From spontaneous decisions in Medellín Ubers to flower-adorned designs in Mexico City, Laura Ericson shares the meaningful stories behind her four travel tattoos. Learn her practical tips for getting inked abroad safely and why marking your body with the places that have marked your soul creates lasting memories more powerful than any souvenir.

I honestly thought I'd never get a tattoo.

I first wanted a travel tattoo when I was in my early 20's to commemorate the months I’d lived in Spain--but I could just never bring myself to actually do it.

Coffee. Chocolate. Music. Art. Dance. Colombia is a hidden gem of a country that’s underrated and off the beaten path.

Most of you know I much prefer off the beaten path experiences to the typical tourist spots. I don’t pick places based on popularity or trends.