Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide

We collect information you voluntarily provide when you:

• Subscribe to our newsletter or updates
• Contact us through our contact form
• Book a course or service
• Create an account on our website
• Participate in surveys or feedback forms

This may include:

• Name and contact information (email, phone number, address)
• Travel preferences and interests
• Payment information (processed securely by third-party payment processors)
• Emergency contact information
• Dietary requirements or accessibility needs
• Communication preferences

Information Automatically Collected

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information through cookies and similar technologies:

• IP address and location data
• Browser type and version
• Device information
• Pages visited and time spent on our site
• Referring website information
• Search terms used to find our website

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

Service Provision

• Processing course bookings and payments
• Communicating about your bookings and travel arrangements
• Providing customer support
• Sending confirmations, updates, and important notices

Communication

• Sending newsletters and marketing communications (with your consent)
• Responding to your inquiries and requests
• Providing travel tips and cultural insights
• Informing you about new courses and special offers

Website Improvement

• Analyzing website usage to improve user experience
• Personalizing content and recommendations
• Troubleshooting technical issues
• Conducting research and analytics

Legal and Safety

• Complying with legal obligations
• Protecting against fraud and security threats
• Enforcing our terms of service
• Ensuring participant safety during courses

3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

• Consent: When you voluntarily provide information or agree to marketing communications
• Contract Performance: To fulfill our obligations when you book our services
• Legitimate Interest: To improve our services and communicate relevant information
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:

• Payment processing (Stripe, PayPal)
• Email marketing (Mailchimp)
• Website analytics (Google Analytics)
• Customer support tools
• Accommodation and transport booking

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal processes or government requests
• Protect our rights and property
• Ensure safety of participants and staff
• Investigate fraud or security issues

Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, personal information may be transferred as part of the business assets.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy:

• Course participants: 7 years after course completion (for insurance and safety records)
• Newsletter subscribers: Until you unsubscribe
• Website visitors: Analytics data retained for 26 months
• Customer inquiries: 3 years from last communication

6. Your Rights

Under GDPR and UK data protection law, you have the following rights:

Access and Portability

• Request a copy of personal information we hold about you
• Receive your data in a portable format

Correction and Deletion

• Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal requirements)

Control and Objection

• Restrict processing of your data
• Object to processing based on legitimate interest
• Withdraw consent for marketing communications

To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected] or +44 20 7946 0958.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience:

Essential Cookies

Necessary for website functionality, including security and navigation.

Analytics Cookies

Help us understand how visitors use our website to improve user experience.

Marketing Cookies

Used to display relevant advertisements and measure campaign effectiveness.

You can manage cookie preferences through our cookie consent banner or your browser settings.

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

• SSL encryption for data transmission
• Secure servers and databases
• Regular security audits and updates
• Limited access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
• Staff training on data protection

9. International Data Transfers

Your personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside the UK/EU. When we do so, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place through:

• Adequacy decisions by regulatory authorities
• Standard contractual clauses
• Certification schemes

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Sending email notifications to subscribers
• Displaying a notice on our homepage

12. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

13. Regulatory Authority

You have the right to lodge a complaint with the relevant data protection authority:

UK: Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Website: ico.org.uk
Phone: 0303 123 1113

EU: Your local data protection authority