Travellers have long enjoyed collecting souvenirs to remember their adventures around the globe. But these days, many are opting for something far more lasting than a postcard, T-shirt or snow globe.

It’s all part of a trend known as “tattourism”. Here’s what you should know about this highly personal and permanent shift in the world of souvenirs.

What is tattourism?

“Tattourism” – or tattoo tourism – refers to the practice of travelling with the intention of getting a new tattoo in a certain destination.

“It blends self-expression with adventure, often creating lifelong memories through body art,” Julia Pandolfo, senior director of marketing for Moxy Hotels NYC, told HuffPost.

While some travellers might choose to get inked on a whim, she explained that “tattourists” tend to travel specifically for the purposes of getting a tattoo – whether from a famous artist, in a culturally significant place or just as a meaningful way to commemorate a trip.

“Some travellers might mark their life-changing trip with a photo or trinket, while others walk away with a piece of living art on their bodies as a souvenir,” said Katy Nastro, a spokesperson for the flight alert service Going.

“Tattoo tourism is not a new trend, but with people increasingly prioritising experiences over things these days, walking away with a visual memory of your trip that lasts a lifetime can feel like a better use of funds for younger travellers.”

Indeed, tattoos and travel have long been intertwined. From ancient tribes and Polynesian explorers to sailors marking their voyages in ink, body art has long been tied to journeys and identity.

“These days, tattourism has gained traction, particularly among Gen Z and millennial travellers looking for permanent souvenirs to commemorate their trips,” said Vicki Poulos, vice president for luxury lifestyle brands for IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Kimpton and Hotel Indigo brands.

According to research from Hostelworld, more than 40% of travellers between the ages of 18 and 35 have gotten a tattoo while on a trip. Of that group, one in three said the decision was spontaneous, while more than half travelled abroad specifically to get tattooed.

Similarly, one Nashville studio reported that about 40% of its clients make a special trip specifically to see its artists, and another 40% are tourists who decide to........

© HuffPost