Editorial Policy

Last updated 5 Jun 2026

Everything published by Archipelago is built on a single premise: readers deserve writing that can actually be trusted. Not writing designed to sell something, not writing optimised for clicks, and not writing that flatters a destination because a tourism board asked nicely. Writing that tells it how it is.

This page explains exactly how Archipelago operates, what is done and what is not done, and what readers should expect from every piece of content published across the website, social media channels and any other platforms where Archipelago appears.

Research Standards

Every article published by Archipelago is the product of extensive research, carried out and checked before a single word is written. Research includes primary sources, academic publications, government data, news reporting, local knowledge, forums, first-hand accounts and institutional records.

The objective is to identify the specific number, the inconvenient fact and the angle nobody else has taken, rather than simply repeating the same consensus view recycled across travel websites.

Accuracy and Corrections

Archipelago strives to be factually correct in everything published. If errors occur, they should be identified and corrected as quickly as possible.

Every article is fact-checked against multiple reputable sources before publication. Published content is reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis because prices change, rules change and places change. Outdated information can be just as harmful as inaccurate information.

If an error is identified or a change is requested for a specific reason, details can be submitted through the dedicated Corrections page. The right is reserved to refuse corrections where there is no ethical, legal or factual basis.

Independence

Archipelago is completely independent and is not affiliated with any groups, organisations or management agencies. A strict and unbiased approach is applied to all work, without hidden agendas, political positions or external influences affecting editorial decisions.

Payment, gifts, complimentary stays or services are never accepted in exchange for skewed coverage, whether positive or negative.

Press trips may be attended where they are useful and relevant to research. Participation in a press trip does not guarantee coverage and does not influence assessment. Coverage reflects what was found, not what organisers hoped would be said.

Where partnerships or sponsored content are agreed, they must align fully with the values and Code of Conduct of Archipelago, remain relevant to the publication and be delivered in an unbiased editorial manner.

Affiliate Links

Archipelago uses affiliate links on some pages as an important source of revenue. This means that if a link is clicked and a purchase is made, a small commission may be earned at no additional cost to the reader.

Affiliate relationships never influence which products, services or destinations are covered, or what is said about them. Recommendations are made on editorial merit rather than commercial relationships.

Pages containing affiliate links are identified with a label in the footer and at the beginning of the article. Readers are under no obligation to use those links and remain free to book directly with providers and organisations.

Further information is available in the Affiliate Marketing Declaration.

Opinions and Voice

Where opinions are expressed, the reasoning behind those opinions will be made clear. Most content published by Archipelago is led by facts rather than opinion. Where content reflects an assessment rather than a documented fact, this distinction will be made clear within the writing itself.

Balance is not provided for its own sake. If summer in Zion is considered a bad idea, that view will be stated clearly and explained. However, that may also be followed by context explaining why some people enjoy visiting in August.

Sources

Only named and verifiable sources are used. Statistics and data are attributed to their original source, and claims that cannot be traced are not published.

Where sources are contested or figures are disputed, that context is made clear. Otherwise, the information does not meet publication standards.

Sources are drawn internationally and include local and regional voices rather than relying solely on major English-language outlets.

Originality and AI

Every piece of writing published by Archipelago is written by a human, from scratch and to an original brief. AI-generated content is not published, and content from other publishers is not repurposed or reproduced.

AI tools may be used within parts of the research and editorial process for tasks such as organising information, identifying gaps and checking structure. AI does not write copy. Editorial voice, article angle and final text always remain human, including this Editorial Policy.

Further information can be found in the AI Policy.

Ethics

Archipelago applies an unbiased approach to coverage that reflects the range of cultures, communities and viewpoints represented within published work. A Western or English-speaking perspective is not treated as the default wherever that can be avoided.

Coverage extends to destinations worldwide. Places are not excluded because they are challenging, unfamiliar or complex, although relevant safety information and practical considerations are always presented clearly.

Where destinations, businesses or services raise serious ethical concerns, those concerns are covered honestly rather than omitted.

Further information on ethical commitments and wider responsibilities can be found in the Code of Conduct.

Complaints and Feedback

Questions, corrections or concerns relating to published content can be submitted directly to Archipelago.

All feedback is taken seriously, and editorial complaints receive a response within seven working days. The dedicated Corrections page can also be used for factual errors or outdated information.