Some links on this website are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission but at no extra cost to you. This is my way to keep my travel project going and keeping content free for you to access. 

In accordance with guidance from the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), I clearly identify affiliate content so that you can make informed decisions. Any affiliate relationships do not influence my opinions, and I only recommend products or services that I believe may be of value to readers. 

Where content constitutes advertising, I will ensure it is clearly marked as such.

Below is the most up to date list of my affiliate partners:

Booking.com

Booking.com is a leader in holiday accommodations. I decided that offering a good product from a top seller was the best choice for our readers. You will find booking links and widgets through my main posts.

GetYourGuide

One of the top sellers of things to do, attractions and activities.  You will find booking links and widgets through my main posts.

Disclaimer

Katethegreatexplorer is always keen to give an honest and clear opinion on destinations and experiences. I suggest the best partners with the aim of creating the most amazing adventure for my readers. Although I cannot be held liable for any inconvenience, loss or damage caused to you as a result of following my advice or reading the information I provide.

I aim to keep contents up-to-date, researching news and following government directions, in terms of visa, travel bans and restrictions as well. I always aim to give you the most complete guide but some mistakes may occur. 

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 26.02.2026

Last Updated: 21.03.2026

At Katethegreatexplorer, accessible from https://katethegreatexplorer.com, your privacy is a priority. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data in compliance with:

The General Data Protection Regulation (EU/UK GDPR)

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) & California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA)

The Australian Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)

1. Who We Are

Katethegreatexplorer is a personal travel blog that shares travel tips, guides, and inspiration.

Data Controller:

Katethegreatexplorer

Operating as Katethegreatexplorer

Email: katethegreatexplorer@gmail.com

Website: https://katethegreatexplorer.com

We are not required to appoint a Data Protection Officer, but you can contact us at the email above for any data privacy concerns.

2. What Personal Data We Collect and Why

What is Personal Data?

“Personal data” means any information that can identify an individual, either directly or indirectly — such as your name, email address, IP address, or location data.

We collect personal and usage data for the following purposes:

a) Analytics Data

We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and Google Search Console.

Data Collected: IP address (anonymised), region/city, browser/device info, pages visited, referral source

Purpose: Understand user behavior, improve content

Legal Basis: Consent (obtained via cookie banner)

b) Affiliate Tracking

We participate in affiliate programs through Booking.com & Get Your Guide. Clicking on an affiliate link may result in cookies being placed to track commissions.

Data Collected: Anonymised IP, referral ID, clicks, potential purchase data

Purpose: Earn commission from bookings or purchases

Legal Basis: Consent (for cookies), Legitimate Interest (non-cookie-based referrals)

Privacy policies of affiliate partners:

Booking.com Privacy Policy

Get Your Guide Privacy Policy

We do not receive personally identifiable data from these programs.

c) Comments and Contact Forms

If you comment or contact us via a form:

Data Collected: Name, email address, message content, IP address

Purpose: Respond to inquiries, enable comment functionality

Legal Basis: Legitimate Interest

3. Cookies

We use cookies to:

Improve user experience

Track affiliate link activity

Collect anonymised analytics data

Non-essential cookies (e.g., for analytics or affiliate tracking) are only set after you provide consent via our cookie banner.

We use a consent management tool to log and store your cookie preferences. You may withdraw consent at any time by updating your cookie settings or clearing cookies in your browser.

Your cookie preferences and consent choices are logged and securely stored in compliance with GDPR requirements.

4. Third-Party Services

We work with third parties who may process your data in accordance with their own privacy policies:

Google Analytics/Search Console – analytics

Booking.com, Get Your Guide – affiliate tracking

All third-party service providers that process personal data on our behalf do so under data processing agreements that meet GDPR requirements.

5. International Data Transfers

Some of our service providers (e.g., Google, affiliate partners) may process data outside the UK or European Economic Area (EEA), such as in the United States.

We ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:

Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the EU/UK

Use of providers that comply with international data frameworks

Additional technical and organisational measures for security

6. Users in the EU/UK, USA, and Australia

a) Your Rights Under the GDPR

You have the right to:

• Access your data
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Request data deletion
• Withdraw consent at any time
• Object to data processing
• Request data portability
• Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

To exercise these rights, email: katethegreatexploerer@gmail.com

b) California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

You may:

• Know what personal information is collected and how it’s used
• Request deletion of your personal data
• Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal data (we do not sell data)
• Exercise your rights without discrimination

To submit a request, email: katethegreatexploerer@gmail.com

c) Australian Residents

Under the Australian Privacy Act, you may:

• Access personal information we hold about you
• Request corrections

Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC): https://www.oaic.gov.au/

7. Data Retention

Contact form and comment data: Retained indefinitely unless you request deletion

Analytics data: Retained for up to 26 months

Affiliate cookies: Typically expire within 30–90 days, depending on the partner

8. Data Security

We protect your data using:

• SSL encryption (HTTPS)
• Routine updates of our CMS and plugins
• Limited data access and use of strong passwords/security tools

9. Your Rights and How to Contact Us

To request access, correction, deletion, or to raise a privacy concern, contact:

Katethegreatexplorer 

Email: Katethegreatexplorer@gmail.com

Website: https://Katethegreatexplorer.com

We aim to respond to all data requests within 30 days.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in the law, our services, or our technology. The latest version will always be published on this page with the “Last Updated” date.

Last Updated: 21.03.26

11. Children’s Privacy

This website is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect or store personal data from children. If you believe a child has submitted data to us, please contact us so we can remove it.

12. Email Marketing

If you sign up to receive emails from us, we will collect your name and email address. You will only receive emails you have opted into.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email, or by contacting us at katethegreatexplorer@gmail.com.

We use Mailchimp to manage our mailing list. Their privacy policy is available at https://www.intuit.com/privacy/statement/.

13. Embedded Content from Other Websites

Articles on this site may include embedded content (e.g. YouTube videos, Instagram posts, maps).

Embedded content from other websites behaves in the same way as if the visitor had visited the other website. These third-party services may collect data about you, use cookies, or monitor your interaction with that embedded content.

We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of these services individually.

14. Link to Cookie Policy or Preference Settings (If Tool Supports It)

You can view or update your cookie preferences please click on the settings logo in the bottom left of your screen.

Thank you!