A
A la Carte
A dining option where each menu item is priced separately, allowing customers to select their meals.
Accessible Tourism
Travel practices ensuring destinations, accommodations, and services are usable by all individuals, regardless of physical limitations.
Actual Time of Arrival (ATA)
The precise time a flight or transport arrives at its destination, as opposed to the scheduled or estimated time.
Add-on
Additional services or options added to a travel package, often at extra cost, such as excursions or meal plans.
Adjoining Rooms
Hotel rooms located next to each other, sometimes with an interconnecting door, suitable for groups desiring proximity.
Advance Purchase Requirement (APR)
A stipulation that tickets must be bought a certain number of days before departure to secure a specific fare.
Adventure Travel
Trips involving exploration or travel with a certain degree of risk, often requiring specialized skills like trekking or scuba diving.
Affinity Card
A credit card linked to a specific organization or cause, offering travel-related rewards or benefits.
Affinity Group
A collection of individuals sharing a common interest or goal, travelling together, like a photography club tour.
Airport Access Fee
A surcharge paid by transportation providers, such as taxis or shuttles, for picking up or dropping off passengers at an airport.
Airport Code
A three-letter code identifying an airport, used in ticketing and baggage tracking (e.g., LAX for Los Angeles).
Airport Transfer
Transportation service provided between an airport and a destination, such as a hotel or city center.
All-Inclusive
A vacation package covering accommodation, meals, drinks, and activities for a single price.
Arrivals
The area in an airport where incoming flights land, and passengers complete immigration, baggage claim, and customs processes.
ATO (Airline Ticket Office)
An office operated by an airline to handle ticket sales
B
Baggage Allowance
The weight or number of bags a passenger is permitted without extra charges, varying by airline and class.
Base Fare
The cost of a ticket before taxes, fees, or additional charges.
Bed and Breakfast (B&B)
A type of accommodation offering overnight stays and morning meals, typically in a home setting.
Blackout Dates
Specific dates when promotional fares or discounts are not available, often during peak travel seasons.
Boarding Pass
A document granting a passenger permission to enter the restricted area of an airport and board the aircraft.
Booking Form
A form used to secure a reservation for flights, hotels, or tours.
Booking Reference
A unique code provided when a reservation is confirmed, used for tracking and check-ins.
Boutique Hotel
A small, stylish hotel offering unique accommodation and personalized services.
Budget Airline
Carriers who offer lower fares by eliminating non-essential services and focusing on cost-effective travel.
Bulk Fare
Discounted rates offered for group bookings or large ticket purchases.
Bumping
The process of removing passengers from a flight due to overbooking, often compensated by airlines.
Business Class
A premium seating category on flights, offering enhanced comfort and services compared to economy.
C
Cabin
Refers to a passenger's designated section on an aircraft, ship, or train. Cabins are usually classified by comfort level, such as economy, business, or first class.
Cancellation Fee
A charge applied when a reservation is canceled, depending on terms and timing.
Cancellation Policy
The rules and fees applied by travel providers (airlines, hotels, etc.) when a booking is cancelled. Understanding this helps travellers avoid unnecessary costs.
Carry-On
A small bag or suitcase that travellers are allowed to bring into the cabin of an aircraft. Size and weight restrictions vary by airline.
Charter
Privately arranged transportation, such as flights or buses, outside the regular schedule.
Charter Flight
A non-scheduled flight arranged by an individual or company, not part of the regular airline timetable.
Chauffeur
A professional driver hired to transport passengers, often in luxury vehicles.
Checked Baggage
Luggage handed over at the airport check-in counter and stored in the aircraft’s cargo hold. Restrictions apply based on weight and size.
City Break
A short trip to a city focusing on sightseeing, shopping, and cultural activities.
Coach
Another term for economy class on flights or buses.
Concierge
A hotel staff member who assists guests with bookings, recommendations, or special requests like securing dinner reservations or arranging transport.
Connecting Flight
A secondary flight in a two-legged journey, requiring a change of aircraft.
Corporate Rate
A discounted price offered to businesses or employees for travel services.
Coupon
A voucher providing a discount or offer on travel services.
Customs
A government agency regulating goods entering or leaving a country, ensuring compliance with laws and taxes.
Customs Declaration
A form completed by travellers listing items acquired abroad, to be assessed by customs officials upon entry.
D
Deplane
The act of passengers disembarking from an aircraft.
Departure Tax
A fee charged by a country when a traveller leaves, either included in the ticket price or paid at the airport.
Departure Time
The scheduled time at which a flight, train, or other mode of transportation is set to leave. Always confirm the local time zone of your departure.
Departures
The area in an airport where passengers board outgoing flights, with schedules displayed on a departures board.
Direct Flight
A flight that takes passengers to their destination without changing aircraft, though it may have stopovers.
Double Occupancy
Pricing based on two people sharing a hotel room or cabin, common in travel packages.
Drop-Off Fee
A charge for returning a rental car to a different location than where it was picked up.
Duty-Free
Shops offering goods exempt from local taxes and duties, typically found in international airports.
Dynamic Pricing
A controversial pricing strategy where travel services such as airlines or hotels alter their prices based on demand, availability, or time of booking. Booking early will often yield the best prices.
