Terms of service

1. What Worldmates is

Worldmates is a platform that connects travelers: anyone can propose a group trip with its stops and experiences, and anyone can ask to join — the whole trip, or only some stops and experiences. Joining a trip is approved by the person who organizes it.

2. Worldmates is NOT a tour operator

Worldmates is not a tour operator, is not a travel agency and does not sell or broker package holidays or travel services. Published trips are conceived, organized and run by users under their sole responsibility. No payment between users goes through the platform: flights, accommodation and activities are booked and paid for by each person on their own, directly with the providers they choose. Any "references" (flights, accommodation, activities) published by the organizer are shared information, not commercial offers: always check prices and conditions with the provider.

3. Your account

You must be at least 18 years old. Provide truthful information, keep your credentials confidential and use a single personal account. You are responsible for what happens with your account.

4. Rules of conduct

The following is not allowed on Worldmates:

• harassment, threats, discrimination or offensive behavior;
• spam, scams, misleading or unlawful content;
• fake trips or trips published in bad faith;
• photos or content you do not hold the rights to;
• use of the platform for unauthorized commercial activities.

5. Your content

The content you publish (trips, photos, reviews, messages) remains yours. By publishing it you grant Worldmates a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display it on the platform, for the sole purpose of providing the service. We may remove content that violates these terms or the law.

6. Joining a trip

Worldmates makes the meeting easier, but trips happen in the real world among people who often do not know each other: use caution and common sense. Check profiles and reviews, share the itinerary with someone you trust, meet the group in public places and do not share sensitive data in chats. Worldmates does not guarantee that published trips take place, that user content is truthful, or how participants behave.

Changes to the stops of a trip that already has participants follow the in-platform voting mechanism; whoever does not accept a change keeps their original dates.

7. Reports, blocks and suspensions

You can report users or trips and block anyone: a blocked person can neither message you nor ask to join your trips (and vice versa). In case of violations we may remove content and limit or close accounts, without notice in serious cases.

8. “Creator / certified guide” badge and associated agencies

The ✓ badge means we verified the identity and public presence of the person who requested it. It is not a professional qualification, it is no guarantee about the trips they propose, and it creates no employment or agency relationship with Worldmates.

The 🏢 associated agency badge marks an account held by a professional travel operator that asked to be associated with the platform. The organizer of a trip that reached its minimum number of participants can ask an associated agency to take over that very trip: the agency proposes a per-person price and a booking link on its own website, and the proposal only passes if at least 50% of the group members vote yes. In that case the agency becomes the organizer of the trip; whoever started it stays in the group as a participant and whoever voted no keeps their seat. Staying in the group is not a contract: any booking, payment and sales condition happens directly between you and the agency, on its website and under its contract; Worldmates collects nothing, is not a party to the sale and is not responsible for the agency's performance of the trip. You can leave the group at any time.

9. Reviews

Reviews are allowed only between people who traveled together and must reflect real experiences. Offensive or defamatory reviews are removed.

10. Limitation of liability

Worldmates is provided "as is": we do our best to keep it safe and available, but we do not guarantee the absence of errors or interruptions. To the extent permitted by law, Worldmates is not liable for damages arising from relationships between users, from trips organized through the platform or from bookings made with third parties. Nothing in these terms limits the mandatory rights the law grants to consumers.

11. Intellectual property

The Worldmates name, logo and platform software belong to the operator. Maps use data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

12. Changes to these terms

We may update these terms; for substantial changes we will let you know on the platform with reasonable notice. By continuing to use Worldmates after they take effect, you accept the updated version.

13. Governing law and contacts

These terms are governed by Italian law. For consumers, the mandatory jurisdiction of their place of residence remains unaffected. Contacts: info@worldmates.it.