Privacy Policy

The non-legally worded, Sarah version of this policy (see below for the proper, legal one).

I respect you. I respect your privacy. I respect your identity. I respect your personal information. Because of that, I don’t have all of the usual ‘cookies’ and ‘trackers’ and other crap set up on this website. I don’t even have Google Analytics set up. This is just a good, old-fashioned website where I share information that I hope will be helpful, entertaining, interesting or all of the above.

Although I’m currently travelling, I’m a citizen of Australia so I’ve used an Australian based Privacy Policy for this website. Having said that I’m aware that a lot of places in the world do privacy a whole lot better than Australia (i.e. the European GDPR and the California Consumer Privacy Act). So, my commitment to you is to be kind and considerate, to treat you like a person (and the wonderful person you are) and to do my utmost to make sure that any data you share with me (for example your name and email address if you contact me, or any personal information you might share with me if you ‘buy me a cuppa’ or make a purchase through an affiliate link) is kept safe, secure and treated as sacred.

It also feels important to share that my aim for this website and any related platforms like social media for SarahTravels.com.au are safe, inclusive, welcoming and kind. I absolutely will not tolerate any bullying, hate speech or otherwise here in this space. I welcome all genuine, kind beings here – full stop.

If you have any questions about either the Sarah version or the ‘proper, legal version’ of this policy, please feel welcome to contact me at hello@sarahtravels.com.au

Over and above all of that, I want to say thank you for being here and sharing this space with me. I appreciate you.

Sarah x

Official Privacy Policy

This official Privacy Policy was generated using the free template at https://business.vic.gov.au/tools-and-templates/privacy-policy-template

SarahTravels.com.au is committed to providing quality products and services to you and this policy outlines our ongoing obligations to you in respect of how we manage your Personal Information.

We have adopted the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (the Privacy Act). The NPPs govern the way in which we collect, use, disclose, store, secure and dispose of your Personal Information.

A copy of the Australian Privacy Principles may be obtained from the website of The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at https://www.oaic.gov.au/.

What is Personal Information and why do we collect it?

Personal Information is information or an opinion that identifies an individual. Examples of Personal Information we collect includes names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers.

This Personal Information is obtained in different ways including when you purchase a product or service through the website (whether directly with SarahTravels.com.au or using an affiliate link shared on SarahTravels.com.au), or if you ‘buy me a cuppa’ or make a donation to the ‘travel fund’ using Ko-Fi or other platforms shared on SarahTravels.com.au, as well as from third parties. We don’t guarantee website links or policy of authorised third parties.

We collect your Personal Information for the primary purpose of providing our services to you, providing information to our clients and marketing. We may also use your Personal Information for secondary purposes closely related to the primary purpose, in circumstances where you would reasonably expect such use or disclosure. (I don’t have an email list at the moment but if/when I do…) You may unsubscribe from our mailing/marketing lists at any time by contacting us in writing (or using the unsubscribe button/link in the email itself).

When we collect Personal Information we will, where appropriate and where possible, explain to you why we are collecting the information and how we plan to use it.

Sensitive Information

Sensitive information is defined in the Privacy Act to include information or opinion about such things as an individual's racial or ethnic origin, gender or non-gender, sexual preferences, political opinions, membership of a political association, religious or philosophical beliefs, membership of a trade union or other professional body, criminal record or health information.

Sensitive information will be used by us only:

For the primary purpose for which it was obtained
For a secondary purpose that is directly related to the primary purpose
With your consent; or where required or authorised by law.

Third Parties

Where reasonable and practicable to do so, we will collect your Personal Information only from you. However, in some circumstances we may be provided with information by third parties. In such a case we will take reasonable steps to ensure that you are made aware of the information provided to us by the third party.

(Sarah note: an example of this would be if you make a purchase using an affiliate link shared on SarahTravels.com.au. In that case, the company you purchase from will notify me of the sale. In some cases, the purchase may be anonymous. In other instances they may share your name or limited personal details with me so I know which lovely person used my affiliate link).

Disclosure of Personal Information

Your Personal Information may be disclosed in a number of circumstances including the following:

Third parties where you consent to the use or disclosure; and
Where required or authorised by law.

Security of Personal Information

Your Personal Information is stored in a manner that reasonably protects it from misuse and loss and from unauthorized access, modification or disclosure.

When your Personal Information is no longer needed for the purpose for which it was obtained, we will take reasonable steps to destroy or permanently de-identify your Personal Information. However, most of the Personal Information is or will be stored in client files which will be kept by us for a minimum of 7 years.

Access to your Personal Information

You may access the Personal Information we hold about you and to update and/or correct it, subject to certain exceptions. If you wish to access your Personal Information, please contact us in writing.

SarahTravels.com.au will not charge any fee for your access request, but may charge an administrative fee for providing a copy of your Personal Information.

In order to protect your Personal Information we may require identification from you before releasing the requested information.

Maintaining the Quality of your Personal Information

It is an important to us that your Personal Information is up to date. We will take reasonable steps to make sure that your Personal Information is accurate, complete and up-to-date. If you find that the information we have is not up to date or is inaccurate, please advise us as soon as practicable so we can update our records and ensure we can continue to provide quality services to you.

Policy Updates

This Policy may change from time to time.

This Policy was last updated on 21 July 2024.

Privacy Policy Complaints and Enquiries

If you have any queries or complaints about our Privacy Policy, please contact us at: hello@sarahtravels.com.au