E
Economy Class
The most basic and affordable seating option on flights and trains
Ecotourism
A sustainable form of travel that minimises environmental impact while promoting local conservation efforts.
Embarkation
The process of boarding a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle, usually after presenting necessary documents.
eSIM
A travel eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in devices, allowing travellers to access local mobile data without having to locate and purchase a local SIM card.
eTicket
A digital ticket stored on a device or online, replacing traditional paper tickets.
Exchange Rate
The value of one currency in relation to another. Understanding the local exchange rate is crucial for budgeting in foreign countries.
Excursion
A short trip or activity undertaken during a larger journey, often organised by tour operators.
Experiential Travel
A form of tourism emphasizing immersive, authentic experiences focused on local culture and activities.
Exit Row
Seats near the emergency exits of an aircraft that offer extra legroom but require passengers to assist in case of an emergency evacuation.
F
FAM Trip (Familiarisation Trip)
A tour organised for travel professionals or journalists to experience and promote a destination.
Flight Attendant
A trained airline crew member responsible for ensuring passenger safety and comfort during a flight.
Flight Connections
A sequence of flights to reach a destination, requiring transfers at intermediate airports.
Flight Crew
The team operating an aircraft, including pilots, co-pilots, and sometimes flight engineers.
Fly-and-Drive Package
A travel deal combining flights and car rental for convenience.
Frequent Flyer Program
A loyalty scheme by airlines that rewards regular travellers with points that can be redeemed on flights, upgrades, or other benefits.
Full Board
An accommodation package including all three daily meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
G
Gate
The designated area at an airport where passengers board their flight. Check gate numbers regularly, as they may change.
Gateway
A primary city or airport serving as an entry point to a region or country.
Geotourism
Sustainable travel focused on preserving a destination's geographical and cultural heritage.
Green Corridor
A designated lane at customs for passengers without goods to declare.
Group Tour
Prearranged travel for groups, often with a fixed itinerary and guide.
Ground Operator
A company handling local travel services like tours, transportation, and activities.
Guaranteed Departure
A tour or package that will operate regardless of the number of participants, ensuring no cancellations due to low bookings.
Guaranteed Reservation
A booking secured with payment, ensuring the room or service is held for the guest regardless of arrival time.
H
Half Board
An accommodation package that includes two meals per day (usually breakfast and dinner).
High Season
The busiest time of year at a destination, typically associated with higher prices.
Hiking
Walking or trekking in natural environments, often for recreation or adventure.
Home Exchange
A travel arrangement where participants swap homes for a set period.
Honeymoon Travel
Special trips planned for newlyweds, often focusing on romantic and luxurious experiences.
Hostel
Budget accommodation, often with shared facilities and popular with young travellers and backpackers.
Hotel
A commercial establishment offering paid lodging. Hotels usually feature other facilities such as restaurants, conference rooms, concierge services and bars.
House
A private accomodation
Hotspot
A popular tourist destination
Hub
A central airport used by an airline as a transfer point to various destinations.
I
IATA (International Air Transport Association)
The trade association regulating airlines and promoting safe and efficient travel.
IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network)
The organization that provides accreditation for travel agents.
In Transit
A passenger or item moving between locations, often during layovers or stops.
Incidentals
Additional expenses incurred during travel, such as minibar charges or tips.
Inclusive Tour
An all-in-one holiday package combining transport, accommodation and activities
Inbound Tour
A tour for travellers arriving in a country from abroad.
In-flight Service
Any services provided during a flight like meals, entertainment and other amenities.
Intercontinental Travel
Travel between continents.
Island Hopping
Visiting multiple islands during a single trip, common in destinations like Greece or the Caribbean.
Itinerary
A detailed plan of a journey, outlining destinations, accommodations, and activities.
J
Jet Bridge
A movable walkway connecting an airport terminal to an aircraft
Jet Lag
A temporary condition of fatigue and disorientation condition caused by rapid travel across multiple time zones.
Journey
The act of travelling from one place to another
Jumpseat
A collapsible seat for crew members on aircraft, not available to passengers.
Jungle Safari
A guided tour in a dense forest to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
K
Key Card
An electronic card used to access a hotel room, replacing traditional keys.
Kilometer Allowance
A rental car feature specifying a maximum number of kilometers included in the price.
L
Latitude
The distance of a location north or south of the equator
Layover
A waiting period between two connecting flights
Low Season
A period of decreased tourism to a destination, often offering lower prices.
Luxury Travel
High-end travel experiences offering premium accommodations, services, and exclusivity.
M
Mountain Pass
A navigable route through a mountain range, often with scenic views.
Multi-City Trip
A travel itinerary visiting multiple cities during one journey.
N
Nomadic Tourism
A trend involving frequent travel to different locations, often while working remotely.
Non-Refundable
A travel ticket or service that does not offer a refund if canceled.
Non-Refundable Fare
A ticket price that doesn’t allow refunds upon cancellation.
Non-Refundable Ticket
A ticket with no refund option, often offered at a discounted rate.
Non-Stop
A flight that travels directly between two destinations without any layovers or stops.
