Glossary
This Glossary is provided to users of the website as a guide to terms and information they may find helpful. Definitions are added, edited or removed occasionally.
Electronic Lock
A digital or push button mechanical lock that does not require a key or access card to operate.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Emergency Assistance
If you become sick or injured on your trip and are in need of Emergency Assistance, the assistance provider will: 1. arrange for and transport you to the nearest suitable medical facility; 2. provide you with assistance to return home; 3. provide round-trip economy airfare to send someone of your choice to be with you if you are traveling alone and are in the hospital for more than 7 days; 4. return your minor children home with an escort if they are left unattended due to your death or your hospitalization for at least 7 days; 5. arrange for and transport your remains to your home or place of burial in event of your death.
Origin: CSA Travel Protection
Equity
A landlord's financial interest in a property. Equity is the difference between the fair market value of the property and the amount still owed on it's mortgage and other liens.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Eviction
The lawful expulsion of an occupant from a property.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Excessive Cleaning
When a vacation rental home or other lodging unit requires cleaning great than for normal and usual usage, excessive cleaning is required and for which the guest is usually charged
See also: Interim Clean, Out Cleaning, Housekeeping Charge Origin: Vacation Rental Association
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
Financial Insolvency
Means the total cessation or complete suspension of operations due to insolvency, with or without the filing of a bankruptcy petition, whether voluntary or involuntary, by a tour operator, cruise line, airline, or other supplier of travel services which is duly licensed in the state(s) of operation other than the person, organization, agency or firm from whom you directly purchased or paid for your Covered Trip.
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
DETAILS: Glossaries and Dictionaries are handy tools. They provide an indication of meaning but additional study may be necessary to comprehend the full meaning. There may be alternate definitions not included here and experts may disagree on the proper explanation of each term.
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