🎉10% off Rose Gold all August w/ code RG-CITY-26 | Thanks for voting us Willamette Week's Best Piercing Shop '26!

Adorn Body Art | 6 days ago

How to Find a Piercer While Traveling

By Casey McCreary (She/Her)


Do you need help with your existing piercings or just have the bug for a new piercing while traveling? This guide below will walk you through some of the things to keep in mind while traveling so that you have the best possible experience!


Given the healing time required for many piercings, it is fairly likely that you will, at some point, end up traveling with a healing piercing. Flying, stress, or even different humidity and heat levels can all affect healing and can lead to you needing to find a piercer for help sooner rather than later. If you’re on an extended vacation or study abroad, you may also need a downsize while away from home. Finding a piercer in a town that you’re not familiar with, however, can be daunting, especially if you’re not familiar with the area.


Getting a piercing can also be a really fun way to create a lasting memory of the place you visited and can be a bonding experience between you and your friends while traveling. It gives you the opportunity to see jewelry collections that may differ from what you have access to while at home, as well.


Below you will find some tips and tricks for finding a piercer while traveling, whether you end up with a piercing emergency or you get the bug for a new piercing while traveling!

Ask Your Piercer!

 Piercers generally have a way to contact them online or by phone and we love hearing from our clients! Please reach out to us when you’re out of town and in need of assistance. Piercing is a small industry and many of us attend international conferences every year, like the annual APP Conference and BMX, to keep our skills sharp and reconnect with the community. One of the greatest things to come from these conferences is the connections we make with other piercers. I personally have been able to recommend piercers that I know in small towns without having to resort to the internet, even internationally. We will often have recommendations for you so that you do not have to do the work.


If your piercer does not know anyone immediately, there are many private forums for industry members where one can ask for help finding studios. It is much easier for someone working in the industry to vet portfolios before recommending another piercer. If these methods do not work, a piercer can generally employ a combination of the following steps, as well.


Check the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) website!

 The APP is an international organization that focuses on, among other things, safety in body piercing. Members of the APP are required to meet a higher bar for safety standards than local legislation generally requires–everything from our autoclaves, to the materials of the jewelry we use, to even the infrastructure of the building is included in our membership requirements. Many studios, including Adorn, even opt to go further than these already strict requirements.


The APP’s Find a Piercer page is a fantastic way to find piercers, both locally and while traveling. Please keep in mind that APP membership does not define a good piercer, as they do not have the resources to sit there and watch piercers to ensure that angles, bedside manner, and other skills are up to par. Some fantastic piercers, for a variety of reasons, will also abstain from membership while still keeping up with or going beyond APP standards. All of this to say that the APP’s website is a great starting point, but should not necessarily be your only resource for finding a piercer!


Don’t panic if you’re traveling internationally and do not see a studio on the APP’s website. Many countries have created their own piercing associations, often with their own member locators. Luckily, the APP lists international sister organizations on their website, so you can find all of them in one place.


Check with trusted jewelry manufacturers! 

This one requires a bit more base knowledge of piercing to figure out than the others, but it can be really handy for finding piercers to downsize with or fun places to shop while traveling. Many jewelry companies have locators for studios that stock their pieces. For example, BVLA, Neometal, and Anatometal all have studio locators and are all trusted brands in the industry.  


This tactic does come with a huge asterisk, however. The full explanation of this is a story for another post, but there are many jewelry companies that are not fully up front about the quality of materials that they use. Finding out which jewelry companies are reputable and which are not can be difficult, so your best bet is to ask your trusted piercer what companies they trust and go from there.



Look carefully at piercer and studio portfolios!

This is the last item on the list because it can be extremely difficult to the untrained eye (or even the trained eye!) to discern between someone that can post quality photos and someone who can provide quality piercings.

It is often easier to look for red flags when studying a piercing portfolio than it is to look for green flags. You will want to avoid piercers that perform unsafe piercings, such as horizontal tongue piercings and finger piercings, or use unsafe practices (tap out sessions or piercing with cannula needles if in the US or Canada–piercing needles can be hard to source in some other countries).


It can be very difficult to truly discern a great portfolio from a concerning portfolio, however, so if you have any questions, do not hesitate to send a link to your piercer and ask for their thoughts. A piercer’s job does not end once you walk out the door: we genuinely want to help you throughout healing and living with your piercings.


Lastly, it is important to think about the pros and cons of getting pierced while traveling.  

