Dictionary

This Glossary is provided to help guests understand more about the rental of inns, resorts and vacation rentals. It is not comprehensive but serves as a primer for terms guests may encounter in renting specialty lodging. Not all terms apply to all properties or managers.

Sundries

Incidental supplies provided along with rent of a lodging property such as paper goods, soaps, salt/pepper and other kitchen basics. Many managers provide a started supply of such things. Most do not provide an unlimited stash.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Tale Back Discount

A reduction in rental charges to give the guest money back to compensate them for inconvenience incurred during the original stay. Usually referred to as just a "Give Back."
See also: Make Good Discount, Change Back discount Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Tariff

Rate of fare quoted and published by a travel industry supplier (i.e. hotels, tour operators, etc.) Usually an annual tariff is produced in a booklet form for use in sales calls at trade shows.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Tenant

A person or persons who rents a real estate property for an extended stay. As opposed to a "Guest" who rents a property for a short stay. The difference between a Guest and a Tenant is usually determined by local governing bodies such as states, counties, cities or home owner associations. Many jurisdictions consider tenants to be those who stay for more than 30 days. Tenants and Guests have different rights of use for the property.
See also: Guest Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Termination

The basis on which a party to a contract - written or verbal - may terminate the contract.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Textiles

All bedding, towels and other fabric products used in a lodging facility to comfort to owners, family and guests.
See also: Bedding, towels, fleece, Linens Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Time-Shares

Homes divided in ownership or use on the basis of time periods, most often one or two week each year.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Tip Envelope

Housekeepers leave in rooms indicating their name and date cleaned. Usually includes subtle reminder that tips are not required but gratefully appreciated.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Tour Operator

Develops, markets and operates group travel programs that provide a complete travel experience for one price and includes transportation (airline, rail, motor coach, and/or ship), accommodations, sightseeing, selected meals and an escort. Tour operators market directly to the consumer, through travel agents and are beginning to be listed on computerized reservation systems.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Tour Wholesaler

An individual or company that sells tour packages and tour product to travel agents. Tour wholesalers usually receive a 20% discount from accommodations, transportation companies and attractions and pass on a 10 to 15% discount to the retail agent.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Tourism

Where consumers undertake leisure travel. As opposed to travel for business purposes
See also: Traveler, Tourist, Visitor Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Tourist

Traveler how moves from place to place to enjoy and experience different locations. Differs from business travel who comes for business purposes.
See also: Traveler Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Towels

Fleece based materials used for bath towels, hand towels, wash clothes, bath mats
See also: Textiles, fleece, bedding Origin: May, William

Transient

A Guest who arrives without an advance reservation or pre payment. Contrary to representations to those opposed to Lodging, guests with reservations are NOT transients.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Travel

Leisure and other travel including travel for business, medical care, education, etc. All tourism is travel, but not all travel is tourism.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Travel Agent

An individual who arranges travel for individuals or groups. Travel agents may be generalist or specialists (cruises, adventure travel, conventions, and meetings.) The agent receives a commission form accommodations, transportation companies and attractions for coordinating the booking of travel. They typically coordinate travel for their customers at the same of lower cost than if the customer booked the travel on his/her own.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Travel Insurance

Purchased from a carrier who agrees to reimburse guests for some expense if they are forced to cancel their plans due to certain reasons. Usually these include death in the family, personal injury or flight delays. Highly recommended.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Travel Product

Refers to any product or service that is bought by or sold to consumers of trade including accommodations, attractions, events, restaurants, transportation, etc.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Travel Seasons

Travel industry business cycles including:
Peak - Primary travel season
Low - Period when business is slowest
Shoulder - period between peak and low periods when business is stronger, but has room from growth.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Travel Trade

The collective term for tour operators, wholesalers, and travel agents.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association