Advertising Disclosure

Advertising, Marketing, Affiliates Disclosure

We strive for transparency and objectivity, among other things, in the content of this site. This page is for us to provide that transparency to our readers and site visitors and to be in full compliance with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Because websites cost money to manage and we want our editorial team to earn a livable wage, we accept paid advertising, partnerships, sponsorships, affiliate programs, business features and directory listings. Like virtually every media website, we accept paid ads to help with the operational costs of this website and keeps the content free for our readers.

Our mission at HolidaySmart is to first provide great content that is entertaining as well as informative. As a small business ourselves, we also want to help small businesses reach their target audience in an honest and open format connecting those seeking products and services with local businesses. Our Site contains a mix of both paid and non-paid mentions of businesses, products, services, people, organizations, events, places, things and everything and anything about Holidays.

Content Disclosure

Content on our site is submitted by various sources including our writers, partner bloggers, advisors and experts. Content on this site is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. The Content is not deemed accurate or reliable by HolidaySmart. All the content on this Site is only for general information or use. It does not constitute legal, medical or other advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) any decision. We encourage you to do your own research before engaging with or participating in any businesses or activities.

By continuing to use this Site, you acknowledge that all Content, including User Contributed Content, accessed by you using the Services is at your own risk and you will be solely responsible for any damage or loss to you or any other party resulting therefrom.

Advertising

We currently run ads and contextual advertising via Google AdSense, Monumetric and Taboola. We do not have control over what ads are delivered through contextual advertising, but you do. Ads are based on your known preferences and browsing history and the browsing tracking is controlled through your own set preferences in your browser and/or Google account.

Affiliates

HolidaySmart.com is part of affiliate sales networks. This means that some of the links to products and services on our website pay us referral or affiliate fees for sending new customers to them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Being a part of affiliate programs makes it possible for us to support a team of writers who help evaluate, advise, and provide information and updates on the various industries. We have a team of experts, advisors, editors, writers, who express their opinions and offer advise. While we may include links for affiliate offers, this does not affect our editorial opinions. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any affiliate and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

When one our writers is sharing a product they love or recommend, we will seek out and include an affiliate link if one exists for that particular product or service in order to help pay for the writers time and expertise.

We greatly appreciate when you choose to use our links to learn more about any offers, sign up for or purchase any products or services. They don’t affect the price of anything you buy. The only thing they do is help us pay our editorial team keep our service free and accessible to our readers.

Business Mentions & Featured Editorials

We charge an admin fee to pay our editorial team to add and/or review businesses for inclusion on our site. Featured editorials about a business is a paid feature for businesses. Mentions and Editorials are written by various agencies, writers, editors and businesses. The editorials are based on opinions or endorsements for the business, product or services and are not specifically recommended by HolidaySmart. They are simply a way to connect our readers with local businesses in our communities.

Reviews, Comps, Media Rates and Invitations

While we do, on occasion, receive lower rates or free stuff, the vast majority of the experiences, services or products our writers share on our website are borne by us and our writers.

Product Reviews

Like most media sites trying to earn a living wage for our team, we receive products, movies, games, books, housewares, clothing, accessories and other items. The reader should assume any of these products that are reviewed were provided to us for free.

Media Rates

We also may receive reduced rates or complimentary experiences, hotel stays, services or other things by local businesses and event companies. When we share our experiences for these things, we disclose the comp in the article or review. Note that most larger businesses and corporations such as the attractions, Disney, etc, do not offer these perks and our editorial team foots the bill for these types of experiences. Also note that these comps do not affect our review of the place or experience.

Media Events

Occasionally, we may be invited to media events that aren’t available to the general public. These events may also offer free stuff and perks to the media. When we attend a media event and write about the experience, we will disclose these things to inform our readers of any perks received.

Friends and Family

HolidaySmart is a family-run media site with a large family and friend group. On occasion, we will include features for products or services for someone in our immediate group. This will be disclosed in any feature or recommendation for a product or service.

Conflicts of Interest

We are a privately owned media site with no ties or investments from any of the businesses we write about or feature. While we partner with many businesses, we are not driven by such partnerships and have our own voice. If any conflict of interest should arise, the specific article will disclose such information.