

Table of Contents

Mount Everest

Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world, standing at an impressive elevation of 29,029 feet (8,848 meters) above sea level. Located in the Himalayas on the border of Nepal and Tibet, it has long been a symbol of adventure, exploration, and the pursuit of personal achievement.

Ever since Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers to successfully reach the summit in 1953, Mount Everest has captured the imagination of adventurers and mountaineers from all over the globe. The treacherous conditions, extreme altitude, and unpredictable weather make it a formidable challenge that demands physical fitness, mental resilience, and careful planning.

Climbing Mount Everest is not only a test of physical endurance but also a testament to the indomitable human spirit. It represents the overcoming of obstacles, pushing oneself beyond limits, and conquering inner fears. The triumph of reaching the summit is a life-changing experience that leaves a lasting impact on those who have braved the mountain’s treacherous slopes.

However, it is important to note that climbing Mount Everest is not without risks. The high altitude and thin air pose significant health hazards, including altitude sickness, frostbite, and avalanches. It requires meticulous preparation, proper acclimatization, and experienced guides to ensure the safety of climbers.

Despite the challenges and risks, Mount Everest continues to attract adventurers who seek to test their limits and achieve the extraordinary. It serves as a powerful symbol of human determination, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. Whether through climbing the mountain or simply admiring its towering presence, Mount Everest inspires us to reach for new heights and embrace the spirit of exploration.

The compass is a symbol of adventure and exploration. It is an essential tool used for navigation and finding direction in uncharted territories. The compass has been used for centuries by explorers, sailors, and hikers to navigate through unknown terrain and discover new lands.

The compass consists of a magnetic needle that aligns itself with the Earth’s magnetic field, pointing towards the magnetic North. This allows adventurers to determine their heading and navigate accurately, even when there are no visible landmarks or familiar paths.

The compass represents the spirit of adventure and the desire to explore the unknown. It symbolizes the quest for new experiences, knowledge, and self-discovery. Just as a compass guides explorers on their journeys, it can also serve as a metaphor for finding one’s own path in life.

In addition to its practical uses, the compass also holds symbolic significance. It represents guidance, clarity, and the ability to make informed decisions. The compass reminds us to stay true to our values and objectives, even in the face of challenges or uncertainty.

Whether used literally as a navigation tool or metaphorically as a symbol of personal journey and exploration, the compass is a powerful symbol that resonates with adventurers and inspires them to embrace new experiences, overcome obstacles, and discover the world around them.

Explorer Hat

The explorer hat is an iconic symbol of adventure and exploration. Worn by explorers and adventurers throughout history, the hat represents a spirit of discovery and the pursuit of the unknown. It is often associated with individuals who are brave, curious, and willing to step outside of their comfort zone in search of new experiences.

The explorer hat serves a practical purpose as well, providing protection from the elements. Its wide brim offers shade from the sun and shields the eyes from glare, while its sturdy construction can withstand rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions. The hat is often made from durable materials such as leather or canvas, ensuring durability and longevity.

In addition to its symbolic and functional aspects, the explorer hat has also become a fashion statement. Many people choose to wear explorer-style hats as a nod to the adventurous spirit and to add a touch of style to their outfit. Whether exploring the great outdoors or simply embracing a spirit of wanderlust, the explorer hat embodies the thrill of adventure and the desire to discover what lies beyond the horizon.

Ship’s Wheel

The ship’s wheel is a symbol often associated with adventure, exploration, and the open seas. It represents the spirit of maritime travel and the daring spirit of those who embark on voyages of exploration. The ship’s wheel is a symbol of navigation, steering, and control – essential elements for any seafarer venturing into uncharted territories. It serves as a reminder of the courage, skill, and determination required to chart new courses and discover new horizons.

The ship’s wheel is also a symbol of freedom and escape from the confines of everyday life. It represents the desire to break free from the familiar and embrace the unknown. Just as the ship’s wheel allows sailors to navigate through treacherous waters, it also serves as a metaphor for overcoming challenges and finding one’s true path in life.

In the context of adventure and exploration, the ship’s wheel often evokes a sense of nostalgia for bygone eras of discovery and seafaring. It may bring to mind famous explorers like Christopher Columbus or Captain James Cook, who set sail on daring expeditions that shaped the course of history. The ship’s wheel symbolizes the spirit of adventure that has driven explorers throughout the ages, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps and explore the unknown.

For those who love the sea, the ship’s wheel is a cherished symbol that represents their passion for sailing, yachting, or other water-based activities. It is a symbol of the connection between humans and the vast oceans that cover much of our planet. The ship’s wheel reminds us of the beauty, power, and mystery of the sea, as well as the importance of respecting and preserving these precious natural resources.

Maps have long been symbols of exploration and adventure. They represent the vast possibilities and unknown territories waiting to be discovered. Maps can spark curiosity and inspire individuals to embark on their own journeys of exploration.

