Disclaimer and Disclosure Policy

This Disclaimer and Disclosure Policy (“Policy”) governs your use of the Story Trails of Maine website (the “Site”). By using the Site, you agree to this Policy in full.

1. General Content Disclaimer

The content published on the Site, including but not limited to travel guides, hiking suggestions, restaurant reviews, and activity recommendations (the “Content”), is for general informational and entertainment purposes only.

  • Not Professional Advice: The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals (such as local authorities, park services, or medical professionals) before undertaking any activity described on the Site.
  • Assumption of Risk: Travel, hiking, and outdoor activities carry inherent risks, including injury, property damage, and death. You acknowledge and agree that your use of the Content and participation in any activities described on the Site is at your own sole risk. Story Trails of Maine accepts no liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation, direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage, arising out of or in connection with the use of this Site.
  • Accuracy of Information: While we strive to keep the Content accurate and up-to-date, conditions in Maine (including trail closures, business hours, prices, and safety warnings) change rapidly. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the Content.

2. Affiliate and Compensation Disclosure (FTC Compliance)

Story Trails of Maine may participate in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission on purchases made through our links to retailer sites or travel suppliers. This is a form of compensation that helps us maintain the Site.

Key Disclosure Points:

  • Monetization: We may partner with companies to promote their products or services. If you purchase an item or service through an affiliate link on this Site, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
  • Sponsorships & Free Products: We may receive free products, services, travel, or compensation in exchange for reviews or features. Any Content that is sponsored, paid for, or results from a complimentary item will be clearly identified as such within that specific piece of Content (e.g., “Sponsored Post” or “Gifted Trip”).
  • Editorial Integrity: Regardless of any compensation, we always provide our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this Site are purely our own.

3. Travel Services

If you purchase one of our travel products or decide to have us manage travel services for you, the following policies and information will apply:

A. Using Your Card for Bookings If you would like us to manage your bookings and make reservations on your behalf, you may authorize Story Trails of Maine to work professionally as an Independent Travel Advisor to collect your credit card details through a secure link and use it to make payments directly to third-party suppliers (e.g., hotels, specific activity providers) for the reservations outlined in your agreed-upon trip plan.

B. Price Changes & Your Approval Supplier prices can occasionally change and fluctuate.

  • If the total cost for all bookable items in your plan increases by more than 10% from our initial quote, we will contact you for your explicit approval before making any bookings with your card. For total price increases of 10% or less, we will proceed to book these items directly with the suppliers for you.

C. What We Book vs. Recommend Your itinerary will clearly state which items we book on your behalf (typically accommodations and pre-arranged activities). Other suggestions, such as meals and many local experiences, are recommendations for you to explore and pay for directly if you choose.

D. Supplier Charges & Policies Payment is made directly from you to the supplier (e.g., the hotel or activity company) with your Independent Travel Advisor facilitating the booking for you.

  • Separate Service Fee: The costs charged by suppliers are separate from any planning/service fee you may have already paid to Story Trails of Maine.
  • Supplier Cancellation Policies: Please be aware that each third-party supplier will have its own cancellation, refund, and booking amendment policies. These policies will apply directly to your reservations made with them.

The Site contains links to external websites that are not provided or maintained by or in any way affiliated with Story Trails of Maine.

  • No Endorsement: These links are provided for your convenience only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of any information on these external websites.
  • No Liability: The inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by Story Trails of Maine of the site or its content. We are not liable for any content, advertising, products, or other materials on or available from such sites or resources.

The Content and intellectual property of the Site are protected under copyright laws, as further detailed in our Terms and Conditions. The publication of the Content does not constitute a waiver of any of our rights in the Content.Effective Date: 11/26/2025