It can be tempting while on holiday to throw caution to the wind and do something spontaneous and daring… It would be foolhardy, however, to give in to a spur-of-the-moment decision to get a ‘holiday tattoo’.
Getting a tattoo can be a risky business at the best of times. You need to make sure you find a talented and clean tattoo artist, research the designs you want, ask to see examples of their previous work etc.
If you are abroad on holiday, it is more difficult to check out particular tattoo artists. You are unlikely to be able to find one on recommendation or to check out their credentials. Legal requirements regarding hygiene standards or the kinds if inks used can also differ from country to country.
Language barriers can also cause problems. You may think you have explained clearly what you want, but lack the vocabulary to check properly. If the design is not what you expected, or the colours are not those you wanted, you may be left with a permanent disappointment rather than a pleasant memory of your holiday.
If you bring home an unwanted tattoo along with sand in your pockets and a mountain of dirty washing, then the only options are either to get it covered up or to undertake laser tattoo removal treatment.
