Proof of trip purpose

Checklist of documents confirming the purpose

Documents — 0/6 ready

Hotel/accommodation booking for the whole stay
Return ticket or itinerary
Invitation (if visiting friends/family/conference)
Bank statement for pocket expenses
Insurance policy for the trip
Work/study letter — home ties

Consulates look for logical links: purpose → itinerary → funds → return. Free-cancellation bookings work. Unpaid bookings are legal for filing, but some consulates ask for paid ones on long visas.