What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device by a website. They help a site remember information between visits or during a single session. Cookies can support core functionality such as keeping a site secure and remembering a preference, and they can also be used for optional features like usage measurement or advertising personalization.
Cookies can be first-party (set by this website) or third-party (set by services integrated into the site). For example, a site may use an analytics service to understand which pages are read most often. Where cookies are non-essential, we give you controls so you can decide whether those cookies are allowed.
Cookie use at a glance
We categorize cookies into three groups so it is clear which ones are required and which ones are optional.
Essential cookies
Always onNeeded for core site functionality and security. These also store your cookie preference selection so we do not repeatedly ask on every page load.
Analytics cookies
OptionalHelp us measure site traffic and understand which guides are most helpful. Analytics cookies are not activated until you choose to allow them in the cookie preferences panel.
Marketing and advertising cookies
OptionalUsed for advertising measurement and, where enabled, personalized advertising. These cookies are also not activated unless you explicitly allow them.
You can change your cookie settings at any time using the “Manage cookie preferences” link in the footer, or the button at the top of this page.
How we use cookies
Cookies support three main needs on NorthLumen Travel Guide. First, we use essential cookies to keep the site stable and secure. Second, we may use analytics cookies to understand aggregated usage patterns so we can improve navigation, readability, and page performance. Third, we may use marketing and advertising cookies so we can measure whether outreach efforts are bringing the right visitors to relevant content, and to support remarketing where a user has opted in.
If you reject non-essential cookies, the site should still function normally. Some optional features may be limited, such as aggregated reporting that helps us understand which articles are most frequently read. We do not require you to accept non-essential cookies to access the informational content on the site.
Essential cookies (required)
Used for core functionality, basic security measures, and remembering your cookie choice. Without these, the site may not be able to keep preferences or maintain consistent behaviour across pages.
Examples: session_id, csrf_token, cookie_consent_status. Retention: session duration or up to 12 months for preference storage.
Analytics cookies (optional)
If enabled, these cookies help us understand how visitors use the site, such as which pages are visited and how long a page is viewed. We use this information in aggregated form to improve content structure and site performance.
Tool: Google Analytics 4. Examples: _ga, _ga_XXXXXXX, _gid, _gat. Retention: up to 14 months.
Marketing and advertising cookies (optional)
If enabled, these cookies and related technologies may support conversion measurement and advertising delivery. For example, they can help measure whether a visit came from a campaign and whether a user completed an action such as sending a message through our contact form. We do not activate these cookies unless you choose to allow them.
Retention: up to 540 days depending on provider defaults. Technologies may include advertising tags and pixels.
Managing cookies in your browser
Most browsers allow you to manage cookies through settings. You can typically delete existing cookies, block cookies for all sites, or allow cookies only from websites you trust. If you block all cookies, some sites may not work as intended, including features that rely on remembering preferences.
For the simplest experience on NorthLumen, use the cookie preferences panel on this site to control analytics and marketing categories without affecting essential cookies. This approach keeps core functionality intact while giving you clear control over optional tracking.
FAQ
Common questions about cookies and preference settings on this website.
Do I have to accept analytics cookies to read the site?
No. You can reject non-essential cookies and still access the informational content. Essential cookies remain active to support core site functionality.
What happens if I change my mind later?
You can update your choices at any time. Use the footer link called “Manage cookie preferences” to reopen the panel and adjust analytics or marketing settings.
Does rejecting cookies stop all tracking?
Rejecting non-essential cookies prevents analytics and marketing scripts on this site from activating. Essential cookies remain, and your browser may still share standard connection data (such as IP address) with the web server to load pages.
Where can I learn more about how data is used?
Please read our Privacy page for details about data collection, retention, and your choices. The Privacy page also explains how advertising and analytics technologies work when you opt in.