Cookies Policy
1. INTRODUCTION
This Cookies Policy ("Policy") governs the use of cookies and similar tracking technologies on the website Tripphilia.com ("Website"), owned and operated by Hydra Travels Inc. ("Company," "we," "us," or "our"), an independent travel agency holding ARC Accreditation No. 45572424. Tripphilia.com is not an airline and does not operate any air carrier service.
By accessing or using the Website, you ("User," "you," or "your") acknowledge and consent to the use of cookies as described in this Policy. This Policy is to be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
2. DEFINITIONS
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Cookie | A small text file placed on your device by a website server. Cookies store user preference data, session identifiers, and analytical data. |
| Session Cookie | A temporary cookie that expires when the browser session ends. Not stored persistently on the device. |
| Persistent Cookie | A cookie stored on the device for a defined duration beyond the browser session. |
| First-Party Cookie | A cookie set directly by Tripphilia.com (Hydra Travels Inc.). |
| Third-Party Cookie | A cookie set by an external domain, service, or vendor accessed via the Website. |
| Similar Technologies | Includes pixel tags, web beacons, local storage objects, and fingerprinting scripts. |
| Consent | A freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous indication of your agreement to cookie processing. |
3. OPERATOR IDENTITY
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Website | Tripphilia.com |
| Legal Operator | Hydra Travels Inc. |
| Business Type | Independent Travel Agency (Not an Airline) |
| ARC Accreditation No. | 45572424 |
| Registered Address | 8213 ALMONT,Plano,Texas 75024,United States |
| Data Controller | Hydra Travels Inc. |
| Policy Jurisdiction | United States of America |
4. TYPES OF COOKIES USED
The Website deploys the following categories of cookies. Each category is described with its purpose, storage type, and retention period.
4.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the Website to function. They cannot be disabled without impairing core functionality. No consent is required for their deployment.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Type | Retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| session_id | Maintains user session across pages | Session | Session end |
| csrf_token | Prevents cross-site request forgery attacks | Session | Session end |
| auth_token | Authenticates logged-in user state | Session | Session end |
| booking_cart | Retains travel itinerary data during booking flow | Session | Session end |
| consent_status | Records user cookie consent decision | Persistent | 12 months |
4.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect aggregated data on Website usage patterns. Data collected is pseudonymized and used solely to improve service quality.
| Cookie Name / Platform | Purpose | Type | Retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga (Google Analytics) | Distinguishes unique users; generates aggregate traffic reports | Persistent | 24 months |
| _gid (Google Analytics) | Distinguishes users; session-level report segmentation | Persistent | 24 hours |
| _gat (Google Analytics) | Throttles request rate to analytics servers | Persistent | 1 minute |
| Hotjar (hj*) | Records heatmap and session behavior data for UX analysis | Persistent | 12 months |
| Mixpanel (mp_*) | Event-level analytics for conversion funnel analysis | Persistent | 12 months |
4.3 Functional Cookies
These cookies remember user preferences and customize the Website experience.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Type | Retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| preferred_currency | Stores selected currency for fare display | Persistent | 6 months |
| preferred_language | Stores language/locale selection | Persistent | 6 months |
| search_history | Retains recent destination searches for convenience | Persistent | 30 days |
| timezone_offset | Adjusts time display to local timezone | Persistent | 6 months |
4.4 Targeting and Advertising Cookies
These cookies are deployed by third-party advertising networks to display relevant advertisements and measure campaign performance. These cookies track browsing activity across external websites.
| Platform | Cookie/Tag | Purpose | Retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Ads | IDE, DSID | Remarketing; conversion measurement | 12–24 months |
| Meta Pixel | _fbp, _fbc | Retargeting; campaign ROI tracking | 90 days – 24 months |
| Bing Ads | MUID, MR | Ad targeting; frequency capping | 12 months |
| DoubleClick | test_cookie, NID | Ad delivery and performance | 6–18 months |
4.5 Third-Party Embedded Cookies
Third-party service integrations on the Website may deploy their own cookies. Hydra Travels Inc. does not control these cookies. Users should review the respective third-party privacy policies.
