The Ultimate Travel Glossary Guide — A Must Have for Every Traveler

You might be taking your first solo trip, arranging a group trip, or planning a honeymoon with your partner, so knowing the relevant travel terms can ease the preparations. At Storymakers Travel, we want every individual, couple, family, and group traveler to have the correct travel gear ready and know travel terminology so they are informed and knowledgeable.

The travel glossary here includes some of the most common and potentially confusing terms you will likely find when planning a vacation.

All-Inclusive
The all-in package covers the room, food, beverages, and activities for one price. It is a preferred deal for honeymooners, families, and group travelers who don’t want to face unexpected expenses while on vacation. Typically, all-inclusive resorts are found throughout the Caribbean or Mexico.

Airport Transfer
An airport transfer is a car service you have pre-booked to get you from the airport to your hotel and back again. This service can be particularly advantageous for groups that don’t need to deal with trying to find taxis when arriving.

Boutique Hotel
This type of property is a small, elegant hotel with less mass-market hotel experience. Boutique hotels offer a private, unique experience for couples and honeymooners looking for something different than the all-inclusive.

Cancellation Policy
Check your cancellation policy before booking any portion of your trip. This policy states how you can change or cancel your reservation and whether you will pay a fee or not.  A flexible cancellation policy will also benefit groups and families traveling in groups who need to adjust.

Check-In/Check-Out Time
These are the times you may get to and from your hotel. Check these times at the time of reservation, as some hotels or resorts don’t allow early arrival or late departure.

Customs
When you arrive in a new country, you will go through customs, where officials will check your bags and inquire about your journey.

Direct Flight
Often confused with a nonstop flight, a direct flight gets you from point A to point B, but you can have a stop, you just won’t get off the plane. A nonstop flight, is exactly that. This type of flight is usually preferable to a connected flight for families with children and groups that don’t want a long flight time or convoluted connection.

Excursion
A tour or vacation is usually provided as a package trip. Tours can involve snorkeling, zip lining, or sightseeing. Whether for a group traveler or for tours for couples, you can always make it private for a more romantic getaway.

Half-Board
A half-board includes accommodation, breakfast, and one extra meal. It is excellent for travelers who want the comfort of having some of their meals covered but also the flexibility to hit up local restaurants for the rest of their meals.

Itinerary
A trip itinerary is your plan for the trip, with details of how to get there, where to stay, and what you want to do. A group tour or family trip itinerary should make it simple to keep everyone on the same page.

Layover
A stop in the middle of a flight, during which passengers change planes or wait for their next flight. Parents and group passengers may opt for more extended layovers for easier traveling, while solo travelers might opt for shorter layovers for quicker transfer.

Peak Season
The busiest time of year to visit a place can result in a higher price and crowds.

Resort Credit
Hotels or resorts give you an incentive card to spend on amenities such as spas, tours, or meals.

Room Upgrade
A room upgrade happens when you receive a better room, often free, from the one initially purchased. Honeymooners and couples on dates with special events may qualify for complimentary upgrades.

Single Supplement
This fee is charged to travelers traveling alone and needing to share a double room or more. Solo travelers booking group tours pay this charge, which can be mitigated by asking to stay with another solo traveler.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance protects against unexpected cancellations, medical bills, and lost baggage. It is highly recommended for anyone, especially for family or group travel plans with complicated itineraries or overseas trips.

Visa
A travel Visa is permission to go to a country via paper or stamp. Different visa requirements depend on your destination and nationality, so be sure to read up before you go international, particularly for group travel or family trips.

You’ll never struggle to get around the place when you have these basic travel terms. Whether it is a beach in the tropics, a group tour, or your ideal honeymoon, Storymakers Travel is with you every step. Our service ensures a stress-free and fun trip for you!