Welcome to my system.
This checklist is more than just a list. It's my operating system for turning a "hotel" into a "home."
As a digital nomad, I've learned that the real magic of travel doesn't just happen at the attractions—it starts with the "base" you choose. A bad hotel can ruin a vacation. An authentic hotel, one that feels right, turns you into part of the place.
This system isn't about finding the most "efficient" or "popular" hotel. It's designed to find the place that'll give you peace of mind and the perfect launching point to get out there, stop being a tourist, and start feeling like you belong.
Ready? Let's get started.
🤖 Want AI to do the heavy lifting for you?
This checklist doesn't have to be homework! 🎉
Instead of filling everything out yourself, let AI help you work through this list step by step. Just copy this checklist into one of these tools:
"Hey! I'm planning a trip to [destination] and need help finding the perfect hotel. Can you help me work through this checklist step by step and ask me questions to find the place that's right for me..."
How it works:
🔹 Just paste the checklist (or screenshot it) into a chat with the AI
🔹 It'll ask you questions and help you think through each point
🔹 You'll get personalized recommendations based on your answers
🔹 It's like having a personal travel advisor available 24/7!
✨ Let AI do the work, you make the call! ✨
🎯 Step 1: Define Your Ideal "Base"
Before you even open Google, let's figure out what you're actually looking for.
💰 Basic Requirements:
📍 Location Priorities (check what matters most to you):
✨ Essential Amenities (check your "Must Haves"):
📝 Shortlist: 3-5 hotels that passed initial screening
Open HotelsCombined/Google, filter by what you checked above, and write down your finalists:
🕵️ Step 2: Detective Work – Spotting Fakes & Checking Location
Now let's check each hotel on your shortlist.
🔍 Review Credibility Check (for each hotel):
🗺️ Location & Safety Check (on Google Maps):
🤝 Step 3: Cross-Referencing Human Intel
Don't rely only on the algorithm. Let's see what real people are saying.
📱 Social Media Check (Instagram/Facebook):
📞 Direct Contact (only for your top choice):
Send an email or call. How they respond is worth more than any review:
👥 Facebook Group Check:
📊 Step 4: The Final Decision
Now let's summarize everything and make a rational, not emotional, decision.
💰 Price Comparison Table
Check the final price, including taxes, from at least 3 sources:
| Hotel | HotelsCombined | Official Site | Lowest Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | ||||
| 2. | ||||
| 3. |
✅ Final Scoring Table
Rate each hotel from 1 to 10 based on what you defined as important:
| Category | Hotel 1 | Hotel 2 | Hotel 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location & Neighborhood | |||
| Review Credibility | |||
| Value for Money | |||
| Amenities (important to me) | |||
| "Belonging" Feeling | |||
| Total: |
🏆 My Chosen Hotel:
Reasons for my choice:
🎯 Step 5: The Moment Before You Click
Right before you enter your credit card, make sure you're covered.
✅ Pre-HotelsCombined Checklist:
🚨 Red Flags - Don't Book If:
💡 Final Tips from a Nomad
- ✅ Invest the time: An hour of research can save you a full day of frustration on your trip.
- ✅ Trust your gut: If something smells fishy, it probably is. Move on.
- ✅ Free cancellation is gold: Sometimes it's worth paying a few extra bucks for peace of mind and flexibility.
- ✅ Have a Plan B: Always keep one more hotel you liked in the back of your mind, just in case.
This checklist is based on years of experience and (painful) mistakes I made along the way. Use it, adapt it to your needs, and most importantly—remember that a good vacation is one where you feel comfortable with your choices.
Found your authentic base using this kit?
Tag me in your story! @mydailyjourneys_mdj
For more guides, systems, and authentic maps, visit the blog: