Navigating the digital landscape requires a clear understanding of the rules and guidelines governing online platforms. TripSavvy, a comprehensive resource for travel enthusiasts, operates under a defined set of Terms of Use and Policies designed to ensure a safe, informative, and enjoyable experience for all users. This article delves into the intricacies of these terms and policies, providing a detailed overview of the ethical standards, intellectual property rights, user responsibilities, and privacy protocols that shape the TripSavvy community. Understanding these guidelines is crucial for every visitor, contributor, and advertiser seeking to engage with the platform responsibly and effectively.
Ethics Policy
TripSavvy operates as a platform fueled by independent contractors who contribute content to TripSavvy.com and its associated sites, including email communications. These contributors are often compensated based on the volume of content they produce and the engagement it receives, measured by page views. To maintain the integrity of the information provided, TripSavvy mandates that all contributors adhere to strict ethical standards and legal requirements, including those outlined by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding disclosure.
It is paramount to understand that the responsibility for compliance with these standards rests solely with the individual contributors, not TripSavvy itself. These writers are expected to deliver advice and information that is both practical and reliable. While TripSavvy strives to curate a trustworthy environment, the content is presented "AS IS," and users are encouraged to exercise their own judgment and verification. Your use of the Site is subject to the Terms of Use (including any disclaimers).
Terms of Use (Updated February 24, 2021)
The Terms of Use serve as the foundational agreement between TripSavvy and its users. Updated on February 24, 2021, these terms outline the rights, responsibilities, and limitations associated with accessing and utilizing the TripSavvy platform.
1. Overview
TripSavvy.com and its affiliated sites and email properties, collectively referred to as the "Site," are Dotdash Meredith brands owned and operated by About, Inc., and its affiliates. These Terms of Use govern access to and use of the Site, establishing a legal framework for the relationship between TripSavvy ("TripSavvy", the "Company", "we", or "us") and its users.
2. Disclaimer
The information provided on the Site is intended solely for informational purposes and is offered on an "as is" basis. Users access this information at their own risk. TripSavvy makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, quality, or completeness of the information presented. The company is not liable for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies, nor for any reliance placed on the information by users. It is the user’s responsibility to verify the information and determine its suitability for their specific needs.
3. Our Right to Modify These Terms of Use
TripSavvy reserves the right to modify these Terms of Use at any time. Users are encouraged to regularly review this page for updates. Changes will be posted on the Site and become effective upon posting. Continued use of the Site following any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms of Use.
4. Our Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy provides detailed information about how data is collected, used, and made available on or by the Site. Users are strongly encouraged to review the Privacy Policy to understand TripSavvy’s data handling practices.
5. TripSavvy Intellectual Property
Protecting intellectual property is a core tenet of these Terms of Use and Policies.
Your Limited License to our Intellectual Property
The materials displayed on the Site, including but not limited to text, software, photographs, graphics, illustrations, artwork, video, music, sound, names, logos, trademarks, and service marks, are the property of TripSavvy, About, Inc., its affiliates, or licensors. These materials are protected by copyright, trademark, and other laws.
Users are granted a personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use the Site and its materials for non-commercial purposes only, subject to these Terms of Use. Modification, reproduction, retransmission, distribution, dissemination, sale, publication, broadcast, or circulation of any such material without prior written permission from TripSavvy is strictly prohibited.
TripSavvy Trademarks and Logos
The terms TripSavvy, www.TripSavvy.com, and other TripSavvy trademarks and service marks, along with all related names, logos, product and service names, designs, and slogans, are trademarks of TripSavvy, its affiliates, or licensors. Use of these marks without prior written permission from TripSavvy is prohibited. All other names, logos, product and service names, designs, and slogans on the Site are the trademarks of their respective owners.
6. Reliance on Information on Site
TripSavvy explicitly states that it has no obligation to review content on its Site, including User Contributions or contributions from independent contractors. Users should not expect such review.
About our Contributors
TripSavvy engages content providers with expertise in particular subject matters as independent contractors. The company does not represent or guarantee that any contributor possesses a specific level of expertise, knowledge, qualifications, or credentials. References to contributors as "experts" are based on the information they provide to TripSavvy, and the company is not obligated to independently verify or confirm this information.
Contributors, even those characterized as experts, are not employees of TripSavvy or its affiliates. The company cannot and does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or truthfulness of the qualifications or credentials of any contributor or user of the Site.
Users are strongly advised not to rely solely on Site content, including User Contributions and content from independent contractors. Content is provided for general information purposes only and cannot account for individual circumstances and needs. Any reliance on or actions taken based on Site content are at the user’s sole risk, and TripSavvy assumes no responsibility or liability whatsoever. Communications on or through the Site are also at the user’s own risk and are not covered by any privilege or confidentiality obligation.
