The desire to travel has surged more than ever before, especially as the events of the past few years made it impossible. People have been going on ‘revenge travel’ trips to make up for lost time, even with high ticket prices. In such cases, anticipation can even result in higher happiness levels than the vacation itself. And packing is part and parcel of that anticipation – there’s nothing like the joy of cracking open that suitcase and looking forward to that holiday after all.
Unfortunately, when people pack for a holiday, they often forget to include weather-related items. For example, if you’re heading to a sunny coast, you might not think of packing a windbreaker, but it could help shield your skin from unwanted tanning. On the other hand, you may think of leaving sunglasses behind if you’re not visiting a tropical location. But here’s why sunglasses should be a non-negotiable item on your packing list, whether you’re heading to a ski or beach resort.
4 reasons to bring sunglasses on your next vacation
Avoid UV damage
There’s no shortage of research on the adequate eye protection sunglasses can provide from solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Sun damage can affect the lens proteins of the eye, which could lead to macular degeneration and cataracts. But just because you can’t feel the sun’s heat beating down on you doesn’t mean you shouldn’t worry about UV exposure. UVA rays can get through clouds, rain, fog, and even snow!
When people take UVA damage for granted by leaving their sunglasses at home or skipping sunscreen, they risk hastened aging in the delicate skin around the eye, manifesting as sun spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. On a more serious note, UVR can increase oxidative damage in the cells, which plays a role in some types of skin cancer. When choosing sunglasses, it’s recommended that you find a pair that can block 99% or 100% of UV rays.
Some manufacturers will have labels stating “UV absorption up to 400 nm”, which is also equivalent to 100% UV protection. Without this assurance, your shades may not be effective in protecting your eyes. The right sunglasses will keep you safe from the sun’s rays, and you can enjoy worry-free travel wherever you are.
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Round out an outfit
Traveling is no longer just about you seeing the sights – these days, it’s about others seeing you, too. There’s a new digital aspect to travel, primarily when you document your adventures and post them on social media. As a result, more people are prioritizing well-put-together travel ensembles and ensuring you’re ready for anything from head to toe. When choosing a pair of sunglasses for your next out-of-town adventure, you’ll need to find a pair that can protect your eyes while topping off your look.
Oakley’s collection of lifestyle sunglasses features lightweight frames and the option to polarise lenses to protect your eyes from the glare of reflective objects you’ll likely encounter on holiday, like snow or waves. The Frogskins frames come in a crystal-clear frame, ensuring universal outfit compatibility.
You don’t have to use sunglasses for their intended purpose, either – for one, sunglasses make for a fabulous headband in a pinch, or you could hang a statement pair on your shirt to jazz up your outfit. Paris Hilton’s collaboration with Aussie sunglass brand Quay features multicolored, Y2K-inspired frames that will catch the attention of your fellow travelers and your followers. There are also prescription and blue light-blocking specs in the collection for those looking for a pair they can use long after the holiday is over.
Keep glare and headaches at bay
Traveling can be a doozy for those prone to headaches, migraines, and vertigo. There’s nothing like a cocktail of constant motion, varying air pressure, and stick-straight economy seating to disrupt your holiday vibes. Another primary culprit is harsh reflected lighting, which can cause people to squint while in motion, resulting in eye irritation and headaches.
This is where polarised sunglasses come in since they only allow vertically-angled light to enter the eyes. Choose a pair with wrap-around frames to provide more eye coverage, ensuring that even peripheral light won’t trigger a headache. Keep them on even when you’re off the plane, as the glare from traveling by land at the destination is still something you need to deal with.
They call traveling sightseeing for a reason – so you’ll want your eyes to be in their best condition to make the most of your travels. Whether you’ve spent months preparing for your trip or are heading out on an unplanned travel adventure, make sure you bring your trusty pair with you!
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Jimmy Im has traveled to 113 countries, stayed in over 600 hotels and has flown a million airmiles. He lives in New York City.