Frequently asked questions
How the site works, where the content comes from and what you are allowed to do with it.
What is TravelStoryMaker?
A free, independent reading library of short travel stories, quotes and fun facts, organised by continent and by type. Everything is on a plain web page: no account, no app, no paywall.
Does it cost anything?
No. The site is free to read and funded by advertising. There is nothing to sign up for and no email is collected to read an entry.
Where do the fun facts come from?
Each fact is written in-house and checked against public reference sources such as national statistics agencies, UNESCO listings, national park services and reputable encyclopaedias. Our editorial policy explains how we handle corrections.
Are the travel stories real?
They are short narrative vignettes based on the kinds of things that genuinely happen on the road: missed ferries, borrowed keys, meals that went on too long. They are written as reading material, not as verified reportage.
Can I use a quote or fact on my own site?
Quotes belong to the people who said them and are attributed here. Our own writing is protected by copyright, but a short excerpt with a visible link back to the page is welcome. See the terms of use for detail.
How do I find something specific?
Use the search box on any collection page. It filters the entries already on that page instantly, without a reload, because everything is rendered as plain HTML.
Why is the site so simple?
Because a page of text should load in under a second on a hotel wifi connection in a valley somewhere. Every page here is a static HTML file with one small stylesheet and one small script.
How do I report a mistake?
Send the entry number and the correction through the contact page. Confirmed factual errors are fixed and noted.
Do I need an account?
No. There is no account system on this site at all, and no login form to fill in.
Do you have a newsletter?
Not at the moment. If that changes, signing up will always be optional and never required to read anything.
Why do I see adverts?
Advertising pays the hosting bill and keeps the library free. Ads are served by Google AdSense and are always visually separated from editorial content.
Can I turn off personalised ads?
Yes. Visit Google Ad Settings to control ad personalisation, or use the consent controls shown in the European Economic Area, the UK and Switzerland. See the cookie policy for detail.
Is the site available offline?
Pages are lightweight enough that your browser will usually keep them cached, but there is no offline app. Saving a page from your browser works perfectly, because it is just HTML.
Can I translate the entries?
For non-commercial use, with attribution and a link back, yes. For anything commercial, ask first through the contact page.
How often is new content added?
The library is reviewed regularly. Corrections are applied as soon as they are confirmed, and entries are refreshed when facts change.
Who owns the copyright in the quotes?
The quotes belong to their authors and are reproduced as short attributed excerpts. Our own commentary, stories and fact write-ups are copyright TravelStoryMaker.
Still stuck? Send us a message.