When visiting Portland, for example, you have the unique opportunity to get to know one of the top piercing destinations of the world! You will see folks of all different styles wearing piercings that may be uncommon or only reserved for the alternative crowd in other places of the world. This means that our piercers here are experienced with all types of piercings, as we are able to perform many different types of piercings every day.  

If you’re specifically looking for high quality brands like BVLA, which can sometimes be hard to find at home, Adorn Body Art has one of the largest BVLA collections in the country! Our jewelry specialists are always happy to help you build your dream collection. You can always book with us if you’re visiting the Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA for a new piercing, downsize, or troubleshooting appointment. It can, however, put a damper on your vacation if you don’t plan around your new piercing correctly.


One of the most important things to keep in mind while healing is that you will need to avoid submerging the piercing in rivers, lakes, oceans, hot tubs, and pools for the entirety of the healing time. When we’re traveling, it is not uncommon to travel specifically to swim in an ocean or a lake. With this in mind, you will want to book any fresh piercings for after you are done swimming so that you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest!

It is also vital to let your piercer know that you are traveling and if you are flying soon. As mentioned above, different climates can affect healing and swelling differently, and so can flying. When a client tells their piercer that they are traveling, it becomes part of the equation that determines what jewelry will be the safest and most comfortable throughout your healing journey. The piercer you visit may recommend against certain piercings while traveling, as well, especially complicated healing processes like cheeks and snugs. For some of these, it is a good idea to know your piercer because you are likely to visit multiple times for check ins and downsizes.


Whether you are looking for a new piercing or need help for an existing piercing while away from home, we hope that this guide helps you in your journey. If you feel stuck at any point while trying to navigate piercing while traveling, you can always email our staff at questions@adornbodyart.com and we will be more than happy to help you. If you are visiting the PNW’s Portland, OR and/or Vancouver, WA areas you can always book an appointment at any of our Adorn Body Art locations. M And, most importantly, be safe and have fun on your travels!


At AdornBodyJewelry.com, our collection of threadless posts is all about combining durability with style. Made from high-quality materials like titanium from NeoMetal, these posts provide a hypoallergenic and long-lasting base for any of your favorite threadless ends. Whether you’re curating a piercing stack or looking to switch up your style, threadless posts offer the flexibility to make it your own.


Come visit any of our Adorn Body Art locations in the Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA, part of the PNW.


Every body deserves to be adorned,

Adorn Body Art

More Posts

Adorn Body Art Presents: Back to SchoolAdorn Body Art Presents: Back to School
Adorn Body Art Presents: Back to School

There’s something about the transition into autumn that makes everything feel a little more intentional. The mornings are cooler, the days begin to shorten, and the PNW starts slipping into its familiar palette of mossy greens, deep browns, cloudy skies, and warm golden light. Summer spontaneity gives way to routines, fresh notebooks, new schedules, and that unmistakable back-to-school energy, even if you haven’t been in a classroom for years.


At Adorn Body Art, we think that seasonal reset deserves a little sparkle.


That’s why we’re kicking off the season with a 10% off sale on all items at Adorn, in studio and online (read on for the code). Whether your idea of a fresh start involves a subtle new piece, a dramatic ear curation upgrade, or finally investing in the jewelry you’ve been eyeing, this is your chance to get adorned for Autumn.

The Rose Gold City Sale Has ArrivedThe Rose Gold City Sale Has Arrived
The Rose Gold City Sale Has Arrived

There are certain moments that only belong to Portland.


The hour when the sun begins slipping behind the West Hills. The sky trades bright blue for watercolor layers of blush, copper, peach, and mauve. Crows gather overhead, their silhouettes stretching across the evening as they drift toward the Willamette River. Summer air still hangs warm, but the first hint of autumn feels close enough to imagine. It's the season where fresh flowers share the sidewalk with black boots, vintage lace, and the first pumpkin candles of the year.


Around here, we call that feeling Summerween.


It lives somewhere between luxury and mystery.


That same atmosphere inspired one of our favorite events of the year.

Welcome to the Rose Gold City Sale, happening both inside all Adorn Body Art studios and online at adornbodyjewelry.com


Read on to get 10% off all Rose Gold, all August long! 


A Thank You to Portland

Before we talk jewelry, we simply want to say thank you.


This sale is our celebration of everyone who voted Adorn Best Piercing Shop Portland 2026 in Willamette Week’s Best of Portland.


Being recognized by our own community means more than any trophy ever could. Every appointment, every jewelry styling session, every anatomy consultation, every healed piercing, every nervous first-timer, and every longtime collector helped build this community with us.


