Our commitment to trust
Our Commitment to Trust
We believe in data transparency. All scores are based on verifiable sources: scientific climate databases (WorldClim 2.1), international economic data (World Bank ICP), and our own rule-based algorithms. We do not use subjective opinions or unverified user reviews. We describe what we use and why; the exact weights and thresholds stay in-house.
What We Measure
Three score types help you plan the perfect trip. All are based on long-term monthly averages, not weather forecasts.
Climate Score
How pleasant the climate typically feels for your chosen activity (0–100).
Climate Reliability (CRS)
How predictable and stable the weather is—monsoons, hurricanes, variability.
Budget Score
How affordable a destination is for typical travel expenses (0–100).
Climate Score (0–100)
Data source: WorldClim 2.1
We use the peer-reviewed global climate database WorldClim 2.1 (1 km² resolution, 1970–2000 baseline). The Climate Score is computed per activity: we use the same inputs for every destination, but the way we combine them depends on whether you’re planning beach, city, outdoor, backpacking, or winter travel.
→ WorldClimWhat goes into the Climate Score
We combine five types of climate input. Each activity (Sun & Beach, City Trips, Outdoor, Backpacking, Winter) uses the same inputs but with different priorities—e.g. beach favors warmth and sunshine, winter sports favor cold and frost.
1. Temperature
We use activity-specific ideal temperature ranges. What counts as “ideal” differs for beach, city, hiking, or winter.
2. Rain & wet days
Total precipitation and how many days see rain. Outdoor and backpacking activities are more sensitive to rain than city trips.
3. Heat & humidity
Very high temperature plus humidity is penalized; we account for how “sticky” or oppressive the heat feels.
4. Sunshine
We use available climate data on sunshine or cloud cover. More sun generally helps outdoor and beach scores.
5. Cold & frost
Cold and frost days are weighted by activity—negative for beach, positive for winter sports.
Activity-specific logic
- Sun & Beach: Warmth, sunshine, and low rain matter most; extreme heat is penalized.
- City Trips: Mild temperatures and moderate rain tolerance.
- Outdoor / Backpacking: Broad comfort range; rain and heavy heat are penalized more than for city trips.
- Winter Sports: Cold and frost are desirable; we score for usable winter conditions.
Climate risk caps
When a month is in a monsoon, hurricane, or heat-wave risk zone, we cap the score so that high-risk periods don’t appear as “good” without context.
Score scale
- 85–100 Excellent
- 70–84 Good
- 50–69 Mixed
- 0–49 Challenging
Climate Reliability Score (CRS)
Climate Score answers “how pleasant is the weather?” CRS answers “how predictable and stable is it?” We use rain frequency, heavy-rain risk, seasonal hazards (monsoons, hurricanes, heat waves), and temperature variability. High CRS = more consistent conditions; low CRS = more surprise or risk.
High Climate Score + High CRS
e.g. Barcelona in May: pleasant and predictable.
High Climate Score + Low CRS
e.g. Miami in August: warm but hurricane season = low predictability.
What lowers CRS?
- Monsoon or long rainy seasons
- Hurricane, cyclone, or typhoon risk in active months
- High day-to-day or month-to-month temperature variability
- Extreme-event risk (heatwaves, cold snaps)
CRS scale: 85–100 Very Reliable · 70–84 Reliable · 50–69 Variable · <50 Risky
Budget Score (0–100)
How we estimate relative cost
We use World Bank ICP (international price levels) and, where available, US State Dept Foreign Per Diem for city-level adjustments. We weight categories that matter most for typical travel (e.g. accommodation and dining) more than others. The score is 0–100: higher = more affordable relative to other destinations.
→ World Bank ICPCost accuracy levels
- A/B Direct country or city data. High reliability.
- C Regional estimate or proxy. Shown with indicator.
- D No reliable data; we show "?" instead of a score.
Score scale
- 80–100 Cheap
- 60–79 Moderate
- 40–59 Average
- 20–39 Pricey
- 0–19 Expensive
- 0–10 Ultra-Luxury
Data Integrity & Limitations
What we don’t include
- Subjective opinions or unverified reviews
- Real-time weather forecasts (scores = historical averages)
- Political or safety ratings (use official travel advisories)
- Specific hotel or restaurant prices (use booking platforms)
Regional variability
Large countries get destination-specific climate and, where available, city-level cost adjustments. When city data is missing, we use national average and show Cost Accuracy Level (C).
Data sources
Climate: WorldClim 2.1. Cost: World Bank ICP + US State Dept Per Diem. Scores reflect long-term patterns and relative cost, not real-time conditions.