Privacy & Cookie Policy

Effective Date: January 1st, 2025

Welcome to Thoughtful Expeditions.

Your privacy matters to us. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and what choices you have.

1. Who We Are

Thoughtful Expeditions LLC (“we,” “our,” or “us”) organizes small-group wildlife expeditions and operates this website to share trip information and accept inquiries.

If you have any privacy questions, contact us at:
alex@thoughtfulexpeditions.com

2. Information We Collect

We only collect what’s needed to provide our services and improve your experience:

Contact details
Examples: name, email, message
Why we collect it: To respond to inquiries and send trip information

Newsletter sign-ups
Examples: email address
Why we collect it: to send updates if you opt in

Booking and trip details
Examples: traveler name, contact information, trip selection
Why we collect it: to manage bookings and communicate about trips

Website analytics
Examples: pages viewed, device type, location (approx.), time spent
Why we collect it: to understand site use and improve it

Advertising data
Examples: cookies or pixels from Google and Meta
Why we collect it: to measure and improve marketing performance

We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 16.

3. Booking and Payment Information

When you book a trip, all reservation and payment processing is handled securely through WeTravel, our third-party booking and payments platform.

WeTravel collects and processes personal and payment information (such as your name, email, phone number, and credit card data) on our behalf.
We do not receive or store your complete payment details (like card numbers or banking credentials).
We only access limited booking information necessary to manage your trip, such as traveler names, contact details, and payment status.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Respond to inquiries and requests

  • Send newsletters or updates (only if you’ve subscribed)

  • Process bookings and manage your participation in expeditions

  • Analyze website performance and improve user experience

  • Display and measure ads through Google and Meta platforms

  • Comply with legal, tax, and accounting obligations

We never sell your personal data.

5. Legal Bases for Processing (for EU/UK Visitors)

If you’re in the EU or UK, we process your personal data under these legal bases:

  • Consent – for newsletters and cookies used by analytics or ads

  • Contract – to deliver services you’ve requested

  • Legitimate interest – to improve our website and protect against misuse

  • Legal obligation – to meet accounting and recordkeeping requirements

6. Sharing Information

We share information only with trusted partners who help us operate our website and deliver services:

  • Squarespace – website hosting and contact forms

  • WeTravel – booking and payment processing

  • Google Analytics – website analytics

  • Meta (Facebook/Instagram) – advertising and measurement

  • Email providers – sending newsletters and updates

All partners act under data protection agreements and comply with GDPR and other applicable laws.

We may also disclose information if required by law or to protect our legal rights.

7. International Data Transfers

We and our service providers may process your data in the United States and other countries that may not have the same data protection laws as your country.
When transferring data from the EU or UK, we use Standard Contractual Clauses or other lawful safeguards to protect your information.

8. Data Retention

We keep your data only as long as necessary:

  • Inquiries & newsletter subscriptions: until you unsubscribe

  • Bookings: up to 7 years (for accounting and tax purposes)

  • Analytics and advertising data: typically up to 26 months

9. Your Rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to:

  • Access a copy of your data

  • Correct or delete it

  • Withdraw consent (for emails or cookies)

  • Object to certain processing

  • Request data portability

To exercise any of these rights, email us at alex@thoughtfulexpeditions.com.
If you’re in the EU or UK, you can also contact your local data protection authority.

10. California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

If you live in California, you can:

  • Request details about what personal information we collect and share

  • Ask us to delete your information

  • Opt out of any “sale” or “sharing” of personal data (we do not sell data for money)

To make a request, email alex@thoughtfulexpeditions.com.

11. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to make our site work, improve performance, and measure marketing.

Types of Cookies We Use

  • Essential cookies – required for security and site functionality (set by Squarespace).

  • Analytics cookies (Google Analytics) – help us understand how visitors use our site.

  • Advertising cookies (Meta Pixel, Google Ads) – measure marketing effectiveness and show relevant ads.

You can control cookies in your browser settings.
Blocking some cookies may affect certain features or functionality.

Managing Analytics & Ad Cookies

You can opt out of Google Analytics by visiting https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
You can adjust ad personalization via your Google Ad Settings or Meta Ad Preferences.

12. Security

We use SSL encryption and reputable third-party platforms like Squarespace and WeTravel to protect your data.
We never store payment card information directly.
While no system is completely secure, we take reasonable steps to safeguard your data and respond promptly to any security issue.

13. Children’s Privacy

Our website and services are not directed toward children under 16.
If we learn that we have collected data from a child, we will delete it promptly.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy occasionally.
The latest version will always be posted here with the updated “Effective Date.”

15. Contact Us

For privacy questions or requests:
alex@thoughtfulexpeditions.com