Visa rules change and personal situations differ, so this is not legal advice. It is an operating framework nomads use to avoid building a beautiful itinerary on an illegal or fragile stay.
Tourist entry can be easy while long stays are hard. Before you plan quarters in a city, answer: What is the maximum lawful stay for my passport? Can it be extended in-country? What happens if plans change mid-trip?
Create a simple sheet with columns for country, entry date, permitted days, buffer days, and exit options. Add a seven-day buffer before hard limits. Buffers absorb delays, illness, and housing mistakes.
If you cannot explain your stay basis in one clear sentence, you are not ready to book non-refundable housing. Clarity first, tickets second.
Always verify requirements with official sources or a qualified advisor for your nationality and destination. Treat forum anecdotes as leads, not authority.