When you're getting ready for a holiday, there are a few things most of us instinctively double-check.
Passport? ✔️
Phone charger? ✔️
Swimwear? ✔️
But once you've landed and the sun comes out, there's one essential that's surprisingly easy to forget — and you won't realise until you need it.
Your eyewear.
Whether it's sunglasses, spare glasses or contact lens essentials, many people leave home with everything they need for the journey… but not necessarily everything they need to see comfortably once they arrive.
Here's what to remember before you zip up your suitcase.
1. Sunglasses with proper UV protection
Not all sunglasses are created equal.
A stylish pair is great, but the most important thing is that they offer UV400 protection, blocking 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
Whether you're relaxing by the pool, exploring a city or spending the day at the beach, your eyes are exposed to UV light for much longer than they are at home.
A quality pair of sunglasses helps reduce glare, improves comfort and protects your eyes while you enjoy your holiday.
2. A spare pair of glasses
It's easy to assume the pair you're wearing will last the whole trip.
But accidents happen.
Glasses get sat on, knocked off sun loungers or left behind in hotel rooms more often than you'd think.
Packing a spare pair can save a lot of stress if the unexpected happens.
If you wear prescription glasses every day, they're one of the most valuable things you can bring.
3. Contact lens essentials
If you wear contact lenses, remember to pack more than just the lenses themselves.
A simple checklist includes:
- Contact lenses
- Lens solution
- A clean storage case
- Lubricating eye drops (if recommended)
- Your glasses, just in case
Travelling often means longer days, air-conditioned flights and different climates, all of which can leave your eyes feeling drier than usual.
4. Prescription sunglasses
If you normally wear prescription glasses, swapping to non-prescription sunglasses can make sightseeing, driving or relaxing outdoors much less comfortable.
Prescription sunglasses allow you to enjoy clear vision while protecting your eyes from bright sunlight and glare.
They're one of those travel essentials people often wish they'd packed.
5. Eye drops for long travel days
Long flights, warm climates and air conditioning can all contribute to dry, tired eyes.
Keeping lubricating eye drops in your hand luggage can help your eyes stay comfortable throughout your journey.
If you already experience dry eyes, it's worth speaking to your optometrist before travelling for advice on the most suitable drops for you.
A quick holiday eyewear checklist
Before you leave, make sure you've packed:
✔️ Sunglasses with UV400 protection
✔️ Spare glasses
✔️ Contact lenses and solution
✔️ Prescription sunglasses (if needed)
✔️ Lubricating eye drops
A two-minute check before you leave home could save a lot of frustration once you arrive.
Ready for your next adventure?
Whether you're looking for new sunglasses, prescription sunglasses or simply want to make sure your vision is holiday-ready, we're here to help.
Explore our sunglasses collection
Or visit your local Eye Emporium practice before you travel.
