Traveling With Contacts: The Complete Packing Checklist
Nothing ruins the first night of a trip like realising your lens case is still on the bathroom counter at home. Save this checklist and you'll never scramble at a hotel pharmacy again.
The essentials
- Your lenses for every day of the trip, plus two extra pairs
- A clean contact lens case, and a spare
- Travel-size multipurpose solution
- Lubricating eye drops approved for contacts
- Your glasses and a protective glasses case
- A small mirror
Why a case you can spot matters
A clear or white case disappears in a hotel bathroom or next to a sun lounger. A bright JADE case is easy to spot when you're packing up, which is exactly when most cases get left behind. Its leak-proof threaded caps mean no solution in your wash bag either. Travelling with a friend? Our set of two gives you one each, in different colours so they never get mixed up.
Flying with contacts
- Liquids rules. At most EU and UK airports, carry-on liquids still need to be in containers of 100 ml or less, packed in one clear bag. Some airports with newer scanners allow more, so check your departure airport before you go.
- Dry cabin air. Planes are dry. Keep eye drops in your personal item, not your checked bag.
- Sleeping on the plane. Plan to take your lenses out before a long nap. Your case needs to be within reach, not in the overhead bin.
Road trips and weekends away
Pack everything in one small pouch so it moves from bag to bathroom in one grab. Don't leave solution or lenses in a hot car for long periods.
Camping and beach days
Wash and dry your hands before touching your lenses, even if clean water is limited. Hand sanitiser alone isn't ideal before handling lenses. Avoid swimming in your contacts, and take them out before a nap in the sun.
Build a travel kit
A JADE case, travel solution, drops and a mirror in a zip pouch makes a ready-to-go kit. It also makes a great gift; see our Dutch gift guide or our London gift guide.
This article is for general information. Follow your eye care professional's advice for your specific lenses.