Tourism glossary

Explanations of the key terms in tourism, accommodation and bookings.

All inclusive

Service where all meals and most drinks and amenities are included in the price.

Apartment

An accommodation unit with a separate bedroom, living area and kitchen.

Bed & breakfast

Service including only overnight stay and breakfast; the guest arranges other meals.

Cancellation policy

The rules under which a guest may cancel a booking and whether a refund is given.

Check-in

The process of registering and moving the guest into the accommodation, usually in the after

Check-out

The process of checking out and leaving the accommodation, usually in the morning of departu

Cottage

A holiday house, usually outside the city, rented as a whole to one group of guests.

Daily rental

Short-term rental of accommodation charged per day, without a long-term lease.

Down payment

Part of the price paid in advance to confirm a booking, deducted from the total.

Ethno village

A tourist complex in traditional style showcasing folk architecture and customs.

Extra bed

An additional bed added to a room on request, usually for a surcharge.

First minute

A discount for bookings made well in advance, before the main season.

Free for children

A benefit where children up to a certain age stay free or at a reduced price.

Full board

Accommodation that includes overnight stay and three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinne

Glamping

Luxury camping with comfortable tents or cabins and hotel-like amenities in nature.

Guesthouse

A small family-run accommodation with a few rooms and usually home-style cooking.

Half board

Accommodation that includes overnight stay, breakfast and one main meal (usually dinner).

High season

The period of highest demand and prices, e.g. summer at the lakes or winter in the mountains

Host

The owner or manager of the accommodation who receives guests and provides the stay.

Hostel

Budget accommodation with shared rooms (dormitories) and communal spaces.

Itinerary

A detailed travel plan with the order of destinations, times and activities.

Last minute

A reduction for bookings shortly before departure to fill remaining places.

Minimum nights

The fewest nights a host accepts for a booking, common in high season and holidays.

No-show

When a guest neither arrives for a booking nor cancels it; usually charged.

Off season

A period of lower demand with lower prices and quieter destinations.

Optional excursion

An extra excursion not included in the package price, paid separately and optional.

Overbooking

Accepting more bookings than available units, which can lead to relocating a guest.

Pets allowed

An indication that the accommodation accepts guests with pets, sometimes with a fee or rules

Proforma invoice

A document stating the amount to pay before the service is performed; not a fiscal receipt.

Resort

A larger complex offering accommodation, dining, entertainment and sports in one place.

Security deposit

A refundable amount the host takes as a guarantee against damage, returned at the end of the

Spa town

A place with thermal or mineral springs and health resorts, popular for wellness and recover

Studio

A smaller unit where the sleeping and living space are combined, with a kitchenette.

Studio flat

The smallest flat type with one room for living and sleeping and a separate bathroom.

Tour guide

A professional who accompanies a group and explains the sights during a trip or tour.

Tourist tax

A legal fee per person per night that the guest pays to the local authority via the host.

Transfer

Organized transport of guests, usually from the airport or station to the accommodation and

Travel insurance

Insurance covering medical costs, cancellation or lost luggage during travel.

Travel package

A package combining transport, accommodation and often meals and excursions in one price.

Voucher

A confirmation of a prepaid service handed to the provider; in Serbia also a state holiday v

Wellness

Facilities for relaxation and health: saunas, massages, pools and beauty treatments.