Privacy Policy
Introduction
This Privacy Policy explains how Dawdle ("Dawdle", "we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, discloses, and protects personal information when you use our website, applications, and related services (collectively, the "Services").
Dawdle is a Canada-focused travel planning and itinerary design platform. We help independent travellers discover, plan, and organize meaningful travel experiences, with an emphasis on local communities, responsible tourism, and off-the-beaten-path travel. Certain features may involve third-party partners or optional concierge support, as described below.
By accessing or using our Services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
Information you provide directly
- Account and contact details such as your name, email address, phone number, and login credentials
- Profile information and preferences, including travel interests, accessibility needs, sustainability preferences, or dietary considerations (if you choose to provide them)
- Trip-related information such as itineraries you create, places you save, or notes you add
- Communications you send to us, including emails, feedback, support requests, or concierge inquiries
- Marketing preferences, including newsletter opt-ins or opt-outs
We do not require you to provide sensitive personal information and discourage sharing information such as government ID numbers, full payment card details, or health data.
Information collected automatically
- Device and browser information (e.g., IP address, device type, operating system)
- General location information (such as city or province)
- Usage data (pages viewed, features used, time spent, referral sources)
We use cookies and similar technologies to support core functionality, understand usage patterns, and improve the Services. You can manage cookies through your browser settings.
2. How We Use Personal Information
We use personal information to:
- Provide, operate, and maintain the Services
- Generate and personalize travel suggestions and itineraries
- Respond to inquiries and provide customer support
- Communicate service updates, confirmations, and important notices
- Send marketing communications where permitted by law (you can opt out at any time)
- Improve product functionality, safety, and performance
- Conduct research and analytics using aggregated or de-identified data
- Comply with legal obligations and protect against misuse or fraud
3. Concierge Services (Where Applicable)
From time to time, Dawdle may offer limited concierge or human-assisted support. If you request such services:
- We may collect additional information needed to support coordination or communication with third-party providers
- The scope of Dawdle's role will be explained clearly at the time of engagement
- Dawdle does not collect or hold customer funds for travel services unless explicitly stated as part of a regulated offering
Concierge services do not change how your personal information is protected under this Policy.
4. How We Share Personal Information
We may share personal information in the following circumstances:
- Service providers who help us operate our platform (e.g., hosting, analytics, customer support). These providers are contractually required to protect your information and use it only for authorized purposes.
- Travel and experience partners when you request assistance connecting with or booking through them. These partners are responsible for their own privacy practices.
- Professional advisors such as legal, accounting, or insurance providers where necessary.
- Legal and regulatory authorities when required to comply with applicable laws or lawful requests.
We do not sell personal information.
5. Marketing and Communications
You may receive emails related to your account, itineraries, or service updates. With your consent, we may also send occasional marketing or product announcements.
You can unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time using the link in the message or by contacting us at contact@dawdle.co. Service-related communications may still be sent where necessary.
6. Data Retention
We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to:
- Provide the Services
- Meet legal and regulatory requirements
- Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.
7. Data Security
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards to protect personal information. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
We strongly recommend that you avoid sharing sensitive information in free-text fields or messages.
8. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Request corrections to inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal obligations
- Withdraw consent for certain uses, including marketing
To exercise these rights, contact us at contact@dawdle.co.
9. Use by Minors
Dawdle is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors.
10. International Data Transfers
Dawdle may use service providers located outside Canada, including in the United States. Where personal information is transferred internationally, we take reasonable steps to ensure it is protected in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
11. Third-Party Links
Our Services may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties, and this Policy does not apply to them.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued use of the Services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact:
Email: contact@dawdle.co