How to Travel With Colored Contacts Without Stress
Packing colored contacts for travel is one of those things that seems simple until you are on the plane and realize you checked your lens case in your luggage. Or you packed solution in a full-size bottle. Or the hotel bathroom has no flat surface anywhere near the mirror.
Here is a system for traveling with colored contacts.
Carry-On Only
Never check your colored contacts. Cargo hold temperatures can freeze the solution, which crystallizes and damages the hydrogel material. Your lenses go in your carry-on, with your lens case, a travel-sized bottle of solution, and a backup pair.
The Travel Kit
A small pouch or pencil case holds everything. Case, travel solution, rewetting drops, a backup pair of lenses still sealed in blister packs. Keep it in your personal item, not the overhead bin. You need access to it on the plane if your lenses get dry mid-flight. Airplane cabin air is extremely dry and lenses dehydrate fast. Rewetting drops before descent makes a noticeable difference.
If You Cannot Wash Your Hands
Airplane bathrooms have sinks but airport bathrooms may not have soap worth using. Pack alcohol-free hand sanitizing wipes and clean your hands before handling lenses anywhere.