Research task (General Consumer Research):
I am trying to recreate "Around the world in 80 days", I want to avoid planes but travel to as many countries and Islands as possible, I want to do it in a very low budget and want to start and end my journey in New York, USA. Assuming that I have a US passport, give me a detailed plan on how I can accomplish this. 

Evaluation rubric:
criterion: The response addresses that the "Itinerary begins and ends in New York City"
weight: 5
axis: Explicit Criteria

criterion: The response should propose an itenary that must successfully complete a full circumnavigation of the globe, meaning the journey starts and ends in New York, USA, and includes traversing both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. The circumnavigation should involve travel across all major oceans to demonstrate a complete global journey. Specifically, the traveler would cross:
1) The Atlantic Ocean (between the Americas and Europe/Africa)
2) The Indian Ocean (between Africa/Middle East and Asia)
3) The Pacific Ocean (between Asia/Australia and the Americas)

Examples of some valid Itineraries are:
1) USA ->  Portugal -> Egypt -> India -> Thailand -> Singapore -> Australia -> Japan -> USA
2) USA -> Spain -> Morocco -> Egypt -> India -> Vietnam -> Philippines -> Indonesia -> USA
3) USA -> Brazil -> South Africa -> India -> Malaysia -> China -> South Korea -> USA
weight: 5
axis: Explicit Criteria

criterion: The response must not include airplanes as part of the journey. If the response mentions air travel in any leg of the itinerary, this directly violates the prompt’s instruction to avoid planes. Examples of violations in the response:
1) “Fly from New York to London”
2) “Take a flight from Japan to the USA”
3) Optional short domestic flights are suggested
weight: 5
axis: Explicit Criteria

criterion: For each segment of the journey, the response should propose realistic, currently operational, and geographically appropriate modes of transport (e.g., trains, buses, ferries, ships). The modes must be feasible in the specific regions being traveled through, not just generic. Examples of Country/Region-Specific Transport:
1) Japan: Use of high-speed rail for long-distance travel between cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
2) Europe: Use of intercity trains (e.g., Eurail, Eurostar, TGV) for cross-country travel, supplemented with local buses for shorter segments.
3) South America (e.g., crossing from Colombia to Panama): Use of boats/ferries where the Darién Gap prevents direct overland travel.
4) North America to Europe: Use of transatlantic cargo ships or passenger ferries as a realistic non-air option to cross the Atlantic Ocean.
weight: 5
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: The response proposes transport modes that are unrealistic, unavailable, or geographically impossible for the country/region.
Examples of Violations:
1) Suggesting a bus/train across the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean.
2) Proposing a direct rail line across the Sahara Desert.
3) Proposing nonexistent ferries (e.g., New York -> London).
4) Using defunct services (e.g., historic Orient Express).
weight: -2
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: The response should maximize the number of countries visited, but within a realistic and appropriate range for a global circumnavigation. An excessively small number (e.g., fewer than 8) would not reflect meaningful diversity, while an excessively large number (e.g., over 30-40) would be impractical for an 80-day journey. A good range is 10-15 countries, consistent with 12 countries in the original "Around the World in 80 Days" book.
weight: 3
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: Each leg of travel in the itinerary must include a specific departure and arrival day/time, tied to the overall timeline of the journey. This ensures the schedule is realistic, trackable, and aligned with an 80-day circumnavigation. For example:
"Arrives on Day 60 in San Jose, which is a Monday (if the journey started on a Sunday), at 12:00 pm local time (PST)."
weight: 5
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: The response must give a clear total budget in USD, realistic for a low-budget circumnavigation. For a solo 80-day trip, a reasonable budget is $25,000-$35,000, over $100,000 is excessive, and under $10,000 is unrealistic.
weight: 5
axis: Explicit Criteria

