At SmartTravelAdvices.com we take privacy seriously. This policy explains what data we collect, why, how it's used, and your full rights. We comply with the GDPR, CCPA, and Google AdSense publisher requirements.
1. Who We Are
Website: SmartTravelAdvices.com · Operator: SmartTravelAdvices Editorial
Email: privacy@smarttraveladvices.com
We are the data controller for information collected directly on this site. Third-party services (Google, email providers) act as independent data controllers under their own policies.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
- Email address — when subscribing to our newsletter
- Name — when submitting comments or contact forms
- Message content — when contacting us directly
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
- IP address (anonymised after 26 months)
- Browser type, version, and device type
- Pages visited, time on page, referral source
- Cookie identifiers — see our Cookie Policy
2.3 Information from Third Parties
Google AdSense, Google Analytics, and other embedded services may collect data independently. We do not control that collection and refer you to each provider's privacy policy.
3. How We Use Your Information
| Purpose | Legal Basis (GDPR) | Data Used |
|---|---|---|
| Delivering the website | Legitimate interest | IP, browser data |
| Sending newsletter | Consent | Email, name |
| Responding to enquiries | Legitimate interest | Email, message |
| Analytics & site improvement | Legitimate interest / Consent | Usage data, cookies |
| Personalised advertising | Consent | Cookies, device info |
| Fraud prevention | Legitimate interest | IP, usage data |
| Legal compliance | Legal obligation | As required |
4. Advertising — Google AdSense
SmartTravelAdvices.com uses Google AdSense to display ads. Google may use cookies and web beacons to serve ads based on your prior visits to this and other sites.
Google AdSense uses DoubleClick cookies to serve interest-based ads. You may opt out of personalised advertising at Google Ads Settings or via aboutads.info.
We have enabled: Remarketing with Google AdSense, Google Display Network Impression Reporting, Demographics & Interests Reporting, and DoubleClick Platform Integration.
For more: How Google uses data when you use our partners' sites →
5. Cookies
We use cookies for site operation, analytics, and advertising. Please see our full Cookie Policy for a complete breakdown of every cookie, its purpose and lifespan. You can manage your cookie preferences at any time via the banner on our site.
6. Sharing Your Data
We do not sell your personal data. We may share data with:
- Google LLC — analytics and advertising (Google Privacy Policy)
- Email service provider — for newsletter delivery (e.g. Mailchimp / ConvertKit)
- Web hosting provider — server logs including anonymised IPs
- Legal authorities — if required by law or court order
7. Data Retention
- Newsletter subscribers: until unsubscription + 30 days
- Contact form messages: 12 months after resolution
- Server logs: 90 days
- Google Analytics: 26 months (anonymised)
- Cookie data: per individual cookie lifespans (see Cookie Policy)
8. Your Rights
Under GDPR and similar laws you have the right to: Access, Rectification, Erasure, Restriction, Portability, Objection, and to Withdraw Consent at any time. Email privacy@smarttraveladvices.com — we respond within 30 days. You may also complain to your local data protection authority.
California residents (CCPA): You have the right to know, delete, and opt out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information.
9. Children's Privacy
This site is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If you believe we have done so, contact us and we will delete it promptly.
10. International Transfers
Some providers (including Google) are based in the USA. Where we transfer data outside the EEA, we rely on Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy periodically. The "Last updated" date at the top reflects the latest version. For material changes we will post a notice on the site. Continued use constitutes acceptance.
12. Contact
Email: privacy@smarttraveladvices.com
Website: www.smarttraveladvices.com