Since opening in 2000, Adorn has been committed to creating an environment where body modification is approached with professionalism, artistry, education, and respect. Our studios continue to focus on premium body jewelry, experienced professional piercers, exceptional sterilization standards, and a welcoming atmosphere where personal expression comes first.


The Rose Gold City Sale is our way of sharing that celebration with everyone who helped us reach this milestone.


Whether you've trusted us with one piercing or twenty, this one's for you.


Why Rose Gold Never Stops Captivating Us

There are precious metals that feel timeless.

There are precious metals that feel bold.


Rose gold somehow accomplishes both at once.


Its warmth isn't loud. It doesn't demand attention.


Instead, it catches light softly.


The color shifts throughout the day, glowing almost champagne in bright afternoon sunlight before deepening into copper and blush tones as evening arrives. It changes alongside you, making every gemstone appear just a little richer and every curve of fine jewelry just a little more sculptural.


That versatility is part of what makes rose gold so beloved among jewelry collectors.

It complements nearly every skin tone while offering something distinct from traditional yellow or white gold. Whether paired with brilliant diamonds, dark gemstones, opals, or minimalist designs, it creates an unmistakable sense of shine and sophistication.


At Adorn, rose gold has become one of our favorite ways to help clients build curated ears, balanced facial projects, and heirloom-quality jewelry collections designed to evolve over time. Our jewelry specialists work closely with every client to create combinations that feel personal rather than trendy, with premium materials selected for both beauty and long-term wear.


Summerween Looks Better in Fine Jewelry


Summerween isn't really a holiday.


It's a mood.


It's watching horror movies with the windows open while the evening breeze finally cools the room.


It's black linen dresses paired with fresh flowers.


It's gothic romance softened by golden-hour light.


It's antique mirrors, velvet ribbons, smoked cocktails, oversized sunglasses, and finding beauty in contrasts.


Rose gold belongs here naturally.


Instead of harsh metallic shine, it glows.


Instead of feeling cold, it feels lived in.


Instead of competing with darker wardrobes, it elevates them.


Imagine warm rose gold paired with black sapphires.


Deep amethysts.


Dark opals.


Moody champagne diamonds.


Or a single delicate piece catching the last light of the evening while the sky turns coral over the river.


Luxury doesn't have to feel formal.

Sometimes luxury is just being simply intentional.


Investment Pieces You'll Love For Years

The best jewelry isn't purchased for a season.

It's collected over a lifetime.

One new piercing becomes three.

A single threadless end becomes the beginning of a carefully curated ear.

A favorite gemstone inspires an entirely new aesthetic.


Our studios are known for carrying some of the finest body jewelry available, including implant-grade titanium and beautifully crafted gold pieces from respected manufacturers. As an exclusive BVLA studio, Adorn specializes in jewelry designed for both exceptional craftsmanship and everyday wear.

Whether you're beginning your collection or adding the finishing touch to something you've been building for years, the Rose Gold City Sale is the perfect opportunity to invest in jewelry you'll still love years from now.


Unlike fast fashion accessories, premium body jewelry becomes part of your story.


It travels with you.


It photographs every milestone.


It becomes recognizable to friends before they even notice you've changed your hair.


That kind of beauty never goes out of style.


Visit Us In Studio or Shop From Home

Some people love spending an afternoon with one of our jewelry specialists, exploring combinations they may never have considered before.


Others already know exactly what they've been waiting to purchase.


However you shop, we've made this celebration available both ways.


Visit any Adorn Body Art studio to browse in person, speak with our experienced team, and explore jewelry alongside professional styling guidance.


Prefer shopping from home?


Our online jewelry webstore, Adorn Body Jewelry, brings carefully selected premium body jewelry directly to your doorstep, making it easy to browse from anywhere in the United States.


Use code RG-City-26 for 10% off ALL Rose Gold, online and in studio all August! 


Whether you're refreshing an existing piercing or planning your next project, this is the perfect moment to add something extraordinary to your collection.


The City Is Glowing

Maybe that's why this sale feels different.


It's happening during that brief stretch of summer when evenings seem endless.


When Portland slows down just enough for everyone to notice the sky again.


When the crows gather overhead.


When patios stay full until dusk.


When Halloween lovers quietly begin decorating while everyone else is still talking about beach trips.


When rose gold somehow feels exactly right.


Beautiful.


A little dramatic.


Effortlessly elegant.


Entirely unforgettable.

Make This Valentine's Day Unforgettable with Body Jewelry from BVLAMake This Valentine's Day Unforgettable with Body Jewelry from BVLA
Make This Valentine's Day Unforgettable with Body Jewelry from BVLA