When you’re gearing up for a new adventure, whether it’s a tropical beach escape, a mountain hike, or exploring an urban cityscape, the first step all travelers must contend with is packing. Done right, you’ll be prepared with all the travel essentials you may need. As we covered in a previous guide, this should include things like an eSIM, a money belt, a portable charger, toiletries, and more. Similarly, weather-ready gear such as sunglasses should not be neglected, and here’s why.
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It was one of those obnoxiously sunny days—the kind where the sun seems to follow you around like an overly enthusiastic spotlight. Birds chirped, kids laughed, and the world appeared as I was standing on the surface of the sun. I couldn’t find my really good pair of sunglasses anywhere in the house, as those were the only ones that were going to work on overwhelmingly bright days. After having Lasik, I’m super sensitive to light, and on this day, I felt like the doctor dilated my eyes, letting it all in, and heading outdoors on my next adventure seemed impossible without the right glasses.
But as I rifled through every drawer, bag, and random pile of laundry, my favorite sunglasses were nowhere to be found.
“I don’t need them,” I lied to myself. “How bad can it be?”
I riffled through my car to find an old pair of $10 gas-station sunglasses Let’s just say they had seen better days. They were so scratched to the point that I thought I was staring into a kaleidoscope. Still, I thought, Something is better than nothing, right? Wrong.
The first stop was the park. As soon as I stepped outside, I was hit with a wave of sunlight so intense it felt personal. I squinted so hard my face looked like I’d bitten into a lemon. Determined not to be defeated by a star 93 million miles away, I put on the gas-station sunglasses. The scratches distorted everything, and the tint was so faint that it barely blocked any sunlight. It was like putting a sheet of Saran Wrap over my eyes and hoping for the best.
As I made my way through the park, things quickly went south. I misjudged the distance to a park bench and ended up sitting half on it, half on thin air. I tumbled backward into a bush, startling a squirrel who launched itself at me in a panic.
“Ah! Squirrel attack!” I yelled, flailing around while people stared. A man walking his dog tried to help but ended up laughing so hard he had to sit down
I eventually extricated myself from the bush, leaves sticking out of my hair like some kind of forest sprite. My pride was bruised, but I pressed on.
*** No matter where your adventures take you, a good pair of sunglasses can make the difference. Not only do they protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, but they can also enhance your style and improve your vision during outdoor activities. However, with so many options available, how do you know which pair is the best for your needs? Here’s a guide to help you choose the right sunglasses for your next getaway.
So, how does one fight the good fight against the attack squirrels? By prioritizing your eyes, acquiring quality sunglasses, and ensuring you are 100% UV-protected.
Credit Jean-Daniel Francoeur
The most important feature you should consider when buying travel sunglasses is UV protection. According to experts, UV radiation from the sun can cause long-term damage, increasing your risk of eye conditions, including cataracts and macular degeneration, just to name a few. So, make sure that the sunglasses you choose offer complete protection against UVA and UVB rays. This is typically denoted by a 100% UV or UV400 label. It’s also worth noting that while the brand doesn’t matter, you should be discerning and only purchase sunglasses from reputable vendors. Branded sunglasses at heavily discounted prices may be counterfeit and damage your eyes rather than protect them.
So, while I still was wandering around with my less-than set of gas station glasses, and the scar of my squirrel attack, I decided to head over for a nice and refreshing smoothie. I thought a refreshing smoothie would turn my day around. As I walked inside, the sudden change in lighting threw me off. The scratched sunglasses made the dim interior look like an abstract painting. I tripped over the “Caution: Wet Floor” sign and landed flat on my back.
“Are you okay?” the barista asked, trying not to laugh.
“Just testing the durability of your floors,” I said, trying to salvage some dignity.
I got up, ordered my smoothie, and tried to find a seat. The sunglasses made it hard to tell which tables were occupied, so I ended up sitting across from a stranger.
“Umm, hi?” she said, raising an eyebrow.
“Nice day out today, huh?” I replied, pretending like this was totally normal.
After several seconds of awkward silence, I realized my mistake and bolted, leaving my smoothie untouched.
The flea market was filled with vendors, customers, and enough bright colors to make my distorted vision feel like a wicked dream. Determined to salvage the remaining part of my day, I decided to browse for some new sunglasses.
“Looking for something specific?” a vendor asked.
“Sunglasses,” I replied. “Good ones.”