Throughout history, maps have played a crucial role in navigation and discovery. They have been used by explorers, sailors, and travelers to chart their paths, find new lands, and navigate the vast oceans. From ancient maps depicting the known world to modern GPS systems guiding us through unfamiliar cities, maps have provided guidance and direction.

In the context of adventure, maps can serve as powerful tools for planning and preparation. Whether it’s a hiking trail map or a topographic map for mountaineering, maps provide valuable information about terrain, landmarks, trails, and points of interest. They allow adventurers to visualize their routes, estimate distances, and make informed decisions about their journeys.

Maps also hold a sense of wonder and imagination. They can evoke a sense of wanderlust and inspire individuals to venture into unexplored territories. They represent the possibility of new experiences and discoveries, urging us to step outside our comfort zones and embrace the unknown. Whether it’s a world map hanging on a wall or a detailed map of a national park, these visual representations of the world remind us of the vastness and diversity of our planet.

In addition to their practical and inspirational uses, maps have also become symbolic of personal journeys and growth. They can represent a physical or metaphorical exploration of one’s own capabilities and potential. Maps can serve as reminders of past adventures or aspirations for future ones, serving as a source of inspiration and motivation.

Hot Air Balloon

A hot air balloon is an iconic symbol of adventure and exploration. The idea of soaring through the sky in a colorful balloon captures the imagination and sparks a sense of wonder. Hot air ballooning is a unique and thrilling experience that offers a bird’s eye view of the world below.

Riding in a hot air balloon allows you to witness breathtaking landscapes, from rolling hills and lush forests to expansive deserts and sparkling bodies of water. The peacefulness and tranquility of floating through the air provide a sense of serenity and freedom. It is a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and embrace the beauty of the natural world.

Hot air ballooning is not only a thrilling recreational activity but also has a rich history. The first successful manned hot air balloon flight took place in 1783, marking a significant milestone in aviation. Since then, hot air balloons have been used for various purposes, including scientific research, photography, and even rescue missions.

If you ever have the opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride, it is an adventure you won’t want to miss. Soaring through the sky in a balloon offers a unique perspective and a sense of awe that can’t be experienced elsewhere. It is a chance to let go of fears, embrace the unknown, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The humble tent is not just a temporary shelter for outdoor enthusiasts; it is also a powerful symbol of adventure and exploration. Whether used for camping trips, hiking expeditions, or even as a base camp on Mount Everest, the tent represents the spirit of adventure and the desire to explore the great outdoors.

Setting up a tent and spending the night under the stars can be a transformative experience. It allows individuals to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature. The simple act of pitching a tent and creating a home away from home can foster a sense of self-reliance and resilience. It is a reminder that our ancestors relied on similar structures for survival and that we, too, have the ability to adapt and thrive in the wilderness.

The tent is also a symbol of freedom and simplicity. It represents the possibility of escaping the confines of daily life and embracing the unknown. It offers a sense of autonomy and independence, allowing individuals to venture off the beaten path and create their own adventures.

In addition to its symbolic meaning, the tent also serves a practical purpose. It provides shelter from the elements, protecting adventurers from rain, wind, and cold temperatures. It offers a safe and secure space to rest and recharge before embarking on new challenges. The tent is a reliable companion that can withstand the harshest conditions and provide a sanctuary in the midst of the wilderness.

While the tent may seem like a simple and unassuming object, its power as a symbol of adventure and exploration should not be underestimated. It represents the human spirit of curiosity, discovery, and resilience. So next time you see a tent pitched in the great outdoors, take a moment to appreciate the spirit of adventure it embodies.

Binoculars are a valuable tool for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Whether you are exploring nature, going bird watching, or embarking on a safari, binoculars allow you to see distant objects with clarity and detail. These compact optical devices are designed with two telescopes that provide a magnified view of distant subjects, making them an essential accessory for those seeking to observe and appreciate the wonders of the world.

Binoculars offer numerous benefits for adventurers. They enhance your visual experience by bringing far-off objects closer and allowing you to see intricate details that may not be visible with the naked eye. Whether you are observing wildlife in their natural habitats, admiring scenic landscapes, or participating in outdoor activities like hiking or mountain climbing, binoculars provide a unique perspective and help you fully immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings.

When choosing binoculars, it is important to consider factors such as magnification power, lens diameter, and field of view. The magnification power determines how much closer objects appear, while the lens diameter affects the amount of light entering the binoculars and ultimately the brightness of the image. A wider field of view allows for a broader visual area, making it easier to track moving subjects or scan large landscapes.

Additionally, modern binoculars often include features such as image stabilization, waterproofing, and anti-reflective coatings to enhance performance in various environments. These features can improve image quality, durability, and overall usability, ensuring that your binoculars are up to the task in any adventure.

