A tattoo can be the ultimate souvenir, more memorable and permanent than any snow dome or tea towel — providing, of course, you choose the right one.
Unfortunately, it's pretty easy to get carried away and come back from holidays with a tattoo you'll later regret, or even a nasty case of blood poisoning. Many a traveller has lived to regret a hula dancer they went for on a bucks holiday in Hawaii, a yin-yang symbol after a yoga class in Thailand, or an "om" on a gap year in India.
To get a tattoo that's more imaginative, and also has some street credibility, it's wise to do a little research. You can't just wander in off the street to meet the world's top artists. You have to make an appointment, sometimes years in advance. If you're serious about getting ink from one of the world's best, check out this our list of highly respected tattoo studios around the globe:
One of LA's best-known tattoo artists is
Mister Cartoon, who has tattooed the likes of Eminem, Justin Timberlake, Dr Dre, Beyoncé and 50 Cent. But unless you're a celebrity, hip-hop artist or gangsta, you can basically forget Cartoon, because he's so phenomenally popular.
A better option is Lowrider Tattoos, a studio in Fountain Valley, California, famous for its intricate black and gray tattoos, which are no less beautifully layered and shaded than a Michelangelo masterpiece.
There's also Kat Von D, star of LA Ink, who is based at High Voltage Tattoo in West Hollywood and is famous for her photo-realistic portraits.
Invisible NYC is an appointment-only studio and art gallery, where patrons can "experience art while art is being created". Founded by artist Troy Denning, Invisible NYC's designs are incredibly ornate, technically flawless, and inspired by Japanese and oriental art.
There's also New York Adorned and Brooklyn Adorned, where talented artists offer a mix of Japanese, Americana and tribal designs.
When Mike Ledger was based in New York at NY Adorned, his waiting list was three years long. Now that he's based in Hawaii (930 McCully Street, Honolulu; +1 808 945 9797), it's much easier to get an appointment with this tattoo legend. He specialises in large-scale Asian-inspired bodysuits but will happily create much smaller designs and aims to give his customers an experience they'll never forget.
For traditional Polynesian tattoos, try Soul Signature (1667 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu; +1 808 330 5612), where artist Suluape Aisea creates striking designs using a traditional hand-tapping technique.
For a traditional Thai tattoo using long, ink-filled needles — made famous by Angelina Jolie — ask around at Buddhist temples, where monks specialise in this ancient technique, provided you've got the balls to take a risk!
For something more contemporary, Max Tattoo on bustling Khaosarn Road is probably one of the most renowned studios in Bangkok. The artists execute an array of different styles, but are skilled enough to ensure you'll walk away with something polished and original.
Robbie Williams might have one, but there are strict rules about what type of Maori designs can be tattooed on your skin, depending on your genealogy.
In Tolaga Bay, Uruora Moko Studios specialises in moko (for Maoris only) and kirituhi, a form of Maori design that allows non-Maori the participation in Maori skin art, where Mark Kopua is one of the country's top artists.
In Auckland, there's appointment-only studio Moko Ink, which has art directed designs for films such as Once Were Warriors.
Barcelona, Spain
It might seem odd to get a Thai-style tattoo while you're travelling in Spain, but
Jondix is considered one of the world's most talented specialists in Buddhist tattoo art. Jondix has tattooed celebrities, but won't say who, and says his typical customers are open-minded, spiritual and "progressive". He refuses to do colour tattoos or anything political or satanic, and his waiting list is up to three months long.
Brighton, UK
Nine is a famous studio that reflects the alternative spirit of Brighton, which is home to the likes of Nick Cave. Ask for Ade, who creates astoundingly beautiful, intricate artwork.
Be sure to check out our photo gallery of the world's top tattoo spots by clicking here: 
Have you got any other suggestions? Have you had a tatt abroad that you now regret? Have your say using the comments form below.
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