Introduction

This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, process, and disclose your information. It applies to all services (including the website and application) offered through Travel the World HQ.

When this policy mentions “Travel the World HQ”, “TWHQ”, “we”, “our”, or “Platform”, it refers to Travel the World HQ, responsible for its own information (“Data Handler”). This Policy does not apply to other sites or services that we do not own.

Travel the World HQ is committed to ensuring your privacy is protected. Should we request any information that identifies you when using this Platform, we assure you it will only be used strictly in accordance with this Policy.

Changes and Updates

Please note that our Policy is subject to change at any time, and we may not be able to provide prior notice. To ensure you are always up-to-date, please review this page periodically. This Policy applies to current and former visitors and customers of our Platform. By accessing and/or using our Platform, you accept and consent to the practices described in this Policy.

Information We Collect

We collect and store your personal information (as deemed necessary) when you use our Platform. This information allows us to provide you with a safe, efficient, smooth, and customized experience, including displaying recommended products, communicating about orders, new products, and promotions. It also enables us to provide specific services, customize the Platform, and allow third parties to perform technical and logistical functions on our behalf.

Here are the types of information we gather:

• Information you provide to use the Platform
  • Account Information: First name, last name, email, birthdate, country of nationality. We need this to identify you and provide service and support.
  • Preferences and Interests: Programs, destinations, languages, skills. This helps us personalize your experience and improve our advertising and marketing.
• Required for use as a host:
  • Property and Vacancy Information: Property name, address, photos, contact and position information. This helps us identify you and attract interested travelers.
  • Position Analysis: We analyze your positions during the approval process to promote a safe and transparent community and provide support.
• Communication with other users: We collect and store your messages securely to facilitate communication with other users.
• Payment Information (paying members): We collect this so you can access member benefits and comply with tax requirements. We store this information securely with our payment service providers.
• Information you choose to provide: This includes your username and password, name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, gender, financial information like bank account details, credit/debit card details, and any other information you provide. Not providing certain information may limit your use of our Platform’s features.
• Additional Profile Information: Photos, job history, travel experience, schooling, languages, city, personal description. This helps personalize your profile and communication.
• Host and Traveler Reviews: We collect and share this to promote a safe and transparent community.
• Information provided by other users: Reviews written about you or your property are published on your profile.
• Information collected automatically: This includes your IP address, geolocation data, device identification, cookie information, browser/device type, mobile device information, purchase history, and session information like page response times and clicks. We use this information for internal analysis, location-based services, personalized content, and to improve your shopping experience.
• Usage information: Searches, opportunities, articles, confirmed trips, positions added to favorites, etc. We use this to improve the Platform experience.
• Data Log and Device Information: Access times, hardware/software information, device information, crash data, cookie data, and pages accessed. We use this for error detection, monitoring, and analysis.

Cookies:

• Operation: Saves your user ID and preferences for a personalized experience.
• Server Analysis and Monitoring: Monitors server health and visitor statistics.
• Third-Party: These help us monitor server health, track visitors, and personalize ads on other sites.
• Social Plugins: These facilitate interaction with social networks. Check their privacy policies for more information.

Information collected from third parties: This may include information from social media services, commercially available sources, and business partners. You authorize us to collect, store, analyze, and use such information in accordance with this Policy when accessing or contacting us through social media services.

• Registering with third parties: We may receive information like your account and profile information.
• Geolocation Information: We use Google Maps/Earth APIs, subject to their terms and privacy policy.

Minors: Our Platform is not intended for individuals under 18. We do not intentionally collect personal information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with information, please contact us for deletion.

II. How We Use the Information We Collect

We use your information to:

• Deliver Platform features: Identify you, facilitate communication, publicize positions, collect payments, provide support, share content on social networks.
• Promote a safe and transparent community: Approve properties, identify users, ensure transparency, mediate conflicts, detect fraud and abuse, identify non-compliant users.
• Monitor, analyze, and improve the experience: Improve the Platform, detect errors, monitor server health, analyze usage for personalization and advertising.
• Provide, Customize, Measure, and Improve our Advertising and Communications: Promote positions, send emails and notifications, invite you to events, personalize ads on other platforms.
• Apply the Terms of Use and comply with legal obligations: Enforce our terms and comply with legal requirements.

III. How We Protect Your Information

We use secure communication protocols and practices to protect your information. We store your data in encrypted form, especially sensitive data. Your information may be transferred and stored in India, the United States, and other countries where our servers and third-party services are located.

Information Sharing

We respect customer privacy and never commercially exploit your information. We share information only under these circumstances:

• Third-party service providers: We may use third parties for order fulfillment, data analysis, marketing, and payment processing. They have access only to information necessary for their functions and are bound by contract to not use it for any other purpose.
• Compliance with law: We may disclose information to government authorities for verification, investigation, or prosecution of offenses. We may also release information to protect our rights, property, or safety, or the rights of others.
• Business transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or similar transaction, your information may be transferred as part of the business assets.
• With your consent: We will inform you if your information might be shared with third parties and allow you to opt-out.

Behavioral Advertising: We use your information to provide targeted advertisements we believe may interest you. You can opt-out of targeted advertising through various platforms (listed in their original policy).

Information Security

We use appropriate security measures to safeguard your information from unauthorized access, improper use, disclosure, modification, or destruction. However, we cannot guarantee complete security due to factors beyond our control, such as government action, computer hacking, and data breaches.

Links to Other Websites

Our Platform may contain links to other websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these websites, and their policies may differ from ours.

IV. Your Control Over Your Information

How long we keep your information: We keep your information for as long as you have a Travel the World HQ account.

Deactivating your account: Hides your profile and vacancies, but retains your information for reactivation.

Deleting your account: We verify your identity and then unlink your data from your account, storing it anonymously for research and analysis.

Access to your data: You can access and export your data through the Platform or by emailing us.

Contact for grievances regarding this Privacy Policy

If you have any questions or feedback regarding this Policy, you may contact us here.