When I began this journey around the world five years ago, my skin, and my passport, were a blank canvas.
If you’d told me back then that a few years later I’d have five tattoos, one of which takes up a good portion of the left side of my body, I would have thought I’d gone crazy. Then again, just about everything I’ve done since then would have blown 25-year-old me’s mind.
I view my body now like a vessel for the journey and the adventure of life that is constantly unfolding. My ink tells a story of where I’ve been, and guides me when I need a reminder of where and what to return to. These are my stories, followed by a few other women who have gorgeous travel tattoos:
Each tattoo of mine has a unique story to go along with it, so I made the video above to show you a closer look at my ink, along with my personal story behind each one and what they mean to me. Here’s a more factual explanation of each tattoo to go along with it:
Hah Taew, five lines: The Hah Taew on my shoulder is a sak yant given to me by a monk in Thailand. He chose the tattoo, he placed it on my shoulder without me knowing what I would get, and he blessed it. The first line cleans out unwanted spirits, the second reverses bad fortune, the third protects against black magic, the fourth energizes good luck, and the fifth is to gain charisma.
Gao Yord, nine spires: This is also a protective tattoo to bring loving kindness, power, good fortune and luck, magical protection, and many other related blessings. The spires reach up towards the heavens and below each is a Buddha represented by the set of ovals under each of the spires.
Om: The most sacred mantra in Hinduism and Buddhism and the opening of many prayers. It’s difficult to pinpoint a definition as Om can be everything all at once – the universe, the past, present, and future, and extends beyond the limits of time. It’s meant to be felt all throughout the body and soul when one chants it. I got this on my ankle in Kathmandu after completing the Annapurna Circuit and Sanctuary treks as a reminder of where my feet carried me.
Sacred geometry and Mandalas: Sacred geometry is all about the harmony between geometric ratios, nature, and a higher power. For my leg, it flows with the natural curve of my body, blooming into mandalas, which are 2D representations of the universe, common in Hinduism.
It may seem from all of this that I’m a religious person although I don’t think my spirituality fits any one definition. I have studied and learned about Buddhism and Hinduism, have participated in Vipassana retreats and rituals encompassing parts of them, and I see truth in a lot of different places and through many combinations of what I’ve learned – my truth, which is different from anyone else’s. Maybe that doesn’t make much sense, but for me, it makes perfect sense, and it’s what I’ve chosen to display on my body.
For now I love what I have. I love that they’re all pretty easy to hide, and that they make a statement when I choose to show them. Perhaps I’ll get more but as I said before, the old me would never have imagined what I’d have ink and life-wise now, so it naturally makes sense that present me has no idea what future me might do!
These are just my stories and etchings in time and skin, and I wanted to share a few more as well. Here are several more beautiful tattoos and the stories behind them:
The Bucket List Sleeve
“I have a random computer algorithm that chooses destinations from my 600+ item bucket list and when I’m done checking things off, I get them added to my bucket list sleeve. Well, it started out as a sleeve but now it goes up over my shoulder and down my back, so I’m not sure what you call that! I’ve attached a photo showing Big Ben in London, the Equator in Uganda, and a hot air balloon ride I did over the temples of Bagan, Myanmar. Not shown are part of the Acropolis in Athens and a mountain gorilla with whom I had a close encounter in Uganda. I’m pretty far behind on the tattoo as I’ve checked off over 100 bucket list items, though!” – Leslie of My Adventure Bucket
A Compass to Find Her Way
“After silently suffering from Anxiety Disorder and Depression, I decided to leave my “good job” and backpack through South East Asia. I wanted to have something that would remind me of how valuable life and time is to me. As a traveler, I wanted something to represent travel and never “losing my way” in life. So, I found a compass that I loved and decided Thailand would be a good of a place as any!” – Rachel of Rachel Travels
Antarctic Coordinates
“I have the GPS coordinates to the Antarctic peninsula on my left ankle. It’s a simple tattoo with an important story. After a difficult divorce at 27 years old, I set a goal for myself to reach my 7th continent by the time I turned 30. It seemed almost impossible, but I set foot on the continent of Antarctica one week before my 30th birthday, in March of 2017. This trip was so meaningful to me because it meant reclaiming a part of my identity (love of travel) that had been suppressed in my marriage, as well as reasserting my financial independence. And I did it! So I got this tattoo to remind myself of everything I went through + everything I accomplished.
