Travel Tip: What Do Travel Descriptions Really Mean?

What they say isn’t always what you get!
 

When reading a tour, hotel, cruise, or any type of travel brochure, ad, or website description, watch out for those hidden words that make a special promotion or hotel sound WONDERFUL, when in reality they are “legally” though “unethically” misrepresenting what you will find if you sign up.  This is a very important travel tip!

Travel Brochure Words That Can Be Misleading

Some examples include:  deluxe, nearby, just like, first class, near the beach, view of the ocean, spacious accommodations,  cozy, exotic, exciting, romantic.   Any words that are vague or generic should immediately be suspect.  Call or e-mail them, and always ask specific questions. Pin them down to details.  Make sure you REALLY know what you are getting before making a reservation.

Here are some terms that are in general use, but are sometimes either misleading or at least confusing. Be cautious about “packages” which include hotels, on-shore excursions, etc.

  • A “first class” hotel might not turn out to be YOUR idea of “first class.”
  • And “near the beach” is a relative term. HOW near the beach? Is it a few feet, a few yards, or a mile away from your hotel?
  • The term “all-inclusive” rarely means what it implies. Some things are included in the “all-inclusive tour” or at the “all-inclusive resort” and other things aren’t. Ask them what EXACTLY is and is not included in the price (including taxes).

Single Supplement

Another important travel tip is about the single supplement. Keep in mind that most prices are based on double occupancy. If you are traveling alone, the single supplement is 25-50% of the quoted per-person price. So if a hotel room is $100 per night, double occupancy, it costs $200 ($100 per person). However, if you are by yourself, it will cost you $125-$150 per night because of the single supplement.

If a cruise is $1000 per person based on double occupancy, the cabin costs $2000. If you’re traveling alone, it could cost you as much as $1500 for that same cabin!

Note that the term “double-occupancy rate” is the per-person price based on two persons sharing a room; whereas “double-room rate” means the full price of a room which is shared by two persons. If you’re not aware of this slight difference you could easily misjudge how much the room will cost you.

The best ways to avoid disappointment are to:

  • Call or e-mail and ask specific questions;
  • Request literature or a website link showing (for example) the exterior of the hotel and its rooms; and/or
  • Book it through a reputable and experienced travel agent who knows what questions to ask and what possible misrepresentations to watch out for.

 

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