Don’t forget your shades — this city leads for sun, heat, and UV risk

Sunglasses are a non-negotiable in these summer destinations

By Amanda Teague Published May 30, 2025

Cairo — shadyshaker / Pixabay

If you’re planning a sunny escape this summer, make sure your sunglasses are packed, and not just for style. According to a new study by Overnight Glasses, Cairo, Egypt, ranks as the number one global destination where eye protection is most essential, thanks to its intense combination of heat, sunshine, and ultraviolet exposure.

The study analyzed 46 popular vacation hotspots using four key metrics: UV Index, average summer sunshine hours, temperature, and humidity. The results were combined into an Eye Protection Index, designed to highlight the destinations where travelers are most at risk of sun-related eye damage.

Recommended Videos

Cairo tops the list with an average UV Index of 12, paired with 11 hours of daily sunshine and average summer temperatures reaching 95ºF, giving it an Eye Protection Index of 98.02. Coming in second is Dubai, where the UV Index peaks at 11 and summer temperatures soar to a sweltering 105.8ºF, with some of the lowest humidity levels on the list.

A spokesperson from Overnight Glasses commented on the study: “What sets Dubai apart is its relatively lower humidity levels, which, while potentially more comfortable for some visitors, can actually increase the risk of eye dryness and irritation. This makes proper eye protection even more crucial for both residents and tourists.”

While Sydney, Australia recorded the highest UV Index overall at 13, it ranked eighth due to its cooler summer temperatures and shorter sunshine duration. Meanwhile, the United States doesn’t appear until number 20 with Miami, followed closely by Honolulu at number 21. Other U.S. cities making the cut include Los Angeles and San Diego.

The top 15 sunniest vacation spots

Cairo, Egypt
Dubai, UAE
Athens, Greece
Marrakech, Morocco
Madrid, Spain
Tirana, Albania
Bali, Indonesia
Sydney, Australia
Cozumel, Mexico
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Singapore
Phuket, Thailand
Cancún, Mexico
Nice, France
Tokyo, Japan

Contributor

Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…

Topics

Destinations

Travel

Don your best seaman’s cap and head to the most incredible lighthouse hotels in the U.S.

For ocean lovers and salty maritime souls, it hardly gets better than a stay at a genuine lighthouse hotel

View from the water of Maine's Portland Head Lighthouse at sunset

Beginning in the 17th century, as seafaring travel grew, lighthouses became vital beacons of safety, guiding mariners away from dangerous rocks, reefs, and powerful currents. By 1900, the U.S. had built nearly 1,000 lighthouses along its coasts and harbors. While modern navigation technology has since automated or rendered many obsolete, these iconic structures remain captivating landmarks.

Some have been restored as museums of playgrounds, but the most intriguing are those converted into lighthouse hotels. If you're looking for unique destinations far from ordinary luxury hotel chains, spend a night in a charming, rustic lighthouse. Here are the best lighthouse hotels in the U.S. for your next getaway.
Sitka Lighthouse - Sitka, Alaska

Outdoors

When you’re hiking in Death Valley, don’t do this

Taking the path less traveled is not advisable in this case.

Rugged and scenic terrain in Death Valley California

Safety should always be a top priority when visiting national parks, and this has become even more relevant than ever as the National Park Service recently had to rescue a hiker from a near-death experience at Death Valley National Park.

Just a few days ago, a hiker found himself in a precarious position after splitting up from his travel buddy and leaving the main trail at Mosaic Canyon. When these two visitors split up, one remained on the established path, and the other decided to attempt to navigate a side canyon, believing he could reconnect with the main trail further ahead. However, as the canyon became steeper, the hiker found himself trapped, unable to move forward or descend safely.

Travel

Is your city on the list? The world’s most traffic-congested cities

Istanbul takes the top spot, with New York City following closely behind.

Traffic

INRIX, a leader in transportation analytics, has just released their 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard, which ranks congestion in nearly 950 cities across 37 countries. The findings paint a stark picture of the time lost to traffic delays, with some cities seeing record-breaking congestion levels.

The city of Istanbul, Turkey claimed the title of the world’s most traffic-congested city, with drivers enduring a staggering 105 hours of delay per year. That’s a 15% increase from the previous year, further cementing Istanbul’s status as a traffic nightmare. The average downtown speed in Istanbul is a mere 15 mph, highlighting just how slow it can be to navigate the streets. With a growing population and increasing car usage, it seems that traffic congestion is only getting worse in this metropolis.