When you’re planning a trip, your glasses should be #1 on your packing list. After all, it’s a whole lot easier to see the sights when you can, well, see. And trying to read a menu in a dim restaurant without your readers? That’s a special kind of travel nightmare.
Basically, forgetting your glasses—or having something happen to them mid-trip—simply isn’t an option.
Traveling with eyeglasses isn’t hard, but it does require a little foresight (pun very much intended). Smart planning can save you from blurry views and avoidable stress. Here are our best tips to keep your vision crystal clear from destination to destination.
Packing Your Eyewear
Prescription glasses are much harder to replace than spare underwear. That’s why your glasses should always go in your carry-on bag, not in checked luggage. If your suitcase decides to vacation elsewhere, you’ll still be able to see—which will come in handy when you’re out shopping for new undies.
Here’s how to pack your eyewear like a pro:
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Use a sturdy, hard-sided case. Even if you plan to wear your glasses non-stop, bring a sturdy case. You never know when you’ll need to stash your glasses in a bag, whether for a quick nap on the train or an impromptu swim. A hard case keeps them safe from scratches and accidental crushing.
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Pack an extra pair. The unpredictability of travel is part of the fun. But missing a morning at the Louvre because you have to replace your broken glasses with an optometrist who doesn’t speak English? It’s not exactly the adventure anyone is looking for. Save yourself the stress by packing a backup pair, especially if you’re traveling internationally with eyeglasses.
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Carry an emergency kit. Many eyewear mishaps are surprisingly fixable if you have the right tools. Pack an eyewear emergency kit with lens cleaning solution, microfiber wipes, and a tiny repair kit. A little duct tape isn’t a bad idea either. No, it’s not glamorous (unless retro nerd chic is your vibe), but it could be just the thing to save the day.
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Don’t forget your accessories. A stylish chain adds a bit of extra insurance against drops, clip-on sunglasses help your specs do dual-duty (saving space in your pack for souvenirs), and fog-free spray helps to fight cloudiness in humid climates.
Managing Contacts on the Road
Glasses are stylish and dependable, but many people prefer contacts when they set out for an action-packed itinerary. Contacts are less likely to fog up, slide down your nose, or, most importantly, fall from a zip line or ski lift.
If contacts are your travel companion of choice, keep these tips in mind:
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Pack a cleaning kit. A contact case, cleaning solution, and hand sanitizer are essential. Clean hands and clean contacts are non-negotiable when you’re hopping between airports and attractions.
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Consider disposables. Daily disposable lenses are a lower-hassle option to simplify your routine. They do take up more space in your suitcase, but it’s a small trade-off for the convenience.
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Pack extras. Contacts have an incredible talent for disappearing at the worst possible moment. Extra lenses mean you’re not left squinting through the day.
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Always carry backup glasses. Even die-hard contact wearers need a fallback. Travel fatigue and dry airplane air can make contact lenses uncomfortable fast. You’ll be grateful for a reliable pair of glasses when there aren’t enough drops in the world to soothe your dry eyes.
What to Do If Your Glasses are Lost or Broken During Travel
Even the best planning can’t prevent every mishap when you’re traveling with eyeglasses. Here’s what to do if you lose or break your glasses on the road.
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Have a copy of your prescription handy. Knowing your prescription can save a lot of time getting a new pair of glasses or contacts, especially if your home optometrist is half a world (and several time zones) away. Store a printed copy in your luggage and a digital version on your phone for easy access anywhere.
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Find a same-day optometrist or optical shop. Many cities (and even airports) have local shops that can get you into a new pair of glasses fast. The internet, your hotel concierge, and locals may all be able to point you in the right direction.
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Grab over-the-counter readers. If you’ve misplaced your readers, you might find a replacement pair at department stores and pharmacies. They won’t be perfect, but they’ll work in a pinch.
Plan for Travel with a New Pair of Glasses
If you’ve got a big trip on the calendar, consider an eyewear upgrade. Getting a new pair of glasses before departure ensures you’re traveling in comfort and style. Shop the full collection of eyebobs eyewear for fashion-forward frames to take you around the world and back.
