Last updated June 23, 2026
Affiliate Disclosure: How We Earn Revenue and Stay Independent
Full transparency about how Global Summit Guide funds its independent editorial work — what affiliate links are, which companies we partner with, and how we maintain the editorial standards our readers expect.
📌 The Short Version
Some links on Global Summit Guide are affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase or booking, Global Summit Guide earns a small commission at no additional cost to you. You pay exactly the same price as if you visited the company directly.
Affiliate revenue does not influence our editorial recommendations. We recommend gear, trails, lodging, and operators based on what we genuinely believe serves our readers — not based on commission rates.
Every page containing affiliate links displays a visible disclosure at the top. The HTML attributes rel="sponsored nofollow" are used per Google’s webmaster guidelines.
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Explore Travel Shop on Expedia →What Is an Affiliate Link?
An affiliate link is a special URL that contains a tracking code identifying Global Summit Guide as the referring website. When a reader clicks an affiliate link and subsequently makes a purchase or booking with the linked company, Global Summit Guide earns a small commission. Important: the reader pays exactly the same price they would pay if they navigated to the company’s website directly. There is no upcharge to the consumer.
Affiliate links are the standard revenue model for independent outdoor, travel, and gear websites. Major outdoor publications including REI’s own editorial blog, AllTrails Editorial, OutsideOnline, and countless other reputable sources use affiliate links to fund their work. The model allows independent publishers to remain independent — not beholden to traditional display advertisers who may demand editorial concessions.
Our Affiliate Partners
As of June 2026, Global Summit Guide maintains the following affiliate relationships. This list is updated as new partnerships are confirmed.
| Affiliate Partner | Status | What We Link |
|---|---|---|
| Expedia | Active · June 2026 | Hotels, vacation rentals, flights, and vacation packages for trekking and mountaineering destinations worldwide. Our Global Summit Guide Expedia Shop serves as the central affiliate landing page. |
| AllTrails | Application pending | Trail maps, GPX route downloads, and trail-specific guides. Expected use: individual hike pages and regional hiking hubs. |
| REI Co-op | Application pending | Outdoor and mountaineering gear including hiking boots, backpacks, sleeping bags, technical equipment, and apparel. Expected use: gear guides and skills tutorials. |
| Backcountry | Application pending | Specialty technical gear including climbing equipment, ski touring gear, and premium outdoor brands. Expected use: technical mountaineering content. |
| Amazon Associates | Application pending | Books, photography equipment, specialty items, and general merchandise not stocked at outdoor specialty retailers. Expected use: book recommendations and photography content. |
Different products fit different retailers. A reader looking for a mountaineering ice axe is best served by REI or Backcountry. A reader looking for a book about Patagonian climbing history is best served by Amazon. A reader planning a Cusco hotel stay is best served by Expedia. Multi-partner relationships let us recommend the right vendor for each product type — rather than steering readers toward whichever partner happens to pay best.
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How Affiliate Commissions Actually Work
Three things happen when a reader interacts with an affiliate link:
(1) Click tracking. When you click an affiliate link, the affiliate company places a small tracking cookie on your device. This cookie typically expires after 14-30 days depending on the program. The cookie identifies Global Summit Guide as the referrer.
(2) Purchase tracking. If you make a purchase or booking on the affiliate company’s website within the cookie duration window, the company’s system credits Global Summit Guide with the referral. The exact attribution rules vary by program — some require the purchase be made in the same session, others credit any purchase within the cookie window.
(3) Commission payment. The affiliate company calculates a commission based on the purchase value and pays Global Summit Guide on a monthly or quarterly schedule. Commission rates vary substantially by program — from 1% on some Amazon categories to 12% on certain Expedia booking categories.
Critical point: the consumer pays no additional cost. The commission is paid by the affiliate company out of their existing marketing budget — it represents a cost the company would otherwise spend on banner advertisements, paid search, or other customer acquisition channels.
Our Editorial Independence Policy
Affiliate revenue funds independent editorial work — it does not direct that editorial work. Specific principles govern how we approach affiliate relationships:
1. Recommendations Reflect Genuine Assessment
Products, services, and operators we recommend in our content reflect our genuine assessment of what serves our readers. We do not recommend a product simply because it offers a higher commission rate. Where two products are roughly equivalent and we have affiliate relationships with both, we either link to both options or omit affiliate links from that specific comparison.
2. Negative Reviews Stay Honest
When we identify problems with a product, operator, or service, we publish that assessment honestly. We do not soften criticism to preserve affiliate relationships. If an affiliate partner sells a product we believe is inferior, we either decline to recommend that product or recommend an alternative — including alternatives sold by competitors.
