To protect your eyes, sunglasses should be a daily accessory, especially in summer. But if you’re also bringing your sunglasses along on vacation, you’ll want to make sure they’re up to the task. The best travel sunglasses have special features to keep you protected and comfortable. Polarized, anti-scratch, and/or UV-protecting lenses are a must, as are other qualities like a light weight, a good price, and serious durability.
Best Travel Sunglasses for Summer
Here are my top picks of sunglasses for travel, including picks for active, clumsy, and fashion-forward travelers.
Travel Sunglasses for the Clumsy Traveler: Reks Round Lumolux
Attention prone-to-accidents travelers: These are the best travel sunglasses for you. Reks makes an unbreakable pair of travel sunglasses with anti-glare and UV 400 protective lenses. Thanks to the polymer frame material, you can drop ’em, bend ’em, or throw ’em in the bottom of your bag; whatever you do, this pair of travel sunglasses won’t break or scratch.
Travel Sunglasses for the Active Traveler: Native Eyewear Catamount
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If you’re planning on spending a lot of time outdoors, especially doing activities like hiking and camping, you’ll want to use the included, interchangeable SportFlex lenses—made for flat light to overcast conditions, meaning their performance doesn’t wane in the early morning or late afternoon. The other pair of lenses included with these travel sunglasses is the N3 Polarized option, which blocks four times more infrared light than normal polarized lenses. Plus, all Native Eyewear sunglasses come with a lifetime warranty.
Travel Sunglasses for the Classic Traveler: Kaenon Mather
Kaenon’s classic, aviator-style sunglasses are one of the best sunglasses for travel because of their lightweight frames and comfort. These unisex travel sunglasses have polarized lenses, hypoallergenic nose pads, and include prescription lens options. Pick between a brown tint—best for sports—or black tint—the most natural tint for clarity.
This pair of travel sunglasses is perfect for guys on an active vacation, but who still want to look stylish. The brand’s 580 lenses are some of the best polarized sunglasses on the market and are scratch-resistant and super lightweight.
Travel Sunglasses for the World Traveler: Cloudfield Bamboo Sunglasses
Amazon
Not only are these travel sunglasses stylish and practical, they’re also responsible. These sunglasses are made from bamboo, which is a naturally eco-friendly product. Another great benefit to these travel sunglasses are their polarized and UV-blocking lenses, which help block glare and protect your eyes.
Travel Sunglasses for the Millennial Traveler: OSVAW Round Arrow Style Sunglasses
For the trendy or urban traveler, these cat eye sunglasses just might be your perfect pair. At only $18, you won’t break the bank if you end up losing them and they even have polarized lenses. Hide your jetlag and turn heads at the same time with the oversized frames that are flattering on any face shape.
Travel Sunglasses for All Day Comfort: TAIQX Lightweight SunglassesAmazon
If you’re like me, you’re prone to headaches after a long day of wearing sunglasses. Well, not with TAIQX‘s lightweight sunglasses. The comfortable fit is found on all of the brand’s sunglasses, but I particularly like this style, which is flattering for all face shapes and is super lightweight. The unisex style comes with polarized lenses and a flexible stainless steel frame.
Travel Sunglasses for the Beach-Lover: Rheos Wyecreeks Floating Sunglasses
Amazon
These are the best travel sunglasses for beach vacationers, surfers, boaters, or anyone who loves being out on the water. Why? Because they float! They’re awesome for summer vacations since you can wear them in the water without the fear of losing them. Plus, the frames are lightweight and come in lots of trendy colors.
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Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.
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