Overall, binoculars are a valuable companion for explorers, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts. They bring the world closer, reveal hidden details, and provide a deeper connection with the natural environment. So, before embarking on your next adventure, don’t forget to pack a pair of binoculars and unlock a whole new world of exploration and discovery.

The camera is a powerful tool that has revolutionized the way we capture and document our adventures. Whether you’re exploring the wilderness, embarking on a thrilling expedition, or simply enjoying a breathtaking view, a camera allows you to capture those precious moments and share them with others.

The camera serves as a visual storyteller, enabling you to document your journey and share it with others. It allows you to freeze a moment in time, preserving the memories of your adventures for years to come. With advancements in technology, cameras have become more compact, user-friendly, and capable of producing high-quality images and videos.

Using a camera also encourages you to pay attention to the details and appreciate the beauty around you. It prompts you to observe your surroundings, seek out interesting compositions, and capture the essence of your adventure. Whether it’s a stunning landscape, a candid moment with fellow explorers, or a rare wildlife sighting, a camera helps you immortalize those extraordinary experiences.

Furthermore, a camera can inspire others and ignite their sense of curiosity and adventure. By sharing your photographs and videos, you can transport others to the places you’ve explored, inspire them to embark on their own adventures, and foster a sense of wonder and excitement about the world around us.

In addition to capturing memories, a camera can also be a valuable tool for learning and growth. As you experiment with different settings, compositions, and techniques, you can enhance your photography skills and develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the art form. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, a camera invites you to continuously improve your craft and explore new creative possibilities.

In conclusion, the camera is an essential companion for adventurers and explorers. It allows you to capture the beauty, excitement, and inspiration found in the world around us. With each click of the shutter, you have the power to document your adventures, share your experiences, and inspire others to embark on their own journeys of exploration and discovery.

As we have explored the symbols of adventure, it is clear that they hold significant meaning and can inspire us to embark on new journeys and explore the unknown. Whether it be the towering presence of Mount Everest, the guiding direction of a compass, or the spirit of exploration represented by an explorer hat, these symbols remind us of the limitless possibilities that await.

So, the next time you see a ship’s wheel or a map, let it be a reminder to chase your dreams and embrace the adventures that lie ahead. From the ruggedness of hiking boots to the freedom of a hot air balloon, these symbols can ignite a sense of wonder and excitement within us. So grab your binoculars, capture the moments with a camera, and set up your tent under the starry sky. The power of these symbols of adventure is here to inspire and guide you on the path to discovery.

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traveller tattoo meaning

Linda Callaway is a passionate history buff and researcher specializing in ancient history, symbolism, and dream interpretation. Her inquisitive nature has been a life-long pursuit, from her childhood days spent exploring the past, to her current academic studies of the ancient world. Linda has a strong interest in the symbolism associated with everyday objects, as well as the interpretation of dreams as a way to uncover hidden truths.

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101 Best Travel Tattoo Ideas You Have To See To Believe!

traveller tattoo meaning

Table of Contents

Want a tattoo that would help you flaunt your wanderlust? Check out this amazing list of travel tattoos we put together for you.

Travel Tattoo

What could possibly be better for a travel enthusiast than a tattoo that represents their passion for wandering around the world?

Wanderlust tattoos or travel tattoos are gradually becoming more and more popular with each passing day. Their rich symbolism and exceptionally unique ways of framing an entire concept with a minimalist approach are what makes them so special.

Domestic travelling or that to a foreign country is always a refreshing experience. Travelling is a great option to explore and learn about different cultures. It allows one to be exposed to different dialects, food, music and whatnot. It brings people together on the ground of humanity despite being diverse in many aspects. Travelling to unknown and new places enables one to get out of their comfort zone and learn about traditions and cultures that differ from those of their own. The stress of work, relationships, family lives makes it important for people to travel for the sake of their mental health and happiness. Travelling helps individual growth and development. Travelling has also been proven to improve physical health. It teaches people to be responsible, independent and innovative. Listening to new languages being spoken and eating new cuisines can be a learning experience. Travelling helps the traveller gain a sense of their true self and rediscover who they really are. And what could be a better memory than that of you (alone or with others) feeling happy at a place you don’t come from? Travelling to some places gives you the thrill and excitement of adventurous activities like trekking, paragliding, bungee jumping, rafting, rock climbing and many more. And if you’re really lucky, you could even gain some new friends on your journey too. Travel or adventure tattoos come in different sizes, shapes and designs. From mountains to sea waves, anything can be a travel tattoo. They often feature a compass, palm trees, the globe, world map, aeroplanes, bikes, boats, ships and many other things. And what could be a better way to display one’s love for travelling than getting a tattoo that has any of these elements in it? So, if you love travelling from the core of your heart, we have got you covered with some eye-catching and wonderful travel tattoo designs you’ll be mesmerised by:

All In One Travel Tattoo

All In One Travel Tattoo

This tattoo features almost all the things that represent wanderlust. This travel tattoo has symbols (from top to bottom) like The Creation of Adam, an atom, a tent, the dial of a compass, a globe, the world map, the sun, a palm tree, a surfboard and waves of either a sea or an ocean. This tattoo could be an inspiration as well as a constant reminder of the fact that the wearer of this tattoo needs a life full of adventure and travelling. This black ink tattoo is a beautiful combination of many things put together in a small space using basic designs and shapes. Thus, this stunning piece of art demands a skilled pair of hands of a tattoo artist.

