You’ve finally made up your mind: it’s time for that helix, conch, or navel piercing you’ve been debating for months. But then you suddenly realize that you’re going on vacation in a few weeks. Is it a good idea to be getting a piercing before going on vacation? Or is it better to wait until you get home?
The short answer: it depends.
Your destination, the length of your vacation, the type of piercing, and your plans all play a role. A city trip to Rome calls for something different than three weeks of backpacking through Bali or a beach vacation in Ibiza.
In this blog, we’ll explain what you should keep in mind so you can make the best choice for yourself and ensure your piercing heals well.
Can you get a piercing before your vacation?
Yes, that’s definitely possible. In fact, many people actually schedule an appointment right before summer or their vacation. Still, it’s a good idea to think about what your vacation will entail beforehand. A new piercing takes time to heal and requires a little extra care during the first few weeks.
Are you planning to spend a few days exploring a city, visiting museums, and relaxing on outdoor patios? If so, getting a new piercing usually fits right in with your trip. But what if your vacation looks very different? Think of days at the beach, surfing, scuba diving, festivals, or backpacking. In that case, it might be wise to reconsider the timing.
So there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What’s no problem at all for one person might not work out so well for someone else.
How long does it take for a piercing to heal?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that a piercing heals after a few weeks.
Although the outside often looks fine pretty quickly, the skin on the inside is still in the process of healing. How long that takes varies depending on the piercing and the individual.
On average, you can expect:
- Earlobe: 3 to 6 months
- Helix: 6 to 12 months
- Conch: 6 to 12 months
- Tragus: 6 to 12 months
- Daith: 6 to 12 months
- Belly button piercing: 6 to 12 months
- Nose piercing: 4 to 6 months
A healthy healing process requires patience above all else. Even if your piercing already looks good on the outside, it’s important to continue following the aftercare instructions carefully.
What makes a vacation more challenging when you have a new piercing?
When you’re on vacation, you’re often outside all day. You’re more active, sweat more, and don’t always follow the same routine as you do at home. That can make caring for a new piercing just a little trickier.
For example:
- Lots of sunshine and warmth.
- Sand on the beach.
- Long days of travel.
- Festivals or large events.
- Less rest for your body.
- A different hygiene routine than at home.
That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a vacation and get a new piercing at the same time. However, it’s important to think this through beforehand.
Flying with a new piercing
A question we often get asked at the studio is whether flying is harmful to a new piercing.
Fortunately, the answer is simple: no.
The air pressure on an airplane won’t affect your piercing, and you don’t need to remove your jewelry. However, it’s a good idea to pack a few items in your carry-on luggage, such as a saline solution suitable for piercings and clean tissues or gauze pads. Did you just get a helix, conch, or other ear piercing? If so, a neck pillow can be helpful during a long flight to reduce pressure on your ear.
Beach vacation or backpacking? Plan ahead
A vacation to Bali, Thailand, Greece, or Ibiza sounds wonderful, but it also comes with a few extra challenges for a new piercing. You’ll likely be outside a lot, sweat more because of the heat, and maybe spend a lot of time on the beach.
Sand, dust, and hot weather can cause a piercing to become irritated more quickly. It can also be harder to stick to your regular care routine while traveling. Are you backpacking from place to place? If so, it’s a good idea to think ahead about whether you’ll have enough time and peace and quiet to properly care for your piercing.
A piercing doesn’t have to be a reason to change your vacation plans, but it is something to keep in mind.
The right piece of jewelry makes more of a difference than you think
When getting a new piercing, it’s not just about the placement—it’s also about the jewelry you leave the studio with. The right material and the right fit play an important role in a comfortable healing process.
At INKORPORATED, we therefore work exclusively with high-quality jewelry that is suitable for a new piercing. We don’t just consider what looks good, but also what your piercing needs to heal as well as possible. This includes, for example, enough room for any swelling and jewelry that fits your anatomy.
We also take the time to work with you to choose a piece of jewelry that suits your style. Whether you prefer something subtle and minimalist or are looking for a statement piece, we’d be happy to advise you on your options.
Are you wondering later on if it’s time to have your jewelry changed? Even then, you’re always welcome at our studio. We’d be happy to check how your piercing is healing and help you safely replace your initial jewelry once the piercing is ready.
Shop these and more of our jewelry items in our online store, or stop by one of our boutiques!
Is it sometimes smarter to wait?
To be completely honest? Sometimes, yes.
Are you going on a two-week all-inclusive trip to a sunny destination, where you’ll be spending every day on the beach and have an active vacation planned? If so, it might be better to get your piercing done after your vacation. That way, you won’t have to worry about it while you’re traveling, and once you get home, you can focus all your attention on healing properly.
On the other hand, if you’re not leaving for another few months or are just going on a relaxing city trip, there’s often no reason to postpone your appointment. Ultimately, it’s all about finding the right timing.
Personalized advice makes all the difference
Every vacation is different. And every piercing is different.
That’s why at INKORPORATED, we don’t just consider what kind of piercing you’d like, but also your schedule. Do you have a festival coming up in three weeks? Are you going backpacking through Asia? Or are you heading off to a sunny destination soon?
We’ll take the time to discuss your situation and give you honest advice on what’s best for you. Sometimes, it’s perfectly fine to get the piercing right away. In other cases, we’ll recommend waiting a little longer so that you can enjoy both your vacation and your new piercing without any worries.
We’re here for you even after your appointment. Do you have any questions during your recovery, or are you unsure about something? Feel free to contact us or stop by the studio anytime. For us, good support doesn’t end the moment you walk out the door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly with a new piercing?
Yes. Flying does not affect the healing process of your piercing.
Can I go on vacation with a new piercing?
Sure. Just keep in mind that heat, sun, and an active vacation can sometimes require extra care during your recovery.
Is it a good idea to get a piercing right before a beach vacation?
That depends on your plans. Are you planning to spend a lot of time at the beach, or are you going on an active vacation? If so, it might be a good idea to schedule your appointment after your vacation.
When can I go swimming again?
That depends on the type of piercing. We’ve written a detailed blog post about this, in which we explain when it’s safe to go swimming again and why this is important for a proper healing process.
The right timing ensures the best results
A new piercing is an investment you want to enjoy for years to come. That’s why it’s not just important which piercing you choose, but also when you get it done.
Are you unsure whether your vacation plans are compatible with getting a new piercing? At INKORPORATED, we’re happy to help you figure it out. We’ll take the time to give you personalized advice, answer all your questions, and work with you to figure out the best timing. That way, you’ll not only walk out the door with a beautiful piercing, but also with the confidence that you’re giving your piercing the best possible start.
