When packing for a holiday, we often focus on what clothes and footwear we will take with us to suit the climate of where we are heading. However, sunglasses are just as important but often overlooked accessories.
It doesn’t matter if you’re strolling on sunny Bondi Beach, hiking up Mount Coolum, or exploring the delights of Melbourne City; the right sunglasses can protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and add a stylish element to your travel attire.
But sunglasses aren’t just a one-type-fits-all solution because different styles and makes are more suited for certain landscapes than others.
The natural question is, what are the best sunglasses for every travel destination?
Well, we’ll attempt to answer that in this post.
Why sunglasses are a travel essential
Before we look at which style of sunglasses is best for different types of destinations, it is worth touching upon why sunglasses are an essential travel item.
When you travel, you become exposed to various lighting conditions, ranging from intense sunlight to the glare off of water or snow. Not wearing sunglasses when exposed to the UV rays from these sources can lead to a range of afflictions.
These include eye strain, headaches, and even long-term damage like cataracts or macular degeneration if you go without this form of eye protection for a prolonged period of time.
Wearing sunglasses with UV protection is essential because they serve as a shield, which reduces glare and keeps your eyes comfortable in challenging conditions.
If you don’t currently have a good pair of sunglasses for the destination you are going to, you should Book 1001 Optometry’s eye test to help you find the most suitable ones for your needs.
Best sunglasses styles for different environments
If you are planning to travel, either in Australia or abroad, here are the best sunglasses styles you should have for different landscapes and environments.
1. Beach getaways
For those heading to a tropical destination, such as the beach, polarised sunglasses are a must because they reduce glare reflected off the water. This makes them ideal for activities like swimming, sailing, or simply sunbathing by the waves.
Classic Aviators are a timeless and versatile style that looks good with a bikini or boardies whilst on the sand. Alternatively, oversized frames provide maximum UV coverage and a chic vacation vibe when spending time near the ocean.
2. Mountain adventures
When hiking or cycling up mountains, high-altitude destinations expose your eyes to more intense UV rays than they do further down towards sea level.
For this reason, wraparound sunglasses are essential because they provide you with added protection by blocking sunlight from the sides – which is particularly useful for hikers, skiers, and climbers. They also tend to be lightweight and durable, so they are ideal for these types of activities.
Mirrored lenses are another good option, as they reduce glare and provide you with excellent visibility in sunny and bright conditions.
3. City escapes
If you are visiting a city, you’ll want something that balances style and functionality.
Opting for sleek designs that complement your outfits while offering full UV protection is a sound idea. So, consider cat-eye frames, which are both feminine and retro and perfect for exploring trendy cafes and art galleries.
Geometric frames are another good option, as they add a cool and edgy touch to your look with hexagonal or square designs. They also make you look fabulous when photographed in a park or green nature space.
4. The outback
In arid regions such as The Outback, the sunlight can be intense, and dust can pose an additional threat to your eyes.
It pays then to pick sunglasses that are a snug fit and have an anti-reflective coating to protect your eyes from particles and the harsh glare.
Again, wraparound styles are good options as they can withstand the challenging conditions. However, gradient lenses are another decent choice, as they provide your eyes with a seamless transition between sunlit and shaded areas.
5. Snow
You might not be aware that snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, which means you’ll experience some bother if you aren’t wearing a good pair of sunglasses when skiing or snowboarding.
To best protect your eyes, goggles or shield sunglasses provide full coverage against snow glare, while blue-tinted lenses work well at enhancing contrast in snowy environments.
What are some popular brands of sunglasses?
There are hundreds of brands of sunglasses on the market at present, catering to all budgets and styles. Therefore, which one you choose is a matter of personal taste.
However, some leading brands for women in Australia include Prada, Gucci, Versace, and Burberry. Oakley, Ray-Ban, Maui Jim, and Tom Ford are among the most popular choices for men.
In terms of colours, black, brown, red, and blue frames tend to be most regularly chosen.
