Welcome to The Traveling Tattoo, a space dedicated to sharing the transformative power of travel. For me, travel isn’t just about visiting destinations; it’s about the indelible marks – the “Travel Tattoos” – that experiences leave on your soul. This site is where I, Juan Grey, your Travel Advisor Extraordinaire, document my journeys, offer practical travel tips, and hopefully, ignite your own wanderlust. Consider this your invitation to explore the world through my eyes and perhaps plan your next adventure with me!
Read on and discover the story behind The Traveling Tattoo.
How the Travel Bug Bit (Hard!)
My journey into the world of travel, and ultimately to creating The Traveling Tattoo, wasn’t a lifelong dream. In fact, for many years, my world was confined to the borders of the Continental U.S. Everything changed in 2017 during a team-building exercise at an international company. We were asked to line up based on the number of countries we’d visited. Standing in the group of those who had seen three or fewer countries was a humbling, yet pivotal moment. Hearing colleagues recount tales from ten, twenty, or even more countries opened my eyes to a world I was missing. I realized I was living in a self-imposed bubble and felt a strong urge to pop it. This realization became my first “travel tattoo” – an awakening to the vastness and wonder of the world beyond my familiar surroundings.
That initial spark ignited with a trip to the Dominican Republic, a destination frequently praised and recommended. While I wouldn’t have considered myself a beach enthusiast at the time, I embraced the sun, strolled along the shores, and ventured beyond the resort to immerse myself in the local culture. I even pushed my boundaries with exhilarating excursions like 4×4 off-roading and ziplining for the very first time! This trip was more than just a vacation; it was the needle that set the ink, marking me with the “travel tattoo” of adventure.
From Travel Bug to Travel Passion: The Traveling Tattoo is Born
From that Dominican Republic trip onwards, I was undeniably bitten by the “travel bug,” and the “travel tattoo” of wanderlust became deeply ingrained. I’m now proud to say I’ve explored over 35 countries! Each journey has fueled my passion for discovering new places, connecting with diverse cultures, and gaining fresh perspectives. Before the world paused, I was averaging 3-4 international trips annually, interspersed with explorations within the USA.
The COVID-19 pandemic, while halting travel, provided a period of reflection. It was during this time that the idea for The Traveling Tattoo website took shape. I wanted to create a platform to share my experiences, showcase my photography, and impart the travel knowledge I had accumulated. Now that the world has reopened, I’m back to pursuing my passion with renewed vigor.
My motivation for travel has evolved beyond simply collecting passport stamps, souvenirs, and refrigerator magnets – tangible reminders, yes, but also symbolic “travel tattoos” of experiences lived. My current goal is to inspire others who harbor the desire to travel but feel constrained by finances, lack of information, or simply fear. Whether it’s exploring your own backyard or venturing to far-flung corners of the globe, I want to demonstrate that travel is achievable, even on a modest budget.
The Traveling Tattoo is my way of offering you a glimpse into my world, shaped and colored by travel. If this blog inspires even one person to step outside their comfort zone, embark on their own adventures, and see the world for themselves, then I will have achieved my ultimate goal. Let’s explore the world together, and collect some unforgettable “travel tattoos” along the way! ✈️
Countries Visited:
- United States* (43 States)
- Canada (Toronto, Montreal)
- Panama (Panama City, Colon)
- Bahamas (Nassau)
- Jamaica (Montego Bay)
- Dom. Republic (Santo Domingo, Santiago)
- Colombia (Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena, Cali)
- Spain (Barcelona)
- France (Paris)
- Italy (Rome, Venice, Florence, Pisa)
- Argentina (Buenos Aries)
- Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)
- Mexico (Cancun, Tulum)
- Arab Emirates (Dubai)
- Greece (Athens)
- Egypt (Cairo)
- Peru (Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu)
- Ecuador (Quito)
- United Kingdom (London)
- Netherlands (Amsterdam)
- Germany (Berlin)
- Czech Republic (Prague)
- Hungary (Budapest)
- Belgium (Brussels)
- Turkey (Istanbul, Cappadocia)
