A first-time international traveler is preparing for 10 weeks across Europe with detailed packing lists including 70 pairs of daily contact lenses and Meta glasses to record the journey—prompting experienced travelers to offer crucial reality checks on pacing and gear.
The ambitious itinerary covers London to Portugal, across southern Europe to Italy, then north through Switzerland to Netherlands. The packing list reveals both thorough preparation and classic first-timer overcomplexity.
What's working in this plan:
• 10 weeks allows proper pacing (unlike rushed 2-week attempts at 10 countries) • Osprey Farpoint 55L is reliable and appropriate size • Mix of cities and nature shows research depth • Solo travel builds confidence and flexibility • Hostel-based travel creates social opportunities
What needs reconsidering:
• 70 pairs of daily contact lenses = unnecessary weight and bulk (bring 30-day supply, buy more in Europe) • Meta glasses for recording raises privacy concerns in hostels and creates extra device to charge/protect • 7 pairs underwear excessive when quick-dry 3-pair rotation works for 50-day trips • Packing for "10+ countries" mindset creates overpacking vs packing for weather/activities
The fundamental first-timer mistake: packing for every possibility rather than core needs. Europe has stores. You can buy forgotten items. The weight penalty of "just in case" items compounds over 10 weeks.
Route optimization suggestions from experienced travelers:
The planned route—London → Portugal → Spain → southern → → → → → —works geographically but could improve by:
