Last updated: October 1, 2025
Welcome to DontBeThatTourist (“we,” “us,” or “our”).
We care about your privacy almost as much as we care about avoiding tourist traps — so here’s the plain-English version of how we collect, use, and protect your information.
We promise: no shady fine print, no spam, and definitely no overpriced “exclusive” tours disguised as data grabs.
1. What We Collect
When you join the DontBeThatTourist community, we may collect:
- Name and email address — when you subscribe for updates, newsletters, or freebies.
- Purchase details — when you buy itineraries or digital downloads (coming soon!).
- Affiliate link clicks — if you click partner links (like Viator or hotel affiliates), we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you.
- Analytics data — collected via Jetpack by WordPress.com, which gives us anonymous insights into which posts you read, how you found us, and what keeps you scrolling.
No creepy tracking, no selling your info — just enough data to keep this site helpful, relevant, and running smoothly.
2. How We Use Your Info
We use your information to:
- Send you stories, travel tips, and updates you actually signed up for.
- Deliver digital products securely when purchased.
- Understand which content you love most (so we can create more of it).
- Track affiliate performance to support the site — because coffee isn’t free. ☕
We’ll never sell or share your information. Your inbox is sacred ground (and we protect it accordingly).
3. Cookies (Unfortunately Not the Edible Kind)
Cookies help our site work properly and show us which travel tips are fan favorites.
You can disable cookies in your browser settings anytime — just know some site features may not look their best without them.
4. GDPR Rights
If you’re visiting from the EU or UK, you have the right to:
- Access, update, or delete your personal data.
- Withdraw consent (unsubscribe links are in every email).
- Request a copy of what we know about you.
To make any of those requests, just email connect@dontbethattourist.com — we’ll respond faster than airport Wi-Fi drops.
5. How We Protect Your Info
Your data is stored securely through trusted partners:
- WordPress runs the platform.
- A2 Hosting and Jetpack handle security, firewalls, and daily backups.
- MailPoet safely manages newsletter subscriptions and emails (fully GDPR-compliant).
We use SSL encryption and good digital hygiene — so your data stays safer than your passport in a sweaty money belt.
6. Affiliate & Partnership Disclosure (Full Transparency, Always)
DontBeThatTourist participates in several affiliate and partnership programs, which means we may earn a commission or receive other benefits when you click, book, or purchase through certain links — at no extra cost to you.
Our current partnerships may include (but aren’t limited to):
- Viator / TripAdvisor – for tours, experiences, and excursions we’ve tried or vetted.
- Marriott Bonvoy – for hotels we’ve stayed at or genuinely recommend.
- Amazon Associates – for travel products, gadgets, and gear we use ourselves.
- Delta Vacations, Expedia Group, and similar partners – for curated travel packages and deals.
- JetSet / InteleTravel – as part of a professional travel advisor network and business model that allows us to earn commissions and bonuses for referring clients, mentoring new travel agents, or selling travel products and services.
Every recommendation is based on real experiences, research, or trusted industry relationships — never a random link for a quick buck.
Whenever an affiliate or partnership link appears, assume we may earn a small commission. We’ll always mark or mention affiliate relationships clearly in posts and emails, in compliance with FTC, GDPR, and Amazon Associates Program disclosure rules.
Transparency isn’t just a policy — it’s part of our brand. That’s why I teach you how to navigate the travel industry smarter, avoid the tourist traps, and elevate your experiences — whether you’re booking your next adventure or learning how to turn your passion for travel into something bigger.
If you ever have questions about our affiliate relationships or travel partnerships, reach out at connect@dontbethattourist.com — I’ll always tell you the truth behind the trip.
7. Third-Party Tools
We rely on a few trustworthy services to keep things running smoothly:
- MailPoet — email subscriptions and newsletters.
- Jetpack by WordPress.com — analytics, security, and performance.
- WordPress — our content management system.
- A2 Hosting — website hosting and site protection.
Each service has its own privacy policy and complies with international privacy regulations.
8. Children’s Privacy
This site isn’t intended for children under 16.
If you think we’ve accidentally collected information from someone under that age, please contact us and we’ll delete it immediately.
9. Comments & Embedded Content
When visitors leave comments on the site, we collect the data shown in the comment form, along with the visitor’s IP address and browser information (to help detect spam).
Comments may be checked through an automated spam detection service, such as Jetpack.
Occasionally, we embed content from other websites — like YouTube videos, Instagram posts, or interactive maps.
Embedded content from other sites behaves exactly as if you visited that site directly, meaning those websites may collect data, use cookies, or track your interaction with their embedded content.
We only embed trusted, reputable sources — but their privacy practices are beyond our control.
You can review their individual policies if you’d like the details (and we applaud your dedication).
10. Policy Updates
Like our itineraries, this policy may evolve over time.
If we make changes, we’ll update the date at the top — so you’ll always know what’s new.
11. Contact Us
Questions? Concerns? Want to talk travel instead?
Email connect@dontbethattourist.com, and we’ll get back to you between flights, caffeine refills, or content edits.
✈️
In Short
We’ll protect your info, respect your inbox, and keep the travel stories coming — no spam, no tourist traps, just real adventures and a few good laughs.
Last updated: October 1, 2025