criterion: The itinerary should include clear per-day or per-week cost estimates across four major categories:
1) Transport (e.g., trains, buses, ferries) - ~$10-30/day
2) Lodging (e.g., hostels, guesthouses, budget hotels) - ~$15-40/night
3) Food (e.g., daily meals, groceries, street food) - ~$10-25/day
4) Visas/Other Fees (e.g., entry visas, park fees, local taxes, contingency costs) - ~$500-1000 total for 80 days
weight: 3
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: The response lists daily/weekly costs for transport, lodging, food, or visas/fees that are implausibly low or otherwise unrealistic for international travel.
For example
1) Claiming $1/night for lodging in major cities.
2) Suggesting $2/day for food in the US cities.
3) Listing $0 for visas/fees for China, where US citizens need visa
4) Providing costs that are wildly inconsistent with known budget ranges (e.g., $5/day total for an 80-day global trip).
weight: -4
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: The itinerary should address visa requirements for each destination, specifically considering how they apply to a U.S. passport holder. For example:
1) Visa-Free Entry: Japan allows U.S. citizens to stay up to 90 days without a visa.
2) Visa on Arrival: Nepal issues visas on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and border crossings.
3) E-Visa Required: India allows U.S. citizens to apply for an e-visa online before arrival.
4) Visa Application in Advance: Russia requires U.S. citizens to apply for a visa at a consulate before travel.
5) Entry Not Permitted:  North Korea generally does not permit U.S. passport holders entry (outside rare, restricted tours).
weight: 4
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: The itinerary should recommend rest days spread across the trip to allow for recovery, acclimatization, and realistic pacing. A good plan specifies ~3 rest days over the 80-day journey. It should avoid scenarios such as:
1) No rest days at all (continuous travel every day).
2) Rest days mentioned vaguely (“take breaks as needed”) without counting or scheduling them.
weight: 1
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: The itinerary must include backup plans for at least 3 important routes, showing what to do if travel is disrupted and how much longer it would take.
Representative Examples of Backup Plans:
1) If the train from Paris to London at 9:00 AM is canceled, take the 12:00 PM train, arriving 3 hours later than planned.
2) If the ferry from Athens to Santorini scheduled for 8:00 AM Monday is canceled due to weather, take the overnight bus to Santorini’s port instead, arriving the next morning (about 10 hours longer).
weight: 2
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: The itinerary should account for the minimum time needed to transfer between consecutive modes of transport, so that connections are realistic and not rushed. This includes the time to disembark, clear checks (if needed), and board the next mode.
Representative Examples of Connection Times:
1) Train -> Ferry: Arriving in Barcelona by train and boarding a ferry to Ibiza - at least 90 minutes needed to walk to the port, check in, and board.
2) Bus -> Train: Arriving in Rome by intercity bus and catching a domestic train - at least 45 minutes needed to walk across the terminal and purchase/validate tickets.
3) Ferry -> Train: Arriving in Dover by ferry and taking a train to London - at least 60 minutes needed for disembarkation, customs, and getting to the rail station.
4) Train -> Bus: Arriving in Tokyo by Shinkansen and catching a regional bus - at least 30 minutes needed to walk to the bus terminal and board.
weight: 2
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: The response should recommend budget accommodations with realistic price ranges for a city. For example:
1) Hostel in Prague, Czech Republic:  ~$18/night in the shared dorm of Hostel One Prague.
2) Budget Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand: ~$40/night at the ibis Styles Bangkok Khaosan Viengtai.
3) Airbnb in Mexico City, Mexico: ~$30/night for private room in a shared apartment.
4) Capsule Hotel in Osaka, Japan: ~$25/night at the Capsule Hotel Asahi Plaza Shinsaibashi
weight: 5
axis: Explicit Criteria

