They say travel leaves a mark on you, and that’s literally true for one of our favorite trends, “tattourism” — the act of celebrating and commemorating travel with meaningful tattoos. Many argue that tattoos commemorate life-enriching trips much better than any keepsake can (sorry, snow globes).
For many Millennials and Gen-Z’ers — the pioneers of this trend — a tattoo is the ultimate travel souvenir. Travelers can reserve an appointment with a tattoo artist that they’ve had their eye on in a far-flung location, as many of these world-class artists (like Dr. Woo in LA and Victoria Lee in Korea) have waitlists of up to a year or more and have amassed millions of followers on Instagram. To “tattourists,” it’s totally worth the wait — and the trip.
Tattourism is the globe’s newest travel trend.
A travel trend centered on self-expression? What’s not to love? Kimpton has partnered with the innovative network of local artists at Tiny Zaps to bring tattourism directly to guests at select Kimpton hotels. During pop-up events at five Kimptons across the US from April through June, Tiny Zaps, which specializes in tiny tattoos, will provide guests and locals with complimentary inked designs inspired by the destination.
It’s a more personal, more permanent way to preserve your memories. Read on for a history lesson on tattourism (the trend is not as new as you think) and some of the most popular modern-day places to travel for an inky souvenir.
Not So New: Tattourism Dates Back Centuries
The intertwining of tattoos with travel dates back to ancient tribes in places like Northern and Central America, ancient Egypt, and ancient Polynesia. Foot travelers would often mark significant journeys with tattoos, connecting them eternally to their voyages.
From spontaneous souvenirs to lifelong memories, every tattoo tells a travel story.
Later, sailors adorned their skin with tattoos to commemorate their far-and-wide travels. From ancient times to today, these marks aren’t just art — they’re badges of honor, displaying places conquered, seas navigated, and the places that shaped the people whose skin served as the canvas of their lives.
Modern Tattoos: A Canvas of Global Adventures
Fast forward to today, and the love affair for tattourism has only deepened. There’s a surge in tattoos showcasing landmarks (think — the contours of the Rocky Mountains, the Brooklyn Bridge), cultural nods (a croissant in France or a cuppa in Costa Rica), coordinates of memorable places, city skylines, and maps.
Who needs postcards when you’ve got permanent proof you were there?
Kimpton x Tiny Zaps will provide guests with complimentary inked designs inspired by the destination.
Modern tattoo culture has become a mosaic of styles, borrowing and blending from cultures worldwide. It’s an amalgamation of various global influences layered with an individual’s unique interpretation of their experience in a certain place.
Some of the Most Popular Destinations for Tattourism
New York, New York
NYC ink culture is as diverse as its residents, with each neighborhood boasting its unique tattoo shops with distinct styles and flair. One of the newest trends in NYC’s tattoo scene is single-needle tattoos, characterized by their fine lines and intricate detail. The style has gained popularity over the last ten years for its delicate and minimalist aesthetic.
Tiny Zaps, with its flagship on Mulberry Street in Nolita, NYC, specializes in “fun, easy, small” tattoos. Their local artist roster includes six experienced pros, and their designs range in theme from travel to animals, abstract designs to food and drinks.
Tiny Zaps is an emerging and innovative tattoo studio specializing in tiny tattoos.
Base the tattoo on the location, wherever you are in the world.
Staying at Kimpton Theta New York — Times Square? Get a tattoo.
Co-founder and prominent tattoo artist Bruno Levy noticed that, even though the demand for tattoos was rising, the experience of getting a tattoo could be intimidating. He and his co-founder started Tiny Zaps to zap some energy and approachability into the experience of getting body art.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Theta or Kimpton Hotel Eventi
New Orleans, Louisiana
NOLA has a thriving tattoo culture known for its creativity and variety. From American Traditional styles to text-based art, abstract to Bayou-inspired work, beloved tattoo outfits can be found all over the city.
Ace Tattoo and Tough Love Tattoo, specializing in traditional designs, are some of the most popular. At downtown’s Catahoula Tattoo, artist Olivia Flocco specializes in “fineline, lettering, dainty, and micro designs.”
