Last Updated: July 20, 2026
At Escaping The West (accessible from escapingthewest.com, referred to as “we,” “us,” or “our”), respecting and protecting your privacy is a core principle. As a platform dedicated to sovereignty, personal freedom, and digital security, we collect only the absolute minimum amount of information necessary to provide you with high-quality content, services, and recommendations.
This document outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your information, as well as how we monetize our platform through affiliate links.
1. Information We Collect & How We Use It
A. Personal Data You Provide Voluntarily
- Email Newsletters: If you subscribe to our newsletter or download a guide, we collect your email address (and optionally your first name). We use this information solely to send you relevant field guides, updates, and educational content. You can unsubscribe at any time with a single click using the link at the bottom of any email.
- Contact & Comments: If you contact us directly or leave a comment on an article, we receive the information you provide (such as your name, email address, and message content).
B. Automatically Collected Data & Analytics
To understand which articles and tools are most helpful to our readers, we collect standard, non-identifying technical data when you browse our site. This may include:
- Anonymized IP addresses
- Browser type and operating system
- Pages visited, duration of stay, and referral URLs
We prioritize privacy-friendly analytics and do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data to third-party marketers under any circumstances.
2. Affiliate Links & Financial Disclosure
To keep our in-depth guides, country blueprints, and research 100% free for our readers, Escaping The West participates in various affiliate marketing programs.
What is an Affiliate Link?
Throughout this website, you will find referral links to third-party products, services, software, and platforms that we recommend (such as Wise, SafetyWing, NordVPN, and various business formation or relocation services).
If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase or sign up for a service:
- Zero Extra Cost to You: You pay the exact same price as you normally would—and in many cases, using our link or code will grant you a special discount or bonus.
- How We Earn: The service provider pays us a small commission or referral fee for directing a customer to them.
- Our Editorial Integrity: We only recommend tools, services, and platforms that we have personally used, thoroughly vetted, or genuinely believe provide exceptional value to individuals looking to build a life outside the West. Our editorial content is driven by real-world utility, not affiliate payouts.
3. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
We use cookies (small text files stored on your browser) for essential site functionality and performance:
- Affiliate Tracking Cookies: When you click an affiliate link on our site, a cookie is placed on your browser by the affiliate network to track the referral so we can receive credit for the sale. These cookies typically expire after 30 to 90 days.
- Analytics Cookies: Used to gather aggregated, anonymous data on how visitors interact with our site.
You can choose to disable or selectively turn off cookies in your browser settings at any time, though doing so may affect how you interact with certain features on our site.
4. Third-Party Websites & Services
Our website contains links to external, third-party sites that are not operated by us (including our affiliate partners). Once you leave Escaping The West, our Privacy Policy no longer applies. We strongly encourage you to review the privacy policies and terms of any third-party site you visit.
5. Data Security & Your Rights
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure.
Depending on your location, you have the right to:
- Request access to the personal data we hold about you.
- Request that we correct or delete your personal data.
- Opt out of any marketing communications at any time.
To exercise any of these rights, simply reach out to me.
6. Changes to This Policy
We reserve the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date.
7. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or our affiliate disclosures, please contact me via the Contact page.