Privacy Policy
Last updated: October 1, 2026.
Who operates this site
Strategic-Traveler is an independent travel publication operated by Gary Petrie at strategic-traveler.com. This policy explains information handled through the website and editorial correspondence. For questions, email gpetrie@strategic-traveler.com or use the Contact page.
Contact forms and email
When you contact Gary, the site processes the information you provide, including your first and last name, email address, message, and submission time. This information is used to respond, manage correspondence, and protect the site against spam. Please avoid sending passwords, payment-card details, identity documents, or other sensitive information.
The contact form uses DesignSetGo. Submissions are stored in WordPress and emailed to the site operator. Stored form submissions are configured for deletion after 30 days. Copies in email and backups have separate retention: correspondence may remain in the mailbox while needed to handle an inquiry, maintain records, or meet applicable obligations. Deleting a form submission does not immediately remove every email or backup copy.
Hosting, security, and performance
GoDaddy Managed WordPress provides hosting, caching, backups, and security services. Technical information such as IP addresses, browser details, requested pages, and access times may be processed to deliver and protect the website. The contact form uses a honeypot and IP-based rate limiting to reduce spam.
GoDaddy Website Metrics is enabled. GoDaddy describes its Real User Metrics feature as JavaScript that measures connection and page-load times to improve hosting performance, and states in the hosting settings that RUM does not collect user information. For its data practices, see GoDaddy’s Privacy Policy.
Cookies, comments, and outside content
WordPress uses cookies for administrator sign-in and preferences. If commenting is available, WordPress processes the fields you submit, your IP address, and browser information for spam detection. Approved comments and your display name may be public. If you choose to remember comment details, WordPress may store those details in cookies for one year. Comments and their metadata may be retained until removed.
If a Gravatar image is displayed, an email-derived hash may be sent to Automattic’s Gravatar service. See Automattic’s Privacy Policy. If content from another provider is embedded in a future article, that provider may process your visit under its own policy. External links lead to separate websites with their own practices. You can manage cookies through your browser; blocking cookies may affect site functions.
Providers, retention, and disclosure
Information is processed by services used to operate the site, including GoDaddy hosting, WordPress and DesignSetGo software, and the email services that deliver and store correspondence. Providers may process information in the United States or other countries where they operate. Hosting backups and security records follow the provider’s retention arrangements. Information may also be disclosed when required by law or needed to protect the site and its users.
Your requests
You may contact Gary to request access, correction, or deletion of personal information held by Strategic-Traveler. Identity verification may be needed. Requests are reviewed under applicable requirements, and some information may be retained for security, administrative, or legal reasons. Use the contact details above; do not send sensitive identity documents in an initial inquiry.
Newsletter and changes
Newsletter signup is not offered at launch. This policy will be updated when a newsletter or other service changes the site’s data practices. The date above identifies the most recent update.