What's the deal with points?
A framework for evaluating any budget destination before you book — the 10-question checklist.
What is the visa situation for my passport? Check the official source. How long is the entry permitted? What does it cost? Does it require advance application?
What is the current safety situation? Read recent trip reports, check your government's travel advisory, and apply proportionate judgment.
What is the realistic daily cost? Find 3-4 recent trip reports with actual numbers. Avoid guidebook prices that are 2+ years old.
What are the must-see/do experiences and what do they cost? Some anchor experiences should be budgeted specifically, not averaged into a daily rate.
What is the transport network like? How do I get there and get around? What is the cheapest reliable way to do each leg?
What is the climate like during my travel window? Is it the right season for the destination?
What is the accommodation landscape? Hostels? Guesthouses? What's the typical price for my preferred accommodation type?
What is the food culture? Will my dietary restrictions be manageable? What should I expect to spend on food?
What language is spoken and how much English is available? This affects navigation difficulty and requires language prep.
Are there any logistical complications I'm not accounting for? (Currency situation, health requirements, specific restricted zones, registration requirements at accommodation)