14 Best Travel Sunglasses for Beaches & Vacations
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Written by Kyle Kroeger
Sunglasses are one of those traveling essentials you should have with you. It is critical to safeguard your eyes with UV protection when touring the world as a traveler – the easiest and most stylish solution? Wearing sunglasses.
It’s never too early to look forward to summer vacations. All that’s required this year is a little outdoor fun and leisure beneath the beautiful blue sky. Ensure you have the right shades to rock the ultimate summer chic or the correct safety eyewear for your summer trip activities while planning and preparing your checklist!
Before you start spending, there are a few aspects you should look for in your sunglasses. Making the perfect choice for a nice pair of travel sunglasses is not always simple. There are so many different designs and options to choose from!
One essential thing to remember is that you do not need to spend much money to buy the best sunglasses – although an expensive pair will incentivize you not to lose or break them!
Our Top Picks by Category
Best Overall | Ray-Ban |
For Adults | Maui Jim |
Budget Option | SOJOS Small Round Polarized |
You can still purchase a great pair of sunglasses on a tight budget. We’ll show you the best sunglasses for travel and look for the various styles and features of great travel sunglasses to determine which ones are ideal.
Best Travel Sunglasses
1. Best Overall: Ray-Ban Aviator Classic
There’s a reason they’re famous. Favored by everyone from fighter and airline pilots to the stars of stage and screen, Ray-Bans’ traditional aviators are available in several lenses and design colors, ranging from black frames with green lenses to silver framing with silver-gray polarized lenses.
You may also pick the proper framing size for your face, add prescription lenses, and polarize them. They block 80% of the total light waves and most blue light and were originally developed for military usage.
That’s also why they’re bendable so that one pair can fit many different heads! Perhaps the best thing about these cool, classic-look shades is that you can consistently find them on sale.
Pros
- A wide range of lens and color choices
- Lightweight
- Includes a cleaning cloth
- Classic unisex sunglasses for everyday wear
- Bendable
- You can find them on sale all the time
Cons
- Overbending can mean breaking
- Not the comfiest after wearing a while
- Can be expensive
2. Budget Option: Sungait Vintage Round Sunglasses
These retro-looking Sungait eyeglasses are hard to match regarding price and style. They also look great on men and women. They’re compact and made to last, with a money-back guarantee and a lifetime warranty against breaking, thanks to tough composite UV-400 lenses.
While these shades are made of plastic, they are well-supported by a sturdy but flexible TR90 framework and are marketed as unbreakable. They also include a little screwdriver for adjusting the hinges.
Honestly, the only reason these aren’t the best overall shades on this list is that the brand hasn’t been around as long as Ray-Ban. They’re the perfect pair of sunglasses for your next adventure.
Pros
- Comprehensive coverage
- Cheap
- Versatile
- Well made
Cons
- It isn’t rubberized (I’m being really picky here)
3. For Skiing: Oakley Holbrook Square Sunglasses
For the high-glare circumstances of a ski slope, polarized, snug-fitting sunglasses are important, and you’ll want lighter glasses (look for polycarbonate lenses) and scratch- and impact-resistant.
With its Holbrook eyewear, Oakley, a pioneer in sports sunglasses, meets the criteria: the brand’s PRIZM lens technology enhances your eyesight in glare circumstances, traversing the backcountry and off-piste regions simpler.
They aren’t adjustable, so if you’re like me and one ear is higher, they can be off-kilter.
Pros
- Good scratch and impact resistance
- Protection from UVA, UVB, and UVC rays
- Available in a variety of lens colors
Cons
- Slightly loose, cramped, or wobbly on some heads
- Can be expensive
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4. For Golf: Oakley Men’s Flak Sunglasses
The Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Polarized Sunglasses are the best golf sunglasses, offering superb eye protection. The design is robust, compact, and three-point fit, while the PRIZM scratch-resistant glasses are made to contrast in H.D. for good views on the course, enabling you to detect fairways and rough borders and judge distance with enhanced eyesight.