New Orleans is renowned for its artistic tattoo scene. (Photo Credit: @hotelfontenot)
Because when in NOLA.
Another unique local artist, Cameron Sweet, imbues a distinctly Creole vibe by tattooing shrimp designs with different themes, based on the patron’s preference. The shrimp can be doing any kind of activity — but they’re all shrimp.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Fontenot
San Francisco, California
In the City by the Bay, World War II brought an influx of sailors and military personnel who fueled its tattoo culture’s growth, culminating in the 1970s “American Tattoo Renaissance.”
San Francisco was home to the country’s tattoo renaissance. (Photo Credit: Daniel Schwarz)
Figures like C.W. Eldridge and Ed Hardy (with the city’s iconic Tattoo City on Lombard Street), became central to the movement. Today, SF’s Mission district is a hub for world-class tattoo shops like Black and Blue Tattoo, Cyclops Tattoo, and Black Serum Tattoo, which all have a strong reputation among locals.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Enso or Kimpton Alton Hotel
Los Angeles, California
LA has a rich and colorful tattoo history. The Pike in Long Beach (1902 – 1990s) was the first historic tattoo hub. In the 1950s, tattoo icon Bert Grimm made his mark on the American Traditional tattoo style. Nicknamed the “grandfather of old school,” Grimm is said to have tattooed Bonnie and Clyde.
Sunshine and tattoos: Welcome to LA.
Los Angeles is a historic tattoo hub in southern California. (Photo Credit: Sonnie Hiles)
California-esque tattoos can be had at Kimpton Everly Hollywood.
Today, tattoo-seeking travelers flock to LA for appointments with artists with celebrity status like Mexican-American tattoo master Mister Cartoon, Kat Von D, and Mark Mahoney, a favorite of Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, and David Beckham.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Palomar Beverly Hills, Kimpton Hotel Wilshire, Kimpton La Peer Hotel, or Kimpton Everly Hollywood
London, England
Spread all over the city, but with particular concentrations in East London, Hackney, and Soho, tattoo shops in London serve as an innovative testament to the city’s diverse artistry and individuality.
London is famous the world over for its arts scene. (Photo Credit: Max Van Den Oetelaar)
Celebrity artist Rebecca Vincent, known for her fluid and feminine designs, books up over a year in advance and draws out her designs with the client on the day of each appointment as part of a process that’s all about “collaboration.” Another studio with a long wait list is Good Times Tattoo in Hackney, where patrons feel like they’re getting inked in someone’s pretty, plant-filled living room.
Where to stay: Kimpton Fitzroy London
Bangkok, Thailand
The art of Sak Yant tattooing, characterized by its sacred geometrical and deity designs, has been a significant part of Thai culture for centuries, originating in the ancient Khmer Empire. This traditional tattooing is not just for body decoration — it carries deep, spiritual significance.
Head to Bangkok for some of the world’s most sought-after artists. (Photo Credit: Jose Llamas)
Often inked by Buddhist monks in temples, Sak Yant tattoos offer a sacred experience with age-old blessings and rituals. One of the most sought-after artists is Ajarn Noo Kanpai in Pathum Thani, known for giving Angelina Jolie her famous back tattoo. Wat Bang Phra in Nakhon Chai Si is another famous site where resident monks continue this revered tradition.
Of course, more modern shops abound in bustling Bangkok, like BKK Ink and Tattoo by Jimmy Wong.
Where to stay: Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok
Because the best tattoos are equal parts art and adventure.
Unwind with your new tattoo in true Kimpton luxury.
Other cities popular with tattourists include Mexico City, Portland, Milan, and Melbourne, which all have thriving tattoo cultures of their own along with exceptional artists.
Now, the fun part begins. Where will you head, and what will you choose to commemorate?
Explore locations where Kimpton x Tiny Zaps pop-ups are taking place — for guests that are 18+ only — and book your trip by visiting our Kimpton x Tiny Zaps partnership page.
