Top 10 travel tattoos explained: The symbols & what it represents

Traveling is not a hobby but a lifestyle. Did you ever come back from a long trip feeling completely different? A brand new version of yourself! Maybe a long backpack adventure to Europe boosts your confidence. Or a hike in the mountains helped you realize how insignificant your problems were. 

Traveling has the power to change us for the better. That's why so many of us want to commemorate these memories with the right tattoo. Travel tattoos are so varied that choosing the right one can be overwhelming. That's why we made a list of our favorite travel tattoos ideas to inspire you! 

Top 10 unique travel tattoo ideas explained.

1. World map

Even though we all use Google Maps nowadays, these tattoos are still trendy. The possibilities are endless. You can choose to get the world map tattooed all over your back or only outline the boundaries of your own country for a minimalist tattoo. You can opt for the map of a country you traveled to or an area in the world that has a particular meaning to you. For instance, your birthplace or a city where you learned something that changed life.

2. Hot Balloons 

Hot balloons are such a cute idea for a travel tattoo! They represent lightheartedness and cheerfulness. But they also symbolize complete freedom and eagerness to discover new places. 

3. Coordinates

Similar to the map, coordinates are an extremely personal tattoo. You can choose the place where you asked your partner to get married, your favorite spot as a kid, or any other place of significance to you. Every time you look back at it, you will be reminded of the meaningful experience connected to that particular place. 

Coordinates tattoos are discreet and could even pass unnoticed. Hence, they are one of the better options for those who are new to tattoos and want to start off easy.

4. Airplanes, trains, boats, bikes… and footprints! 

Just choose your favorite means of transportation and get a tattoo! 

Airplanes can represent the distance between you and your loved ones or a life you no longer live. They are also a symbol of fast travelers, constantly moving from one place to another. If you are eager to see and discover as many places as possible, this could be the right option for you. 

Trains can be more appealing to people who like to travel slowly. If you prefer to spend months in a specific country to discover its culture opt for these types of tattoos.

Boats are connected to the sea and are perfect for those who feel a strong attachment to this natural element. 

Bikes are the perfect option for outdoor lovers. They do not necessarily represent the life of someone traveling across countries but of people who like to explore and spend time outdoors in nature. 

5. Nature

From a simple line tracking the profile of a mountain to a palm tree or a feather, the possibilities are endless. You can choose to represent a certain mountain meaningful for you or a particular tree or flower. Nature tattoos are representative of your connection to nature and your love for exploration.

6. Skylines

Is there a city that particularly touched you during your backpacking adventures? Maybe you spent a night in Paris that changed your life, or a wonderful day in Rome that reminded you of how it feels to be truly happy. If this also happened to you, commemorate your time there with a unique travel tattoo! One of our favorite ways to do so is by sketching the skyline of your chosen city with all its most iconic buildings.

7. Camping

Camping tattoos are a fantastic idea for a minimalist travel tattoo. A small tent, van, and a hammock next to each other. If that doesn't remind you of good vibes, I don't know what will! 

Like nature tattoos, camping tattoos don't necessarily represent the eagerness to constantly travel from one place to another. They are a symbol of a simple way of life, of your connection with nature, and the importance you give to outdoor experiences over the busy and stressful life of the city. In the end, you don't need to go far to travel! 

8. Quotes

A nice quote is always an elegant idea for a tattoo. Whether you decide to get it on your shoulder, arm, or hip, quotes tattoos will always look fantastic on your skin. You will only have to choose the quote that better resonates with your idea of traveling.

Some of our favorites are: 

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page - Saint Augustine 

Not all those who wander are lost - Tolkien 

Live with no excuses and travel with no regrets - Oscar Wilde.

9. Compass

Compasses are the perfect option for those who like vintage symbols. A compass tattoo symbolizes the willingness to get lost to find your way. But it also represents orientation, our aims and goals in life, and our eagerness to achieve all of them

10. Passports stamps

Passports are one of the most valuable possessions of true travelers. Not only are they one of the material objects that allow us to cross borders, but they also share so many adventures with us! Checking our passport pages and taking a close look at the many marks and stamps left there is a bit like watching a photo album. It takes us back to beautiful moments of our past travels. So why not dedicate a tattoo to our passport as well?! 

Getting a tattoo of the different stamps on your passport is becoming more and more popular. Passport stamps tattoos are one of the most original ways to put all the countries you visited so far on your skin. Just make sure to choose an area of your body with plenty of space as you may have to add a few new stamps every year! 

Let Pilot create your next trip!

Once you decide which tattoo you're going to get, just find the perfect studio and… book a flight ticket! More and more people are starting to get tattoos while traveling to remember their experiences.

Let travel tattoos be a way to remember the good times during your travel journeys and let Pilot help you get inspired and plan future travels. If that sounds like a great plan, why not give Pilot a try?