7. Prohibited Uses of the Site
Users may only use the Site for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms of Use. Prohibited uses include:
- Any activity that violates federal, state, local, or international laws or regulations.
- Transmitting or soliciting any advertising or promotional material, including "junk mail," "chain letters," "spam," or similar solicitations.
- Impersonating or attempting to impersonate TripSavvy, a TripSavvy employee, another user, or any other person or entity.
- Engaging in any conduct that restricts or inhibits anyone’s use or enjoyment of the Site, or which, as determined by TripSavvy, may harm the company or users of the Site.
Additionally, users agree not to:
- Use any robot, spider, or other automatic device, process, or means to access the Site for any purpose, including monitoring or copying any of the material on the Site.
- Introduce any viruses, Trojan horses, worms, logic bombs, or other material that is malicious or technologically harmful.
- Attempt to gain unauthorized access to, interfere with, damage, or disrupt any parts of the Site, the server on which the Site is stored, or any server, computer, or database connected to the Site.
- Attack the Site via a denial-of-service attack or a distributed denial-of-service attack.
- Otherwise attempt to interfere with the proper working of the Site.
8. Content That You Make Available on the Site
User Contributions
The Site may feature interactive services such as message boards, chat rooms, personal web pages or profiles, forums, review and ratings sections, and bulletin boards that allow users to post comments, content, or other materials ("User Contributions") on or through the Site.
Users are cautioned against disclosing personal information on the Site, as this information may be viewed by search engines, collected and used by others, and may result in unsolicited contact. TripSavvy strongly advises against posting any personal or sensitive information.
Any User Contribution posted to the Site will be considered non-confidential and non-proprietary. By providing any User Contribution, users grant TripSavvy and its affiliates and service providers the perpetual right to use, reproduce, modify, perform, display, distribute, and otherwise disclose to third parties any such material for any purpose.
Users represent and warrant that:
- They own or control all rights to their User Contributions and have the right to grant the license described above.
- Their User Contributions do not violate any third-party rights, including copyright, trademark, privacy, or other proprietary rights.
- Their User Contributions do not violate any applicable laws or regulations.
Users are solely responsible for their User Contributions, including their legality, reliability, accuracy, and appropriateness. TripSavvy is not responsible or liable for the content or accuracy of any User Contributions posted by users of the Site.
Monitoring and Enforcement; Termination
TripSavvy reserves the right to:
- Remove or refuse to post any User Contributions for any or no reason in its sole discretion.
- Take any action with respect to any User Contribution that it deems necessary or appropriate in its sole discretion, including if it believes that such User Contribution violates these Terms of Use, infringes any intellectual property right or other right of any person or entity, threatens the personal safety of users of the Site or the public, or could create liability for the Company.
- Disclose your identity or other information about you to any third party who claims that material posted by you violates their rights, including their intellectual property rights or their right to privacy.
- Take appropriate legal action, including without limitation, referral to law enforcement, for any illegal or unauthorized use of the Site.
- Terminate or suspend your access to all or part of the Site for any or no reason, including without limitation, any violation of these Terms of Use.
TripSavvy has the right to cooperate fully with any law enforcement authorities or court order requesting or directing it to disclose the identity or other information related to anyone posting materials on or through the Site. Users waive and hold harmless the Company and its affiliates, agents, licensees, and service providers from any claims resulting from any action taken by any of the foregoing parties during or as a result of its investigations and from any actions taken as a consequence of investigations by either the Company, such parties, or law enforcement authorities.
TripSavvy cannot and does not undertake to review all material before it is posted on the Site and cannot ensure prompt removal of objectionable material after it has been posted. Accordingly, the company assumes no liability for any action or inaction regarding transmissions, communications, or content provided by any user or third party. TripSavvy has no liability or responsibility to anyone for performance or nonperformance of the activities described in this section.
Content Standards
These content standards apply to any and all User Contributions and use of Interactive Services. User Contributions must comply with all applicable federal, state, local, and international laws and regulations. Without limiting the foregoing, User Contributions must not:
- Contain any material that is defamatory, obscene, indecent, abusive, offensive, harassing, violent, hateful, inflammatory, or otherwise objectionable.
- Promote sexually explicit or pornographic material, violence, or discrimination based on race, sex, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, or age.
- Infringe any patent, trademark, trade secret, copyright, or other intellectual property or other rights of any other person.
- Violate the legal rights (including the rights of publicity and privacy) of others or contain any material that could give rise to any civil or criminal liability under any laws or regulations.
- Be likely to deceive any person.
- Promote any illegal activity, or advocate, promote, or assist any unlawful act.
- Cause annoyance, inconvenience, or needless anxiety or be likely to upset, embarrass, alarm, or annoy any other person.