Travel Tattoo For Ankle

Travel Tattoo For Ankle

Travelling means searching for one’s lost soul. Be it wandering around the globe, visiting the beach or going on a full-fledged voyage, it all heals the same way. This tattoo is more appropriate for those who are into seas and oceans than those who are into mountains and hills. This ankle tattoo contains the globe, the world map on the globe, a seashell and an ocean wave at the bottom and top, respectively. This eye-catching tattoo might look simple, but it needs minute detailing in a small space such as the ankle or the wrist. If you need the tattoo to be neatly done, start looking for skilled artists already. Heads up, since ankle tattoos fade sooner than other tattoos, you might have to redo this one every two to three years.

Compass And The World Travel Tattoo

Compass And The World Travel Tattoo

This forearm tattoo features four arrows pointing at north, south, east, and west, connected at the centre. And around the arrows, we can see a world map, a compass-like figure, mountains, and a black airplane. The world map represents the desire to explore the world, while the mountains are symbolic of one’s love for nature, and the plane portrays freedom to wander. The shading and the highlighting make the tattoo absolutely amazing and gorgeous. And the lines and circles make it appear to be a lot more than just cool. This tattoo is quite intricate which means it would need an artist with expertise to be inked. And if you are into adventures and want your tattoo to tell your story, getting this inked would be a great idea.

The Mountains and Compass Travel Tattoo

The Mountains and Compass Travel Tattoo

Mountains in a tattoo depict one’s love for nature and, more specifically, mountaineering. Compasses in a tattoo epitomise the discovery of new directions and navigating a journey. And birds flying in a tattoo portrays independence, liberty and/or the will to roam free. And what do we get by combining these three into one single tattoo? A travel tattoo. The black and grey shading on the mountains and especially on the compass looks so good that it almost seems to be real. We can also spot a significant amount of white ink being used in this one. If it’s your first trip to the tattoo parlour, then get this done on your forearm or calf. It wouldn’t be too painful, and even if it is, we promise you the experience will be worth it.

Small Ocean And Moon Travel Tattoo

Small Ocean And Moon Travel Tattoo

It might be coincidental, but the waves in this tattoo look a bit like The Great Wave off Kanagawa. And it also features a moon. We all know that the moon’s gravitational pull leads to tides on two sides of the Earth. And just like the moon pulls the water, the desire to travel pulls the traveller or the voyager towards satisfying their wanderlust. This tattoo could be a stunning wrist or ankle tattoo as well. The smallness of the tattoo makes it more difficult for the tattoo artist to trace the complex details onto human skin. But if you know an artist you can trust, feel free to go for this one.

Colourful Aeroplane Travel Tattoo

Colourful Aeroplane Travel Tattoo

This travel tattoo will work really well for those who have dreamt of travelling across the world since the very beginning of their lives, even if they have not been able to satisfy their wanderlust yet. It is also a great choice for those who simply love to fly from one place to another. It flaunts the adventurous nature of the owner of the tattoo pretty well. The colours used in this tattoo are what make this artwork vibrant and cool to look at. It is also appropriate for people of all ages irrespective of their genders and races. With a sanitary tattoo studio that has an expert tattoo artist, you’ll be all set to get this one inked.

Minimalist Mountains Travel Tattoo

Minimalist Mountains Travel Tattoo

Mountain tattoos are quite popular among people who love travelling. Not only do they look beautiful, but they are also associated with some great symbols. This one is a perfect tattoo for those who do not like to sit back at home and relax but want to explore and go on adventurous journeys. This tattoo looks like an uncomplicated drawing with a minimum amount of shading done using dotwork technique. If you want something simple and minimalist to flaunt your love for mountaineering or trekking, you should definitely get an appointment with your tattoo artist asap. Because we can, without fail, assure you that you would not regret getting this one inked on yourself.

Arrow Themed Travel Tattoo

Arrow Themed Travel Tattoo

This travel tattoo features the world map in a circle, a branch of a tree and an arrow pointing downwards. We already know what a world map or globe tattoo represents. So the question is, why is an arrow incorporated in this tattoo? Well, arrow tattoos usually portray struggle and victory as an arrow is used as a weapon. Thus, this tattoo is a symbol of one’s struggle to fulfil their dream of travelling and succeeding to do so in the end. Even if it has taken you a long time to make your dreams come true, it is never too late to get a tattoo that depicts your journey. So, what are you waiting for? Go book an appointment with your tattoo artist now.

