The tattoo scene was once pushed to the sidelines of social acceptability and treated with snide derision by self-important art aficionados.
But now that it has moved towards the mainstream, the skins of millions of fans worldwide have become living canvases where cultures clash and merge marvelously.
If you’re into international ink, here are ten hot-ticket tattoo conventions for 2019.
1. Bali Tattoo Expo
If grabbing a gorgeous tattoo in a tropical paradise sounds absolutely superb, you can’t do better than getting Indonesian inked at the Bali Tattoo Expo 2019 – sounds sublime!
2. Palermo Tattoo Expo
The Palermo Tattoo Expo takes place on 18th-20th October 2019 in the Sicilian capital. More than 60 elite artists from Europe and beyond will be present, so there will be something for every ink fan.
3. Taipei tattoo and music show
The third Taipei Tattoo and Music show will be held between July 5th and July 7th, 2019 at the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. Expect a heady mix of awesome Asian-influenced ink and terrific tunes.
4. 208 Tattoo Fest, Boise Idaho
Held between 2th-18th July 2018, this brilliant Boise-based ink extravaganza mixes world-class tatts in every style from Americana to tribal and features performance artists aplenty.
5. Winnipeg tattoo convention
If you want to mix with some of the world’s most inspirational inkers, it’s hard to look past attending the Winnipeg Tattoo Convention between August 16th and 18th at the Red River Exhibition Park. Featured artists include Alex Duquette, Destiny Rensen and Ty Pennington.
6. Cezanne Tattoo Convention
The Cezanne Tattoo Convention will take place between October 4th and 6th 2019 in Aix-En-Provence, France. And with sword swallowing acts as well as artists like Alan Prize and Matai Hiro, it sounds awesome.
7. Savage Ink, Cebu City, Philippines
Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier’s 1975 Thrilla might have put Manila on the map, but when it comes to tattoos, Cebu City is the capital. Soak up everything Philippines tattooing has on offer at the annual Savage Ink gathering which starts on October 19th.
8. Amsterdam Tattoo Convention
Amsterdam is one of the world’s best places to party. So where better to get yourself branded by great global tattooists like Coen Mitchell and Sergey Shamott than the Amsterdam Tattoo Convention, which takes place between 25th and 27th October.
9. Florence Tattoo Convention
The fabulous Florence Tattoo Convention takes place on the 8th, 9th and 10th November 2019 and as well as mind-blowing skin art, there’s live music and kids activities – fun for the whole family.
10.Malaysia Tattoo Expo
Head to Kuala Lumpur between November 29th and December 1st 2019th for the perfect pre-Christmas pick-me-up – the Malaysia Tattoo Expo. 200 exhibitors from over 60 countries are showcasing their skills.
Getting there
You can find flights from the US to any of the above locations on comparison sites like Skyscanner. And if you’re cruising to the airport in your own ride, Looking4.com has airport parking for Dallas, Denver and everywhere else across America.
That’s our list! Share your tattoo travel tips in the comments section.
