Decision tool · fit
Reader job: Understand transparent constraint matching before you trust a “match.” Driven live from your Money stack plus Fit sample non-negotiables and corridor high-risk patterns.
Active money scenario
San Juan ferry + lodging weekend
San Juan Islands, WA · 4 pax · 2 nights · all-in with friction $1,835
Visibility full · friction medium · budget confidence medium
Party constraint packs (fa-*) referenced by Plans corridors — not vanity scores.
Ages 8–71 · cane mobility context · 6 travelers
Fixed Monday return after a ferry-dependent weekend. Accessible inventory thin; recovery lodging is a plan, not a hope.
Non-negotiables
Failure modes
Evidence: Sample profile for Plans May Vary San Juan corridor. Not a booking confirmation. · Recheck 2026-11-01 · Open corridor
Each dimension carries observation, implication, and a concrete next step. Sample constraints and corridor risks compound with money flags.
Promotional headline understates realistic all-in cost.
Observed: Uplift with friction is large vs advertised ($1,835 vs $900).
Implies: Any ‘match’ that used only the headline is invalid until the budget is restated.
Next: Restate the trip budget at all-in with friction before comparing options.
Stack separates advertised from mandatory/likely.
Observed: Mandatory $300, likely extras $415.
Implies: You can reason about commitment cost, not only marketing.
Next: Keep mandatory lines quote-backed; likely lines plan-backed.
Friction buffer present; still confirm recovery lodging.
Observed: Friction exposure rated medium ($220).
Implies: Buffer exists on paper — only named lodging makes it real.
Next: If return is fixed, pre-identify one recovery hotel and cancellation terms.
Ferry or sailing lines present — vehicle/seat reservation both ways remains a confirmation task.
Observed: Transport names include ferry/sailing patterns.
Implies: Standby is not a reservation.
Next: Reserve both directions before lodging deposits become sticky.
Fixed return flights past fragile sailings or park gates need a recovery plan.
Observed: Timing fit depends on whether return is fixed and whether friction is funded.
Implies: A beautiful itinerary with a brittle last day is a fragile plan.
Next: Write the latest acceptable arrival at the gateway and one backup night.
Multiple lines lack sources — quotes may be stale or illustrative.
Observed: 3 non-friction lines without source notes.
Implies: Fit may be computed on placeholder economics.
Next: Stamp mandatory lines with operator + date before a go decision.
Park-shaped region without entrance lines understates mandatory cost.
Observed: No park entrance line while region suggests park access.
Implies: Fit is being scored against an incomplete park model.
Next: Add vehicle or per-person entrance before treating Fit as decisive.
Ages 8–71 · cane mobility context · 6 travelers
Observed: Ages 8–71 · cane mobility context · 6 travelers · Vehicle ferry reserved both directions before lodging is non-refundable · At least one step-light lodging option confirmed in writing
Implies: Money totals alone do not capture non-negotiable party constraints.
Next: Walk each non-negotiable against the active stack and recovery plan.
Plans May Vary lists 3 high-severity pattern(s) for this corridor.
Observed: Return-day sailing miss · Vehicle reservation gap · Peak reservation release window
Implies: Cost fit can look green while route fragility is still red.
Next: Address first: Return-day sailing miss — open Plans May Vary readiness for this corridor.
Both-direction vehicle reservations confirmed with numbers offline.
Observed: If either leg is standby-only, status = conflict for peak dates.
Implies: Priority: must. From fit sample fa-multigen-sanjuan-001.
Next: Both-direction vehicle reservations confirmed with numbers offline.
Lodging has confirmed step-light access for cane user.
Observed: Brochure 'accessible' without written confirmation = confirmation_required.
Implies: Priority: must. From fit sample fa-multigen-sanjuan-001.
Next: Lodging has confirmed step-light access for cane user.
Recovery night budget ≥ corridor default friction.
Observed: Friction layer under $160 with fixed return = conflict.
Implies: Priority: must. From fit sample fa-multigen-sanjuan-001.
Next: Recovery night budget ≥ corridor default friction.
Region-aware steps derived from the active stack — not generic travel tips.
1.Reserve vehicle or seats both directions before lodging is sticky
Standby is entertainment, not a plan — especially peak weekends.
When: Before paying non-refundable lodging deposits
2.Budget a recovery night at the gateway
Friction buffer currently $220 — name a hotel and amount, not a hope.
When: Before booking non-flexible returns
3.Arrive earlier than brochure photography suggests
Queues, full lots, and load priority eat schedule margin.
When: Day-of plan
4.Keep claims evidence posture ready
Screenshots of cancellations, boarding passes, and rebooking receipts live with Plans May Vary.
When: Any disruption
5.Re-check operator terms for San Juan Islands, WA
This tool models cost; carrier and park terms control recovery rights.
When: Before final payment