Nomad Scout
Cookie Policy
Last Updated: September 2025

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Nomad Scout ("we," "us," or "our") uses cookies, local storage, and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website (https://nomad-scout.com/) and mobile application (the "Service").

By using our Service, you consent to the use of cookies and tracking technologies in accordance with this Cookie Policy. You can manage your preferences through browser settings or by clearing your local data.

2. What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies?

We use several types of tracking and storage technologies:

2.1 HTTP Cookies

Small text files stored on your device by your web browser, used primarily by Google Maps and analytics services.

2.2 Local Storage

Browser-based storage that we use extensively for caching search results, place details, and routing information to improve performance and reduce API calls.

2.3 Session Storage

Temporary storage that expires when you close your browser tab, used for location data and current session information.

2.4 Web Beacons and Pixels

Tracking pixels used by Google Analytics and affiliate partners to monitor user interactions and booking referrals.

3. How We Use Cookies and Storage

Our Service uses different categories of tracking technologies for specific purposes:

Category Purpose Technology Used Retention Can You Opt Out?
Strictly Necessary Google Maps functionality, session management, security Google Maps cookies, session storage Session duration No - required for basic functionality
Performance Caching Cache search results, place details, routes for faster loading localStorage (client-side) 30 minutes - 12 hours Yes - clear browser data
Analytics Usage statistics, error tracking, performance monitoring Google Analytics, performance APIs Up to 26 months Yes - browser settings or opt-out
Affiliate Tracking Track booking referrals, commission attribution Referral cookies, tracking pixels 30-90 days Yes - affects our revenue but not functionality
Location Services Store your location preferences, recent searches localStorage, sessionStorage Session to 30 minutes Yes - disable location services

4. Detailed Tracking Technologies

4.1 Google Maps Integration

Essential for Service: Google Maps Platform sets various cookies and tracking technologies that are required for our core functionality:

  • Maps rendering and tile loading
  • Place search and details API calls
  • Routing and directions services
  • Street view and place photos

These are governed by Google's Cookie Policy.

4.2 Performance Caching (Primary Storage)

We extensively use browser localStorage for performance optimization:

  • Search Results Cache: Stores API responses for 30 minutes to avoid repeated calls
  • Place Details Cache: Caches business information for 6 hours
  • Route Cache: Stores walking routes for 12 hours
  • Reverse Geocoding Cache: Location name lookups cached for 24 hours

Cache keys include location coordinates and search parameters but no personal identifiers.

4.3 Analytics and Performance

  • Google Analytics: Tracks page views, user flows, and performance metrics
  • Error Tracking: JavaScript errors and API failures for debugging
  • Performance Monitoring: Page load times and API response speeds

4.4 Affiliate and Booking Tracking

When you interact with booking links, we use tracking to earn commissions:

  • Hostelworld Tracking: Referral cookies for hostel bookings
  • Booking.com Pixels: Conversion tracking for hotel reservations
  • Agoda Tracking: Attribution cookies for accommodation bookings
  • General Affiliate Pixels: Commission tracking for other travel services

5. Mobile App and Device Storage

Our mobile web application uses additional device-specific storage:

  • App Cache: For offline functionality and faster loading
  • Location Permissions: Device GPS access for precise positioning
  • Push Notification Tokens: If you enable notifications (future feature)
  • Device Preferences: Screen orientation, zoom levels, interface preferences

6. Your Cookie and Storage Controls

6.1 Browser-Level Controls

You can manage cookies and storage through your browser settings:

  • Block All Cookies: Will prevent Google Maps from functioning
  • Clear Stored Data: Removes all cached search results and preferences
  • Private/Incognito Mode: Prevents local storage and cookies
  • Selective Blocking: Allow essential cookies while blocking analytics

6.2 Location Data Controls

  • Browser Location Permission: Deny GPS access in browser settings
  • Clear Location Cache: Remove cached location searches
  • Use IP-Based Location: Rely on approximate location instead of GPS

How to Clear Nomad Scout Data

To completely clear all data stored by our Service:

  1. Open your browser's developer tools (F12)
  2. Go to Application/Storage tab
  3. Find "nomad-scout.com" in Local Storage
  4. Delete all entries, or simply clear all browser data for our domain

Alternative: Use private/incognito browsing to prevent any data storage.

6.3 Browser-Specific Instructions

  • Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
  • Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
  • Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
  • Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Cookies and site data

7. Third-Party Cookies and Tracking

Our Service loads content from third-party services that may set their own cookies:

Service Purpose Privacy Policy Opt-Out Method
Google Maps/Places Core mapping functionality Google Privacy Cannot opt out (service essential)
Google Analytics Usage statistics and insights Google Privacy GA Opt-out
Hostelworld Booking referral tracking Hostelworld Privacy Block third-party cookies
Booking.com Hotel booking attribution Booking.com Privacy Block third-party cookies
Agoda Accommodation referrals Agoda Privacy Block third-party cookies

8. Do Not Track Signals

We respect "Do Not Track" browser settings with the following limitations:

  • Analytics: We will honor DNT for Google Analytics when possible
  • Affiliate Tracking: DNT signals will disable commission tracking
  • Essential Services: Google Maps functionality cannot be disabled while maintaining service
  • Caching: Performance caching continues as it's essential for functionality

9. Cookie Policy Updates

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our tracking practices or legal requirements:

  • New Third-Party Services: When we integrate additional mapping or booking services
  • Enhanced Caching: Improvements to our performance optimization
  • Regulatory Changes: Compliance with new privacy laws
  • User Feedback: Based on privacy preferences and requests

10. Contact Us About Cookies

If you have questions about our use of cookies and tracking technologies:

Privacy Questions: privacy@nomad-scout.com
Technical Support: admin@nomad-scout.com
Data Protection Officer: dpo@nomad-scout.com

11. Regulatory Compliance

This Cookie Policy complies with:

  • Australian Privacy Act 1988 and Australian Privacy Principles
  • EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for European visitors
  • California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) for California residents
  • Google Maps Platform Terms of Service and privacy requirements
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