When packing for a vacation, sunglasses are often seen as an afterthought. However, they should be an essential part of any travel wardrobe. Beyond elevating your style, sunglasses are crucial for protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, excessive exposure to UV light increases your risk of eye diseases and other problems. You can lower your risk of developing potentially blinding eye diseases like cataracts, eye cancers, and pterygium by wearing sunglasses. With so much at stake, choosing the right pair for your destination is vital.
Different vacation settings call for different sunglasses styles. The bright glare of a mountain slope, the sunny expanse of a beach, or the reflective snow of alpine resorts – each demands eyewear tailored to its specific conditions. In this guide, we’ll explore sunglasses perfectly suited for these popular vacation spots, ensuring your eyes are always protected in style.
Mountain adventures: Polarized sunglasses
The US has its fair share of striking peaks and beautiful mountain towns, such as the Mammoth Lakes in California and Telluride in Colorado. Breathtaking vistas and thrilling adventures await in these areas, but traveling here also comes with unique challenges. For instance, the World Health Organization reports that higher altitudes mean less atmosphere to absorb UV radiation. With every 1000m in altitude, UV levels increase by about 10%.
Polarized sunglasses are your best ally in this environment. They are designed to reduce glare and improve visual clarity, so the polarized lenses allow you to take in the scenery while protecting your eyes. Some excellent options for this include the Holbrook by Oakley and the Ray-Ban Aviator Classics. Available on Glasses.com, both models offer 100% UV protection and are suitable for rugged exploration.
Beachside getaways: Oversized sunglasses
You can visit plenty of sunny destinations for your next vacation, such as Thailand, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Costa Rica, and Indonesia, which offer golden sands, warm waters, and colorful experiences. Of course, for these beach vacations, oversized sunglasses are a must. The larger frames make a bold fashion statement and provide comprehensive coverage to shield your eyes and the sensitive skin around them. Coastal areas often have intense sunlight reflecting off the water and sand, so opt for lenses with UV400 protection for maximum safety.
Explore chic styles like the Dresner from Oliver Peoples or the PR54WS from Prada. In addition to featuring large lenses, these models have titanium frames. This means they’re sturdy yet lightweight and corrosion-resistant, ideal for long days lounging by the sea.
Alpine vacations: Wraparound sunglasses
Wraparound sunglasses are indispensable if your holiday itinerary involves skiing, snowboarding, or other alpine activities. Sunglasses in this style are made to offer maximum eye coverage, protecting against UV rays, wind, and snow. Snow, in particular, can reflect up to 80% of UV rays, significantly increasing the risk of eye damage.
An excellent option for alpine vacations is the Oakley Flex Scape, a hybrid goggle that turns into wraparound sunglasses by swapping the goggle strap for sunglass stems. Engineered for performance and comfort, this eyewear adapts to activities like tackling snowy slopes and hiking on alpine trails. For something more affordable, check out wraparound sunglasses like the Costa Fantail, which are also practical for any outdoor activity.
Whether climbing up the mountains, lounging on a beach, or hitting the slopes, choosing the right pair of sunglasses enhances your experience while keeping your eyes protected.