| Service | Function | Third-Party Policy Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Google Maps API | Destination and route visualization | policies.google.com/privacy |
| YouTube (embedded video) | Travel content and destination previews | policies.google.com/privacy |
| Zendesk / Intercom | Customer support chat widget | Respective provider's privacy page |
| Stripe / Braintree | Payment processing infrastructure | Respective provider's privacy page |
| TripAdvisor Widget | Hotel and destination reviews | tripadvisor.com/legal/privacypolicy |
5. LEGAL BASIS FOR COOKIE PROCESSING
| Cookie Category | Legal Basis | Consent Required |
|---|---|---|
| Strictly Necessary | Legitimate Interest / Contractual Necessity (Article 6(1)(b) GDPR) | No |
| Performance & Analytics | Consent (Article 6(1)(a) GDPR / CCPA opt-in) | Yes |
| Functional | Consent / Legitimate Interest | Yes (where applicable) |
| Targeting & Advertising | Consent (Article 6(1)(a) GDPR / CCPA opt-out) | Yes |
| Third-Party Embedded | Governed by respective third-party legal basis | Conditional |
6. CONSENT MANAGEMENT
Upon first access to the Website, a Consent Management Banner ("CMB") is displayed. The CMB discloses cookie categories and allows granular selection. The following principles govern consent:
- Consent is obtained prior to any non-essential cookie deployment.
- Refusal of non-essential cookies does not block Website access.
- Consent is recorded with timestamp and version reference.
- Consent may be withdrawn at any time via the Cookie Preferences link in the Website footer.
- Withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing conducted prior to withdrawal.
7. COOKIE RETENTION PERIODS
Cookies are retained only for the period necessary to fulfill their stated purpose. Retention periods are summarized below.
| Category | Minimum Retention | Maximum Retention | Trigger for Deletion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strictly Necessary | Session | 12 months | Session end or consent expiry |
| Performance & Analytics | 24 hours | 24 months | Consent withdrawal or expiry |
| Functional | 30 days | 6 months | User deletion or expiry |
| Targeting & Advertising | 90 days | 24 months | Consent withdrawal or expiry |
| Third-Party Embedded | Governed by third party | Governed by third party | Per third-party policy |
8. HOW TO CONTROL AND DELETE COOKIES
Users may manage cookie preferences through the following methods:
8.1 Website Cookie Preference Center
Access the Cookie Preferences tool via the footer link labeled "Cookie Settings." From this interface, users may accept, reject, or selectively enable cookie categories at any time.
8.2 Browser-Level Controls
| Browser | Cookie Settings Path |
|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and Other Site Data |
| Mozilla Firefox | Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data |
| Apple Safari | Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data |
| Microsoft Edge | Settings > Cookies and Site Permissions > Cookies and Site Data |
| Opera | Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies |
8.3 Third-Party Opt-Out Mechanisms
| Platform | Opt-Out URL |
|---|---|
| Google Analytics | tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout |
| Google Ads | adssettings.google.com |
| Meta / Facebook | facebook.com/settings?tab=ads |
| Network Advertising Initiative | optout.networkadvertising.org |
| Digital Advertising Alliance | optout.aboutads.info |
Note: Disabling cookies may impair certain Website functions including search, booking, and account login.
9. DO NOT TRACK (DNT) SIGNALS
The Website currently does not respond to browser-level Do Not Track (DNT) signals, as no uniform technical standard for DNT compliance has been adopted. Users may utilize the Consent Management Banner and browser controls described in Section 8 to manage tracking preferences.
10. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY
The Website is not directed to individuals under the age of sixteen (16). Hydra Travels Inc. does not knowingly deploy tracking technologies on users under 16. If it is determined that a user under 16 has provided personal data, that data will be deleted promptly upon notification.
11. DATA TRANSFERS
Certain third-party cookies may result in the transfer of data to servers located outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or outside the User's country of residence. Such transfers are conducted under mechanisms including:
| Transfer Mechanism | Applicable Jurisdiction |
|---|---|
| Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) | EU/EEA to third countries |
| Adequacy Decisions | EU Commission-approved countries |
| Privacy Shield Successor Frameworks | Where applicable |
| User Consent | Where no alternative mechanism applies |
12. POLICY UPDATES
This Policy is reviewed and updated periodically. Material changes will be communicated via a prominent notice on the Website homepage and, where required, renewed consent will be sought. The version date at the top of this document reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of the Website following the effective date of any revision constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.
13. CONTACT AND COMPLAINTS
For questions relating to this Cookies Policy or to exercise data rights, contact Hydra Travels Inc. via the contact form available on Tripphilia.com. Users in the European Union retain the right to lodge a complaint with their national supervisory authority.
