I learned this the hard way: your nicest sunglasses are not meant for travel. Early on, I ignored every warning about leaving them at home, dropped my favorites somewhere between a cobblestone street and a taxi trunk, and never saw them again.
Now I keep one pair in the car and another exclusively for trips. Over time, a few models have earned a permanent spot in my bag — along with some small accessories that seem minor until you need them.
The Sunglasses I Actually Pack
I mix city walking with outdoor days, so versatility matters more to me than brand prestige. Here is what has worked.
Goodr Sunglasses — Best Budget Option
These are the pair you do not need to worry about. I had a pair of Goodrs that served perfectly well, and when they eventually disappeared on a trip, it was no great tragedy. There are plenty of models to choose from, but the real benefit is peace of mind: lose them or scratch them and you can move on without stress.
Ombraz Armless Sunglasses — Editor’s Pick
I have been using Ombraz sunglasses for years, and they are my go-to for outdoor days. Instead of sidearms, they come with a built-in cord that adjusts to fit around your neck or sit on top of your head. They pack flat, stay secure in wind, and are ideal if you take your glasses on and off frequently — which I do whenever Sam hands me the camera.
I have both the Dolomite and Classics shapes. If you have a low nose bridge like I do, the Nose Pad Risers make a noticeable difference. They also sell Side Shields, which came in handy at Burning Man when the dust was relentless.
Pair Eyewear — Most Versatile
Pair Eyewear works on a simple but clever idea: a base frame with magnets that lets you swap out top frames. The same glasses become prescription eyewear in the morning and sunglasses by afternoon. I appreciate not having to carry two pairs when we travel.
Maui Jim Polarized Sunglasses
For traditional-style shades, I prefer Maui Jim. I like the oversized frames that protect the skin around my eyes, but it is really the lenses that matter — they do not just darken everything. The polarization eliminates glare and actually enhances colors, so natural light looks clearer rather than muted.
Mine makes everything look a little like sunset, which I think is a fair trade for the price.
Accessories Worth Packing
A good pair of sunglasses is only as useful as you can keep it protected. These two small additions have saved me more than once.
The Bristow Lens Jacket — A Slim Glasses Case
This slim case was invented by Jacob, a friend of mine, and his college roommate — they raised over $144k on Kickstarter for it. Rather than enclosing the whole frame in a bulky case, the Lens Jacket slips just over the lenses, which are really the part that needs protection. It folds into your bag or pocket without adding weight.
The exterior is supple sheepskin leather and the interior has a soft fuzzy liner. I was told a bomber jacket inspired the design, and honestly, it makes sense.
A Glasses Chain
I saw a friend wearing one of these and immediately knew I needed one. Paired with the Lens Jacket, my glasses look like they come with their own tiny purse, which I think is rather charming. It also means I can take them on and off without hunting for a safe place to set them down — helpful when you are moving through airports or trying to snap photos.
My only note: the chain does tangle if it gets bunched up at the bottom of my bag alongside keys and cards. I am considering trying a stone-beaded version next time, which seems less prone to knots.
A Few Final Thoughts
The right sunglasses for travel do not have to be your most expensive pair — they just need to fit how you actually move through a day. A cord that keeps them from slipping off, lenses that handle glare without washing out the world, and a slim case that does not take over your bag: those are the details worth getting right.
What about you? Do you have a travel pair of sunglasses that has survived every trip, or are you still looking for one?
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