Choosing a pair of glasses for a long one-way trip can feel like a bit of a daunting task. If you are planning on traveling to parts of the world where you will not be able to replace them easily, picking the right pair is incredibly important. We have compiled a list of tips to help you choose that perfect pair. If you do not want to read the whole article, and want a suggestion on where to go for some amazing frames, including stylish black glasses, click on the link.

See what you are drawn too

The most important rule when you feel overwhelmed by glasses choices. If a particular pair catches your eyes, try them on! Don’t worry about the shape or size; just try them on and work from there. Often we get too caught up in thinking what the perfect pair of glasses should look like.

Find frames that match your face shape

Work out what face shape you have, certain glasses suit different face shapes more. You will generally find that your head shape first into the following categories.

Oval – Balanced proportions, strong jawline, and a face a little bit taller than wide.

Round– Short face with a forehead that is a little wide

Square – Your face is as tall as it is wide and your jawline is square

Heart – Your face is narrow at the bottom and wider at the top

Oblong – Your face is narrow and long, with a thin nose

Match your frames with your personality traits

Glasses don’t just have to be for seeing, and they can also be a great fashion statement. Use your glasses as a way to show off your fashion sense. If you are a bold, confident person, go for bright, colorful frames. If you are quieter and more reserved, go for some classy, darker frames. There is an unlimited number of frames out there, find a pair that really feel like you!

Choose the right lens type

If your trip is going to include lots of adventuring, choosing a lens that is durable is essential. If you are going to be hiking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, or surfing, make sure you go for a pair that are made of either polycarbonate or Trivex. They are the most impact-resistant of all the lens materials. Polycarbonate and Trivex are also a lot lighter than normal plastic glasses; this can make them a lot more comfortable to wear, especially if you need an extra-strong prescription.

Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses usually have built-in protection against the sun’s UV rays and are really hard to scratch. Although the prices for Trivex and Polycarbonate are usually higher, in our eyes, they are totally worth every penny.

Going on a one-way trip is exciting and scary. There are lots of things you need to really plan in detail. Hopefully, by following these tips, choosing the glasses you are going to take with you will be a much easier task.

About Melissa Giroux

Melissa Giroux founded abrokenbackpack.com in 2015 and has been living abroad since 2014. Originally from Canada, she has embraced a digital nomad lifestyle, working online from various destinations worldwide. Melissa is passionate about travel, technology, entrepreneurship, and CrossFit. Her extensive travels have taken her across Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. Currently, she resides in Thailand.


☑ Book your flight: Who said you won’t be able to find cheap flights? My top saving tip is flexibility. If you're flexible, you should be able to find a cheaper flight. Check out Skyscanner or Google Flights for the hottest deals.

☑ Book your accommodation: Want the comfort of being at home or the luxury of a hotel? I love using Vrbo and Booking.com for those very reasons. If you're a solo traveler, Hostelworld offers a wide variety of hostels you should take a look at. Alternatively, if you're a budget traveler, sign up for Worldpackers to get FREE accommodation in exchange for work.

☑ Rent a car or an RV: Make your trip more comfortable by renting a car with DiscoverCars.com. This website allows you to compare car rentals around the world. If you're traveling in the United States, find an RV rental on RVshare.

☑ Stay safe: Travel mishaps happen – so, better be safe than sorry by covering your back with travel medical insurance. I would suggest SafetyWing, Genki or Heymondo as they offer the best rates, especially for long-term travelers.

☑ Pack the essentials: Universal charger, check; power bank, check; passport, check! What else could you forget? I've put together this ultimate packing list just for you!

☑ Do you need a visa? If you aren't sure if you need a visa, it’s highly recommended for you to double-check. You can use iVisa - it's super useful and easy to use.

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