Traveling to Orlando for Your Anime Tattoo

Plan your trip around your tattoo (Not the other way around!)

One of the biggest mistakes I see? People trying to cram their tattoo in a packed vacation.

A large-scale anime tattoo is physically taxing. You'll be sitting for hours, your body will be stressed, and your skin will be in a vulnerable state immediately after. Trust me - the last thing you want to do is hit Universal or Disney World the next day and diddle-daddle in the sun and in high humidity with an open wound. That's Gross.

Here's what I recommend:

• Schedule your tattoo for the end of your trip - not the beginning!

• Give yourself at least 1-2 days recovery before going back to work.

• Avoid stacking theme parks, nightlife, or long excursions right after your session.

One of my frequent traveler clients, Jake B., plans his Florida tattoo trips with his family in mind and books the tattoo session the day before they head back home. This keeps things stress-free and lets him fully enjoy the trip and the tattoo.

Think of your tattoo as the main event - not a side activity. Jumping into Florida activities right after a tattoo risks major discomfort, poor healing, or even an infection. You've invested time, money, and blood into this - protect it!

Go have fun before the tattoo! Then rest.

Booking Hotels and Flights for Your Tattoo

Alright, buckle up - this is the strategy section!

My expert traveler, Stefan B., gave me a plethora of advice to share with you on booking flights and hotels the smart way.

First: book at least 3-6 months in advance for the best prices. Use Google Flights to compare carriers, flight times, and total costs. It even shares price history trends and estimates, which is super helpful for timing your purchase. You can also check baggage fees up front so you're not surprised later.

Comfort and Affordability

Don't be fooled by budget airlines. Once you add baggage, seat selection, and other fees, you're often paying the same - or more - than a better airline.

On top of that, budget carriers tend to use older planes that lack in space and comfort.

Stefan has had consistently good experiences flying with Delta with just a backpack for quick "turn and burn" tattoo trips (fly in, get tattooed, fly out).

Airport Hubs

When choosing a airline, pay attention to airline hubs!

Airlines structure routes around their hubs, so flights that align with those routes are usually cheaper. If your trip requires them to go out of the way, prices can jump significantly. Sometimes taking a slightly longer route through a hub can actually save you money.

Stefan suggests checking Airfare Watchdog for a list of major hubs.

Refundable Tickets and Travel Insurance

If you can swing it, refundable tickets and/or getting flight insurance is worth it.

Life is unpredictable, and Florida weather especially! Paying the bit extra for peace-of-mind and flexability can save you from loosing your entire investment should something change.

Also, check your credit cards - many offer travel benefits when you use them to book flights and hotels!

Finding a Hotel

Use Google Hotels and search "Hotels near 448 S. Alafaya Trail, Orlando, Fl 32828"

Booking 3-6 months in advance applies here too - you'll get the best rates.

Stefan's recommendations:

• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Orlando UCF - typically the most budget-friendly option. Comfy but not very walkable.

• Courtyard by Marriot Orlando East/UCF Area - Great location with food and essentials nearby. Slightly pricier, but totally worth it for the conveniences.

• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando East-UCF Area - Prices and walkability is comparable to the Courtyard. Bonus: a piping hot ooey gooey cookie at check in (honestly, that's a win).

Rentals vs. Rideshares

Rideshares like Uber or Lyft are convenient - but they add up fast.

Stefan broke down a typical 3-day trip:

• $30 airport → hotel

• $10 to the studio + $10 back

• $30 hotel → airport

That’s ~$80 before tips—and that’s with no extra outings!

Rental cars often make more sense.

Booked early through sites like Priceline or Expedia, rentals can run:

• ~$110–150 total for a 3-day trip (in Stefan’s experience)

Yes, daily rates can range from $30–100+, but you get:

• Consistent pricing

• Full control of your schedule

• No waiting for drivers

Just watch out for add-ons and hidden fees—especially with budget brands.

Again, check your credit card coverage - many include rental insurance, so you can skip the extra coverage.

Pro tips:

• Take photos of the car before leaving the lot

• Return it early if possible (you might get a discount)

• Avoid unknown ultra-budget companies

• Skip toll passes—just turn on “avoid tolls” in Google Maps

TL;DR:

Book flights and hotels 3–6 months in advance using Google Flights and Google Hotels to compare total costs (including fees). Budget airlines aren’t always cheaper, so read the fine print. Consider refundable tickets or travel insurance for peace of mind. Stay close to the studio for convenience, and consider renting a car for flexibility and consistent pricing. Check your credit card perks, watch for hidden fees, and plan ahead to save time, money, and stress.

Travel Fast: Flying After Your Tattoo

Yes—you can fly right after a tattoo. But there’s a difference between possible and ideal.

A fresh tattoo is an open wound, and your body will be tired. If you can, give yourself time to rest.

Ideally:

• Wait 24–48 hours before flying

• Use a second-skin bandage

• Bring aftercare in your carry-on

• Stay hydrated

Some clients fly home the same day without issues—but for large, fully saturated pieces, more care is always better.

That post-tattoo brain fog is real. Rest first if you can.

Pro tip:

Bring puppy pee pads. If your bandage leaks (it happens), they’ll protect hotel sheets—or your Airbnb host’s sanity.

Orlando Weather and Your Tattoo

Orlando is hot, humid, and sunny—basically the opposite of what a healing tattoo wants.

Avoid while healing:

• Direct sunlight

• Pools, oceans, and hot tubs

• Excessive sweating

Sun and water can damage your tattoo and increase infection risk, so plan your activities accordingly—do everything before your tattoo.

Additionally, sunscreen matters. It needs to be reapplied regularly. If you hate sunscreen, UV-protective clothing is a great alternative.

And remember—most artists (myself included) won’t tattoo sunburned skin

Aftercare while Traveling

An excellent heal is the difference between a good tattoo and a great one!

Aftercare is the end all be all of a tattoo's longevity, so be sure to review aftercare and purchase those recommend products. Bring those aftercare products with you on your carry on so you can be immediately ready for taking care of your tattoo rather than scrambling at the nearest grocer for product.

If you're concerned about passing TSA guidelines - transfer product into small carry-on containers or buy the brand's smaller bottles.

If you cannot bring aftercare on your carry on, I have a list of recommended products you can buy at most grocery stores.

Visit my aftercare page to see them.

I recommend collecting them before your session while you're in Florida. Of course, if you're booked with me, you can always reach out to ask what stores carry those products so I can point you in the right direction.

What to Wear (This is more important than you realize)

Let's strive for comfort!

Wear:

• Loose-fitting clothing

• Soft, breathable fabric

Avoid:

• tight clothing

• rough fabrics

• anything that rubs or sticks

Final Thoughts

Traveling for a tattoo is a big investment - and I respect the commitment!

With making such a trip, we want the best possible experience and outcome.

The biggest takeaway: Take the tattoo as seriously as the trip!

It's easy to get sidetracked by the excitement alone, so let's outline a basic travel guide to summarize it all up!

• Pack comfortable, loose-fitting and breathable clothing that gives easy access to the tattoo.

• Purchase and bring aftercare products so you are ready.

• Plan all the fun activities for before the tattoo, and the tattoo session for the end of your trip.

• Keep sun protection in mind - avoid sunburns before the tattoo, and then keep the tattoo out of the sun!

• Try to rest for 1-2 days following the tattoo - you deserve it!

If you plan correctly and take care of your body, your tattoo will heal beautifully - and you can experience a fun, stress-free visit to Orlando, Florida.

Looking forward to making art with you! Travel safe - I'll see you soon!