3. First-Hand Experience Drives Coverage
Our strongest content reflects first-hand editorial team experience. The Ludlow family’s January 2025 Patagonia trip, Travis Ludlow’s October 2023 Mount Fuji climb, the team’s March 2023 Iceland trip, and ongoing Utah/Wasatch hiking inform our writing. Where we lack first-hand experience, we draw on primary sources (national park authorities, commercial operator data, peer-reviewed hiking literature) and label coverage as research-based. Editorial framing — first-hand vs research-based — is disclosed transparently in each piece.
4. Reader Service Comes First
Our editorial decisions prioritize reader value above commission revenue. A page that helps a reader avoid an unsafe operator earns nothing in commissions but earns reader trust — and reader trust compounds over time into the editorial authority that makes our content valuable in the first place.
5. Affiliate Disclosure Is Always Visible
Every page containing affiliate links displays a visible disclosure above the affiliate content. We do not hide, obscure, or disguise affiliate relationships. The FTC requires this transparency; we believe it serves readers regardless of regulatory requirements.
How Affiliate Links Are Marked on Our Site
Three indicators identify affiliate content throughout Global Summit Guide:
Visible disclosure block. Pages containing affiliate links display a disclosure block near the top of the article. The block uses a distinct background color and explicitly states that the page contains affiliate links and that we earn a commission from purchases made through those links.
HTML rel attributes. Affiliate links in our HTML use the attributes rel="sponsored nofollow". The “sponsored” attribute tells search engines (per Google’s webmaster guidelines) that the link is part of a paid relationship. The “nofollow” attribute prevents PageRank from passing through the link.
Contextual labeling. Where affiliate products are recommended within prose, we may include phrases like “view on Expedia” or “available at REI” that make the destination clear before the reader clicks.
Affiliate links are not the same as sponsored content, sponsored posts, native advertising, or paid placements. Global Summit Guide does not accept payment to feature specific products, operators, or destinations in our editorial coverage. Affiliate commissions are paid only after a reader independently chooses to make a purchase — never in exchange for editorial coverage. We will reject sponsored content opportunities that conflict with our editorial standards.
FTC Compliance
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that websites earning commissions from affiliate links disclose those relationships to readers. The disclosure must be clear, conspicuous, and reasonably proximate to the affiliate content. Global Summit Guide complies with FTC disclosure requirements in three ways:
(1) This dedicated affiliate disclosure page documents our affiliate relationships in full detail. (2) Every page containing affiliate links displays a visible disclosure block near the top of the article. (3) HTML rel attributes on affiliate links identify them as sponsored content per Google webmaster guidelines.
The FTC’s guidelines on endorsements and testimonials (16 CFR Part 255) govern our affiliate disclosure practices. Readers seeking additional information about FTC requirements for affiliate disclosure can review the FTC’s official guidance at ftc.gov.
How Readers Can Support Global Summit Guide
The most valuable support readers can provide does not require any purchases:
Share articles with friends and family who plan similar trips. Word-of-mouth recommendations are the highest-conversion form of audience growth.
Link to our content from your own website or social media. Inbound links support our search engine visibility and help new readers discover the site.
Leave thoughtful comments on articles. Reader feedback helps us understand what content best serves the community and where we can improve.
Subscribe to our newsletter (when available) to receive updates directly. Email subscribers represent the most engaged segment of our audience.
Use our affiliate links when you would purchase anyway. If you plan to book a hotel through Expedia regardless of whether you click our link, using our affiliate link costs you nothing and supports our work. The same applies to other affiliate partners.
If You Have Concerns or Feedback
Readers who identify problems with specific recommendations — gear that performed differently than described, operators that delivered inferior service, lodging that misrepresented amenities — can reach us via the contact page. We take editorial feedback seriously and update our content when readers identify inaccuracies or better alternatives.
Readers who believe an affiliate relationship has compromised our editorial integrity should likewise reach out. Affiliate revenue is important to our sustainability, but reader trust is more important. We would rather lose a commission than lose a reader’s confidence in our recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an affiliate link?
An affiliate link is a special URL that contains a tracking code identifying Global Summit Guide as the referring website. When a reader clicks an affiliate link and subsequently makes a purchase or booking with that company, Global Summit Guide earns a small commission at no additional cost to the reader. The reader pays exactly the same price they would pay without using our link.
Does Global Summit Guide earn money from affiliate links?
Yes. Global Summit Guide participates in affiliate programs with Expedia (active), and has applications pending with AllTrails, REI, Backcountry, and Amazon Associates. Commissions earned from these programs help support our independent editorial work, server costs, content production, and the time invested in research, trip planning, and gear testing. Without affiliate revenue, this site could not maintain its current level of editorial depth.
Do affiliate relationships influence editorial recommendations?
