Editorial Standards
Editorial Standards
How we research, write, and maintain content at Gallivanta. These standards ensure every guide is trustworthy, accurate, and genuinely useful for solo travelers.
Our Research Process
1. Personal Testing
For app recommendations, I create real accounts and use the features. I test the interface, evaluate safety settings, and assess whether the app actually works for travelers. If I haven’t personally tested an app, I explicitly state that the recommendation is based on verified user interviews.
2. Traveler Interviews
For destinations I haven’t visited, I conduct interviews with 3-5 solo travelers who have been there within the last 12 months. I verify their experiences through follow-up questions and cross-reference their recommendations with official sources.
3. Official Verification
We verify destination information with:
- U.S. State Department Travel Advisories
- CDC Travel Health Notices
- Local tourism boards
- Official app documentation and security disclosures
- Local news sources for current safety information
4. Safety Review
All content involving safety recommendations is reviewed by a certified travel security specialist. This includes solo travel safety tips, app safety evaluations, and destination-specific security advice.
Content Updates
Quarterly Review: Top-performing posts are reviewed every 3 months for accuracy.
Trigger Updates: Content is updated immediately when:
- An app significantly changes features or pricing
- Safety conditions change at a destination
- New official travel advisories are issued
- Readers report outdated information
Date Transparency: Every post displays its last updated date. Major updates are noted in the content.
What We Won’t Do
- No ghostwritten content: Everything is written or heavily edited by the founder
- No AI-generated guides: We use AI for research assistance, not content creation
- No untested recommendations: We don’t recommend apps or services we haven’t verified
- No pay-to-play: Sponsored content is rare, clearly labeled, and never influences recommendations
- No fake credentials: We don’t claim expertise we don’t have
- No outdated information: We remove or update content that’s no longer accurate
Corrections Policy
We correct errors within 48 hours of being notified. Corrections are:
- Made directly in the article
- Noted at the bottom of the post with date
- Credited to the reader who reported them (if desired)
To report an error: [email protected]
Affiliate Disclosure
Some posts contain affiliate links (clearly marked with [Affiliate]). This means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through our link-at no extra cost to you.
Our commitment: Affiliate relationships never influence our recommendations. We only recommend products and services we genuinely believe in and have tested or thoroughly researched.
Questions About Our Standards?
Email me directly at [email protected]. I read every message and I’m happy to discuss how we create content.