(Lebanon, NH – August 7, 2026) – With only a few days remaining before the August 12 total solar eclipse, travelers heading into the path of totality should prepare for more than finding the perfect place to watch. Global Rescue medical and travel risk experts are urging eclipse watchers to plan for transportation disruptions, unpredictable weather, crowded viewing locations, limited communications and serious eye injuries from improper solar viewing.

“Looking directly at the sun without proper protection can injure the retina and cause solar retinopathy, potentially resulting in blurred or distorted vision, dark spots in the center of the visual field or permanent vision loss,” said Jeff Weinstein, medical operations senior manager at Global Rescue.

The August 12 eclipse will sweep across parts of northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain and a small corner of Portugal. Much of the rest of Europe, along with portions of North America and northwestern Africa, will experience a partial eclipse.

“Regular sunglasses, regardless of how dark they are, are not adequate for directly viewing the eclipse. Safe direct viewing requires eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard,” he added, noting that eclipse glasses should be obtained from a reputable manufacturer or supplier rather than relying solely on an ISO marking.

For international travelers chasing totality, the event combines the challenges of a major public gathering with the complications of travel to destinations where weather, infrastructure and medical resources may vary considerably.

Travelers should expect heavy traffic around popular viewing areas, crowded public transportation, pressure on cellular networks and possible access restrictions. Those traveling to remote areas of Greenland or Iceland should be especially prepared for limited infrastructure and potentially lengthy travel times to medical care.

Global Rescue Eclipse Safety Tips

  • Use proper eclipse glasses. Use solar viewers obtained from a reputable supplier or manufacturer that comply with ISO 12312-2 requirements. Ordinary sunglasses are not sufficient. Supervise children to make certain they are using solar viewers properly.
  • Inspect glasses before use. Do not use eclipse glasses that are scratched, punctured, torn or otherwise damaged.
  • Protect cameras, binoculars and telescopes. These devices require special-purpose solar filters secured over the front of the optics. Looking through an unfiltered optical device can cause severe eye injury, even when wearing eclipse glasses. Eclipse glasses are not a substitute for a solar filter secured over the front of the optics. Never look through an unfiltered optical device, even while wearing eclipse glasses.
  • Remove eclipse glasses only during totality and only if you are within the path of totality. Travelers within the path of totality may view the eclipse without protective glasses only during the brief period when the moon completely covers the sun. Eye protection must be replaced immediately when any portion of the bright sun reappears.
  • Use indirect viewing when necessary. Pinhole projectors and other indirect methods allow travelers to observe the eclipse without looking directly at the sun.
  • Prepare for crowds and delays. Carry water, food, essential medications, first-aid supplies and backup battery power. Allow extra time for transportation before and after the eclipse.
  • Download offline maps. Cellular systems may become congested in heavily attended or remote viewing areas.
  • Know where medical help is available. International and adventure travelers should identify nearby medical facilities and understand how they would obtain assistance or evacuation if a serious illness or injury occurs.

“A total solar eclipse is extraordinary, but travelers shouldn’t allow the excitement of the moment to override basic safety,” Weinstein said. “Prepare for the crowds, know what you will do if weather forces you to change locations, and protect your eyes every second the sun is visible.”

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About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue maintains exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. The company has provided medical and security support during every major global crisis over the past two decades.