I got the tattoo in Seattle with my then-fiancé, now-husband while we’re on a year-long cross-country road trip. It was pretty much the perfect ending to that chapter of my life!” – Annabelle of Evergreen Lane
Wanderlust
“I have four different tattoos, and three of them are travel-related. My most recent one says “wanderlust,” and I got it when I was traveling in New Zealand. The travel theme is obvious, but it has an additional cool story behind it, too. It’s written in a “hobbit script” (Bilbo’s hand, to be specific) from the “Lord of the Rings” films, and was written out for me by Daniel Reeve, the guy who did all the calligraphy and map work in the “Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” movies. I asked him to design it for me, and then a few days later got it inked on in Wanaka, right above a compass tattoo I have on my forearm.” – Amanda of A Dangerous Business
A Berber Symbol of Freedom
“After spending a transformative month traveling around Morocco in 2016 I memorialized my trip by getting a tattoo of a Berber symbol. The name for the symbol is yaz, which means free man. The motif is seen around Morocco and I was very attracted to its symmetry and meaning. I got the tattoo in red ink as red is the color of life for Berber people. It is also the color of resistance. It reminds me of the incredible people I’ve met during my three trips to Morocco, and especially the family I spent nearly two weeks with in the Sahara desert.” – Lola of Miss Filatelista
His Name
“I traveled to Bali marking my first overseas visit when I was 26. This trip was special as I traveled alone to Bali from India while I didn’t even know what is an immigration form. I planned this trip mainly for two reasons, one this was my bachelorette trip and secondly because I wanted to celebrate my freedom before it would have gone (generally in India there are so many things you can’t do once you are married!). From boarding my first international carrier to understanding the literal meaning of green and red exit signs at the airport, every moment gave me a sense of liberation as I traveled Bali from one junction to the other. I made a companion at the very first day of my trip, my guide Su, that’s not his real name but a name that I gave him as his real name was nothing less than a tongue twister (I never meant to be mean). Su was part of my every adventure at Bali and heard about my courtship with my to be husband in depth enjoying every bit of it. He continued to ask me all these days what am I planning to buy for my boyfriend from Bali. This was indeed difficult to decide but soon I decided on something bold, liberal and an enduring gift. I had never mind to express my relationship in front of the world and maybe it was time to go all out. Next morning when I met Su, I surprised him by saying that, “I want a tattoo as a gift for my boyfriend, I want a tattoo on my wrist of his name” Su, was pleasingly surprised with my idea and being a man who knows it all, he took me to his friend who was a tattoo designer. I spent an hour in Nusa Dua at his parlor and got the desired tattoo. Now, I have a tattoo on my wrist which is not just a forever gift for my husband but a very doting memory of my first solo travel overseas.” – Mokshta of Miss with Migratory Wings
The Continents
“My most recent travel tattoo was completed during a visit to San Diego, California. This was a celebratory getaway in honor of taking a leap of faith to follow my heart and my passion. I had decided to walk away from my former business, sell it, and start fresh at the age of 31 to do what I love most, travel. (taboo in todays culture) The dissolution agreement of my former company was completed right before this trip. I decided to place the 7 continents, in a very simple geometric form, on the back of my arm as a reminder that my “GOAL” is to visit all 7 and to successfully have travel become a pertinent part my life. It was that moment that the true GOAL Traveler was born.” – Cydny of The GOAL Traveler
A Watercolor World
“I LOVE tattoos. Before I started traveling I had a couple, but as I traveled I began collecting them in different cities across the globe. Not necessarily a travel tattoo, but the one that was a catalyst to my travel journey is a tiny elephant that I have on my hand. Elephants are my spirit animal and every time I look at my hand I am reminded to be Wild and Free. Because of that, I packed my bags and left the country for 6 months. 4 Continents, 15 Countries, 6 Months.
One of the tattoos I got on my journey around the world was by the AMAZING and extremely talented Joel Alcalde at Stefano’s Tattoo Gallery in Lima, Peru. If you want an amazing watercolor or just an all around badass tattoo, he’s the man to see. He made my tattoo dreams come true and did a stunning watercolor map of the world on my forearm. It took 4 hours and I was dying from a pretty serious respiratory infection, but I hung tight and it was totally worth all of the pain, tears and exhaustion.
All of my tattoo experiences abroad have been amazing and I love that I get to carry the memories of my travels with me everyday, everywhere I go.” – Katie of The Journey Within
A Wave 
“I’d always thought about getting a tattoo overseas, but finally made it happen for my 29th birthday. I was spending two weeks in Nicaragua at a creative retreat. I had a few days in San Juan del Sur before moving on to Ometepe and walked past a tattoo shop a friend had recommended to see if he had any openings. The Canadian owner was watching Harry Potter, so it seemed like a good sign. I decided to get a wave, which had a few meanings. I don’t put that much stock into signs, but I’m a Cancer and have always felt connected to the water. Everywhere I’ve lived and loved has been near water, whether the ocean or river. And the wave also represents the peaks and valleys that happen in life. I put it on my inner arm as something just for me, not that everyone would see.” – Caroline of Caroline in the City
It’s so much fun to learn about the tattoos that others get – representations of their journeys and what each step has meant to them. We are on similar paths in some ways and in others, completely different ones. This is so well displayed in the art that we chose to decorate ourselves with.
I can’t wait to see how we each decide to keep adorning our canvases.
GG says
First thing: I think these personal videos, especially this one are great and if you are up to revealing your most personal stuff to everyone I think it is a great idea. It helps that you already have established yourself as authentic and genuine, otherwise this would not work so well. A blend of the beautiful travel videos you have been doing along with these personal stories is ideal I would think from my limited experience with these things.