Furthermore, grips keep the eyeglasses in place, even when swinging on a hot day. Try the Dark Golf version of these PRIZMs if you’re playing in bright, sunny weather.
The golf version of Oakley’s Flak 2.0 XL Prizm provides players with excellent contrast and color management, allowing them to easily track a golf ball in the air at great distances.
The Flak 2.0 XL is a fantastic alternative for a golf-specific set of lenses thanks to its lightweight, flexible, but robust frames.
Pros
- Lightweight
- High-quality lenses
- Good lens width
Cons
- Not flattering on every face shape
- Expensive
5. Oakley Men’s Turbine Polarized Sunglasses
The Turbine Polarized travel Sunglasses from Oakley are recognized for their high-quality lenses and innovative performance technologies. The lenses of such sunglasses are made of Plutonite, which blocks 100% of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays.
Even better, they shield you from blue light emitted by electronic gadgets. These travel sunglasses offer a three-point fit that only touches your nose for maximum comfort. The sunglasses are additionally cushioned in certain regions, so they don’t slide around when you sweat.
They may also be worn during vigorous sports and time spent relaxing in the sun since they have a streamlined design.
Pros
- Impact-resistant lenses
- Adjustable nose cushions that won’t pull hair
Cons
- Limited color choices
- Expensive
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6. Duduma Polarized Sports Sunglasses
Duduma’s polarized sports sunglasses will keep you safe from hiking to skiing paths. The 100% polarized coating protects your eyes from UV radiation while reducing glare.
The travel sunglasses are made of polycarbonate lenses and framing, which are scratch-resistant and available in hues, ranging from silver frames with black lenses to yellow lenses with black frames.
They’re a solid option for all sorts of outdoorsy types, and at this price, it isn’t such a huge deal if they fall into the stream!
Pros
- Affordability
- Scratch-resistant coating
- Versatility
Cons
- Not flattering on some facial shapes
7. HUK Sunglasses
Doctors recommend HUK glasses because they safeguard your eyes, wrapping them in a pleasantly padded halo offering full coverage. Dust, dirt, pollen, and wind are kept out, so your eyes will not tire during trekking or skiing.
The best thing about the Huk spear point sunglasses is their comfort and light. With an all-polarized, affordable offering, the Huk sunglasses basic Collection brings all fishermen together.
This basic eyewear collection includes a variety of styles and high-quality polarised, 100% UV-protected polycarbonate lenses to fulfill fishing needs. The best part is that most models are in polarized and prescription versions. Polarized lens eyewear has good performance and coverage.
Pros
- Shatter-resistant lenses
- No dust, grit, or wind gets into the eye
Cons
- It doesn’t suit those with broader features
- Comes without a case
- Not exactly perfect for all occasions
8. Torege Men’s Clock Stoppers
These Torege Clock Stoppers are some of the most pleasant running glasses on the marketplace and some of the most affordable.
The lenses are shatterproof and are composed of lightweight Grilamid TR90. These come with three replaceable lenses to adjust your eyesight for various light situations while running.
The inside cushioning grips your temples and nose for a firm fit as you sweat. Best of all, Torege’s frames have a lifetime guarantee against breaking.
Pros
- Versatile and stylish
- Lightweight
- Non-slip
- Affordable
Cons
- Not all lenses are polarized
- Switching lenses may be difficult
9. GREY JACK Polarized Aviator Sunglasses
Thousands of customers trust GREY JACK aviator sunglasses for men because they are effective sun blockers and are always on-trend. The lightweight and fashionable design will make you seem extremely stunning and stand out from the crowd on any occasion!
The glare from heat-hazed roadways, bodies of water, and other horizontal surfaces is reduced by wearing polarised sunglasses. The true color is restored and reflected, scattered light is eliminated, and the eyes are properly protected.
