Privacy Policy

Last Updated: October 23, 2025
Effective Date: October 23, 2025

Welcome to The Hostel Insider (“we,” “our,” “us”). We value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your data when you visit our website https://www.thehostelinsider.com or interact with our newsletter Top Bunk, podcast, or any related services (collectively, the “Services”).

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

1. Information We Collect

We collect information that helps us operate effectively and provide a better experience to our readers and subscribers.

1.1 Information You Voluntarily Provide

Contact Information: such as your name, email address, and any message you send through our contact forms.
Newsletter Subscription Data: when you subscribe to Top Bunk, we collect your name and email address.
Survey or Feedback Responses: if you participate in any surveys, polls, or contests.
Job or Collaboration Inquiries: if you reach out to us about working together.

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our site, we automatically collect certain data using cookies and analytics tools:

Usage Data: including your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, and access times.
Cookies & Tracking Technologies: small data files stored on your device that help us understand how you use our site and improve your experience. You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings.

1.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from:

Email marketing tools (such as Hostinger Reach)
Analytics providers (such as Google Analytics)
Social media platforms (such as Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook, when you interact with our pages)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

Deliver and personalize our content, newsletters, and updates
Improve our website and user experience
Respond to inquiries and support requests
Conduct research, analytics, and performance tracking
Send you marketing communications (only if you’ve opted in)
Comply with legal obligations or enforce our rights

3. How We Share Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data.

We may share your information only in these cases:

With Service Providers: who help us operate the website, send emails, or analyze traffic (e.g., Hostinger, Google Analytics).
For Legal Reasons: if required by law, court order, or to protect our rights, property, or safety.
With Your Consent: when you explicitly agree to share your information.

4. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy or as required by law. You may request deletion of your personal data at any time (see Section 8).

5. Your Rights and Choice

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

Under GDPR (EU/EEA/UK Users):

Access the personal data we hold about you
Request correction or deletion of your data
Object to or restrict certain processing activities
Withdraw consent for marketing at any time

Under CCPA (California Residents):

Request disclosure of what personal information we collect and how we use it
Request deletion of your personal data
Opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal information (we do not sell personal data)

To exercise your rights, contact us at privacy@thehostelinsider.com.

6. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies, pixels, and analytics tools to understand visitor behavior and improve our site. You can manage or delete cookies at any time through your browser settings.

If you disable cookies, some parts of our website may not function properly.

7. Data Security

We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no online transmission or storage system is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Managing or Deleting Your Information

You can:

Unsubscribe from our newsletter at any time via the unsubscribe link in our emails.
Request deletion of your personal data by emailing privacy@thehostelinsider.com.
We will respond to all requests within 30 days.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

10. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed toward individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors. If we learn that we have inadvertently collected data from a minor, we will delete it promptly.

11. International Visitors

If you are accessing our site from outside the United States, please note that your information may be transferred and processed in the U.S., where privacy laws may differ from those in your country. We take steps to ensure your information is handled securely and in accordance with this policy.

12. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last Updated” date at the top of this page will reflect the latest version. We encourage you to review it periodically to stay informed about how we protect your data.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

The Hostel Insider

Email: hello@thehostelinsider.com

Website: https://www.thehostelinsider.com

Austin, Texas, USA