criterion: The response should recommend affordable local food options in each region, highlighting both price and cultural popularity.
Representative Examples:
1) Mexico City, Mexico: Tacos al Pastor (~$1–2 each). Street food staple, widely available, filling, and very cheap.
2) Bangkok, Thailand: Pad Thai from street vendors (~$2–3 per plate). Popular national dish, found at stalls everywhere, cooked fresh on demand.
3) Istanbul, Turkey: Simit (~$0.50–1 per piece). A sesame-covered bread ring sold by street vendors, eaten as breakfast or snack.
4) Hanoi, Vietnam: Pho (~$2–3 per bowl). Traditional noodle soup, hearty and affordable, served at local roadside eateries.
weight: 4
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: The response should suggest practical, region-specific cost-saving strategies for budget travel.
Representative Examples:
1) Europe: Buy a Eurail Pass for unlimited train travel across multiple countries instead of buying single tickets, which reduces overall cost.
2) Japan: Stay in capsule hotels or Manga cafés (~$20–30/night) as a cheaper alternative to standard hotels.
3) Southeast Asia: Use Couchsurfing or budget guesthouses (~$10–15/night) in cities like Bangkok or Hanoi.
4) USA: Shop at supermarkets like Walmart or Trader Joe’s to cook simple meals, saving compared to daily restaurant dining.
weight: 2
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: Each destination in the itinerary should include a summary of why it is worth visiting, with at least four prominent cultural or natural attractions per place. Attractions must be clearly tied to the cities or regions listed in the itinerary, so travelers understand the highlights at each stop.
Representative Examples:
1) Cairo, Egypt: Pyramids of Giza, Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, Nile River cruises.
2) Agra, India: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh gardens, Fatehpur Sikri.
3) Beijing, China: Great Wall (Mutianyu section), Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace.
4) Cusco, Peru: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Sacsayhuamán fortress, Plaza de Armas.
weight: 2
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: The response should include the names of booking platforms or resources and give simple instructions on how to use them for transport or accommodation.
Representative Examples:
1) Expedia (expedia.com): Search for trains, ferries, and hotels by entering your departure city, destination, and dates, then confirm payment online.
2) Rome2Rio (rome2rio.com): Enter two cities (e.g., Paris -> Barcelona) to see buses, trains, ferries, click through to official operators like Renfe or FlixBus to complete booking.
3) Brittany Ferries (brittany-ferries.co.uk): Book cross-Channel ferries (e.g., Portsmouth -> Caen) by selecting route, date, and passenger/cabin type.
4) Hostelworld (hostelworld.com): Search for hostels in a city (e.g., Bangkok), filter by price and reviews, and reserve a dorm bed with small upfront payment.
weight: 2
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: The response should mention useful tools that make international travel easier, with a clear purpose for each.
Representative Examples:
1) Mobile Payment Apps (e.g., Wise, Revolut): Enable low-fee international payments and currency conversion without carrying large amounts of cash. Available via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2) E-SIM (e.g., Airalo): Provides mobile data overseas without swapping physical SIM cards, ensuring instant connectivity. Download the Airalo app (iOS/Android) or purchase from airalo.com.
3) Offline Maps (e.g., Google Maps offline mode or Maps.me): Google Maps can be downloaded via the Play Store/App Store; Maps.me is also free on both platforms.
4) Translation Apps (e.g., Google Translate): Help communicate across language barriers, including offline text and image translation. Free on the Play Store and App Store, with downloadable offline language packs.
weight: 2
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: The response should include a packing guide with at least four practical items needed for a long, low-budget, multi-country journey. Each item should specify its purpose, where to get it, and approximate cost.
Representative Examples:
1) Travel Backpack (40–50L): Needed for mobility on trains, buses, and ferries (avoids bulky suitcases). Can be purchased at REI or Decathlon for about $80-150.
2) Universal Power Adapter: Essential for charging devices across different plug types in Europe, Asia, and South America. Available on Amazon or at Best Buy for about $15-30.
3) Lightweight Clothing Layers: Quick-dry shirts, fleece, and rain jacket allow comfort across hot, humid, or cold climates. Can be bought at Uniqlo or outdoor stores for around $10-40 per item.
4) First Aid/Medication Kit: Important for emergencies during long bus/train rides or remote areas. Includes bandages, painkillers, and personal prescriptions. Available at CVS, Walgreens, or Boots for about $20-40.
weight: 1
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: The response suggests a total trip budget that is unrealistically high for a “low-budget” 80-day circumnavigation. A "large budget" is anything above $100,000 for a solo traveler.
Representative Examples:
1) Claiming the trip would cost $250,000 in total.
2) Proposing a $500,000 budget, which would cover luxury cruises and 5-star hotels.
3) Suggesting average lodging at $400-500 per night (e.g., Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons).
4) Estimating daily expenses at $1,500–2,000/day, far above budget travel norms.
weight: -5
axis: Explicit Criteria

criterion: The response proposes travel options that contradict a budget-conscious itinerary, favoring extravagant or impractical choices.
Representative Examples:
1) Recommending a private yacht across the Atlantic ($50,000+ per crossing) vs. a freighter passage or ferry (~$1,200-2,000).
2) Suggesting luxury cruise liners (~$5,000-10,000 per person) vs. cargo ship cabins (~$80-120/day).
3) Including business-class train cabins in Japan ($200-300 per ride) vs. standard Shinkansen seat ($50-100 for medium distances).
4) Booking 5-star hotels (e.g., $500+/night in London or Tokyo) vs. hostels, capsule hotels, or guesthouses (~$20-40/night).
weight: -5
axis: Explicit Criteria

criterion: The response fails to correctly address visa requirements for U.S. passport holders or ignores diversity across visa types.
For example, the response:
1) claims all countries are visa-free for U.S. travelers.
2) omits categories such as visa on arrival or e-visa.
3) provides incorrect information (e.g., saying Russia is visa-free).
weight: -5
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: The response gives vague statements (e.g., “this country has beautiful scenery”) instead of naming specific cultural or natural attractions and explaining why they are important.
Representative Examples of Violations (Vague Generalizations):
1) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: This country has beautiful beaches.
2) Rome, Italy: The city is full of history.
3) Kyoto, Japan: This place is very popular with tourists.
4) Tanzania: The country has amazing food.

