Policies and Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

INFORMATION COLLECTION AND USE

A few sections of this website contain areas where visitors can provide personally identifiable information to the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM). Such information is stored and used to track activity and optimize performance on this website. VDTM also will use this information to contact you when you request information about Vermont.

Cookies

VDTM’s Website uses cookies (small pieces of information stored by a browser on your computer or mobile phone) for several reasons: to authenticate those using the Stay & Play Directory; to gather statistical information; and to personalize information for visitors on the website using customer preferences as well as a visitor’s location. In this way we can improve our site and our advertisements by recognizing our return visitors and following what pages they access, as well as to monitoring how effective our advertisements are at inspiring you to visit Vermont. VDTM does not correlate that information with individual users, but rather just tracks user patterns in general. VDTM does this in order to study the usefulness of the content to our visitors and to see if the navigational structure is helpful in getting you to the information you seek. If you wish to opt out of cookies that allow us to serve our advertisements while you are in Vermont, and collect aggregate information on arrivals, you may set your browser to reject cookies entirely or to request permission from you before accepting each new cookie. You may also remove cookies by clearing your cache or web history in your device settings.

REQUESTS FOR TRAVEL PACKETS

Physical mailing addresses (Street or PO Box) entered by visitors requesting a Travel Packet are provided to VDTM’s shipping partner in order to fulfill those requests. A VDTM representative may contact you as part of VDTM’s on-going customer service evaluation; or, when you have expressed an interest in a particular service offered by VDTM; or, if you have asked to receive updated information about Vermont from one of VDTM’s newsletters. A VDTM representative may also contact you via email with announcements regarding new features on this website or special events that match your interests. All VDTM email marketing campaigns offer an address to opt out of any further communications.

THE EVENTS CALENDAR

To submit an event to the VDTM events calendar, users must create an account using their email address. Email addresses are collected to confirm the identity of the person registering and to supply password reminders. We may use these addresses to send out updates as new features are added to the calendar or other areas of the site.

HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

Generally speaking, we use your information to provide and enhance a positive user experience throughout our website. Some ways we may use your information include but not limited to:

• to provide, personalize, and improve our website’s user experience via enhancements or new products
• to communicate with you, including to respond to your comments or questions, and to send you updates regarding tourism in Vermont
• to understand your use of our website to help us improve the customer experience
• to provide you information, recommendations, and marketing materials about things to do, attractions to see, towns to visit, and places to stay to help you plan your next Vermont vacation
• for other business purposes such as sending you a Vacation packet upon request

HOW WE SHARE YOUR INFORMATION

If we share your information, we do so only as described below.

We may provide your information to our contractors and service providers as necessary to enable them to perform certain services for us, including but not limited to:

• improvement of website-related services and features
• data analytics to help us determine performance
• data analysis of user patterns to predict the preferences and attribution of future users
• tracking website behavior of users exposed to digital advertising
• maintenance services

One of the third-party services that we use to track your activity on our website is Google Analytics. If you do not want Google Analytics to collect and use information about your use of our website, then you can install an opt-out in your web browser. You also may opt-out from Google Analytics for Display Advertising or the Google Display Network by using Google’s Ads Settings.

PUBLIC ACCESS TO INFORMATION

Please note that all information collected by this website, and other State of Vermont websites, is subject to the statutory provisions related to public access to information. See 1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320. You may make a public records request or view the public records database at any time.

DISCLAIMER

The State of Vermont, VDTM, and any of its officers or employees do not warrant the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information published on this website, do not endorse any products or services linked to or from this website, and shall not be held liable for any losses caused by reliance upon the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of such information, or losses caused by or related to such products or services. Portions of the information contained in this website may not be correct or current. Any person or entity that relies on any information obtained from this website  does so at his or her own risk.

CONTACT US

If you feel that the terms of this Privacy Statement have not been followed, or have any questions or concerns, please contact VDTM by filling out this contact us form.

CHANGES TO PRIVACY POLICY

VDTM reserves the right to change this Privacy Policy at any time.

