Travelers Are Slowly Drawn To "Tattourism"

Many travelers have long enjoyed collecting souvenirs to remember their adventures around the globe. But these days, many are option for something far more lasting than a postcard, T-shirt or snow globe.

There a new trend now known as "tattourism" or tattoo tourism. It refers to the practice of traveling with the intention of getting a new tattoo in a certain destination.

"It blends self-expression with adventure, often creating lifelong memories through body art," Julia Pandolfo, senior director of marketing for Moxy Hotels NYC, told HuffPost.

While some travelers might choose to get inked on a whim, she explained that "tattourists" tend to travel specifically for the purposes of getting a tattoo — whether from a famous artist, in a culturally significant place or just as a meaningful way to commemorate a trip.

"Some travelers might mark their life-changing trip with a photo or trinket, while others walk away with a piece of living art on their bodies as a souvenir," said Katy Nastro, a spokesperson for the flight alert service Going. "Tattoo tourism is not a new trend, but with people increasingly prioritizing experiences over things these days, walking away with a visual memory of your trip that lasts a lifetime can feel like a better use of funds for younger travelers."

Indeed, tattoos and travel have long been intertwined. From ancient tribes and Polynesian explorers to sailors marking their voyages in ink, body art has long been tied to journeys and identity.

"These days, tattourism has gained traction, particularly among Gen Z and millennial travelers looking for permanent souvenirs to commemorate their trips," said Vicki Poulos, vice president for luxury lifestyle brands for IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Kimpton and Hotel Indigo brands.

According to research from Hostelworld, more than 40 percent of travelers between the ages of 18 and 35 have gotten a tattoo while on a trip. Of that group, one in three said the decision was spontaneous, while more than half traveled abroad specifically to get tattooed. Similarly, one Nashville studio reported that about 40 percent of its clients make a special trip specifically to see its artists, and another 40 percent are tourists who decide to get inked while visiting Music City.

The tattoos themselves vary widely. Some travelers seek out big-name artists or niche styles, while others opt for designs that reflect the place itself ― from landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge or Big Ben, to city skylines, maps, location coordinates or even playful cultural nods like a croissant in Paris.