Privacy Policy

Great American Road Trip | Website Privacy Policy

Effective Date: September 15, 2025

At Great American Road Trip (“we,” “us,” or “our”), your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your personal data when you visit our website, https://greatamericanroadtrip.org/ and your rights under applicable laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA/CPRA), and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

By using our website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

Who We Are

The Great American Road Trip is a travel resource dedicated to sharing stories, guides, and tips for exploring America’s highways and destinations. We operate from the United States and serve visitors worldwide.

For privacy-related concerns, you may contact us at: [email protected]

Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of personal information:

Information you provide directly

Name, email address, and any content you submit (e.g., comments, contact forms, registrations).

Technical information

IP address, browser type, operating system, and device identifiers.

Cookies & tracking data:

To remember preferences, support logins, and analyze site performance.

Uploaded content:

Images or media you choose to share. Please avoid uploading files with embedded location data (EXIF GPS).

Account information (if applicable):

Login credentials, profile details, and settings.

We process your personal data based on your consent, the performance of a contract, compliance with legal obligations, and our legitimate interests.

How We Use Your Information

We use your data for purposes including:

  • Operating and improving our website.
  • Moderating comments and preventing spam.
  • Personalizing content and user experience.
  • Providing customer support.
  • Sending communications (with your consent where required).
  • Analyzing usage to improve features and performance.
  • Complying with legal obligations.

Legal bases under GDPR:

We process your personal data based on your consent, the performance of a contract, compliance with legal obligations, and our legitimate interests.

Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Remember your preferences and settings.
  • Authenticate logins and secure accounts.
  • Measure traffic and usage through analytics.
  • Improve functionality and performance.

You may manage cookies through your browser settings or opt out of non-essential cookies via our cookie banner. Note: Some site features may not work properly without cookies.

Embedded Content & Third Parties

Articles may include embedded content (e.g., YouTube videos, Instagram posts, third-party articles). These external websites may collect data, set cookies, and track your interaction. Their practices are governed by their own privacy policies.

We also use third-party tools such as:

  • Spam detection services
  • Analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics, Microsoft Clarity)
  • Email and hosting providers
  • Email marketing platforms (e.g. Mailchimp) to send newsletters or Road Trip updates.

We may share your information with service providers and analytics partners to help us operate our website and communications.  We do not sell your personal information. California residents have the right to opt out of any sharing of data for advertising purposes, as required under CPRA.

How Long We Retain Your Data

Comments: Retained indefinitely so follow-ups can be auto-approved.
Registered accounts: Data is stored as long as the account remains active.
Cookies: Expire between 1 day and 1 year depending on type.
Other data: Retained for no longer than 24 months unless a longer period is required by law.

Your Rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the following rights:

  • Access: Request a copy of the data we hold about you.
  • Correction: Request that we update or fix inaccurate data.
  • Deletion: Request that we erase your data (“Right to be Forgotten”).
  • Restriction/Objection: Limit or object to certain processing.
  • Data Portability: Receive data in a portable format.
  • Opt-Out of Sale/Sharing (CCPA/CPRA): We do not sell your data, but California residents have the right to opt out of any potential data sharing.

Withdraw Consent: Where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw it at any time.
To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected].

Children’s Privacy
Our website is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn that we have inadvertently collected data from a child under 13 (or under 16 in certain jurisdictions), we will delete it promptly.

Data Security
We use appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including encryption, limited access controls, and monitoring. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.
If we ever become aware of a data breach that affects your personal information, we will notify you in accordance with applicable laws.

International Data Transfers
If you are located outside the U.S., your information may be transferred and stored in the United States. By using our site, you consent to such transfers. Where required, we rely on legal mechanisms such as Standard Contractual Clauses for international data transfers.

Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with a revised “Effective Date.” We encourage you to review the policy periodically.

Contact Us
For questions or privacy requests, contact us at: [email protected].