Glossary

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.

Exchange

Where owners of one property exchange use of it for use of another property and from that properties owner. Sometimes arranged by a third party Exchange company.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Fair Housing Act

Federal statute prohibiting discrimination against renters based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents of legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Family Member

Includes Traveling Companion's dependent, spouse, child, spouse's child, son/daughter-in-law, parent(s), sibling(s), brother/sister, grandparent(s), grandchild, step-brother/sister, step-parent(s), parent(s)-in-law, brother/sister-in-law, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, guardian, Domestic Partner, foster child, or ward.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Farm Stay

Usually operating farms that accept guests for lodging, food service, horse back riding and other farm life activities and experiences.
See also: Guest Ranch, Due ranch Origin: Wm. May Link: GuestRanchers.org

Fee Simple

When a real estate property is held in the property owner's name and ownership can be transferred at the will of the owner without other restrictions..
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

FIT (Free Independent Travel)

Individual travel in which a tour operator has previously arranged blocks of rooms at various destinations in advance for use by individual travelers. These travelers travel independently, not in a group, usually by rental car or public transportation.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Fleece

Another word for towels, wash cloths and math mats
See also: Textiles, linens, towels Origin: May, William

Fractional

Describes a lodging property, usually a vacation home, owned by more than one person or party. Usually organized as an association having multiple owners who share use of the home on a pre-determined arrangement, each getting different times of the year.. In some, but not all, states fractionals are governed by timeshares but operate differently with owners having control over choice of manager, amenities and later sale or disposition of the parties.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Front Desk

An office, accessible to guests during certain hours, where they can arrange the booking of lodging facilities and other types of travel services. And where, if a booking has been pre-arranged, where they may Check In to receive keys and guest instructions as well as Check Out.
See also: Central Reservations, Check In, Check Out Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Fulfillment

Servicing consumers and trade who request information as a result of advertising or promotional programs. Service often includes and 800 number, sales staff, and distribution of materials. For advance reservation lodging it refers to the sending and receiving of contracts, guest instructions and other documents
See also: Advance lodging reservation Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Furnishings

All furniture, equipment, appliances, artwork and other assets located inside a lodging property or on its grounds.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

FVRMA - Florida Vacation Rental Managers Assoc

Trade Association of Vacation Rental Managers in the State of Florida.
See also: VRIA, VRMA Origin: FVRMA

Gateway or Gateway City

A major airport, seaport, rail or bus center through which tourists and travelers enter from outside the region.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

GDS - Global Distribution Systems

Worldwide computer networks, originally developed to offer lodging, airfare, rental cars and other services to Travel Agents who, in turned booked guests into them using the network. There are four different GDS such as Amadeus Sabre, Galileo & World span,
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Geographic Area

Also known as a Geographic Area. Can be a small or large area, from a building or destination up to a state of country. Used in conjunction to with describing real estate.
See also: Geographic Area Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Gite

A French holiday home available for rent on a short term basis. Usually self-catering and fully furnished. Technically the owner must live close by to provide help, assistance, and a warm welcome to guests. Often Gites are old cottages or converted outbuildings and barns close to owners' residence.
See also: Vacation Rental, Holiday Villa, Holiday House, Holiday Let, Self-Catering Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Gleaning

In agriculture, farmers allow charity groups to enter fields already picked, to take left over crops. In lodging, charitable groups are allowed to use or sell nights unlikely to sell. This provides benefit to the charities, promotional value to properties and goodwill for all.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Gratuities

The formal term for leaving money for those who serve such as wait staff, housekeepers and others. Not common in all countries or for all jobs. Wait staff are tipped in most places. Gratuities for Housekeepers are less common.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Guaranteed Reservation

An option for guests who wish to have their lodging property held for their use regardless of time of arrival, or failure to arrive. In that case the guest is always charged. After one night of no show, the owner or manager may elect but is not obligated to rent the property to another party.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Guesstimating

Projecting income, events or news with an admission that it is not based on science, or known foundation for the projection.
See also: Guesttimating, projection Origin: Vacation Rental