skills/trip-research/references/source-policy.md

# Travel source policy

## Source hierarchy

Prefer the source closest to the fact:

1. Government, border, transport operator, attraction, hotel, restaurant, or tour operator.
2. Official tourism board or established local institution.
3. Reputable travel search or booking marketplace for observed inventory and comparison.
4. Recognized editorial guide or current local publication for qualitative context.
5. Forums, social posts, and creator content for discovery leads only unless independently verified.

Two pages repeating the same upstream claim are one source, not corroboration.

## Freshness and price basis

For dynamic prices record search date, travel dates, travelers, room count, fare or room type, taxes, fees, cancellation basis, and whether the amount is per person, room, night, or trip. Label snippets and cached pages as weak evidence. Convert currency only with a dated rate.

## Confidence

- **High:** current primary source directly supports the claim.
- **Medium:** credible secondary or marketplace evidence with no material conflict.
- **Lead-only:** plausible discovery item requiring direct confirmation.

For entry, health, safety, accessibility, and legal requirements, use authoritative sources and direct the traveler to reconfirm before travel.