Privacy Policy

Whimsical Atlas is a travel blog run by one person who loves storybook places. This policy explains, in plain language, what information the site collects when you visit, why, and the choices you have. We keep data collection to the minimum needed to run and improve the site.

The short version

• We don’t load analytics or set analytics cookies unless you click Accept on our cookie banner.
• We don’t sell your data or use it for advertising.
• You can change or withdraw your cookie choice anytime with the Cookie preferences link in the footer.

Who’s responsible for your data

Whimsical Atlas (“we,” “us”) is responsible for the personal data described here. If you have any questions or requests, email us at hello@whimsicalatlas.com.

What we collect and why

Analytics (only with your consent). If you accept cookies, we use Google Analytics 4 to understand how people find and move through the site: which pages are read, roughly where visitors come from (approximate, city-level location derived from your IP address, which Google does not store in full), the type of device and browser, and how you arrived (for example, a search engine or social link). This helps us write more of what readers enjoy. We only ever see this information in aggregate; we can’t identify you personally from it.

Basic server logs. Our website hosting provider automatically records standard technical information when a page is served, such as IP address, browser type, and the time of the request. This lets us deliver the site, keep it secure, and diagnose problems. This happens for every website and does not depend on cookies.

Email. If you email us, we receive your email address, your message, and anything you choose to include, so we can reply. Our email is handled by a third-party email provider.

Cookies

A cookie is a small file a website stores in your browser. We use two kinds:

• Your cookie choice.When you accept or decline, we save that preference in your browser’s local storage so the banner doesn’t ask again on every visit. This is essential to remembering your decision and isn’t used for tracking.
• Analytics cookies. Set by Google Analytics only after you click Accept. Decline (or ignore the banner) and none are set.

You can also clear or block cookies anytime in your browser settings.

Who we share data with

We don’t sell or trade your personal data. We rely on a few trusted service providers to run the site, and only share what they need to do their job:

• A website hosting provider, which delivers the site to your browser.
• Google Analytics, for visitor analytics (only if you consent).
• An email provider, which handles messages you send us.

Where your data goes

These providers may process data on servers outside your country, including in the United States. Where required, they use recognized legal safeguards (such as the EU Standard Contractual Clauses) to protect data transferred internationally.

How long we keep it

Analytics data is retained by Google Analytics for up to 14 months, after which it’s automatically deleted. Emails you send us are kept only as long as needed to handle your enquiry and any reasonable follow-up.

Your rights

Depending on where you live (for example, under the EU/UK GDPR), you have the right to:

• Ask what personal data we hold about you.
• Ask us to correct or delete it.
• Object to or restrict how we use it.
• Withdraw your cookie consent at any time.
• Complain to your local data protection authority.

To exercise any of these, email hello@whimsicalatlas.com and we’ll be glad to help.

Children

Whimsical Atlas is meant for a general audience and isn’t directed at children under 16. We don’t knowingly collect personal data from children.

Changes to this policy

As the site grows, we may update this policy. When we do, we’ll revise the “Last updated” date at the top. Meaningful changes will be noted clearly.

Contact

Questions about your privacy? Write to us at hello@whimsicalatlas.com. We read every message.