5 Things to Know Before Getting Tattooed Before a Trip
Quick answer
You can get tattooed before a trip with a plan. In our experience, book at least two weeks before you leave so the weeping and most of the peel happen at home. Pack your aftercare in your carry-on in travel sizes (TSA limits liquids and lotions to 3.4 oz per container), wear loose layers on long flights and drives, keep it out of pools, hot tubs and the ocean, and keep it covered from direct sun until it's healed.
Holiday travel and a new tattoo can mix. It just takes a little planning, because the first couple of weeks are when a fresh tattoo needs the most care, and travel makes that care harder.
Here are five things to know before you book, from the chair.
1. Book it early
Why it matters: the first days are the messiest. A fresh tattoo weeps, then it peels, and both are easiest to handle at home, with your own shower, clean sheets and your aftercare within reach.
Do this: in our experience, booking at least two weeks before you leave gets you through the weeping and most of the peel before you go. More time is better, especially for a big piece. Ask your artist what to expect for your size and placement.
2. Pack the aftercare in your carry-on
Why it matters: checked bags get delayed and lost, and a few days without your aftercare is a few days you don't want to improvise.
Do this: keep your kit with you. Under TSA's 3-1-1 rule, liquids, gels, creams and lotions in your carry-on have to be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less per container and fit in one quart-size bag1. So bring travel sizes of your soap and lotion, and pack any film or bandages you use. Rules can change, so check TSA before you fly.
3. Watch the long rides
Why it matters: seatbelts, armrests, backpack straps and tight travel clothes can press and rub a fresh tattoo for hours. Friction irritates healing skin and can pull at flakes before they're ready.
Do this: wear loose, soft layers over the tattoo, and get up and move when you can. Wash your hands before you touch it, especially in airports and rest stops.
4. Skip the hotel pool
Why it matters: a healing tattoo is an open wound, and soaking it exposes it to bacteria and can damage the healing skin2. That goes for the hotel pool, the hot tub, the lake and the ocean.
Do this: stick to quick showers until it's fully healed3. If the trip is built around the water, book the tattoo for after you get back. See When Can You Work Out, Swim or Tan After a Tattoo?.
5. Plan for the sun
Why it matters: UV light fades tattoo ink, and a healing tattoo is especially sensitive to sun3.
Do this: keep a healing tattoo out of direct sun with loose clothing or shade. Sunscreen is for healed tattoos only. Once it's healed, use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every time it's exposed3.
Travel checklist for a new tattoo
| Thing to know | Why it matters | Do this |
|---|---|---|
| Book it early | Weeping and peeling are easiest at home | At least two weeks before you leave |
| Pack the aftercare | Checked bags get lost | Travel sizes in your carry-on |
| Watch the long rides | Hours of pressure and rubbing | Loose layers, move when you can |
| Skip the pool | Soaking a healing tattoo | Showers only until healed |
| Plan for the sun | UV fades ink | Cover it, then SPF once healed |
Get tattooed, then go
Two weeks of healing at home, a carry-on kit, loose clothes, no soaking and no sun. Your tattoo will travel just fine.
Heading somewhere cold instead? See 5 Winter Habits That Wreck a Fresh Tattoo. And before you hit the pool on the next trip, check 5 Signs Your Tattoo Is Fully Healed.
FAQ
How long should I wait to travel after a tattoo?
In our experience, at least two weeks. That gets you through the weeping and most of the peel at home, where it's easiest to keep clean. Ask your artist about your size and placement.
Can I fly with a new tattoo?
Yes. Wear loose clothing over it, keep your aftercare in your carry-on, wash your hands before touching it, and get up and move when you can so it isn't pressed against a seat for hours.
Can I bring tattoo aftercare on a plane?
Yes. Under TSA's 3-1-1 rule, liquids, creams and lotions in your carry-on must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less per container and fit in one quart-size bag. Rules can change, so check TSA before you fly.
Can I swim on vacation with a new tattoo?
Not until it's fully healed. Pools, hot tubs, lakes and the ocean can expose a healing tattoo to bacteria. Stick to showers until then.
Can I put sunscreen on a new tattoo?
Not while it's healing. Keep it out of direct sun with loose clothing or shade, and start using a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ once it's fully healed.