Globe And Leaves Of A Palm Tree Travel Tattoo

Globe And Leaves Of A Palm Tree Travel Tattoo

This globe tattoo is a beautiful travel tattoo that would look good on anyone and everyone. The aeroplane on the globe represents wanderlust, one’s desire to see the world and move from one place to another in order to do so. And the use of palm leaves is also symbolic of travelling because palm trees usually grow in tropical and subtropical regions. Hence the palm leaves in this tattoo represent travelling around the world, exploring nature and its diversity. The dotwork and black ink shading look really amazing on this tattoo. And so if you love this design and are sure about it, wait no more and go for it.

World Map Outline Travel Tattoo

World Map Outline Travel Tattoo

This minimalist tattoo of the world map is quite amazing in its own way. It depicts one’s love for travelling around the world and exploring new things. It means that the bearer of the tattoo wants to experience all of what the world has to offer to us. This travel tattoo is a beautiful yet simple piece of artwork that would look good on any body part of any person. The best part is that the pain and the money needed to get this inked will be just as minimal as the tattoo itself. So, if you want a basic tattoo that would represent your wanderlust despite being simple, this is exactly what you should go for.

If you have liked going through our list of best travel tattoos, then we believe, to some extent, it has helped you make up your mind. Travel tattoos are perfect for those who cannot sit still and are constantly collecting passport stamps. But, even those who cannot travel much and still dream of knocking around can get a travel tattoo without having to think twice. But you still might want to think twice before you fixate on one particular tattoo since it is gonna be there on your skin for a lifetime. Having said that, if you are still seeking inspiration, here are some more travel tattoo designs you can look up:

  • Gorgeous Beach Tattoos
  • “Wanderlust” One-word Tattoo
  • Passport Stamps Tattoo
  • Travel Trash Polka Tattoo
  • “Adventure Awaits” Tattoo
  • Black Airplane Line Around The Wrist Tattoo
  • Floral Travel Tattoo

Tattoo For Travel Lovers

Tattoo For Travel Lovers

Airplane Travel Tattoo

Airplane Travel Tattoo

Travel Related Tattoo

Travel Related Tattoo

Travel Compass Tattoo

Travel Compass Tattoo

Feature image from Pinterest

What is a travel tattoo?

A travel tattoo is a tattoo that is designed to commemorate a trip or journey. They can be in the form of a simple design, such as a compass rose, or they can be more elaborate, featuring scenes from the places you have visited. Travel tattoos are a popular choice for people who love to travel, and they can be used to remember a special trip or to show off your wanderlust.

How do I care for my travel tattoo?

As with any tattoo, you will need to take care of your travel tattoo to ensure that it heals properly and lasts for many years to come. Be sure to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist, and if you have any questions, be sure to ask them before getting inked.

What are some of the best travel tattoo locations?

There are many great locations for travel tattoos, but some of the most popular include the wrist, ankle, and back. These areas are easy to cover up when necessary, and they offer a good canvas for large or detailed designs.

What are some of the most popular travel tattoo designs?

Some of the most popular travel tattoo designs include compass roses, world maps, and scenes from famous landmarks. Other popular choices include symbols of wanderlust, such as airplanes or passports.

How much does a travel tattoo cost?

The cost of a travel tattoo will vary depending on the size, complexity, and location of the design. Smaller, simpler designs can start at around $50, while larger, more detailed designs can cost several hundred dollars.

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Jamie Wilson

Jamie Wilson (BA) is a professional tattooist, blogger and passionate photographer! After graduating with a BTEC Level 4 in tattoo design he has gone on to work for both private clients in tattoo parlours across the UK, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. He is also the editor in chief at Outsons. The brains behind the brand: a veteran of the industry working for some of the biggest fashion and grooming brands in the UK. Jamie has been writing for Outsons tattoo section since the beginning of 2017, providing informed and passionate content about the fascinating world of inked body art. If you would like to know more about Jamie or further details on our editorial policy then just click the links in the footer.

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37 Tempting Travel Tattoos to Try Today

travel tattoo

Travel tattoos are all the rage for people who crave experiences over material goods. There’s no better way to satisfy that wanderlust than to hop on a plane and fly away. Let a travel inspired tattoo of an airplane, globe, compass, or other navigation symbol announce your inner desires to others.