He handed me a pair that looked decent. I put them on and was immediately disappointed. They were so oversized I looked like a cartoon fly.
“How do I look?” I asked, trying to see myself in a warped mirror.
“Like you’re about to give a TED Talk on nectar,” he said, chuckling.
I moved to another stall, where an eccentric old woman sold vintage accessories. She handed me a pair of sunglasses that looked promising but had rhinestones shaped like cat ears.
“These are bold,” I said, trying to sound polite.
“Bold is in,” she replied with a wink.
I bought them out of sheer desperation. As I walked away, I realized they blocked the sun decently, but every passerby gave me a look that screamed, Who let Lady Gaga loose in the suburbs? So, definitely, take your face shape into consideration to block the sun and stay in style.
Credit Anderson Guerra
A good fit is essential for both comfort and protection. The right pair of sunglasses should cover your eyes adequately, block out light from the sides, and sit comfortably on your ears and nose. Different face shapes may require different frame styles, and the fit can impact how much UV protection you’re getting. Fortunately, there are now frame advisor tools that can help you find the best glasses for your face shape. LensCrafters, for one, has an online shopping feature that scans your unique facial features and provides personalized eyewear recommendations based on your face shape and skin undertone. After a quick scan, you can virtually try on several styles, allowing you to visualize how each pair of sunglasses will look before purchasing.
Credit: Engin Akyurt
Different lens colors serve different purposes, and understanding them can help you choose the best sunglasses tint for your needs. Gray lenses, such as those on the Prada PR17WS sunglasses, are ideal for general use and provide true color perception. They’re perfect for bright, sunny days, especially for activities like driving or outdoor sports. Meanwhile, brown or amber tints enhance contrast and depth perception, making them great for variable light conditions, such as hiking or fishing. Travel bugs will also benefit from sunglasses treatments like anti-scratch and anti-reflective coatings, which can prolong the life of your shades and improve visibility.
Credit Serg Alesenko
Lastly, it’s wise to invest in sunglasses that complement your travel itinerary. If you’re heading to the beach or a tropical destination, stylish oversized sunglasses might be your go-to, while sports enthusiasts might want something more durable and secure. For instance, those with plans to ski or hike in an alpine resort can check out wraparound sunglasses like the Flex Scape by Oakley. This hybrid goggle acts as a ski mask with a strap that can be swapped for sunglass stems. Engineered for performance and comfort, this eyewear adapts to activities such as tackling snowy slopes and hiking on alpine trails or even driving to your Airbnb.
So, why is getting the appropriate lens and style important?
Feeling ridiculous but semi-protected from the sun, I decided to drive home. That’s when things really went off the rails.
The cat-ear sunglasses weren’t polarized, so every reflective surface on the road became a blinding laser beam aimed directly at my eyes. Squinting and dodging sunlight like I was in an action movie, I managed to miss my exit and ended up on a backroad I didn’t recognize.
“Great,” I muttered, pulling out my phone to check the GPS.
The phone screen was impossible to see because of the glare. I tried holding it at different angles, but no matter what, it looked like I was trying to summon ancient spirits.
To make matters worse, a family of geese decided to cross the road in front of me. I slammed on the brakes and watched as they waddled by, completely unbothered by my honking.
“Take your time,” I grumbled and headed for the house.
When I finally made it home, I was sunburned, exhausted, and still mildly traumatized by the squirrel incident. I collapsed on the couch and noticed something shiny under my coffee table.
There they were—my good sunglasses, mocking me with their pristine lenses and stylish frames.
I picked them up and laughed. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
The moral of the story? Never underestimate the power of good sunglasses. Without them, you might end up battling squirrels, embarrassing yourself in public, and almost running over a family of geese—all while looking like a bedazzled insect.
As I leaned back on the couch, I made a mental note: next time, I’m buying a backup pair. Or maybe ten. You can never be too prepared when it comes to the sun—and life’s endless parade of chaos.
***With the right sunglasses, you’ll not only look good but also keep your eyes safe and comfortable throughout your adventures. Whether you’re trekking through the mountains or lounging by the pool, make sure your eyewear is up to the task so you’re always ready to Travel Till You Drop!
Hi, Jill Here
Hi! I’m Jill, a Dallas, Texas girl traveling the world. After a career in the Air Force and touring over 50 countries later, my need to explore keeps going! It’s time to rock & roll and find all those places I never knew I was missing.
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