There are sometimes a lot of “process” questions, so maybe someone will find this helpful.
SCHEDULING
Departure 17 February +/-
(I have to be in Mohacs on Fat Tuesday) https://www.mohacsibusojaras.hu/
Return 20 March +/-
Step One: Check the Schengen Calculator: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/visa-calculator/ which says I could stay until April 13 if I wanted.
Step Two: Plug in the rest of the trips over the next 12 months or so and see if I hit any bumps and discover I never get closer than 13 days to the Schengen limit.
Step Three: Book the room in Budapest
Step Four: Find airfare. AUS to BUD through AMS for under $1000 on KLM including the cost of the seats. But that is Economy Light so no checked bag (and I don’t like to check luggage if I can find a way around it) and a limit of 12kg of carryon/personal item combined and $300 to change the flight.
So, in my case with no checked bag, but I do like to pre-select seats (about $80) the total of Economy Light is $905.00 and the cost of Standard Economy with pre-selected seats (and a checked bag allowance that I will not use) is $990.00. BUT, Standard Economy flight changes are free. So, do I upgrade and pay $85 for insurance against the $300 cost on flight changes?
Step Five: Book some entertainment
See what is playing in town and pick up some theater or concert tickets.
Step Six: Confirm the luggage restrictions
KLM Carry-on limit: 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8 vs my 21 x 14 x 9 ): https://bricstore.com/p/by-ulisse-21-expandable-spinner-blue/
KLM Personal Item limit: 15.8 x 11.8 x 5.9 vs my 16 x 12 x 7 bag wich I can crunch down to the limit if checked https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B7G22FF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
Combined Carry-on AND Personal Item weight limit is 12kg.
Step Seven: Packing Planning
Its freaking winter and I get 12kg so I have a list when paired and layered is good from 60F to 20F and it begins with my Columbia quilted synthetic down jacket with the space blanket looking foil interior (best jacket I have ever owned. 10 years old, pop it in the washer comes out looking brand new. Perfect weight) https://www.columbia.com/p/mens-powder-lite-hybrid-jacket-2008371.html?dwvar_2008371_color=023 And the list always includes dress pants, good looking shoes and a bag of stuff that I always bring, but never use.