Polarized sunglasses reduce glare and provide more comfort for your eyes, allowing you to see more clearly.
These classic sunnies have an ultra-lightweight metal alloy frame with solid legs that are tough and durable. It has antioxidant plating, anti-allergy, and skin-friendly testing and is skin-friendly. It also has adjustable silicon nose cushions for maximum comfort. Provide two sizes to accommodate people’s various demands.
Pros
- Great UV protection
- Lifetime guarantee
- Durable and lightweight
Cons
- It may be too loose for little faces
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10. Le Specs Women’s Unreal Sunglasses
The sunglasses from Le Specs are affordable, exceptionally well crafted, and robust, so you’ll get more than one summer.
The Unreal sunglasses offer a new spin on the typical 1990s design with a larger profile and gold hardware on the oversized frames, ideal for spending time by the pool on your next trip.
Pros
- Stylish
- A warranty period of 6 months
Cons
- They don’t work well on broader faces
- They don’t provide as much coverage
- Poor choice for things like water sports, hiking, or biking
11. Prescription Option: Ray-Ban Rb2132 New Wayfarer Square Sunglasses
The Ray-Ban RB2132 New Wayfarer sunglasses combine the distinctive design of the Traditional Wayfarer with a slightly smaller body and a gentler eye shape, making them ideal for both men and women.
These non-polarized eyeglasses are suitable for both men and women. Like other Ray-Ban sunglasses, these unisex, non-polarized sunglasses are crafted of high-quality components.
The RB2132 unisex Wayfarer glasses are made of sturdy nylon, making them lighter and resistant to wear and tear. G-15 lenses, prescription-suitable and constructed of glass, are used in the Wayfarer shades.
Ray-Ban offers a wide range of frame colors and lens treatments, such as crystal green, brown, and gradation styles. All Ray-Ban New Wayfarer Classic sunglasses are made to be comfortable to wear while providing excellent visibility and safety.
The sunglasses come in several sizes to offer a relaxed but consistent quality. These UV-coated glass lenses shield your eyes from ultraviolet radiation and provide 100 percent UV protection. When worn, Ray-Ban glasses have precision-cut lenses that alleviate eye strain.
On cloudy and hazy days, when the sun is brilliant, and during sunrise and sunset, Ray-Ban unisex sunglasses are comfortable and effective.
Pros
- Bold
- Provides excellent clarity
Cons
- Arms bend easily
- No nose bars mean they can slip
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12. PersolPo3048s Rectangular Sunglasses
Italians are known for producing high-quality luxury fashion items, and Persols are hard to match if you’re searching for a pair of glasses that will suit you for a lifetime.
This model, which has remained a classic since the 1980s, has stood the test of time thanks to its classic elegance, high-quality lenses, and the world’s first patented method for preventing temple squeezing.
Other types have modern and traditional designs, with partnerships with smart labels such as A.P.C., keeping things interesting. Better still, for an additional $10, you can add a monogram.
Pros
- Comfortable fit
- Stylish design
- Customizable
Cons
- Color possibilities are limited
- The nose pads aren’t movable
13. Vincent Chase By Lenskart
The Vincent Chase line includes some of the most fashionable sunglasses. It comes in various colors and forms, always displaying your flair.
Brown Full Rim Round sunglasses are manufactured of polycarbonate, a type of plastic that is thinner and lighter than regular plastic, making them suitable for both men and women. Round sunglasses are classic and generally have an academic feel about them.
This retro-cool frame style is available in various colors for men and women at Lenskart. They have a scratch-resistant covering, block 100% of dangerous UV rays up to 400 nm, and are extremely light and impact-resistant.
They have super lightweight frames, but they’re pretty tough. You can stuff them into luggage and purses and even sit on them without damaging them.
Pros
- A fashionable, modern take on a classic look
- Lightweight
- Safe even for sensitive skin
Cons
- Expensive
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14. REKS Round Sunglasses
These Reks sunglasses do not fold, but they are almost indestructible. For sharp contrast, choose the memory-flex polycarbonate polarized version.
