Packing for a family trip is never simple. Between swimming kits, chargers, snacks and enough spare socks for a week away, it is easy to forget the smaller things that make a real difference once you arrive. For anyone in the family who wears contact lenses, a bit of planning goes a long way, whether you are heading off for a weekend at a UK holiday park or a two week trip to Orlando.
If you wear lenses yourself, keeping a backup pair with you is always worth doing. Lost luggage, a lens that tears, or simply running low mid trip can throw off an otherwise well organised holiday. Many parents now order a spare box online before they travel, since services offering contact lenses next day delivery mean you are not stuck waiting around if a top up is needed at short notice.
Packing lenses for flights and long journeys
Cabin bags can get chaotic quickly, so it helps to keep lens supplies in one small clear pouch alongside your other liquids. Pack a spare set of lenses, a travel size bottle of solution and your case, and keep them somewhere easy to reach rather than buried at the bottom of a bag. If you are flying, remember that cabin air is dry, so lenses can feel a little more uncomfortable than usual. A small bottle of rewetting drops is a handy addition for long haul trips to places like Orlando or Dubai.
Theme parks, water parks and days out
Days out at theme parks or water parks bring their own challenges for lens wearers. Fast rides, splash zones and long hours in the sun can all affect comfort. Daily disposable lenses are worth considering for these kinds of trips, since you can simply pop a fresh pair in each morning and throw them away at the end of the day. This also means you do not need to worry about carrying solution or a case around the park.
For families exploring Yorkshire, days at places like Sledmere House or a Christmas market in York often involve a fair bit of walking outdoors in changing weather. Wind and cold air can dry lenses out, so keep a small bottle of drops in your coat pocket or bag if you know you will be outside for most of the day.
Cruises and holiday parks
On a cruise or at a UK holiday park, you are often away from a pharmacy for several days at a time. It is worth packing more lenses than you think you will need, plus a spare pair of glasses as backup. Salt water and swimming pools are not lens friendly, so if you are planning on spending time at a splash park or the ship’s pool, either wear goggles or take your lenses out beforehand.
Sorting out a top up before you go
The easiest way to avoid any last minute stress is to check your lens supply a week or two before you travel. If you are running low, ordering online ahead of time means your lenses can arrive well before your case is even packed. Most retailers can get an order to you within a day or two, so even a late booking does not have to mean going away without enough lenses.
A few extra tips for travelling with lenses
- Always carry a spare pair of glasses, just in case
- Keep solution and lens cases in your hand luggage rather than checked bags
- Daily disposables are often the simplest option for busy trip days
- Pack a small bottle of eye drops for dry cabin air or windy days out
- Check your prescription is up to date before booking an eye heavy trip like a theme park holiday
A little bit of preparation before you leave home can save a lot of hassle once you are away. Whether it is a weekend in the Lake District or two weeks in Florida, having the right lens supplies packed and ready means one less thing to think about, leaving you free to enjoy the trip with the rest of the family.