Version Date: April 29, 2021

Accessibility Policy

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT PURPOSE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

The following grievance procedure is established to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and/or the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA). It is intended to provide prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any violation of the ADA/ADAAA by a department, agency, or instrumentality of the Executive Branch of the government of the State of Vermont by reason of employment practices and policies or the provision of services, activities, programs, and benefits. This Grievance Procedure is available to State employees, applicants for employment with the Executive Branch of the State of Vermont, and to the public.

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) Grievance Procedure

POLICY STATEMENT

This policy provides a set of established guidelines adopted by VermontVacation.com, a checklist of design considerations and additional references. The checklist provides a quick reference for numerous design issues. Additional references are provided for those who wish to gain a broader understanding of disability and accessibility issues.

VermontVacation.com has adopted Section 508 and W3C Web Accessibilty Initiative standards and guidelines as the benchmark to meet the objectives of the Universal Accessibility for State Web sites policy. These published Section 508 guidelines where published to the federal register on December 21, 2000 and will be implemented in portals by June 21, 2001. The Access Board (the federal board assigned to create Section 508 standards) used the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative guidelines as the benchmark for developing their standards. For more information about the Access Board and guidelines visit their Web site http://www.access-board.gov.

Vermont has adopted the Design of HTML Pages to increase accessibility to users with disabilities as the primary guideline to meet the objectives of the Universal Access for State Design policy. These published guidelines are maintained by professionals trained in the area of assistive and information technology. Vermont embraces these standards and will be evaluating our site on a regular basis, increasing the opportunity for all individuals to access information over the Internet. The Universal Access Design Standards are being integrated into VermontVacation.com and will continue to evolve as new technologies and opportunities emerge.

1. A text equivalent for every non-text element shall be provided via “alt” (alternative text attribute), “longdesc” (long description tag), or in element content.
2. Web pages shall be designed so that all information required for navigation or meaning is not dependent on the ability to identify specific colors. Changes in the natural language (e.g., English to French) of a document’s text and any text equivalents shall be clearly identified.
3. Documents shall be organized so they are readable without requiring an associated style sheet.
4. Web pages shall update equivalents for dynamic content whenever the dynamic content changes.
5. Redundant text links shall be provided for each active region of a server-side image map.
6. Client-side image maps shall be used whenever possible in place of server-side image maps.
7. Data tables shall provide identification of row and column headers.
8. Markup shall be used to associate data cells and header cells for data tables that have two or more logical levels of row or column headers.
9. Frames, if used, shall be titled with text that facilitates frame identification and navigation. Whenever possible, the use of frames will be avoided.
10. Pages shall be usable when scripts, applets, or other programmatic objects are turned off or are not supported, or shall provide equivalent information on an alternative accessible page.
11. Equivalent alternatives for any multimedia presentation shall be synchronized with the presentation.
12. An appropriate method shall be used to facilitate the easy tracking of page content that provides users of assistive technology the option to skip repetitive navigation links.
13. Background colors will be avoided since color schemes can create problems with legibility.
14. Multiple browser testing will be conducted on the current versions of all vendor-supported browsers composing at a minimum 3 percent of total usage on the site. Currently, these browsers include Google Chrome 49+, Safari 8+, Internet Explorer 9+ and Firefox versions 46+.
15. VermontVacation.com also requires that your browser accepts cookies from the VermontVacation.com and state.vt.us domain names and that javascript is enabled. If Javascript is not enabled, please enable it and reload this page.
16. The Official Web Site of the State of Vermont will have descriptive, intuitive text links and avoid the use of vague references such as “click,” “here,” “link,” or “this.”

In addition to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, the portal recognizes Section 508 standards are more specific in specific areas:

• Universal Design
• Text-Based Design
• Graphics and Images
• Audio/Video Features

UNIVERSAL DESIGN

1. Maintain a standard page layout throughout the site.
2. Avoid the unnecessary use of icons, graphics and photographs.
3. Use plain backgrounds and simple layouts to improve the readability of text. Provide a text-only index of your site.
4. Include textual as well as graphical navigation aids.
5. Whenever possible, do not abbreviate dates; e.g., use December 1, 1996 rather than 12/1/96
6. Test your web pages with a variety of web browsers; including graphical browsers with the images turned off and a text based browser, if possible. Avoid/Limit the use of HTML tags or extensions which are supported by only one browser.
7. Check images at different resolutions and color depths. Hyperlinks to downloadable files should include a text description that includes the file type.
8. Consider the development of a text-only version of the document or site to facilitate access not only by people with visual impairments, but users of non-graphical browsers or slow Internet connections.

