You are now reading Backpacking Brunette’s Privacy Policy & Disclosure. It’s a little boring, but hey, a blogger’s gotta do what a blogger’s gotta do! Before we get into the nitty gritty of blog legalese, here’s a basic overview of what you need to know:
- You have the absolute right to know how your data/information is being collected.
- You also have the right to know any financial relationships I have with third parties.
I’m going to go into a lot more detail, but if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out via email.
FTC Disclosure
The Federal Trade Commission requires me to tell you I have financial relationships with many of the companies, brands, etc. mentioned on this site. Many of my posts contain affiliate links. If you click through one of these link and purchase something, I earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
However, please know I would NEVER recommend a product or experience I don’t believe has value for you. Honest opinions ONLY on Backpacking Brunette. As always, I’m here to keep it real!
Privacy Policy
Backpacking Brunette found at https://backpackingbrunette.com/ (this website) adheres to the following Privacy Policy. The reason I’m disclosing this Privacy Policy is so you’re fully aware of what personally identifiable information I may collect as well as how it may be used. Moving forward, I will refer to this site as “the Website.” Backpacking Brunette can be a real tongue twister!
The following statement only applies to this Website.
What information do I collect, and how is it used?
Information You Voluntarily Submit to the Website: I may collect personal information from you such as your name or email address. You may voluntarily submit information to the Website by leaving a comment, subscribing to a newsletter or submitting a contact form.
Automatically-Collected Information: I automatically collect specific information about you and the device you use to access the Website. For example, when you use the Website, I log your IP address, operating system type, browser type, referring website, pages you viewed and the dates/times you accessed the Website. I may also collect information about actions you take when using the Website, such as links clicked.
Cookies: I may log information using cookies, which are small data files stored on your browser by the Website. I may use both session cookies, which expire when you close your browser, and persistent cookies, which stay on your browser until deleted, to provide you with a more personalized experience on the Website. It’s a good thing, I swear!
How your information may be used
I may use the information I’m collecting about you in the following ways:
- To operate and maintain the Website
- To identify you as a user of the website and customize the website for your use
- To send you promotional information, such as newsletters
- Every email promotion will include information for how you can opt-out of future mailings
- To send you administrative communications such as administrative emails, confirmation emails, technical notices, updates on policies or security alerts
- To respond to your comments or inquiries
- To provide user support
- To track and measure advertising on the Website
- To protect against unauthorized or illegal activity
Third-Party Use of Personal Information
I may share your information with third parties but only when you explicitly consent for me to do so. I would never do it without you giving me the go-ahead.
At times, the Website may use third-party service providers to improve various aspects of the Website. Each third-party service provider has its own privacy policy dictating its use of your personal information. Those policies are highlighted and linked below.
These are the third-party service providers the Website currently uses:
Google Analytics: This service tracks Website usage and provides information such as referring websites and user actions on the Website. Google Analytics may capture your IP address, but no other personal information is captured.
MailerLite: This service is used for delivery of email updates and newsletters. I store your name and email address for the express purpose of delivering such communications. Please refer to MailerLite’s privacy policy for further information.
Plugins
The Website uses plugins to operate efficiently. In compliance with GDPR rules, listed below are the plugins that deal with data collection in some way, shape or form.
Yoast: I utilize the Yoast plugin for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) purposes. To clarify, the Yoast plugin deals with website data and not personal data.
MailerLite: I use a MailerLite plugin to easily load up forms and opt-ins on this site. These forms require you to consent to marketing emails/newsletters. You can check MailerLite’s privacy policy for more information.
Social Pug: The Social Pug plugin powers the share buttons visible throughout the Website. According to the Social Pug website, “The plugin does not collect, store or distribute any user information.”
Anonymous Data
From time to time, I may use anonymous data, which does not identify you individually, in combination with data from other parties. This type of anonymous data may be provided to other parties for marketing, advertising or other uses. Examples of this anonymous data may include analytics or information collected from cookies.
Publicly Visible Information
If you leave a comment on the Website, certain information may be publicly visible. If you choose to leave a comment, people will see your avatar, name and any website information you leave.
Cookies
The Website uses cookies to store visitors’ preferences, record user-specific information on what pages users access or visit as well as other information the visitor sends. Cookies may also be used by third-party services, such as Google Analytics (described above).
At any time, you can prevent the setting of cookies. To do so requires adjusting a corresponding setting of your internet browser and will permanently deny the setting of cookies. When done, already set cookies may be deleted at any time via an internet browser or other software programs. This is possible in all major internet browsers. Do note, if you deactivate the setting of cookies in your i
Affiliate Program Participation
As mentioned, the Website participates in affiliate marketing. If you click on a link for an affiliate partnership, a cookie will be placed on your browser to track any sales for purposes of commissions at no extra cost to you.
I am part of the following affiliate programs. These programs may be using cookies to track any sales/commissions coming via my recommendations on this Website.
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure Notice: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
BackpackingBrunette.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for participants to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
CJ: CJ is an affiliate network I use for several programs, including
Hostelworld: I use Hostelworld.com affiliate links throughout this site when I recommend hostels. You can read more about how Hostelworld handles privacy/data here.
SkimLinks: I also have SkimLinks activated, which automatically turns certain links in my content to affiliate links. You can read more about how they handle data in their Privacy Policy.
Newsletters
On the Website, you may subscribe to my newsletter, which may be used for advertising purposes. All newsletters sent may contain tracking pixels. The pixel is embedded in emails and allows an analysis of the success of online marketing campaigns. Because of these tracking pixels, I may see if and when you open an email as well as which links within the email you click. This allows the Website to adapt the content of future newsletters to the interests of the user. This behavior will not be passed on to third parties.
Rights Related to Your Personal Information
Opt-out: You may opt-out of future email communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe links in my emails. You may also notify me directly at
Access: You may access the personal information I have about you at any time by submitting a request to alex [at] backpackingbrunette dot com .
Amend: You may contact me at
Forget: You may request I erase or forget your personal data. To do so, please submit a request to
Please note I may need to retain certain information for recordkeeping purposes, to complete transactions or when required by law.
Sensitive Personal Information
At no time should you submit sensitive personal information to the
Children’s Information
The Website does not knowingly collect any personally identifiable information from children under the age of 16. If a parent or guardian believes the Website has personally identifiable information of a child under the age of 16 in its database, please contact me immediately at
Contact Information
If you have questions related to this Privacy Policy and Disclosure, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email (alex [at] backpackingbrunette dot com). Thank you!