Last updated: November 2025
Hey there! 👋
Welcome to The Grounded Hippie (website URL: https://thegroundedhippie.com/). This is my little corner of the internet — a travel and lifestyle space built on slow adventures, second chances, and the belief that it’s never too late to take the road less traveled.
I take your privacy seriously — because let’s be honest, no one likes being followed around the internet like a digital mosquito. This page explains what information I collect, how I use it, and how I keep it safe.
1. Who I Am
Hi, I’m Aditi Roy—the human behind The Grounded Hippie—a solo traveler, ESL teacher, chai enthusiast, and storyteller based in Thailand. This website is my creative space, not a data-collection machine. If it ever starts to feel like it, feel free to drop me a comment via the Contact Me page.
2. What Information I Collect (and Why)
I only collect what’s needed to make the site work smoothly or to stay in touch with you if you choose. Nothing sneaky here.
a. Comments
When you leave a comment, the info you share (like your name, email, and comment itself) gets stored to help display your message and detect spam.
An anonymized hash of your email may be shared with Gravatar to check if you have a profile picture. After approval, your profile image will appear next to your comment.
You can read Gravatar’s policy here: https://automattic.com/privacy/
b. Contact Form
When you message me via the contact form, I get your name, email, and message in my Gmail inbox. It’s used only to reply to you — not for marketing, not for spam, not for anything else.
c. Newsletter Sign-up
If you join my mailing list, I’ll store your name and email using a trusted email platform. You’ll only receive updates you’ve opted into, and you can unsubscribe anytime with one click.
d. Cookies
Cookies are small text files that help the site remember your preferences, speed up loading, and keep things running smoothly.
They may:
- Remember your login or comment details (so you don’t have to re-type them)
- Store your screen display choices
- Help me understand site traffic through Google Analytics
You can delete or block cookies anytime in your browser settings.
WordPress also sets a few by default:
- comment cookies — last for 1 year
- login cookies — last for 2 days (or 2 weeks if you click “Remember Me”)
- screen option cookies — last for 1 year
- temporary cookies — deleted when you close your browser
3. Embedded Content
Some posts include embedded content such as YouTube videos, Instagram Reels, or Pinterest pins. These behave as if you visited those websites directly, which means they might collect data or track how you interact with their content.
Here are their privacy policies if you want to take a look:
4. Analytics
This site uses Google Analytics to understand how visitors interact with the blog (like which posts people read most).
This data is anonymous — I don’t see your name, IP address, or personal details. Just overall trends that help me improve what I share.
If you prefer not to be tracked at all, you can opt out of Google Analytics with this browser add-on:
Google Analytics Opt-Out
5. Who I Share Your Data With
In short: I don’t sell, trade, or rent your information.
Your data is only shared when absolutely necessary:
- With trusted technical services (like my hosting provider or email platform)
- For spam detection via tools like Akismet
- When legally required (for example, if a court asks — rare, but possible)
6. How Long I Keep Your Data
- Comments: Kept indefinitely, so follow-up comments can be recognized automatically.
- Contact messages: Stored in my inbox until I’ve responded or cleaned up old messages.
- Subscribers: Until you unsubscribe (and you can do that anytime).
- Registered users (if any): Can view, edit, or delete their info anytime — except usernames.
7. Your Rights Over Your Data
You have the right to:
- Request a copy of your personal data stored here
- Ask for corrections or deletion of your data
- Unsubscribe or opt out of emails anytime
To make any of these requests, please contact me — I’ll personally handle it (no robots, no waiting weeks for a reply).
8. Where Your Data Is Sent
Visitor comments may be checked through an automated spam detection service. Other than that, your data stays right where it should — safe and not floating around the web.
9. Security
The Grounded Hippie uses SSL/HTTPS encryption to ensure all communication between your browser and this website is secure.
I also keep the site regularly updated and protected with reliable plugins and hosting.
10. External Links
Sometimes I link to other travel blogs, resources, or partner sites. Please note that once you leave this site, I can’t control how those websites handle your data — so always check their privacy policies before sharing any information.
11. Legal Stuff
If required by law, I may disclose your data to comply with legal obligations or protect my rights and safety. But that’s a last resort — not a habit.
12. Updates to This Policy
This policy might be updated from time to time to reflect site changes or legal updates. The “Last Updated” date at the top will always show the latest version.
13. Contact
🌿 For any questions, concerns, or virtual cups of chai about this Privacy Policy, use the Contact Page on this site.
TL;DR (because you’re busy planning your next trip):
I don’t sell your info, spam your inbox, or track your every click. I just use the basics to keep this website running smoothly and to stay connected if you want to be.
You’re safe here — browse, dream, and travel freely. ✨
— The Grounded Hippie