TEXT-BASED DESIGN

1. End all sentences, headers, list items, etc. with a period or other suitable punctuation.
2. Avoid/Limit using side by side presentation of text, e.g., columns and tables; Consider using preformatted text which is available in all versions of HTML and can be displayed with all type of browsers.
3. Minimize the number of hyperlinks that appear in a single line of text – one hyperlink is best; consider using vertical lists for links wherever possible. Avoid/Limit the use of bitmap images of text.
4. Consider beginning lists with a descriptive identifier and the number of items so the users will have an idea of what the list represents and the total length of the list. Using numbers instead of bullets will also help the user to remember items that interest them.
5. Provide meaningful and descriptive text for hyperlinks, don’t use short hand, e.g. “click here”. (Screen readers can search specifically for linked text, “click here” provides no indication of where the link will take them.)If documents are provided in a specialized format (e.g. PDF, etc.) provide the equivalent text in ASCII or HTML format.

GRAPHICS AND IMAGES

1. Keep the number of colors in your images to a minimum.
2. Minimize the file size and number of images you display on any one page. Design your background image, when one must be used, at the lowest color depth and resolution you can.
3. Ensure that text can always be clearly read at any location against the background.
4. Avoid/Limit using image maps; provide an alternate text-based method of selecting options when image maps are used, e.g., separate HTML page or menu bar. Use the [ALT] option within image tags to provide associated text for all images, pictures and graphical bullets.
5. Consider using described images: provide a hyperlink (the capital letter D is being used at various sites) to a short paragraph describing the image.
6. If image files are used for graphical bullets in place of standard HTML, it is best to use a bullet character like an asterisk “*” or “o” in the ALT = text field of the IMG tag (rather than describing the bullet as: “This is a small purple square”).

AUDIO/VIDEO FEATURES

1. Provide text transcriptions or descriptions of all video clips.
2. If possible include captions or text tracts with a description or sounds of the movie.
3. Provide descriptive passages about speakers and events being shown through video clips.
4. Give a written description of any critical information that is contained in audio files contained on your Web site.
5. If you link to an audio file directly, inform the user of the audio file format and file size in kilobytes.

Emerging or newer technologies including RSS, Podcasting, and XML streams may be used, but should be accompanied by instructions on how to use the data. Alternative means for systems not capable of using these data streams should be provided, this may include descriptions, transcripts, and other text-based alternatives.

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

The following are provided as references for Universal Web site Accessibility issues.

• The Law
• External Resources

THE LAW

• The Section 508 Web Site is an excellent source for general information, standards, evaluation, events, and resources surrounding Section 508, which will impact electronic and information technology on the Web.
• Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended for the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. The content of this document directly relates to the Federal government and any public or private industry contracting with the Federal government.
• Enforcing ADA compliance – The Department of Justice handles complaints and enforcement
• Title II, Section 508 speaks directly to state, local governments and all other public entities. This highlights page provides a concise overview, abbreviated information on specific chapters that must comply with ADA standards and information about the complaint and enforcement process.

EXTERNAL RESOURCES

• Designing Universal Accessible websites
  A meta-index page by the Trace Research and Development Center.
• JavaScript Accessibility Issues
• Guide to Writing Accessible HTML
  Developed by the University of Toronto’s Adaptive Technology Resource Centre.
• DO-IT HTML Guidelines
  By Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking & Technology at the University of Washington.
• Adobe Accessibility Resource Center
  Resources and guidelines on accessibility issues affecting Adobe products including Acrobat and Flash.

If you have difficulty accessing a document, simply contact VermontVacation.com by filling out the contact us form.

Terms of Use

DISCLAIMER FOR LODGING PROPERTY LISTINGS

“This listing of properties is compiled for informational purposes only and is intended for use by those seeking lodging and information concerning specific properties. These listings are not presented as a comprehensive listing of all properties in Vermont. Lodging property owners and operators had been supplied with forms on which each was responsible for providing its relevant information ultimately contained herein. However, decisions should not be based solely upon such information. The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (“VDTM”) and its marketing partners assume no responsibility for the information contained herein, for the condition, suitability for a particular purpose or inspection of such properties, or for price ranges or fluctuations; nor do VDTM and its marketing partners endorse or recommend any of the properties listed.”

