
Last updated on February 1st, 2025
Looking to make your next vacation more exciting? There’s no better way to do that than to hop on the adventure travel trend. This kind of vacation, which involves exploring everything nature has to offer through adrenaline-fueled activities, is becoming so popular that the market for it is expected to generate a whopping $4.6 trillion by 2032—a far cry from the $366.7 billion it raked in in 2022.
Given how involved the activities here can be, it’s ideal to prepare for this kind of travel experience. We’ve noted that some of the best nature-loving vacation adventures you can try include whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and trail hiking, so you’ll want to pack essentials like moisture-wicking clothes, water bottles, and multi-tools. To prevent injury, you’ll also want to bring a first aid kit and items that will protect you from the sun.
Though sunscreen will be the first thing that comes to mind, don’t forget your eyes, too. Clear vision is crucial for avoiding accidents as you explore new, uneven terrain, which is why you’ll want to wear sunglasses to protect you no matter the circumstances you come across. Here’s how you can pick the right ones for exploring nature on your next vacation.
Invest in vision-enhancing lens technologies
If you’re exploring nature, you need more than sunglasses with UV-blocking lenses. Going kayaking or heading up snow-capped mountains? You’re at risk of temporarily blinding your eyes as the sun bounces off these reflective surfaces, which can heighten your risk of getting into accidents. In these cases, getting polarized sunglasses can help. As seen in models like Eyebuydirect’s Cortez, their lens coatings block out horizontal glare with vertical filters so you can see better, even in bright conditions.
Different lens colors can also enhance your eyesight depending on the outdoor activity you’re trying. Brown or amber tints enhance greens and blues, which can be great for sailing or rafting. Meanwhile, yellow and orange lenses can sharpen your vision in foggy conditions, perfect for hiking mountains or traversing snowy environments. If you want to try multiple kinds of activities while on vacation, consider investing in more versatile interchangeable sunglasses. Demand for these pieces is increasing because they come with multiple lens sets, allowing you to change them out and use the best ones suited for specific activities and environments. Market leader Tifosi offers lenses in different tints through outdoor-oriented models like the Veloce, which can help you benefit from clear vision and avoid accidents no matter what kind of adventure you’re on.
Choose your frames carefully
You need sunglasses that can withstand the elements but are still comfortable enough to wear no matter how many hours you spend outdoors, so be particular about the sunglasses frames you use. In this case, you may want to use blended nylon sunglasses. Leading eyewear brands often use it because it’s an affordable material that’s flexible, versatile, and easy to mold. However, such frames offer wearers additional benefits: they’re lightweight, so they’ll be comfortable to wear for longer, and they’re durable enough to last throughout your vacation.
It’s also wise to consider frame design. Even if they’re durable, sunglasses that don’t offer good coverage won’t adequately protect your eyes from dirt, debris, water, and other foreign objects that can scratch them as you’re exploring the outdoors, especially during fast-paced activities like mountain biking. Look for oversized or wraparound sunglasses like the Rawlings RY134, a model also made of blended nylon, to shield more of the eye area, prevent physical injury, and promote better adventure travel experiences.
Look for activity-specific features
Your adventure travel sunglasses can be even more effective if they’re specifically designed for the activity you want to try. As mentioned above, for example, cycling sunglasses often come with wraparound designs so foreign objects don’t scratch your eyes while you’re riding at high speeds. If you’re going on the water, getting sunglasses frames that float means you won’t lose them so easily. Meanwhile, sunglasses or goggles meant for snow sports like skiing also come with vents in the frames to prevent your eyesight from fogging up on the slope.
That said, consider the kind of nature exploration you want to try and let that inform the sunglasses you ultimately choose to pack in your suitcase. Oakley’s catalog of eyewear is one place you can get inspiration. This leading sports brand offers sunglasses specifically designed for different activities, including surfing and cycling, as well as a dedicated outdoors category. Some models are even made in collaboration with professional athletes—such as how NFL star Patrick Mahomes helped design the Kato—which is one benchmark you can use to guarantee your sunglasses will be useful for the specific activities you have in mind.