Representative Examples of Correct Specificity (With Importance):
1) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches, world-famous beaches central to Brazilian culture and global tourism.
2) Rome, Italy: The Colosseum and Roman Forum, iconic ancient sites that showcase the history of the Roman Empire.
3) Kyoto, Japan: Fushimi Inari Shrine (with its 1,000 torii gates) and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), both representing Japan’s spiritual and architectural heritage.
4) Tanzania: Serengeti National Park (renowned for the Great Migration of wildebeest) and Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa’s tallest mountain), both globally significant natural wonders.
weight: -5
axis: Communication Quality

criterion: The response should recommend reliable travel insurance providers or coverage types, explaining what they cover, approximate cost, and tradeoffs.
Representative Examples:
1) World Nomads (worldnomads.com)
Coverage: Medical emergencies, trip interruption, baggage loss, and adventure sports like trekking or diving.
Cost: About $100–150 per month for long trips.
Pros: Flexible, covers high-risk activities.
Cons: Expensive for short trips, excludes some pre-existing conditions.

2) Allianz Global Assistance (allianztravelinsurance.com)
Coverage: Trip cancellation, medical, baggage, and 24/7 support.
Cost: Plans start at $50–70 per trip, higher for multi-trip annual coverage.
Pros: Established company, strong global medical support.
Cons: Adventure activities often excluded unless upgraded.

3) SafetyWing (safetywing.com)
Coverage: Medical emergencies, evacuation, and some travel delays, targeted to digital nomads.
Cost: About $45/month.
Pros: Affordable, subscription model, renews monthly, covers multiple countries.
Cons: Limited coverage in home country, fewer benefits for trip cancellation.

4) Credit Card Insurance (e.g., Chase Sapphire, AmEx Platinum)
Coverage: Trip delays, cancellations, rental car insurance, some medical evacuation (varies by card).
Cost: Included if you pay with the card, but annual fees are $95–695.
Pros: Convenient, no extra purchase needed, immediate coverage on bookings.
Cons: Secondary coverage, medical benefits limited compared to dedicated policies.
weight: 3
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: The response should recommend necessary vaccinations and health precautions for international travel, linking each to relevant regions, with details on where to obtain them, when to take them, and approximate cost.

Representative Examples:
1)Yellow Fever (e.g., Brazil, Kenya, Ghana)
Why: Required for entry into many African and South American countries.
Where to get: Certified travel vaccination clinics or public health centers (CDC provides a locator in the U.S.).
When: At least 10 days before travel for the certificate to be valid.
Cost: About $150–200 in the U.S.

2) Typhoid (e.g., India, Nepal, Southeast Asia)
Why: Risk from contaminated food and water.
Where to get: Travel clinics, pharmacies (oral or injectable options), CVS/Walgreens pharmacies (in the U.S.).
When: At least 2 weeks before travel (oral course takes 4 doses over a week).
Cost: About $50–100.

3) Hepatitis A (e.g., Mexico, Thailand, Egypt)
Why: Risk from contaminated food and water; common among travelers.
Where to get: Widely available at primary care providers, CVS/Walgreens pharmacies (U.S.), Kaiser Permanente clinics, and public health travel clinics; in the U.K., some NHS services offer it free for travelers.
When: 2–4 weeks before travel (booster recommended 6–18 months later for long-term protection).
Cost: About $75–150 per dose.