DISCLAIMER FOR DINING (FOOD/BEVERAGE) BUSINESSES

This listing of properties is compiled for informational purposes only and is intended for use by those seeking food nourishment and information concerning specific dining properties. These listings are not presented as a comprehensive listing of all properties in Vermont. Owners and operators of these properties had been supplied with forms on which each was responsible for providing its relevant information ultimately contained herein. However, decisions should not be based solely upon such information. The hours or prices listed by the individual properties may change from season to season. It is recommended that you check with the individual properties to secure hours open and price ranges. The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (“VDTM”) and its marketing partners assume no responsibility for the information contained herein, for the condition, suitability for a particular purpose or inspection of such properties, or for price ranges or fluctuations; nor do VDTM and its marketing partners endorse or recommend any of the properties listed.

DISCLAIMER FOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

This listing of places and properties is compiled for informational purposes only and is intended for use by those seeking recreation and information on specific places or properties. These listings are not presented as a comprehensive listing of all properties in Vermont. Owners and operators of these places and properties had been supplied with forms on which each was responsible for providing its relevant information ultimately contained herein. However, decisions should not be based solely upon such information. The hours or prices listed may change from season to season. It is recommended that you check with the individuals/businesses to secure hours open and prices. The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (“VDTM”) and its marketing partners assume no responsibility for the information contained herein, for the recreational activities listed, for the condition of equipment, for the condition, suitability for a particular purpose or inspection of such places or properties, or for price ranges or fluctuations; nor do VDTM and its marketing partners endorse or recommend any of the activities, places or properties listed.

DISCLAIMER FOR EVENTS

This listing of properties and events is compiled for informational purposes only and is intended for use by those seeking information on upcoming events. Owners and operators of these properties and events had been supplied with forms on which each was responsible for providing its relevant information ultimately contained herein. However, decisions should not be based solely upon such information. The hours or prices listed may change. It is recommended that you check with the contact listed for the event to secure hours and prices. The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (“VDTM”) and its marketing partners assume no responsibility for the information contained herein, for the events listed, for the condition of grounds/equipment, for the condition, suitability for a particular purpose or inspection of the properties at which the events occur, or for price ranges or fluctuations; nor do VDTM or its marketing partners endorse or recommend any of the events or properties listed.

DISCLAIMER FOR ATTRACTIONS

This listing of attractions is compiled for informational purposes only and is intended for use by those seeking information on attractions and their related activities. Owners and operators of these attractions had been supplied with forms on which each was responsible for providing its relevant information ultimately contained herein. However, decisions should not be based solely upon such information. The hours, prices, or other information listed may change from season to season. It is recommended that you check with the attractions or contacts listed to secure hours open, prices, and regulations pertaining to such facilities/places. The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (“VDTM”) and its marketing partners assume no responsibility for the information contained herein, for the condition, suitability for a particular purpose or inspection of the facilities/places at which attractions occur, or for price ranges or fluctuations; nor do VDTM and its marketing partners endorse or recommend any of the attractions listed or any of the facilities/places at which such attractions occur.

DISCLAIMER FOR SHOPPING

This listing of businesses and services is compiled for informational purposes only and is intended for use by those seeking recreation and information on specific places or properties. These listings are not presented as a comprehensive listing of all businesses in Vermont. Owners and operators of these businesses and services have submitted their information and were responsible for providing relevant information ultimately contained herein. However, decisions should not be based solely upon such information. The hours or prices listed may change from season to season. It is recommended that you check with the individuals/businesses to secure hours open and prices. The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (“VDTM”) and its marketing partners assume no responsibility for the information contained herein, for the shopping opportunities listed, for the condition of equipment, for the condition, suitability for a particular purpose or inspection of such places or properties, or for price ranges, or fluctuations; nor do VDTM and its marketing partners endorse or recommend any of the businesses, services or properties listed.

Links to this site must meet the requirements of the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing’s Links Policy. Vermont Businesses can become listed in the Stay & Play Directory by contacting the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. Questions about links to this site may be addressed by filling out the contact us form.