How we review

Booking sites, rentals and flight search

We search for the same trips across services, follow each booking through to the final payment screen, and note every fee that was not in the first price. Where we can, we complete the booking and deal with support when something needs changing.

Insurance and eSIMs

We read the full policy wording, not the summary, and look for the exclusions that decide whether a claim is paid. For eSIMs we install the plan, measure how quickly it connects on arrival, and check what happens when the data runs out.

Luggage, backpacks and gadgets

We pack, carry and charge them on trips, and check them against airline carry-on limits and the maker's published specifications.

What the score means

Every review ends with a score out of ten. It weighs what the product costs against how well it does the job it promises, for the traveler it is built for.

9.0 to 10

We would buy or book it again without hesitation, and recommend it to almost anyone it is built for.

8.0 to 8.9

Excellent for the right traveler. The drawbacks are real but narrow.

7.0 to 7.9

Good, with a catch you should read about before you pay.

5.0 to 6.9

Works, but a better option exists for most people.

Below 5.0

We would not spend our own money on it.

Independence and corrections

Makers do not see a review before it is published and cannot change a score. If we get a fact wrong, we fix it and add a correction note to the review. Tell us if you spot one.

Nothing on this site is financial, legal or medical advice. Read the policy documents yourself before buying insurance.