  • 1 Travel Ankle Tattoos
  • 2 Travel Finger Tattoos
  • 3 Travel Wrist Tattoos
  • 4 Travel Arm Tattoos
  • 5 Travel Ear Tattoos
  • 6 Travel Back Tattoos
  • 7 Travel Collarbone Tattoos
  • 8 Travel Side Tattoos

Travel Tattoos for Females

For those days when you’re stuck at home between trips, a travel tattoo reminds you to dream and reflect on your past journeys. Let your free spirit soar through the ink on your skin.

Travel tattoo designs for females include airplanes, maps, globes, balloons, and compass symbols. Combine these elements into a design that is uniquely yours.

Take a look at these travel tattoos and let them inspire your next trip to the tattoo studio.

Travel Ankle Tattoos

Some women like ankles as a travel tattoo location. And why not, when traveling we frequently need to walk meaning our ankles are in motion.

Do you like these ankle tattoos? Let us know in the comment section.

Globe and Airplane Ankle Tattoo

Globe and Airplane Ankle Tattoo

Travel Navigation and Map Ankle Tattoo

Travel Navigation and Map Ankle Tattoo

Airplane Flying in a Heart Ankle Tattoo

Airplane Flying in a Heart Ankle Tattoo

Balloon and Luggage Ankle Tattoo

Balloon and Luggage Ankle Tattoo

Travel Finger Tattoos

Travel finger tattoos offer a discreet reminder of your passion for wandering the world. One quick glimpse and let your day dreams take you where you want to go.

Let's explore these finger travel tattoos for women.

Airplane Outline Finger Tattoo

Airplane Outline Finger Tattoo

Tiny Airplane Finger Tattoo

Tiny Airplane Finger Tattoo

Paper Airplane Back of Hand Tattoo

Paper Airplane Back of Hand Tattoo

Travel Wrist Tattoos

Wrist travel tattoos offer a quick way to show others your wanderlust desires. You might even make a travel partner out of them.

Have a peek at these wrist travel tattoo designs, and let us know what you think in the comments below:

Travel Airplane Wrist Tattoo

Travel Airplane Wrist Tattoo

Airplane and Heart Wrist Tattoo

Airplane and Heart Wrist Tattoo

Mini Airplane Outline Wrist Tattoo

Mini Airplane Outline Wrist Tattoo

Blacklight Airplane Wrist Tattoo

Blacklight Airplane Wrist Tattoo

Paper Airplane Wrist Tattoo

Paper Airplane Wrist Tattoo

Map and Airplane Wrist Tattoo

Map and Airplane Wrist Tattoo

Flying Airplane Wrist Tattoo

Flying Airplane Wrist Tattoo

Paper Airplane and Heart Wrist Tattoo

Paper Airplane and Heart Wrist Tattoo

Travel Arm Tattoos

Travel tattoos for women's arms are easier to cover than wrist tattoos. Some women need this versatility for discretion at work.

Here are some arm travel tattoo designs for women.

Airplane Circling the World Forearm Tattoo

Airplane Circling the World Forearm Tattoo

Heart with Airplane Forearm Tattoo

Heart with Airplane Forearm Tattoo

Woman Circling the Globe Back of Arm Tattoo

Woman Circling the Globe Back of Arm Tattoo

Airplane Around The World Bicep Tattoo

Airplane Around The World Bicep Tattoo

Travel Ear Tattoos

Behind the ear travel tattoos let you give a subtle nod to your love of the journey. It gives a hint to what's really on your mind when you are day dreaming.

Explore these mini behind the ear travel tattoos.

Paper Airplane Behind the Ear Tattoo

Paper Airplane Behind the Ear Tattoo

Travel Back Tattoos

A woman's back can be the location of a complex or a bold travel tattoo design. There's enough space to put down all your ideas in ink. Do you have your own travel inspirational story that could be told in a back tattoo?

Find inspiration in these back tattoos for females that love to travel:

Airplane and Globe Shoulder Blade Tattoo

Airplane and Globe Shoulder Blade Tattoo

Airplane with Heart Upper Back Tattoo

Airplane with Heart Upper Back Tattoo

Paper Airplane Back of Shoulder Tattoo

Paper Airplane Back of Shoulder Tattoo

Paper Airplane Circling the World Upper Back Tattoo

Paper Airplane Circling the World Upper Back Tattoo

Passport and Compass Upper Back Tattoo

Passport and Compass Upper Back Tattoo

Map of the World Upper Back Tattoo

Map of the World Upper Back Tattoo

Compass and Nature Back Tattoo

Compass and Nature Back Tattoo

Heart Circling the World Upper Back Tattoo

Heart Circling the World Upper Back Tattoo

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Round the World Magazine

62 Travel Tattoo Designs from Around The World

A list of wanderlust tattoo ideas that inspire.

Photo of Round The World Magazine

With global COVID-19 restrictions on travel affecting all of us in some way, it may be the perfect time to go through past travel experiences. Whether it’s browsing through photos on the hard drive or tidying up a memory box, the art of travel is very well proven to nourish our well being.

