Effective Date: 05/13/2025

Backpackers.com respects your privacy and takes it seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information when you interact with our website, digital services, and communications.

1. Who We Are

Our website address is: https://www.backpackers.com

This Privacy Policy applies to all users of our:

  • Website
  • Mobile apps or other digital services
  • Email newsletters and contact forms
  • Any services you request from us

By using our services, you agree to the terms of this policy.

2. What Personal Information We Collect

We collect information in two main ways:

2.1 Automatically Collected Data

When you browse our site or use our services, we collect:

  • IP address and browser type
  • Device info, pages visited, and referring URLs
  • Timestamps and usage patterns

2.2 Information You Provide Directly

You may submit personal information when:

  • Leaving a comment
  • Signing up for a newsletter
  • Filling out a contact or submission form
  • Submitting a guest post or participating in a community review

Important: Only submit personal information that is your own, or that of someone else, if you have their explicit consent.

3. Comments

When visitors leave comments, we collect the data shown in the comment form, plus:

  • Visitor’s IP address and browser user agent (to help with spam detection)
  • An anonymized string from your email (a hash) may be sent to Gravatar to check if you use the service. Their privacy policy is here: https://automattic.com/privacy

Once your comment is approved, your profile picture may be publicly visible alongside it.

4. Media

If you upload images, avoid including embedded location data (EXIF GPS). Visitors can download and extract this data from images on the site.

5. Cookies & Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Understand site traffic and usage
  • Remember your preferences
  • Improve your user experience
  • Serve relevant content and ads

Examples:

  • If you leave a comment, you can opt in to saving your name, email, and website in cookies (valid for 1 year).
  • Login-related cookies are temporary unless you select “Remember Me”.
  • Editing or publishing articles sets a cookie with the post ID (expires after 1 day).

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may impact site functionality. Third-party cookies (e.g., for analytics or embedded content) are also used and governed by their own privacy policies.

6. Embedded Content from Other Sites

Articles on this site may include embedded content (e.g., videos, images). Embedded content from other websites behaves as if the visitor has visited that site directly. These sites may collect data, use cookies, and track interactions, especially if you are logged into their platform.

7. How and Why We Use Your Information

We use personal data to:

  • Provide and improve our content, services, and user experience
  • Respond to questions or submissions
  • Send administrative or promotional communications (you can opt out)
  • Show content based on your preferences or browsing behavior

Legal Bases for Processing:

  • Your consent
  • Contractual necessity (e.g., providing services)
  • Legal compliance
  • Legitimate interests (e.g., analytics, improvement)

8. Who We Share Your Data With

We only share data when necessary and with proper safeguards:

  • Contractors and partners who help us operate or provide services
  • Legal authorities, if required by law
  • Future owners, if the company or its assets are sold or transferred
  • Analytics and service providers (with minimal necessary access)

We do not sell your personal information.

9. International Transfers

Our servers or team may be based outside your country. When we transfer data internationally, we apply appropriate safeguards in line with data protection laws. By using our services, you consent to such transfers.

10. Data Storage, Security & Retention

  • Retention: We retain personal data only as long as necessary or legally required.
  • Accuracy: You can request corrections to your personal information at any time.
  • Security: We apply technical and organizational measures to safeguard your data against loss, misuse, or unauthorized access.

11. How Long We Keep Your Data

  • Comments: Retained indefinitely, along with metadata, for moderation and continuity.
  • Registered users: Personal information is stored in your profile. You can view, edit, or delete most of this at any time (except your username). Site admins can access and manage this information.

12. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Request corrections or deletions
  • Object to or restrict processing
  • Withdraw consent (where applicable)
  • Request a copy of your data
  • Lodge a complaint with a data protection authority

To exercise these rights, get in touch using the contact details below.

13. Where Your Data Is Sent

Visitor comments may be checked through an automated spam detection service.

14. Consent and Policy Updates

  • We will obtain your consent where legally required (e.g., marketing emails).
  • This policy may be updated from time to time. If significant changes are made, we’ll notify you by email or display a clear notice on the website.
  • Continued use of the site indicates your acceptance of any updates.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact:

[email protected]

We’re happy to help you update, correct, or delete your data as needed.