Traveling is all about new experiences and looking great in your photos. Colored contacts can elevate your look, but the thought of dealing with lens care on the go can be stressful. Worry no more! With a little planning, you can enjoy vibrant eyes from takeoff to touchdown without any hassles.
This is your no-fuss, stress-free guide to traveling with colored contacts.
Before You Go: The Pre-Flight Checklist
A little preparation makes all the difference.
1. Pack Smart: The "Contacts Kit"
Create a dedicated pouch just for your eye care essentials. This keeps everything organized and clean. Your kit should include:
- An ample supply of lenses: Pack more than you think you'll need. If you plan to wear them for 5 days, bring at least 7-8 pairs.
- Your backup glasses: NEVER travel without your prescription glasses. They're your safety net if you lose a lens or experience eye irritation.
- Travel-sized contact lens solution: Ensure it's under 100ml for carry-on compliance. It's also wise to pack a larger bottle in your checked luggage.
- A clean, new contact lens case: Start your trip with a fresh case to avoid bacteria.
- Rewetting drops: Choose preservative-free singles for maximum comfort, especially on flights.
2. Choose the Right Lenses for Travel
When it comes to travel, convenience is king.
- Daily Disposables are the Ultimate Winner: They are the undisputed best choice for travelers. No need for solution or a case—just wear a fresh, sterile pair each day and discard it at night. This is the easiest way to maintain hygiene on the road.
- If You Use Monthlies: Stick to your cleaning routine rigorously. Never use tap water to rinse your lenses or case, no matter how clean the local water seems.
3. See Your Eye Doctor
If it's been a while since your last check-up, schedule an appointment before a big trip. Ensure your prescription is up-to-date and that your eyes are healthy for travel.
During Your Trip: In-Flight & Daily Care
1. On the Airplane
Airplane cabins are extremely dry, which can make contact lenses uncomfortable.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water.
- Use Lubricating Drops: Apply preservative-free rewetting drops periodically during the flight.
- Consider Going Glasses-Free: For long flights, it might be more comfortable to wear your glasses and put your contacts in once you land.
2. Your Daily Routine on Vacation
- Wash Your Hands Thoroughly: This is always rule #1, but it's even more critical when you're touching public surfaces. Use soap and water and dry with a lint-free towel.
- Stick to Your Schedule: Don't be tempted to overwear your daily lenses or extend the life of your monthlies. Your eyes will thank you.
- Keep a Pair Handy: Always carry a spare pair of lenses or your glasses in your day bag. You never know when you might need them.
Destination-Specific Tips
- Beach Vacations: Avoid opening your lens case on sandy beaches. Sand and contacts are a terrible mix. Do your lens handling indoors.
- Swimming: Never wear your contacts in the ocean, a pool, or a hot tub. Waterborne microbes can get trapped under the lens and cause serious infections. If you must have perfect vision while swimming, use prescription goggles.
- City Exploration: Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer, but make sure you wash your hands after using it and before handling your lenses, as sanitizer residue can irritate your eyes.
Your Stress-Free Packing Checklist:
- More than enough daily disposable lenses
- Backup prescription glasses
- Travel-sized contact lens solution
- A brand new lens case
- Preservative-free rewetting drops
- A clean, dedicated pouch for everything
The Bottom Line:
Travel should be about making memories, not worrying about your contacts. By choosing dailies, packing a smart kit, and maintaining simple hygiene, you can explore the world with clear, colorful, and comfortable vision.
Now go out there and see the world in a whole new light—and a whole new color!
