When packing for a trip, contact lens wearers are often faced with the question of whether they should take their contact lenses or their glasses with them. After all, the smooth replacement requires a lot of effort and a certain standard of hygiene, which is not always so easy to guarantee on vacation. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, which should be weighed up depending on the destination, activities and personal preferences. We have looked at some of them and summarized them to help you decide.

Travelling with contact lenses

If you already use them, you already know what’s coming, because the advantages of contact lenses are obvious. They offer a natural and unrestricted view, as they rest directly on the surface of the eye and can be used in everyday life without hindrance. They also allow activities such as swimming, sports or outdoor adventures without restricting movement, thus guaranteeing planning with slightly fewer obstacles. Surfing or diving can also be done with contact lenses – particularly soft lenses work well here. However, they should be disposed of immediately after the water visit if water and the bacteria in it have cheated under the lens. If you’re on a winter holiday, you also benefit from not having to deal with fogged up lenses – and can wear snow protection goggles without any inconvenience.

However, as mentioned at the beginning, contact lenses require thorough hygiene. For example, if you don’t always have direct access to running water to guarantee clean hands, you risk infections in the worst case. Long flights, air-conditioned or heated environments, or dusty places can also cause dryness and irritation – especially if the lenses are worn for long periods of time. Something you certainly don’t want to have to struggle with on vacation. In addition to the more than enough spare lenses, contact lens fluid and storage containers in your luggage, there should also be drops of moisture.

The glasses with you on holiday

With their simple putting on and taking off, glasses require much less elaborate care and hygiene than contact lenses. As a natural barrier between the eyes and the environment, they also protect – which can be particularly beneficial in dry or dusty air and reduce eye irritation. And they are versatile! In changing light conditions, when reading or doing activities, they can be easily removed. In extremely sunny environments, prescription sunglasses also provide reliable vision from intense sunlight and protect against sunburn and possible photokeratitis (which is basically the equivalent of sunburn of the eyes!). In quite windy environments, on the other hand, they protect against the penetration of tiny particles such as sand or dust.

Compared to lenses, however, they offer a much more limited view – which can be annoying on vacation, especially with beautiful panoramic views. In addition, some activities are restricted. Especially during sports or outdoor activities, glasses can quickly become uncomfortable or slip. And: they are much more susceptible to loss or damage, which can quickly become problematic when traveling if replacements are not readily available.

Which visual aid is better when?

As is so often the case, the decision between contact lenses and glasses when traveling depends on individual needs. For those who are looking for clear vision without restrictions and can comply with the necessary hygiene measures, contact lenses are still worthwhile. However, glasses come up trumps with much less maintenance and can be the smart choice, especially for holidays in the countryside. They offer more protection and comfort in some situations, but the opposite in others due to slipping or fogging. It is always advisable to consider both options and choose based on the itinerary, desired activities and preferences. Either way, we recommend having both spare lenses and glasses as a backup in your luggage to be equipped for all eventualities. No matter which option is chosen, suddenly finding yourself without a clear view on vacation is catastrophic in both cases.

There was a time when cruising was considered a pleasure for the older generation – a kind of golden retirement privilege. But in recent years, this image has changed radically. Cruises have become a real hype and are becoming increasingly popular, especially among young people. But what triggered this sudden surge in popularity?

Advantages of cruising: More than just a holiday

One of the main reasons for the growing popularity of cruises is the unique combination of adventure, recreation and discovery. On a single trip, passengers can experience different cities, cultures and landscapes without having to constantly pack their bags.

In addition, modern cruise ships offer an impressive range of amenities and entertainment options: from pools, spas, and fitness centers to theater performances, cinemas, and nightclubs. This means that the ship itself becomes a central part of the experience.

Affordability: Luxury doesn’t always have to be expensive

One of the myths that surrounds cruises is that they are prohibitively expensive. But in reality, they have become more accessible and cheaper. Many cruise lines offer cruise bargains, early-bird discounts, and all-inclusive options that cover the entire vacation, including accommodation, food, entertainment, and often even excursions.

Popular Routes: A Kaleidoscope of Experiences

The world of cruises offers an impressive variety of itineraries. Some of the most popular routes for young travellers are:

• The Mediterranean Sea: A tour that connects cities such as Barcelona, Rome, Athens and Dubrovnik.
• The Caribbean: Gorgeous beaches, vibrant cultures and fascinating history.
• Northern Europe: The impressive fjords of Norway, the cultural highlights of St. Petersburg and the mysterious Iceland.

These routes offer a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure and cultural experience.

