Cookies Policy
Last updated: 25 June, 2026
This policy explains how Archipelago uses cookies and similar technologies across the website and newsletter. It outlines what is collected, why it is collected, and how those settings can be controlled.
Archipelago is a UK-based travel publication, and this policy is written to meet UK data protection law: the UK GDPR and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), as amended by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.
1. Approach to cookies
Most cookie policies are written to cover advertising businesses. Archipelago does not operate that way, so it is worth being clear from the outset about how the publication functions.
Archipelago is funded primarily through affiliate links rather than display advertising. Space on the site is not sold to advertising networks, profiles are not built to target advertising, and personal data is not sold or rented to third parties (further details are available in the Privacy Policy).
Cookies and tracking are limited to what the site genuinely requires: cookies that allow the site to function, measurement of how readers use the site to improve it, and affiliate cookies that enable a small commission to be earned when a recommendation results in a booking or purchase.
2. What cookies are
A cookie is a small text file that a website stores on a device (such as a phone, tablet or computer) when it is visited. Cookies allow the site to recognise a device and remember information between pages or visits, such as saved preferences or sign-in status.
Cookies are one of several similar technologies. The term "cookies" is used throughout this policy as shorthand for all such technologies, including:
Pixels and tags: tiny pieces of code, often within pages or emails, that record actions such as page views or email opens.
Local storage: information stored by a browser on a device, similar to cookies but with greater capacity.
Scripts and software kits: code provided either by Archipelago or a third party that can read or set information on a device.
Cookies can be:
First-party (set by Archipelago) or third-party (set by another company whose service appears on the site)
Session cookies (deleted when the browser closes) or persistent cookies (stored for a defined period)
3. The cookies used by Archipelago
Cookies are grouped into the following categories:
Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies enable the site to function and remain secure. They support functions such as page navigation, security, load balancing and remembering cookie choices so visitors are not repeatedly prompted.
The site cannot function correctly without these cookies. They do not require consent and cannot be switched off through the cookie preferences tool. They are never used for marketing purposes.
Analytics cookies
Analytics cookies provide aggregated information about how the site is used, including which articles are read, how readers arrive, and whether pages are slow or malfunctioning.
This information is used to improve the site, fix issues and inform editorial decisions. The focus is on patterns across readership as a whole rather than identifying individuals.
Under rules that came into force on 5 February 2026, some analytics cookies may be used in the UK without consent where the data is used solely by Archipelago and visitors are provided with clear information and an easy opt-out mechanism.
Whether analytics qualify for this exemption depends on the tools in use. Where they do not qualify, consent is requested before use.
Preference cookies
Where choices are set on the site, such as regional or display preferences, these cookies remember those settings so they do not need to be selected again.
These cookies improve convenience and are not used for marketing.
Affiliate cookies
When a visitor clicks a link to a hotel, tour, product or booking site where an affiliate arrangement exists, the partner network may set a cookie on that device. If a booking or purchase then takes place, the cookie allows the sale to be attributed to Archipelago, resulting in a small commission.
A few points should be clear:
There is no additional cost to the visitor. Prices remain the same whether an affiliate link is used or not.
Archipelago does not receive payment details or records of specific purchases. Information received typically indicates only whether a referral resulted in a sale and is generally anonymous or aggregated.
Affiliate cookies are set by the partner network rather than by Archipelago and are governed by that network's own privacy and cookie terms.
Affiliate links never alter recommendations or rankings. Further details are available in the Affiliate Marketing Disclosure and Editorial Policy.
Affiliate cookies can be rejected or cleared (see section 4). Doing so does not affect the experience of using the site or the price paid; it only means purchases may not be credited to Archipelago.
Embedded content cookies
Some articles contain content from external services such as maps, videos or social media posts. When this content loads, the third-party provider may set its own cookies and track interactions.
Archipelago does not control those cookies. Where embedded content can set non-essential cookies, it is withheld until consent has been provided.
What Archipelago does not use
Archipelago does not use third-party advertising or targeting cookies designed to build interest profiles and show ads across other websites.
Advertising networks of this kind are not used. If this changes in the future, this policy will be updated and consent will be requested before any such cookies are set.
4. Your choices and how to manage cookies
Visitors remain in control of all cookies except those that are strictly necessary.
Cookie banner and preferences
When visiting for the first time, a banner allows non-essential cookies to be accepted or rejected. Options include accepting all cookies, rejecting all cookies or selecting by category. Rejecting cookies is designed to be as simple as accepting them.
Preferences can be changed at any time through the Cookie Preferences link in the footer of each page.
Withdrawing consent
If preferences change, cookie settings can be updated through the footer preferences link or by clearing cookies through the browser.
Withdrawing consent prevents future collection through those cookies. It does not automatically remove information already collected, although rights regarding that information are explained within the Privacy Policy.
Browser controls
All major browsers allow cookies to be blocked or deleted, and browser-level settings can also function as a valid expression of cookie preferences under UK rules.
If all cookies are blocked, including strictly necessary cookies, parts of the site may not function correctly.
Browser privacy signals
Some browsers can send automated "Do Not Track" or Global Privacy Control signals.
Affiliate cookies specifically
Affiliate cookies can be rejected through the cookie banner, removed through browser controls or avoided through private browsing.
As noted previously, this only affects whether purchases are credited to Archipelago and does not affect pricing or user experience.
5. Cookies, personal data and individual rights
Where information collected through cookies can identify an individual, that information is treated as personal data and handled under the Privacy Policy and the UK GDPR.
The lawful basis depends on the cookie type:
Strictly necessary cookies do not require consent
Analytics and appearance cookies may rely on PECR statistical or appearance exceptions where applicable
All other non-essential cookies are set only with consent
Where personal data linked to cookies is held, rights include requesting access, correction, deletion, objecting to processing and withdrawing consent. The Privacy Policy explains how these rights can be exercised.
6. Sending data outside the UK
Some companies whose cookies appear on the site, such as analytics, email or affiliate providers, may be based outside the United Kingdom, including the United States.
Where data is transferred outside the UK, approved safeguards are used, including UK adequacy regulations or the UK International Data Transfer Agreement.
7. Changes to this policy
This policy may be updated when practices, technologies or legal requirements change.
The "last updated" date shown at the top of the page always reflects the current version. Where changes materially affect user choices, these changes will be communicated clearly, including where appropriate through the cookie banner.
8. Questions, concerns or complaints
Questions regarding the use of cookies or concerns relating to this policy can be raised by getting in touch.
Individuals also have the right to complain to the UK's data protection regulator, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), at ico.org.uk.
Archipelago would appreciate the opportunity to address concerns directly before formal complaints are raised.