Featured analysis
Firsthand Travel reads the official record: U.S. Department of Transportation consumer rules, insurers' published plan documents and policy wording, and manufacturers' published specifications and warranty terms: to rank travel insurance, luggage, and travel services clearly and without hype. We don't take press trips, file claims, or lab-test gear; our ratings come from published documentation.
Travel Insurance
We compared five major U.S. travel insurance providers on published plan structure, Cancel For Any Reason terms, review periods, and assistance services, with every claim cited to the provider's official documentation.
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Travel Gear
A side-by-side look at five widely used carry-on suitcases using official list prices, published dimensions and materials, and each brand's own warranty and trial terms, reported from official product pages, not hands-on testing.
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Straight from the bodies that issue them, in their own words, with a link to the original.
US State Dept Travel Advisories
Exercise normal precaution in French Polynesia . Review the travel guidance section for additional information on travel to French Polynesia.
By 2 Dec 2026
UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice
Information following a shooting incident in Kraków’s Main Market Square ('Warnings and insurance' page)
By 7 Nov 2026
UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice
FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to Moyale Town and up to 5km around it, including to the border with Ethiopia. Updated information about the Kenya-Ethiopia border ('Warnings and insurance' and 'Regional risks' pages).
By 6 Nov 2026
UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice
New information about the introduction of health screening on arrival at Nsimalen International Airport and Douala International Airport ('Entry requirements' page).
By 6 Nov 2026
UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice
New information about Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Peru from 11-16 November, including increased security measures and travel disruption (’Warnings and insurance’ page).
By 6 Nov 2026
UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice
Updated information about the documents needed when travelling with children (see 'Travelling with children' on the 'Entry requirements' page).
By 6 Nov 2026