When planning our vacations we hear many terms which can be confusing. We can leave it all to the professionals, but it is still a good idea to know what they mean. Being aware of exactly what you are purchasing is a good idea. Understanding the details of your travel plans can mean the difference between a great vacation or a disappointing one.

The terms below are fairly standard in most tour and travel itineraries. Having a full understanding can help you distinguish between what is a good idea for your trip and what may costs you more money and time.

A’ La Carte – Refers to food served in restaurants and hotels you encounter along your journey. Food items are priced individually or per items and are not part of a set meal or entrée. The cost of la a carte items will be added to the entrée you order.

A’ La carte can also refer to the bar in your hotel room. As wonderful as these convenient refrigerated items are, they are hardly ever included in the costs of the room. Each item will be charged separately, i.e., snacks, beverages and in some cases amenities or grooming items may be included.

Adjoining rooms – How many times have you asked for adjoining rooms to find there is no door between the two rooms? That would be connecting rooms, where each room has a door to the outside hallway and a door to the room next-door. Used interchangeably it is no wonder confusion around these terms is common.

Adjoining room – No door between two rooms

Connecting room – A door between two rooms and one to the outside hallway.

Advance purchase – Some deals come ahead of time and this is one that does. When you purchase your airline ticket, hotel stay or tour excursion it may state advance purchase necessary. This usually means a lower price, along with restrictions or penalties for cancellations or changes. Advance purchase is usually 14 + days prior to the flight.

All-inclusive – Everything in one package! Well, before you sign the dotted line clarify what “all” means. Most all-inclusive resorts and tours will not include everything. Your room, meals and most entertainment will be included. Water sports, spa treatments and excursions maybe included but limited. Many large resorts feature popular artists and entertainment that is usually not included. Double check if alcohol is included. When working with a travel agent, they can provide the details of what is and is not included in your all-inclusive.

American plan – Your tour includes hotel plus three meals a day. Before booking your tour ask specifically how many meals are included in the plan and what do the meals include.

Base fare – Airfare are complicated. There’s no doubt about it. The base fare represents the basic fare before taxes, surcharges, and other fees.

Code share – You book your airfare on one airline’s website but when you arrive you are flying on an entirely different airline. This is code share. Airlines partner to provide flights (seats) to destinations and/or departure times where they do not operate. There is no trickery here; airlines sell seats on other partner airlines to ensure the best service to their customers. When booking your flight ask about frequent flier miles, most likely you can use your rewards and gain miles while flying on a code share.

Departure Tax – International flights from some countries may incur this tax. Various methods are used for payment: at the time of departure or included in your prepaid airline ticket and amounts vary. Always ask when booking your flight if there are any departure fees, taxes, etc. and what payment form is required. In some case local currency maybe required.

Destination Management Company (DMC) – When you arrive in a city, you need to know what to do and where to go – a DMC provides planning and local destination services for the convention and meeting consumers. DMC is sometimes used to refer to ground operators.

Direct flight – In most modes of transportation when we travel direct, we are going “straight” there. In airline terms the flight will make a stop but the flyer does not need to change airplanes. If you want to go without stopping you will need to reserve a non-stop flight.

Note about direct flights. In today’s environment, you may find that a direct flight may require changing planes due to weather, cancellations or change of aircraft.

Escorted or independent – How you travel is very personal and this is evident when booking tours. Escorted tours have a guide who travels with the group to provide city information; sightseeing highlights and assists as needed along the trip. The schedule is firm with little flexibility or opportunities to change. You are with your group the whole time. Independent tours are much more flexible with details are arranged ahead of time for travelers to go at their own pace without a group or one assigned guide.

F.I.T. – Frequent Independent Travel – For the seasoned and experienced traveler this is the ideal situation. A custom-designed, prepaid vacation package with flexibility and completely open for the traveler to enjoy as they like.

Fly/drive tour – For travelers who like their independence you fly in, pick-up your rental car and you are off to explore on your own. Fly/drive tours are usually part of FIT packages.

Group tour – If you like your travel pre-arranged, scheduled and planned, a group tour is your answer. The itinerary will include accommodations, dining, attractions and all activities. This tour will include other travelers and is not flexible.

High season – The most popular time to visit a destination is called the high season. Prices are usually higher and vacancies can be hard to come by. Expect more tourists during this time.

Group operator – When you arrive a local tour company specializing in your destination provides assistance and services for the tour operators.

Land-only – This type vacation package requires clarifying exactly what’s included. Typically hotel, excursions and guide tours are included. Some packages may also include some meals. Flights are not included to and from your destination. If there is air travel within your trip from country to country, this airfare may be included. If it is not, you will need to be prepared to pay for airfare, additional fees and any departure taxes.

Layover vs. stopover – For the air traveler during a layover you remain at the airport without the need for additional check-in or security procedures. The stopover allows the passenger to leave the airport requiring an additional check-in and security clearance.

Off peak travel – A great time to travel when prices and rates at your destination are lower. Off peak mean less travelers generally due to weather; either colder (Europe) or hotter (Caribbean). This is also called low season.

One-way vs. each-way – In the airline world there is a very big difference between one and each. One-way means the fare is good in one direction. Each way means the fare is valid in both directions. Each way is rarely, rarely used these days. Airfare is listed with departure fares and return fares. The fares vary depending on time of day, non-stop or stops.

Prepaid gratuities – In the US we like to acknowledge great service with a tip. Gratuity for service maybe included in the cost of your trip. The amount can range from $10 – $15 per day for staff working with you during the tour. There are times when an additional tip may be asked for to cover drivers or guides. Ask prior to booking if all gratuities are included and if not what will you be expected to pay and how much. It’s always good to have a bit of local currency “just in case!”

Resort fee – Some resorts will add an additional fee to your daily rate. This covers Wi-Fi, amenities such as newspaper and bottle water. Depending on your resort the fee may include other amenities.

Single supplement fee – Solo travel is not always cheaper! Most vacation packages are quoted based on double occupancy. If you want a single room – it’s going to costs you. Single supplement rates are added to the per-person double rate. If the rate is $2500 per person double