Reading articles on travel blogs and exploring tourist information sites is a wonderful way to reminisce and plan another trip once the global restrictions are over.

Revisiting happier memories during this time can be a tonic for the soul.

Planning the next trip may also be a great way to work through a lockdown. Here at Round The World Magazine, we’ve been catching up on old posts from the places we have visited as well as listing out travel images for sale and organizing a couple of new websites.

We find browsing through travel tattoos another fantastic way to fill up the heart cup.

It may even stir up inspiration to draw some tattoo designs .

We’ve found some of the most interesting and creative wanderlust tattoo designs across the internet and we’d love to share them with you in a bid to promote positive emotion and inspiration…

** Please respect the original work of the artists/designers/models and always ask permission before using any of the travel tattoo designs. If you like a particular design, please consider following the social media account of the artist/model via the link within the image credit as an appreciation of their work. **

best wanderlust tattoos plane ankle

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Wonderful blog. You really simplified what tattoo I am gonna have. I was searching for travel tattoos. I found this article. Thanks for sharing this amazing piece of content.

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IMAGES

  1. 50 Inspiring Travel Tattoos for Travel Addicts

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  2. 11 Best Traveller Tattoo Ideas images

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  3. 45 Inspirational Travel Tattoos That Are Beyond Perfect

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  5. Take an airplane and explore the world Tiny Tattoos For Girls, Tattoo

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  6. 10 Most Amazing Travel Tattoos

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COMMENTS

  1. 24 Stunning Symbols of Travel Tattoos and What They Mean

    Let's take a look at 24 stunning tattoo ideas to symbolize travel and wanderlust. 1. World Map. Source. The World Map is one of the most common tattoos many travelers sport on their bodies. Traditionally, a World Map symbolizes the ultimate goal of the traveler: The freedom to go anywhere around the world.

  2. Top 10 travel tattoos explained: The symbols & what it represents

    Hot balloons are such a cute idea for a travel tattoo! They represent lightheartedness and cheerfulness. But they also symbolize complete freedom and eagerness to discover new places. 3. Coordinates. Similar to the map, coordinates are an extremely personal tattoo.

  3. Symbols of Travel Tattoos: Their Meanings and Significance

    The sun is a common symbol used in travel tattoos and holds various meanings and significance. It represents warmth, light, and life, and is often associated with positivity, energy, and vitality. In travel tattoos, the sun can symbolize new beginnings and the start of a new journey. It represents the excitement and optimism that comes with ...

  4. The 90 Most Popular Symbols For Travel Tattoos

    Sure, here are some possible meanings for each of the 10 symbols for travel tattoos: 1. Suitcase: This symbol can represent a love for travel and adventure, as well as the desire to explore new places and cultures. It may also symbolize the importance of being prepared and ready for whatever the journey may bring. 2.

  5. 39 Travel Tattoos For Adventurers

    Exhilarating travel tattoos and meaning Mountain tattoo. @janapadar. If you love nature, consider the mountains as the design of your travel tattoo. It can be an abstract landscape. Or it can be an exact illustration of your dream destination. Whichever it is, a mountain tattoo will be a motivation to continue to explore and rise.

  6. 46 Wanderlust Tattoos For Anyone Obsessed With Travel

    Here are 46 wanderlust tattoos for anyone obsessed with travel: 1. "The globe stands for Asia and the compass that ensure I will always know where my home is. The arrow stands for the jump into something new.". : Tanja Gremmelmaier - Germany.

  7. 12 of My Travel Tattoos and the Stories Behind Them

    12 of My Travel Tattoos and the Stories Behind Them. Entertainment. by Seattle Dredge Aug 11, 2014. I make a strong effort to collect permanent souvenirs as I make my way around the world. Whether it be tattoos that I get while traveling or tattoos with a travel theme, there's nothing I like more than a little international ink.

  8. 55 Meaningful Travel Tattoo Ideas to Inspire Wanderlust

    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 ...

  9. The Art of Travel: Exploring the World of World Traveler Tattoos

    Top 15 Exploring the World Through Ink: The Meaning and Beauty of World Traveler Tattoos Vintage Compass. A vintage compass tattoo is a classic design that has stood the test of time. It symbolizes guidance, direction, and the pursuit of adventure. The compass is an essential tool for any traveler, helping them navigate through unknown ...

  10. How to Design a Unique Travel Tattoo

    Airplane Tattoo Meanings. An airplane tattoo can mean that a person is adventurous and wishes to explore since you can go virtually anywhere in the world by plane. The sky is, quite literally, the limit in this case and represents an openness to new places and experiences. This is a good tattoo to consider if you want to show yourself as an ...

