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

One of the biggest mistakes I see is people try 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 vulnerable state immediately after.

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.

Think of your tattoo as the main event - not a side activity. Going to Disney immediately after a tattoo risks major discomfort, a bad heal, or worse...an infection.

Travel Fast: Flying after a Tattoo

Yes - you can absolutely fly back home immediately after a tattoo. But there is a difference between "possible" and "ideal". A fresh tattoo is an open wound, and a long travel day can introduce a whole slue of problems you need to prepare for. Not only is cabin air dry, but it jam-packed with other people - bacteria and germs are a risk. That, and the friction from movement and sitting can increase irritation and discomfort.

So here's what I recommend for flyers:

• Try to wait at least 24-48 hours after your tattoo for flying back home.

• Use Second-Skin Bandages (Aftercare) to protect your fresh tattoo.

• Bring aftercare products in your carry on.

• Stay clean and stay hydrated.

From experience, many fly home shortly after getting their tattoo - even the same day sometimes - without any issues. However, for large fully saturated pieces, more care and preparedness is necessary.

Orlando Weather and Your Tattoo

Orlando is hot, humid, and sunny most days of the year - which is not ideal for a fresh tattoo!

While your tattoo is healing, you should avoid:

• direct sunlight

• swimming pools, oceans, and hot tubs

• excessive sweating

All these things happen quite easily in the state of Florida. Exposure to sun and water can and will damage healing tattoos and ruin your investment. So please take planning your itinerary seriously so you can protect your investment. If you're planning a full Florida vacation, so all the fun activities before your session so you don't have to stress about your fresh tattoo. But keep sun protection in mind; I - and many other tattoo artists - won't tattoo sunburnt skin.

Aftercare while Traveling

A good 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 recommend products well before your session. 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 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.

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

Let's strive for comfort! Clothing can either hinder or help your healing process.

Wear:

• Loose-fitting clothing

• Soft, breathable fabric

• easy to access the tattooed area

Avoid:

• tight clothing

• rough fabrics

• anything that rubs or sticks

Final Thoughts

Traveling for a tattoo is a big investment and your commitment is admirable! With making such a trip, we want the best possible experience and outcome. The biggest takeaway: Take the tattoo as seriously as the travel! 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 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, take care of your body, and adhere to the aftercare instructions, your tattoo will heal beautifully and you can experience an fun, stress-free visit to Orlando, Florida.

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