Non-Stop Flight
A direct flight between two destinations without layovers.
Non-Transferable
A ticket or reservation that cannot be passed on to another person.
O
Ocean View (OCV)
Accommodation with a view of the ocean, often used in resort or cruise descriptions.
Occupancy Rate
The percentage of available rooms occupied during a specific period.
Off-Season
The period when a destination receives fewer visitors, often offering reduced prices.
Open-Jaw Ticket
An airline ticket allowing passengers to fly into one city and return via another.
Operator
A company or individual providing travel-related services, such as tours or transportation.
Outbound
Travel out of a region or country.
P
Passenger Facility Charge (PFC)
A fee included in ticket prices to fund airport improvements and infrastructure.
Passenger Name Record (PNR)
A digital record containing the itinerary and personal details of a passenger's travel booking.
Per Diem
A daily allowance for expenses like meals and travel, often provided by employers during business trips.
Port
A harbor where ships dock to load or unload passengers and goods
Port of Entry
A location where travelers officially enter a country and undergo immigration checks.
Porter
An individual employed to carry luggage at airports, hotels, or stations.
Prepaid Ticket Advice
A notice confirming payment for a ticket before travel.
Q
Queue Jumping
Paying extra or using privilege to bypass lines, often at airports or attractions.
Quarantine
A mandatory period of isolation on arriving in a country to prevent the spread of diseases.
R
Rebate
A partial refund offered as an incentive or reward for booking.
Retailer
A business or agent selling travel products or services to consumers.
Room-Only
Accommodation pricing excluding meals or additional services.
Round Trip
A journey from one place to another and back, typically involving a return ticket.
Round-the-World Ticket
A travel pass allowing multiple stops around the globe, often within a specific time frame.
S
Safari
A guided tour to observe wildlife in their natural habitat
Single Room
Accommodation for one person, often at a higher per-person cost.
Sleeper
A train or bus compartment equipped for overnight travel.
Special Fare
A discounted ticket price offered during promotions or for specific groups like students or seniors.
Stopover
A temporary stay at an intermediate destination during a journey, often longer than 24 hours for international travel.
Suite
A spacious hotel room often with separate living and sleeping areas.
Sustainable Tourism
A form of travel that minimises environmental impact and benefits the local community
T
Terminal
A building at an airport or station where passengers embark or disembark from transport.
Tickler System
A reminder system used by travel agents to follow up on reservations or itineraries.
Tour Guide
A professional who provides information and insights about a destination during a tour.
Tour Operator
A company that organizes and sells package tours, combining transportation, accommodation, and activities.
Tourism
The activity and associated industry of leisure travel
Tourist Card
A document required for entry into certain countries, usually issued to visitors for short stays.
Tours
Organized trips with pre-arranged itineraries
Transcontinental
Travel crossing an entire continent, often referring to long-distance flights or train journeys.
Transfer
The movement of travelers or luggage between different modes of transport or locations during a journey.
Travel Agency
A business specializing in arranging travel services, including flights, accommodations, and tours.
Travel Agent
A professional who assists individuals or groups in planning and booking travel arrangements.
Travel Insurance
A policy covering unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
Travel Policy
A set of guidelines outlining acceptable travel arrangements, expenses, and reimbursement policies, often for business travelers.
Travel Rewards
Benefits earned through travel-related purchases, often redeemable for flights, hotels, or upgrades.
Transit Visa
A permit for travelers passing through a country en route to their final destination.
U
UNESCO World Heritage Site
A location or region recognized by the international conservation body UNESCO for its cultural, historical, or natural significance.
Upgrade
A complimentary or paid improvement in travel class or accommodation, such as economy to business class.
V
Vacation Rental
A property rented for the sole purpose of short-term leisure travel
Value Added Tax (VAT)
A consumption tax added to goods and services.
Value-Based Pricing
A pricing strategy based on the perceived value of a product or service to the customer.
Variable Costs
Travel expenses that fluctuate based on factors like demand or duration.
Villas
Private homes or properties available for rent
VIP Experience
Premium services and experiences offered to travelers, such as exclusive access, personalized assistance, and luxury accommodations.
Visa
An official document or stamp in a passport permitting entry into, travel within, or exit from a country.
Visa Service
A service that assists travelers in obtaining the necessary documentation for entry into a foreign country.
Visa Waiver
A program allowing travelers to visit a country without a visa for a limited time.
Voyage
A long journey by ship or boat
Voucher
A document redeemable for specific services or products, such as accommodations or tours.
W
Walking Tour
A guided exploration of a destination on foot, focusing on landmarks and history.
Waitlist
A system where travelers await an available seat or reservation after initial slots are fully booked.
Weekend Getaway
A short trip over a single weekend
X
Xeriscaping
A type of landscaping that minimises water usage, popular in eco-resorts and dry regions.
Y
Yacht Charter
Renting a yacht for leisure or travel purposes
Youth Hostel
Budget accommodations targeting young travelers, often with shared facilities.
Z
Zip Line
An adventure activity involving sliding down a cable suspended between two points.
Zone Fare
A pricing system where airfare depends on geographic zones rather than specific distances.