No. Editorial decisions remain independent of commission rates. We recommend gear, trails, lodging, and operators based on what we believe genuinely serves our readers — not based on which company pays the highest commission. Where two products are roughly equivalent and we have affiliate relationships with both, we link to both rather than steering readers toward higher-commission options. We will not recommend a product or service we would not personally use or that we believe is inferior to alternatives.
How are affiliate links marked on Global Summit Guide?
Every page containing affiliate links includes a visible disclosure at the top of the page stating that the page contains affiliate links. Affiliate links use the HTML rel attributes “sponsored” and “nofollow” to properly identify them as paid relationships per Google’s webmaster guidelines. We do not hide, obscure, or disguise affiliate relationships.
What companies does Global Summit Guide have affiliate relationships with?
As of June 2026, Global Summit Guide maintains active affiliate relationships with Expedia (lodging, flights, vacation packages). Additional affiliate applications submitted or pending include AllTrails (trail mapping app), REI (outdoor gear retailer), Backcountry (specialty outdoor gear), and Amazon Associates (books and general merchandise). This list will be updated as additional partnerships are confirmed.
Does the FTC require affiliate disclosure?
Yes. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that websites earning commissions from affiliate links disclose those relationships clearly to readers. This requirement protects consumers by ensuring transparency about financial relationships that may influence content. Global Summit Guide complies with FTC disclosure requirements through this affiliate disclosure page and the visible disclosure block on every page containing affiliate links.
Can I support Global Summit Guide without making purchases?
Yes. The most valuable forms of support do not require any purchases. Sharing our articles with friends and family helps us reach more readers. Linking to our content from your own website or social media supports our search engine visibility. Subscribing to our newsletter (when available) helps us communicate updates directly to readers who value our work. Leaving thoughtful comments on articles helps us understand what content serves readers best.
What if I find an affiliate link to a product I do not want to support?
Readers can always navigate directly to a company’s website without using our affiliate link. We respect reader autonomy and never employ tactics that pressure readers to click affiliate links. If you find specific recommendations in our content with which you disagree, we welcome feedback through our contact page. We do receive editorial feedback regularly and update our content when readers identify inaccuracies or better alternatives.
Policy Updates
This affiliate disclosure is reviewed quarterly and updated whenever our affiliate relationships change. The next scheduled review is September 2026. Material changes — new affiliate programs added, existing programs terminated, or policy modifications — will be reflected in the “Last verified” date at the top of this page.
The current version of this disclosure was published on June 23, 2026 and reflects affiliate relationships active as of that date.
Questions or Feedback?
Editorial transparency matters to us. If you have questions about our affiliate relationships, editorial standards, or specific recommendations, we welcome your feedback.
Contact Us About the Editorial TeamAffiliate Disclosure · v4.0 · Last verified June 23, 2026 · Travis Ludlow Editor · Quarterly review cycle · Next review September 2026 · 3 schemas (Article + FAQPage + BreadcrumbList) · FTC-compliant per 16 CFR Part 255
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Global Summit Guide is an independent mountaineering resource founded in 2026. The team combines first-hand trekking and climbing experience with in-depth research and professional health and nutrition review to help climbers choose objectives, prepare properly, and stay safe.
Health, altitude, and nutrition content is reviewed by Taylor Ludlow (Registered Nurse) and Brigg Hoopes (Nutritionist).
What We Don't Know Yet
Mountain information changes quickly. This box explains the limits of what this page can responsibly promise.
- Visa, passport, vaccination, border, insurance, and local transportation rules may change before your trip.
- Route conditions, snowpack, closures, and weather can change quickly after this page is updated.
- Permit rules, fees, quotas, and reservation windows may change between review cycles.
- Operator availability, pricing, guide ratios, and cancellation terms can change by season.
- Your fitness, altitude response, risk tolerance, and experience level may change what is safe or realistic.
Verify current conditions with official land managers, guide services, local forecasts, and current route reports before booking or climbing.
Mountaineering, rock and ice climbing, glacier travel, and high-altitude activity are inherently dangerous and can result in serious injury or death. The information on Global Summit Guide is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional instruction, qualified guiding, proper equipment, or your own judgment and experience.
Route conditions, weather, snowpack, permits, regulations, and hazards change constantly and may differ from what is described here. Details may be incomplete, out of date, or contain errors. Always verify current information with local authorities, certified guides, and official sources before making any decision in the mountains.
Nothing on this site is medical, legal, or financial advice. Our fitness, acclimatization, altitude, and nutrition content is general in nature; consult a qualified physician before beginning any strenuous exercise program or exposing yourself to high altitude.
You are solely responsible for your own safety and decisions. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Global Summit Guide and its team accept no liability for any loss, injury, damage, or expense arising from use of, or reliance on, this information. By using this site you acknowledge these risks and accept these terms.
Some links on this site may be affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you; this never affects our recommendations.
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