- Impersonate any person, or misrepresent your identity or affiliation with any person or organization.
- Involve commercial activities or sales, such as contests, sweepstakes, and other sales promotions, barter, or advertising.
- Give the impression that they emanate from or are endorsed by us or any other person or entity, if this is not the case.
9. Your Indemnification of Us
Users agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless TripSavvy, and its officers, directors, owners, employees, agents, information providers, affiliates, licensors, and licensees from and against any and all liability and costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred by the Indemnified Parties in connection with any claim arising out of (a) any User Contributions, or (b) breach by you or any user of your account of these Terms of Use or any representations, warranties, and covenants contained in these Terms of Use. Users shall cooperate fully and reasonably in the defense of any such claim. TripSavvy reserves the right, at its own expense, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter subject to indemnification by you.
10. WARRANTY DISCLAIMER
THE SITE IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF TITLE OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OTHER THAN THOSE WARRANTIES WHICH ARE IMPOSED BY AND INCAPABLE OF EXCLUSION, RESTRICTION OR MODIFICATION UNDER THE LAWS APPLICABLE TO THESE TERMS OF USE. WE DO NOT ENDORSE AND ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACCURACY OR RELIABILITY OF ANY OPINION, ADVICE OR STATEMENT ON THE SITE. THE INFORMATION, FACTS, AND OPINIONS PROVIDED ARE NO SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE.
11. LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
YOUR USE OF THE SITE IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. NEITHER TRIPSAVVY NOR ABOUT, INC., NOR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, DIVISIONS, AFFILIATES, AGENTS, REPRESENTATIVES OR LICENSORS (INCLUDING OUR INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR CONTRIBUTORS) SHALL BE LIABLE TO YOU OR ANYONE ELSE FOR ANY LOSS OR INJURY OR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR SIMILAR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF YOUR ACCESS OR USE OF, OR YOUR INABILITY TO ACCESS OR USE, THE SITE AND THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON THE SITE OR ARISING OUT OF ANY ACTION TAKEN IN RESPONSE TO OR AS A RESULT OF ANY INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON THE SITE. YOU HEREBY WAIVE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS AGAINST TRIPSAVVY, ABOUT, INC., AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES, DIVISIONS, AFFILIATES, AGENTS, REPRESENTATIVES AND LICENSORS (INCLUDING OUR INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR CONTRIBUTORS) ARISING OUT OF YOUR USE OF THE SITE AND THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE THEREON.
12. Third Party Links, Advertisements, Sites and Content
TripSavvy does not review or monitor any websites, advertisements, or other media linked to or available through the Site and is not responsible for the content of any such third-party advertisements or linked websites. Users are advised to verify pricing, product quality, and other information necessary to make an informed purchase before purchasing any third-party products or services described on the Site. Neither TripSavvy nor its parent or any of its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates, agents, representatives, or licensors shall have any liability arising from your purchases of third-party products or services based upon the information provided on the Site, and we shall not receive or review complaints regarding such purchases.
13. Disputes
These Terms of Use and any disputes arising out of or related to the Site shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York (without regard to conflict of law principles). In the event of any such dispute, you irrevocably consent to exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the courts located in the State of New York, County of New York.
ANY CAUSE OF ACTION OR CLAIM YOU MAY HAVE ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OF USE OR THE SITE MUST BE COMMENCED WITHIN ONE (1) YEAR AFTER THE CAUSE OF ACTION ACCRUES, OTHERWISE, SUCH CAUSE OF ACTION OR CLAIM IS PERMANENTLY BARRED AND YOU HEREBY AGREE TO WAIVE SUCH CAUSE OF ACTION OR CLAIM AFTER SUCH DATE.
14. Waiver and Severability
No waiver by TripSavvy of any term or condition set forth in these Terms of Use shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or condition or a waiver of any other term or condition, and any failure of TripSavvy to assert a right or provision under these Terms of Use shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.
If any provision of these Terms of Use is held by a court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable for any reason, such provision shall be eliminated or limited to the minimum extent such that the remaining provisions of the Terms of Use will continue in full force and effect.
15. Entire Agreement
The Terms of Use constitute the sole and entire agreement between you and TripSavvy with respect to the Site and supersede all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to the Site.
16. DMCA Policy
TripSavvy addresses copyright infringement in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Users may not post, upload, or otherwise place any content or information on the Site that belongs to a third party unless they have the legal right to do so. If you believe in good faith that your copyrighted work has been reproduced on our Site without authorization in a way that constitutes copyright infringement, you may notify our designated copyright agent.
It is the policy of TripSavvy to disable the accounts of users who repeatedly post infringing material on the Site.
17. How to Contact Us
This Site is a Dotdash Meredith brand, located at 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10005.