Life on a cruise ship: A city at sea

A modern cruise ship is like a floating city. There are restaurants that offer everything from fast food to gourmet, shopping, entertainment areas and relaxation areas. There are also plenty of activities to keep passengers busy – from cooking classes to yoga sessions and dance workshops.

What should you pay attention to?

As with any form of travel, there are a few things to look out for when it comes to cruises :

• Choose the right shipping company and the right ship: Not all ships are created equal. Some are quieter and more intimate, others are huge resort ships with tons of activities.
• Plan your shore excursions in advance: Often, you can save money and avoid the crowds by planning your own tours instead of booking the airline’s official excursions.
• Watch out for hidden costs: Some cruises look cheap at first glance, but the cost can add up quickly if you have to pay extra for drinks, internet, or special activities.
• Find out about safety and health precautions: Make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations and know the safety rules on board.

The allure of the sea: Why cruises are so fascinating

After all, it is the experience of the sea itself that attracts many young people to cruises. The soothing sound of the waves, the endless horizon and the possibility of waking up to a new port every morning make cruising a magical experience.

Watching the world from a deck as the sun sets and the ship gently rocks on the waves is a feeling that’s hard to put into words. It is this mixture of adventure, tranquility and constant discovery that has made cruises one of the most sought-after forms of vacation for young people.

Result

At a time when travel can often be stressful and hectic, cruises offer a welcome change. They combine the best of traditional holidays and modern luxury, creating an experience that is both refreshing and enriching. It is no wonder that they are becoming increasingly popular among young people. It remains to be seen what new developments and innovations the future holds for this booming form of travel.

In this day and age, planning and booking a holiday has never been easier. With a few clicks, you can explore destinations, compare prices, and make reservations. However, the number of holiday scams is also increasing.

Unscrupulous individuals and organized scam gangs have found creative ways to exploit unsuspecting tourists. But there are ways you can protect yourself against it.

Possible travel scams and how to protect yourself against them

Fake booking websites

One of the most common forms of digital travel fraud is the creation of fake booking websites. These sites mimic real travel booking platforms, making it difficult for unsuspecting travelers to recognize them as fake.

Cybercriminals often lure their victims with attractive offers, heavily discounted prices, and tempting vacation packages. They manipulate you to the point that you make a payment, but do not deliver the promised reservations or accommodations; in the end, you are left without accommodation and without money.

To protect yourself, always check the authenticity of a website by clicking on secure connections (HTTPS; key symbol in front of the URL in the address bar). If it is a website that is previously unknown to you, read reviews beforehand and make sure that the website is affiliated with reputable travel associations or organizations .

In addition, you can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network), as some providers have integrated the function of warning you about malicious websites and blocking them.

In addition, you can send your IP address with an online VPN and your data encrypted through a VPN tunnel. A VPN is therefore a good, universal tool for more privacy and security on the net.

Phishing and identity theft

Phishing is a technique used by cybercriminals to obtain personal information such as credit card details and other sensitive data.

In the context of travel fraud, the cybercriminals can send emails or SMS pretending to be from well-known airlines, hotels, or travel agencies. These messages often ask users to update their personal information or make an immediate payment to secure their bookings.

If you become a victim of such an attack, it can lead to identity theft and financial losses.

Therefore, never open links or attachments in email or SMS that come from an unknown sender. Even with supposedly known senders, you should be extremely careful and, if in doubt, contact the company or person and find out whether the message is authentic.

Holiday rental scams

The advent of platforms like Airbnb, which connect travelers with vacation rental homeowners, has opened up new opportunities for scammers. Fraudulent advertisements, fake photos and non-existent accommodations are now the order of the day.

Unsuspecting travelers book these accommodations, only to find out at their destination that they have been scammed. Some scammers even pretend to be owners and demand advance payments.

How to protect yourself: Use reputable rental platforms with reliable verification procedures and user reviews. Avoid upfront payments in the sense of bank transfers or payments outside of a platform, and be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.

If in doubt, communicate directly with the owners or managers, ask for additional photos or information, and verify the existence of the property through independent sources.

Social media scams

Cybercriminals create fake social media accounts and lure users with dreamy vacation photos and enticing promotional offers. They require prepayment for exclusive offers or holiday packages and disappear once payment is made.

In addition, social media is also used to collect personal information about people’s travel plans, which can then be used for targeted scams or break-ins.

Research and verify the authenticity of social media accounts before engaging with them. Be careful when it comes to sharing detailed travel plans or personal information about yourself publicly.