Summer Holiday Packing List: Eyewear Edition
Planning a summer holiday? Whether you're heading to the coast, the outback, or overseas, your eyewear deserves a spot on the packing list. Here's how to make sure your sunglasses survive the journey and keep you protected wherever you go.
Why Sunglasses Are Your Most Important Travel Accessory
Think about how much time you spend outdoors on holiday — sightseeing, beach days, hiking, eating alfresco. Your sunglasses are probably on your face more than any other single item. Yet most people throw them unprotected into a bag and hope for the best.
The Crushproof Travel Advantage
Luggage is brutal on sunglasses. They get squeezed between clothes, pressed by books, and sat on in overhead bins. This is where frame material makes all the difference:
- Acetate frames — One solid squeeze and they crack or snap.
- Metal frames — Bend out of shape and rarely go back to original form.
- Carbon fibre frames — Virtually crushproof. They handle compression and impact without cracking or deforming.
The Voyager Black is designed to survive exactly the kind of abuse that travel dishes out. Throw it in your carry-on without worrying about finding broken sunnies at the other end.
Packing Tips for Your Sunglasses
Even with crushproof frames, a few smart packing habits keep your lenses perfect:
- Always use a hard case — Even carbon fibre frames benefit from a hard case to protect the lenses from scratches.
- Pack in your carry-on — Never check sunglasses in hold luggage where they'll be subjected to rough handling.
- Keep a microfibre cloth handy — Sunscreen, salt spray, and travel grime will get on your lenses. A quick wipe keeps them clear.
- Bring a retainer strap for active days — If your holiday involves water sports, hiking, or cycling, a simple strap prevents loss.
Holiday Activities and Your Sunglasses
Match your eyewear to your holiday plans:
- Beach holidays — Polarised lenses are essential for water and sand glare. Rinse with fresh water daily to remove salt.
- Road trips — Polarised lenses dramatically reduce road glare. Essential for long drives through the Australian outback.
- City sightseeing — UV protection is important even in urban environments. Glass and concrete reflect UV radiation.
- Skiing — High-altitude UV levels are extreme. Snow reflection intensifies exposure.
The One-Pair Holiday
One advantage of a versatile pair like the ShadyMate Voyager is that you don't need to pack multiple pairs. A single pair of polarised, UV400, lightweight sunglasses handles beach, driving, dining, and sport. Less to pack, less to lose, less to break.
Don't Forget Sunglasses for the Kids
Children's eyes are even more susceptible to UV damage than adults'. Make sure the whole family has proper UV-protective sunglasses before you travel.
Explore the ShadyMate Voyager range and start your holiday with the right eye protection. Free Australian shipping means you can order right up until departure.