These sunglasses have various coatings, including multi-layer mirrors, hydrophobic, scratch-resistant, and anti-reflective. They also provide 100% UV 400 protection. This pair will survive for years, whether you put them in a case, a purse, or even sit on them.
Pros
- Scratch-resistant
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Limited frame colors
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Buying Guide: What To Look For With Travel Sunglasses
Here are our top tips when it comes to purchasing sunglasses for traveling.
Activity
If you’re searching for bicycle sunglasses, they won’t be the same as the sunnies you’d wear out to lunch. Sports glasses are designed to wrap over your head more securely, but their style might be too much for regular usage. Choose wisely, and don’t be scared to purchase two pairs. Each one will endure a long time if handled with care.
Style
There’s a good pair for everybody, whether you want to go athletic or more fashion-forward and classic style. Look through your get-up to see what goes with your style. You can also style light clothes and the best sunglasses for the beach.
Price
Sunglasses are available at almost every range of affordable prices so that you may spend as many or as little. Choose a useful and attractive pair to you so that putting them becomes a (fun) habit. Of course, if you’re prone to losing them, investing a lot of money may not be the greatest option.
Reliability
You would have two choices when it comes to sunglasses design. Spend less ahead and get a great product that would last, or pay extra ahead and get good quality that lasts. The disadvantage of the first choice is that you will wind up spending more and being dissatisfied with your purchase.
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Convenience
When it comes to travel sunglasses, safety is key. Who wants to put on uncomfortable spectacles? There are some key things to keep an eye out for. The first factor to consider is the weight; the smaller the mass, the comfier it will be.
Generally speaking, the bigger the sunglass design, the heavier it is. They’ll slide and make you feel uncomfortable if they’re overly heavy. It’s inconvenient to push your glasses back during the day continually. The elasticity, lightness, and convenience of your sunglasses are all influenced by the materials and designs of the frames.
U.V. Shielding
Too many UV rays have been proven to harm your eyes. If you’re searching for a new pair of travel sunglasses, UV rays mean protection is required. Look for eyeglasses that protect you from 99 to 100 percent UVA and harmful UV rays. This includes UV 400 filters, which prevent all UV rays with wavelengths of up to 400 nanometers. (This includes both UVA and UVB rays).
Other features to look for include:
- Sunglasses that block 75 to 90% of visible light;
- Lenses that are exactly matched in color and devoid of distortions and defects
- Gray lenses for appropriate color recognition.
Extensive coverage
When purchasing a pair of the best sunglasses for travel, most individuals overlook the importance of coverage. However, it is something you should think about and is significant. The lens will provide additional security to your eyes if it covers a larger eye region. The skin around your eyes is very sensitive and easily damaged.
The bigger lenses will shield your eyes from damaging UV radiation from the sides. This will assist in preventing wrinkles by reducing the time you squint and frown. Wraparound sunglasses are another option since they effectively filter light from the sides.
Polarized
Polarized sunglasses may help protect your eyesight. A unique chemical coating on polarized glasses helps to remove or decrease glare. The sun’s light reflects off water or a solid surface, causing glare.
Polarized glasses help you see items clearly by filtering light from various angles. This will shield your eyes while also preventing you from blinking. You’ll prevent inflammation and redness in your eyes and eye damage.
Coatings for Sunglass Lenses
The more costly the eyeglasses, the more levels of coverings they are likely to have. Humid environments or high-energy events may include a hydrophobic layer to resist moisture, an anti-scratch layer to increase longevity, and an anti-fog covering.
A reflecting layer placed on the exterior surfaces of certain sunglass lenses is known as mirrored or flash coating. They eliminate glare by reflecting much of the light that strikes the glass. The fact that mirror coverings make items look darker, lighter colors are often utilized.
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