At SilkHarborTravel, we believe in clear, upfront transparency. Some links on this website are affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, book a trip, or complete a qualifying action, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you (and in some cases you may receive a discount or special offer through our link).
This Affiliate Disclosure explains how affiliate links work on SilkHarborTravel, how we choose what to recommend, and what you should know before booking or buying anything through links on this site.
- What an Affiliate Link Is
An affiliate link is a special tracking link provided by an affiliate network or brand. When you click it, the partner may place a cookie or use another tracking method so the purchase can be credited to SilkHarborTravel. If you later make a qualifying purchase or booking, we may receive compensation.
Affiliate relationships do not increase your price. In many cases the price is exactly the same whether you use our link or go directly to the company. Occasionally, partners may offer promos, bundles, or discounted rates through affiliate tracking, but those offers are controlled by the partner and can change at any time.
- Affiliate Programs and Networks We May Use
SilkHarborTravel may participate in affiliate programs and networks including, but not limited to:
• Amazon (Amazon Associates)
• ClickBank
• Travelpayouts (and Travelpayouts-related brands and booking tools)
• Trip.com
• Other travel-related affiliate partners (including transportation, tours/experiences, hotels, travel insurance, SIM/eSIM providers, transfers, and related services)
We may also work directly with brands through private affiliate arrangements. Because partners change over time, you should assume that any outbound link to a product, booking engine, or service could be an affiliate link unless we state otherwise.
- Where You’ll See Affiliate Links
Affiliate links can appear in many places on this site, including:
• Articles and guides
• “Best of” lists and destination roundups
• Hotel, cruise, or train recommendations
• Comparison posts (“X vs Y”)
• Deal pages or limited-time offers
• Buttons, text links, images, and banners
• Embedded booking widgets or search boxes
• Email newsletters (if you opt in)
• Social channels and video descriptions where we share links
- How We Label Affiliate Content
We aim to make affiliate relationships obvious. You may see:
• A short disclosure near the top of an article
• A disclosure near booking buttons or deal sections
• This dedicated Affiliate Disclosure page
Even if a disclosure is not placed next to every single link, this page applies site-wide.
- Editorial Independence and How We Choose What to Feature
SilkHarborTravel exists to help readers discover luxury trains, ocean cruises, and five-star resorts with less overwhelm. Our recommendations are guided by:
• Quality, reputation, and traveler experience
• Value relative to price (what feels “worth it”)
• Practical booking considerations (seasonality, cabin types, room categories, route details, location)
• Suitability for different travel styles (quiet vs social, romantic vs family, slow travel vs multi-stop itineraries)
We do not accept payment in exchange for a guaranteed positive review. If we feature an affiliate partner, that does not automatically mean it is “best” for everyone—it simply means it is a legitimate option we believe may be relevant to readers.
When we are compensated for content (sponsored content), we disclose that clearly (see Section 11).
- Important Booking and Pricing Disclaimers
Travel pricing is dynamic. This matters because:
• Prices can change frequently (sometimes multiple times per day).
• Availability can disappear quickly (cabins, suites, rooms, or rail classes can sell out).
• Promotions and coupon codes may expire without notice.
• Taxes, resort fees, port charges, gratuities, baggage fees, service fees, and currency conversion can alter the final total.
SilkHarborTravel cannot guarantee prices, availability, or the final booking total. Always confirm details on the provider’s website before purchasing.
- Third-Party Sites and Your Relationship With the Provider
When you click an affiliate link, you may be taken to a third-party website not operated by SilkHarborTravel (for example: an online travel agency, cruise line, rail booking provider, hotel booking platform, or retailer).
Any purchase, booking, or customer service issue is between you and the third-party provider. SilkHarborTravel does not:
• Process payments
• Control fulfillment, reservations, changes, refunds, or cancellations
• Guarantee the quality, safety, legality, or suitability of third-party services
• Provide travel agent services unless explicitly stated
If you need changes, refunds, or support, contact the provider you booked with.
- Cookies, Tracking, and Advertising Disclosure
Affiliate programs often use cookies or similar technologies. Tracking may include:
• Cookies stored on your browser
• Pixel tracking (common with advertising platforms)
• Device identifiers or session tracking
• Referral parameters added to URLs
Tracking windows vary by partner. Some programs credit purchases made within a set time after the click (for example, hours or days). Some only credit purchases completed in the same session.
We may also run ads or remarketing campaigns via platforms such as Google, Meta (Facebook/Instagram), Pinterest, and Bing/Microsoft. These platforms may use cookies/pixels to measure performance, personalize ads, or build audiences. For broader details, see our Privacy Policy.
- Amazon Associates Disclosure (Required Language)
SilkHarborTravel may participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and/or local Amazon affiliate programs.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Amazon policies also require that we clarify:
• Amazon pricing and availability are accurate as of the date/time shown on Amazon (if displayed) and are subject to change.
• Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to your purchase.
- ClickBank Disclosure
Some products we mention may be sold through ClickBank, a third-party marketplace. If you purchase a ClickBank product through our link, we may receive an affiliate commission. ClickBank vendors set their own refund policies, terms, and claims. Always review the vendor’s official sales page and terms before purchasing.
Important note: Some ClickBank products are marketed aggressively across the internet. We aim to recommend responsibly, but you should still evaluate claims carefully and consult a qualified professional when relevant (especially for health-related products).
- Sponsored Content, Partnerships, and Free Products
In some cases, we may receive:
• Compensation for sponsored content
• Complimentary stays, upgrades, press trips, or products
• Media rates or special access
When this happens, we will disclose it clearly within the content. Sponsored content does not mean we will provide a positive endorsement. Our goal is to keep recommendations useful and honest.
- Reviews, Rankings, and “Best” Lists
Any “best” list, ranking, or recommendation is based on our editorial criteria at the time of publication. Travel changes quickly, and what is “best” depends on personal needs (budget, dates, mobility considerations, preferences, risk tolerance).
You are responsible for verifying key details including:
• Entry requirements, visas, and passport validity
• Health advisories and vaccination guidance
• Weather/seasonality risks
• Safety conditions
• Insurance needs
• Cancellation policies and change fees
- Medical, Legal, and Financial Disclaimer
SilkHarborTravel is not a travel agency, law firm, financial advisor, or medical provider. Content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.
If you have questions about visas, immigration, taxes, health, or legal issues, consult qualified professionals and official government sources.
- Your Responsibility as a Consumer
You agree that you are making your own purchasing and booking decisions. Before buying or booking, you should:
• Read the provider’s terms and conditions
• Confirm cancellation/refund policies
• Review total costs and fees
• Check what is included (meals, drinks, excursions, transfers, gratuities, baggage, taxes, resort fees, port fees)
• Confirm accessibility needs and special requirements
- How Affiliate Earnings Support This Site
Affiliate commissions help fund:
• Research and writing time
• Site hosting, maintenance, and security
• Photography, tools, and content production
• Testing and updating guides so content stays current
Using our affiliate links is one way to support SilkHarborTravel if you find our content helpful.
- Questions and Contact
If you have questions about this Affiliate Disclosure or a specific link on the site, contact us:
Email: info@silkharbortravel.com
- Updates to This Affiliate Disclosure
We may update this disclosure from time to time to reflect changes in affiliate programs, laws, or site operations. The “last updated” date should be placed at the top of this page in WordPress.