4) Cholera (e.g., Bangladesh, parts of Africa, Haiti)
Why: Risk in areas with poor sanitation, particularly in crowded cities or during floods.
Where to get: Specialized travel clinics; in the U.S. Vaxchora (FDA-approved oral vaccine) is available by prescription.
When: Oral vaccine taken as 2 doses, 1–6 weeks apart, completed at least 1 week before travel.
Cost: About $100–200 total.
weight: 3
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: The response should provide realistic visa application timelines for different countries, so travelers can plan ahead. Representative Examples:
1) India (e-Visa): Apply online at least 4–7 days before travel, approval typically within 72 hours.
2) Russia (Tourist Visa): Apply through a consulate or visa center at least 4–6 weeks in advance; requires an invitation letter.
3) China (Tourist Visa L): Apply at least 1 month before travel; processing usually 4–5 business days, longer during peak times.
4) Brazil (e-Visa for U.S. citizens, reinstated 2025): Apply online at least 2 weeks before travel, approval within 5 business days.
weight: 2
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: The itinerary should include at least one island destination that can be reached affordably and practically as part of an overland/sea journey.
Representative Examples:
1) Santorini, Greece: Easily reachable via ferry from Athens or Crete.
2) Zanzibar, Tanzania: Accessible by ferry from Dar es Salaam.
3) Bali, Indonesia: Frequent ferry routes connect Java -> Bali.
4) Isle of Skye, Scotland: Reachable by bridge or bus/ferry from the Scottish mainland.
weight: 2
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: The response should recommend useful travel resources, including at least four specific guidebooks or apps, with details on where to obtain them and approximate cost.
Representative Examples:
1) Lonely Planet Guidebooks
Where to get: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Lonely Planet website.
Cost: $15–25 per book.
Why: Comprehensive country/city guides with cultural insights, maps, and budget tips.

2) Rick Steves’ Europe Guides
Where to get: Rick Steves’ official site, Amazon, major bookstores.
Cost: $15–20 per book.
Why: Focused on Europe, with self-guided tours, cultural context, and budget recommendations.

3) Google Maps App
Where to get: Free on iOS App Store and Google Play Store.
Cost: Free.
Why: Essential for navigation, offline maps, and public transport directions.

4) TripIt App
Where to get: iOS App Store, Google Play Store.
Cost: Free basic version; Pro version about $49/year.
Why: Organizes bookings, itineraries, and tickets in one place.
weight: 2
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: The response should discuss the benefits of holding a U.S. passport when planning international travel, with at least four specific examples. Representative Examples:
1) High visa-free access: U.S. citizens can enter over 180 countries visa-free or with visa on arrival, simplifying logistics.
2) Ease of e-visa applications: For countries that do require visas (e.g., India, Turkey), U.S. passport holders are often eligible for fast-track online e-visa systems.
3) Extended stays: Many destinations (e.g., Schengen Area in Europe) allow stays of up to 90 days visa-free.
4) Global recognition and support: Widely recognized for smooth border processing, and backed by strong U.S. consular support in nearly every country.
weight: 3
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: The response should flag any legal U.S. travel bans/restrictions and cite current U.S. Department of State travel advisories relevant to the itinerary.
Representative Examples (mix of bans and Level-4 i.e. Do not travel advisories):
1) North Korea (legal ban): U.S. passports are not valid for travel to/through DPRK without special validation; restriction currently extended through Aug 31, 2026 (https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/north-korea.html)

2) Crimea/Donetsk/Luhansk (sanctions): OFAC prohibits transactions in these Russia-occupied regions, which effectively blocks tourism by U.S. persons (https://ofac.treasury.gov/sanctions-programs-and-country-information/ukraine-russia-related-sanctions)

3) Syria (Level 4: Do Not Travel): State Dept advises do not travel; U.S. Embassy Damascus suspended operations--limited/no consular help (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SyrianArabRepublic.html)

4) Lebanon / Libya / Haiti (Level 4): Examples of countries currently at Level 4: Do Not Travel (pick those relevant to the route and date) (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html.html)
weight: 2
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: The response should include information of routes or transport segments known for frequent delays or cancellations, with reasons and typical delay durations.
Representative Examples:
1) Eurostar (London to Paris): Delays of 1 to 3 hours common due to strikes or tunnel issues.
2) India Railways (Delhi to Varanasi): Trains frequently delayed 2 to 6 hours in monsoon season because of flooding.
3) Greek Island Ferries (Athens to Santorini): Cancellations occur during high winds in summer, sometimes leaving passengers stranded for 24 hours.
4) US Amtrak (Northeast Corridor, New York to Washington DC): Delays of 30 to 90 minutes because of aging infrastructure and congestion.
weight: 2
axis: Implicit Criteria

criterion: Response contains a 80 day itenary
weight: 5
axis: Explicit Criteria