Second thing: Regarding your truths, everyone’s beliefs are personal and even within organized religions everyone should have their own take on things based on their experiences, spiritual needs, and just being you. If not, and it is about conforming you lose out in my opinion (and this from a traditional person in a religion!). I can’t claim to understand your philosophy, but I think many people share your belief of finding truths including me from a variety of places and I have learned through you and your staff to embrace other philosophies which have enhanced and opened my own beliefs. I have already applied them to my faith. There is no one answer. As I have mentioned before, if everyone followed the fundamental philosophy you and Ashley follow which include personal growth, moving forward from whatever happened in the past, and loving-kindness and tolerance, I think we would see the end of war and a world full of more contentment and joy (and more time advancing our society pursuing more constructive activities including conquering poverty, eradicating illnesses (mental and physical), pursuing the stars, and dealing with the environmental problems)
Third and last point regarding tattoos: I will be honest and say that tattoos are not my thing due to a really bad experience in my life. Why do I mention this (I wasn’t asked :))? Because you have knocked my world a little and taught me that tattoos can be beautiful and more importantly, to be less judgmental and accepting of differences. I hope you have done the same for many others. I know this is a personal thing and to heck with what others think, but it is a nice side effect nonetheless! Also, you are so practical in how you got them (“you can hide them and express them when I want to”) and even better, you provided in your video some great advice on how to get them, what you would have done better, and what to look out for related to hygiene! This is another benefit of your personal videos which you provide in other videos (like make-up advice, packing advice….), personal advice from someone who has a level head!
GG says
Wanted to follow up really quickly: Congrats on the overwhelmingly positive and sizable response to this video on your various media! I think your personal touch is a success, keep the great ideas coming! I wanted to add one more thing regarding your tattoos: I think yours are the prettiest I have ever seen, l like the black ink versus the blue, have turned my attitude around on them (should not have had that attitude to start with), but also I noticed as you said how some of them uniquely fit your body like a glove and are unique to you. You are in great shape, an inspiration to us as you look better and more fit with age. I feel stronger and better now than in my 20’s. I think these type of tattoos also are a motivation to keep in shape so they continue to fit your body as well as they do. Plus your lifestyle, eating healthy (love the breakfasts you have shown), exercise, spirituality etc. are great topics one day for personal videos as well. Best wishes as you prepare for Peru. BTW, I do have a question, but take your time on this (can wait until after the Peru trip), is there any reason you chose to have it on your left side versus right side? Left and right are a big deal in some cultures, so is there a significance, or just you had to pick one or the other :)? P.S. I think the tattoo of the continents was neat too, I did not realize how people use tattoos to tell their travel stories.
Caroline Eubanks says
Thanks for including me! Love seeing everyone’s ink. It’s giving me some new ideas!
Anna Karsten says
Why am I only finding out through Kristin’s blog that you have a wave? It’s so cool! 😀
Magda says
I live in Edinburgh and been thinking about getting a tattoo so thanks for sharing the name of the artist. Next time you are in time give me a shout!
Ijana Loss says
Yay a tattoo post! I’ve got 12 and counting, and most of them were from my travels. I love all the tattoos you got; you got really nice ones that look fantastic and have good meanings. They really are a way of kind of just expressing who you are on the inside. Cause we’re all human, we all look more or less the same. Tattoos become a way of personalizing your own body, giving people a bit of an insight into who you really are.
Also, yes keep doing videos like that!! I loved that video! And that dog is adorable omg
Roxanna says
I love this! Sometimes people who do not have tattoos do not realize how deeply personal and meaningful they have, and that they are truly for the beholder, not the observer. It is great these fearless ladies shared the stories of their personal artwork. I consider some of them friends, but prior to this, did not knkow the stories of their tattoos. Not I see a different facet of each of them. Cool story Kristen.
Kristin says
So true – it’s not for other people that we get the ink, but for ourselves. Glad you enjoyed the stories!
terra @ terragoes.com says
I love this! My best friend I got matching tattoos in Portland a few years ago to signify our across-the-country road trip and it’s one of my most special tattoos.
Kristin says
How cool! What of?
Francesca Wellman says
Tattoos are so intensely personal – thank you for sharing the stories behind yours! I don’t think I’ll ever get a tattoo but if I did I’d want something to represent my love of travel
Francesca x
Steven on aFabulousTrip says
So nice of you to share your story (and other people’s stories as well), I think your tattoo are nice and meaningful, kind of badass when you think about it ! It’s a great reminder of what you accomplished so far…
Kristin says
Thanks so much! I like viewing them as badass 🙂
Darryl Johnston says
Great blog! It’s really nice to see travel tattoos around the world. I like it very much!
Skylar says
I have a travel tattoo and a home tattoo, the latter of which attracts a lot of wanderlust attention on my travels. At 22 I got a Twi phrase on my foot, to commentate all I’d learned in four months in Ghana. It was the first place I’d seen the “May Peace Prevail on Earth” poles, and the tat is that.
At 27 I got a massive dipiction of Mt. Rainier (WA) across my upper back and shoulders. I live in a city where she towers over. Anyone from the PNW instantly recognizes it no matter where I am in the world (but my favorite recognition was in the very crowded candy shop at Harry Potter Land.) It’s so fun to have brief, unexpected, warm connections with strangers because of our shared love of a local landmark.
Kristin says
How lovely those must be! I’d love to see them.