All other feedback, comments, requests for technical support, and other communications relating to the Site should be directed to: [email protected].
Requests to use and reproduce content published on TripSavvy should be directed to: [email protected].
Privacy Policy (Updated June 14, 2021)
The TripSavvy Privacy Policy, updated on June 14, 2021, outlines the practices regarding the collection, use, and protection of user data. TripSavvy takes online privacy seriously and respects the concerns of its community of users.
Understanding How Information is Collected on TripSavvy
Information You Choose to Provide Us
TripSavvy may collect information, including personal data, directly from users who choose to provide it. This may include name, contact information, date of birth, and other details provided when signing up for newsletters, participating in contests or surveys, or applying for a job. Users may also choose to provide personally identifiable information when participating in forums or discussions on the Site.
Information That Is Automatically Collected When You Visit TripSavvy
When users access the Site, TripSavvy and its third-party partners and vendors may automatically collect certain information from their device or web browser about their visit using cookies, web beacons, and other data-collecting and tracking technologies. This information may include IP address, operating system characteristics, browser information, device data, unique device identifiers, and clickstream data.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Cookies are small files that websites use to store information about users on their computers. TripSavvy may use cookies (such as HTTP and HTML5 cookies), as well as other types of local storage. Web beacons are small files that link web pages to particular web servers and their cookies.
TripSavvy also uses third-party web analytics services, such as Google Analytics, to provide statistics and other information about visitors to the Site.
"Do Not Track" Signals
TripSavvy is not configured to respond to "do not track" signals from browsers.
Information We Receive From Other Sources
TripSavvy may supplement the information it collects with information from third-party partners and service providers, including data brokers and customer acquisition vendors.
Social Network and Platform Integration
The Sites may be integrated with social media networks and other platforms, allowing information to be shared between TripSavvy and those platforms.
How We May Use Information We Collect
TripSavvy and its partners may use the information gathered on the Site for various purposes, including responding to inquiries, providing customer support, personalizing content, delivering targeted advertising, conducting research and analysis, and improving the Site.
How We May Share Information
TripSavvy may share information with its agents, vendors, consultants, and other service providers to carry out work on its behalf. The company may also share information to comply with legal requirements, protect its rights, and facilitate business transfers.
Data Retention and Access
TripSavvy will retain personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes for which it was retained. Users have the right to access, amend, update, or request deletion of their personal information.
Your Choices
Users have choices regarding email subscriptions, cookie settings, local shared objects, and third-party ad networks.
How We Protect Personal Data
TripSavvy maintains appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the personal data you provide against accidental, unlawful, or unauthorized destruction, loss, alteration, access, disclosure, or use.
Links from TripSavvy to Other Sites
TripSavvy may provide links to other websites that are controlled by third parties. The company is not responsible for the content, usage terms, or privacy policies of websites that it does not own or control.
Surveys and Quizzes
Users may have the opportunity to participate in surveys, quizzes, or other interactive features that request information about them. Participation in these features is entirely voluntary.
Children’s Privacy
The Site is not designed or intended for use by children, and TripSavvy does not knowingly collect personal data from children under the age of 16.
Information for Users Outside the United States
Personal data may be stored, transferred, and processed in the United States and other countries. TripSavvy takes great care in protecting personal data and has put in place adequate mechanisms to protect it when it is transferred internationally.
How We’ll Inform You About Changes to This Privacy Policy
TripSavvy may update this online privacy policy periodically to reflect changes to its privacy practices.
Advertising Policy
TripSavvy accepts advertisements on its Site to help maintain the resources needed to create quality content. The company maintains a distinct separation between advertising and editorial content.
Ecommerce and Affiliate Links Disclosure
Contributors and/or TripSavvy may receive compensation for participation in third-party affiliate marketing programs.
Advertising Guidelines
These advertising guidelines set forth standards that govern the placement and display of advertisements and sponsored content on TripSavvy. Advertisers must adhere to these Guidelines when placing Ads. Ads served through networks or exchanges are reviewed on a regular basis, and TripSavvy reserves the right to remove any Ads that do not meet these Guidelines.
Prohibited Content
Ads may not contain or promote certain prohibited content, including illegal products or services, hate speech, discrimination, violence, and misleading information.
Additional Standards
Advertisers and Ads must adhere to additional standards, including truthfulness, clarity, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Conclusion
TripSavvy’s commitment to providing a valuable and trustworthy travel resource is reflected in its comprehensive Terms of Use and Policies. By outlining ethical standards, protecting intellectual property, defining user responsibilities, and prioritizing data privacy, TripSavvy strives to create a safe, informative, and engaging platform for its diverse community of users. Understanding and adhering to these guidelines is essential for anyone seeking to interact with TripSavvy in a responsible and effective manner.
