Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for Travel Mate

Version 1.0

Effective Date: 23/12/2024

Thank you for choosing Travel Mate. Your privacy and trust are our priority. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your information while using our app. By accessing or using Travel Mate, you agree to this Privacy Policy. Please read it carefully.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

  • Account Information: Username, email address, hometown, profile picture, and optional fields (e.g., first name, last name, date of birth, WhatsApp number, Instagram, Facebook profiles, as well as specify where they met a friend when adding them).
  • Contacts Information (Optional): When using the “Find Friends from Contacts” feature, we temporarily access your device’s contacts (names and phone numbers) to suggest friends already using Travel Mate. Contact data is uploaded securely to our server solely for matching purposes and is not permanently stored. You control when syncing occurs, and no contact data is shared with third parties.
  • Location Data: Current location and hometown for map features, shared voluntarily and controlled via privacy settings.
  • Usage Data: Includes interactions within the app, such as friend requests, group chats, sharing and inviting friends, and updates to travel plans.
  • Technical Data: Device type, operating system, and app usage statistics to improve functionality.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Provide and enhance app features such as friend lists, maps, notifications, and messaging.
  • Facilitate connections and communication between users.
  • Improve app functionality, resolve issues, and develop new features.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable laws and terms of service.

3. Third-Party Links and Services

Travel Mate contains links to third-party websites and services, including:

  • Booking Services: External platforms for hotel, flight, and activity bookings.
  • Safety Zones: Links to two trusted external websites offering general safety guidelines.
  • Visas/Documents: Resources offering general guidelines for travel documents and visa requirements.
  • Recommended Travel Apps: Links to third-party apps and platforms, including but not limited to:
    • Language Learning: Apps to enhance communication skills in foreign languages.
    • Transport: Platforms for local and international transportation services.
    • Accommodation: Apps for booking short and long term stays.
    • Work/Volunteering Opportunities: Resources to find work or volunteer positions while traveling.
    • Travel Experiences and Tours: Platforms to book unique activities and tours.
    • Navigation and Maps: Apps for accurate navigation and offline maps.
    • Food Delivery and Dining: Services to order food or discover dining options.
    • Safety and Health: Apps to stay informed about health, safety, and emergency resources.
    • Other: Additional tools to enhance the travel experience.
  • Travel Items Store: Our storefront on Amazon to purchase curated travel gear.

Disclaimer: Travel Mate does not endorse, operate, or control these third-party services. We are not liable for the content, policies, or practices of these external platforms. Users are encouraged to perform independent research before relying on these resources.

We do not explicitly name specific third-party services to allow flexibility in partnerships and links. However, users will clearly see where they are being redirected before proceeding.

4. User Privacy Controls

Travel Mate provides privacy settings to ensure you control the visibility of your information:

  • Location Sharing: You can toggle location sharing on or off for friends.
  • Hometown Visibility: You can choose to show or hide your hometown from friends.
  • Restrict Access: You can hide your location from specific friends.

We strive to protect your information but remind users that sharing data inherently carries risks.

5. General Disclaimer

While Travel Mate aims to provide helpful tools and resources, we are not liable for:

  • Safety Zones: The safety zone recommendations are general guidelines. Users must conduct their own research and exercise caution when traveling.
  • Visas/Documents: Visa and document guidelines are for informational purposes only. Always consult official government or legal resources for accuracy.
  • World Events: Information about world events is not guaranteed to be exhaustive or timely; users should verify with credible sources.

6. Security

We implement industry-standard measures to protect your data, including encryption and secure storage. However, no system can guarantee complete security. In the event of a data breach, including password breaches, we will promptly notify affected users and take necessary action to secure accounts.

We recommend users create strong, unique passwords and enable additional security measures where available.

7. Data Sharing

We do not sell or share your data with third parties for marketing purposes. Data is shared only as necessary to provide app functionality or comply with legal obligations.

8. Children’s Privacy

Travel Mate is not intended for users under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If we become aware of such data, we will delete it promptly.

9. Community Guidelines

At Travel Mate, we strive to maintain a safe, respectful, and positive environment for all users. Please follow these guidelines:

  • Be Respectful: Treat others with kindness. Harassment, hate speech, or discriminatory behavior is not allowed.
  • Share Appropriate Content: Avoid posting irrelevant, harmful, or illegal content.
  • Protect Privacy: Do not share others’ personal information without their consent.
  • No Spam or Impersonation: Do not use the app for spamming, advertising, or impersonating others.

What happens if someone violates the guidelines?
Violations may result in:

  • Warnings.
  • Content removal.
  • Temporary or permanent account suspension.

If you see behavior or content that violates these guidelines, use the “Report” feature in the app or contact our support team.

For the full guidelines, see the Community Guidelines in the app’s Legal section.

10. Updates to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. Changes will be communicated through the app or website, and continued use of Travel Mate constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
Email: my.travelmate@outlook.com

Copyright Notice
© 2024 Travel Mate. All rights reserved.

By using Travel Mate, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to this Privacy Policy. Thank you for trusting us with your travel experience.