During a trip its great to get out and about but unfortunately, it’s due to this that several studies have discovered that travellers are more likely to get sun damage because of prolonged exposure outdoors.
Furthermore, it’s been found that British people hardly protect their eyes from the sun as they’re typically used to overcast weather, leading to more cases of sun-induced conditions among the population.
This is partly why sun protection, especially using sunglasses, is a travel essential.
You don’t want to make the mistake of overpacking only to realise that you’ve forgotten eyewear that is essential for your safety and comfort throughout your trip.
If you need help choosing the right pair of sunglasses for your next trip, here are a few things to consider.
What Activities Will You Be Doing?
Adventure tourism is gaining in popularity, statistics now show that around 40% of British tourists prefer active trips away. These typically include sports-related activities, as well as adrenaline-inducing situations.
If you’re a daredevil at heart, or fancy a backpacking, ski or active adventure, it’s important to find sunglasses that can accommodate your needs. Thus, frame material is a big thing to look out for.
If you want something lightweight and durable, you can opt for titanium frames that won’t easily break.
Or if you prefer plastic material, go for blended nylon frames, as it’s commonly used for sports eyewear. It’s best to find one that feels comfortable and will hold up during your trip.
Is Fashion Important?
Everyone wants to look their best on holiday, which is why it is best to have an understanding of travel style and fashion. This will make you feel more confident.
Apart from protecting your eyes, sunglasses are a great outfit accessory. However, it’s only flattering under certain conditions.
An important question to ask is “what glasses suit my face shape?" Generally, the style you choose should complement the outline of your face. For example, if you have a square-shaped face, avoid thin, angular styles that may highlight your chin.
On the other hand, round faces would benefit from sharp frame edges to balance out their features. By accounting for your face shape, not only will your sunglasses look better, but you’ll be more compelled to wear them, too.
Are You Planning a Beach Break?
A survey conducted by EasyJet found that 2 out of 3 Brits are more likely to choose a sunny beach holiday over other trips. Apart from being relaxing, there are many water-related activities for everyone in the family.
If you’re planning to stay near the beach, or going on a resort holiday, possibly to the beautiful Spanish islands, getting a polarised coating for your sunglasses is recommended.
Looking at the water is very relaxing, but it exposes you to sunlight glare being reflected by the waves. This can be very distracting and still cause squinting despite wearing sunglasses. By adding polarisation, you can experience relief from any harsh glares on the water.
Many people find that they can elevate their vision with GlassesUSA.com's collection, which includes a variety of polarised options ideal for these settings.
Are Prescriptions Necessary?
There is a booming prescription lens industry across Europe, so it can be said that a significant portion of the population requires vision correction. In the UK alone, nearly 18% of people struggle with their vision.
If you’re included in this group, it can be inconvenient when travelling as you might not be able to see clearly out of a standard pair of sunglasses, and you’ll have to bring your normal glasses with you everywhere you go.
To avoid this, retailers can apply your prescriptions to your chosen sunglasses upon purchase. This will allow you to see better while still protecting your eyes on a trip.
What is the Climate at Your Destination?
Each destination comes with its own distinct climate, and you may be surprised to know that these varying weather conditions have a corresponding lens tint to help sunglasses wearers comprehend details better.
If you’re travelling within the UK, a yellow lens tint will suit its moist and temperate weather. This is because yellow works best on hazy days when sunlight isn’t directly beaming on your face.
For a tropical adventure, possibly Mexico or Thailand, brown-tinted lenses will provide ample visual contrast against water.
On the other hand, blue-tinted lenses are recommended if you’re headed somewhere with lots of snow. Through lens tints, you’ll have a better chance of enjoying any picturesque vacation surroundings.
Buy Your Ideal Sunglasses
There are lots of different factors that you need to consider when buying a new pair sunglasses.
What you buy really comes down to your destination and what you are going to be doing. You will also need to consider your budget and decide whether fashion is more important than durability.
Spending time researching the best sunglasses for you and paying for a reputable brand really will provide you with better eye protection.