  11. Travel Tattoos: Why We Get Them And What They Mean

    The curiosity for life and self-discovery. Our travel tattoos are our resources. Our points of departures - our protections. They are what make us different, and what shape our minds when we fear we might be in doubt. And what makes us doubt more than life itself. A mind wanders, thoughts flee and memories fade. But tattoos, tattoos are forever.

  12. 40 Inspiring Travel Tattoo Ideas For Wanderers Out There

    A paper aircraft with a trail. Talking about Inspiring Travel Tattoo Ideas For Wanderers, you certainly can't overlook a paper aircraft with a trail. Although it's a common tattoo that travel enthusiasts get done, it expresses everything in the mind of a travel aficionado in the simplest possible way. An aircraft signifies travel, and the ...

  13. A Brief History Of The Traveller's Tattoo (In Iceland, At Least)

    A Brief History Of The Traveller's Tattoo (In Iceland, At Least) With the burgeoning population of Icelandophiles and ever-increasing popularity of tattoos, it should come as no surprise that souvenir tattoos are becoming trendy among tourists to Iceland. Of course, it's not a new phenomenon. Fjölnir Bragason of The Icelandic Tattoo ...

  14. 1001 Inspired Travel Tattoo Ideas & What to Expect If You Get a Tattoo

    My Favorite Travel Booking Sites for 2023. These are my favorite companies that I use on my own travels. Protect Your Trip via Safety Wing. Find the best city tours, day tours, bus tours, & skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide and Viator.. Find the best deals on hotels & vacation rentals on Booking.com.. For English-speaking private airport transfers, book through Welcome Pickups.

  15. 51 Best Travel Tattoos From Around the World

    Light Up the World. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by JE Tattoos | GameFace (@je_tattoos) on Aug 16, 2020 at 7:23am PDT. This lightbulb globe design is super original. I like to think that it symbolizes those lightbulb going off mind moments that can take place while traveling to new places.

  16. How to get an EPIC Travel Tattoo in 2024

    First rule of tattooing, kiddos: do not drink before. Drinking is a big travel problem so it's better for you to lay off the booze for one night.) No pain, no gain. Of course you don't need all that fancy schmancy research if the experience of getting a tattoo is more important to you than the tattoo itself.

  17. 77 Terrific Travel Tattoos for Men [2024 Inspiration Guide]

    With the compass being a prominent symbol of journeys, adventures, and travels in general, this compass tattoo is fitting for any avid traveler. With spot-on linework throughout, particularly on the finer points of the compass face, this piece is dynamic and strong. Now this is a phenomenal piece of artwork.

  18. 70 Unique Travel Tattoos to Fuel Your Eternal Wanderlust

    5 Best Europe Travel Outfits Ideas. Mountain range tattoo. A mountain range tattoo can symbolize strength, perseverance, and the thrill of conquering a challenging climb. Compass rose tattoo. A compass rose tattoo can represent a love for navigation and direction and a constant desire to explore new places.

  19. 21 Travel Tattoos Idea to Fuel Your Wanderlust

    Travel tattoos are more than just ink on skin; they're a lifelong commitment to adventure, wanderlust, and the memories made while exploring new horizons. These designs capture the essence of journeys taken and dream destinations yet to be explored. Dive into our curated list of travel tattoo ideas and let your spirit of exploration be forever etched on your canvas.

  20. 9 Symbols of Adventure & Travel (Explained)

    Symbols of Travel Tattoos: Their Meanings and Significance; Pirate Symbols and Their Meaning (Explained) Linda Callaway. Linda Callaway is a passionate history buff and researcher specializing in ancient history, symbolism, and dream interpretation. Her inquisitive nature has been a life-long pursuit, from her childhood days spent exploring the ...

  21. 101 Best Travel Tattoo Ideas You Have To See To Believe!

    Try a Temporary Tattoo. This tattoo features almost all the things that represent wanderlust. This travel tattoo has symbols (from top to bottom) like The Creation of Adam, an atom, a tent, the dial of a compass, a globe, the world map, the sun, a palm tree, a surfboard and waves of either a sea or an ocean.

  22. 37 Tempting Travel Tattoos to Try Today

    37 Tempting Travel Tattoos to Try Today. Travel tattoos are all the rage for people who crave experiences over material goods. There's no better way to satisfy that wanderlust than to hop on a plane and fly away. Let a travel inspired tattoo of an airplane, globe, compass, or other navigation symbol announce your inner desires to others.

  23. 62 Travel Tattoo Designs from Around The World

    Round The World Magazine. We pride ourselves on bringing detailed and informative content to Round The World Magazine that covers a spectrum of topics. Our main focus is on Travel, Art, LGBTQIA+ and Veganism. We believe in attention to detail, sharing inspiring media and growing our community.

  24. Would You Travel To Thailand For A Tattoo?

    The ancient tattoo practice of Sak Yant is attracting travellers to Thailand. Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel is the first hotel in the country to offer the service.