Privacy Policy

Last updated: [November 6, 2025]

Europe Awaits is a sub-brand of Anchor & Lead LLC, a California limited liability company (“Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect personal information when you visit our websites, subscribe to our publications, inquire about or book Scouting Retreats, purchase services, or interact with us on social media (collectively, the “Services”).

By using the Services, you agree to this Privacy Policy.

1) Information we collect

a) Personal data you provide

  • Contact details such as name, email, phone, mailing address.

  • Booking information such as retreat preferences, guest names, passport or ID details where required by hotels or border authorities, dietary needs, and relevant accessibility notes.

  • Billing information such as billing address and transaction details. Payment card data is processed by our payment processors and not stored by us.

  • Communications such as inquiries, survey responses, testimonials, and customer support messages.

  • Newsletter data such as your email and subscription preferences.

b) Data collected automatically

  • Log and device data such as IP address, browser type, device identifiers, pages viewed, and time stamps.

  • Cookies and similar technologies for essential site functions, analytics, and advertising. See Section 8.

c) Social and third-party sources

  • If you connect with us through social platforms, we may receive your public profile information according to your settings.

2) How we use information

We use personal information to:

  • Provide and improve our Services and customer experience.

  • Operate bookings for Scouting Retreats and related travel services.

  • Communicate with you about updates, confirmations, itineraries, and support.

  • Send newsletters, editorial content, and marketing that may be of interest.

  • Personalize content and measure performance of our sites and campaigns.

  • Detect and prevent fraud and maintain the security of our systems.

  • Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms.

Our legal bases include performance of a contract, legitimate interests, your consent where required, and compliance with laws.

3) When we share information

We share information with:

  • Service providers who perform services on our behalf such as website hosting, booking and itinerary tools, email delivery, analytics, payment processing, and customer support. Examples include Squarespace, Substack, Stripe, PayPal, Google Analytics, Meta, and scheduling and CRM platforms.

  • Retreat partners such as hotels, transportation providers, restaurants, guides, and professional presenters who need limited details to deliver the retreat experience.

  • Professional advisors and compliance recipients such as lawyers, accountants, insurers, regulators, or authorities where required by law or to protect rights and safety.

  • Business transfers in connection with a merger, sale, or reorganization.

We do not sell personal information.

4) Payment processing

Payments are processed by third parties such as Stripe and PayPal. Those processors collect and use your payment data according to their own privacy policies. We receive limited transaction details for reconciliation.

5) International transfers

We are based in the United States and operate in Portugal. Your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States, Portugal, and other countries where our providers operate. We use reasonable safeguards for cross-border transfers consistent with applicable law.

6) Data retention

We keep personal information only as long as needed for the purposes described in this Policy or as required by law. Booking and transaction records may be retained to meet tax, accounting, and compliance obligations.

7) Your choices and rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights to:

  • Access and receive a copy of your personal data.

  • Correct or update inaccurate data.

  • Delete your data, subject to legal obligations.

  • Restrict or object to certain processing.

  • Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.

  • Opt out of marketing emails by using the “unsubscribe” link or contacting us.

We will respond to requests within a reasonable time. We may ask for information to verify your identity.

California residents. We honor the rights provided by the California Consumer Privacy Act and subsequent amendments, including access, deletion, and opt-out of certain sharing. Contact us at the email below to exercise your rights.

EU/EEA/UK residents. You may contact your local supervisory authority if you believe we have not addressed your concern.

8) Cookies and similar technologies

We use:

  • Essential cookies to operate the site, maintain security, and enable core features.

  • Functional cookies to remember preferences.

  • Analytics cookies to understand usage and improve performance.

  • Advertising cookies to deliver and measure ads on our sites and third-party platforms.

You can manage cookies through your browser settings. Disabling some cookies may limit site functionality.

9) Children’s privacy

Our Services are not directed to children under the age of consent in their jurisdiction. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided information, contact us so we can delete it.

10) Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure. You use the Services at your own risk.

11) Links to other sites

Our sites may link to third-party websites and services. We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices. Review their policies before providing personal information.

12) Changes to this Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date will reflect the most recent version. Your continued use of the Services after changes are posted means you accept the update.

13) Contact us

For questions, requests, or privacy rights:
Anchor & Lead LLC dba Europe Awaits
Email: hello@anchorandlead.com or emily@anchorandlead.com

If you subscribe to our editorial content, you may also contact us through Substack’s privacy tools available in your account.