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The Secrets of the Words – Meanings in Travel Descriptions

Featured Image-Ireland tour

When looking at travel arrangements, whether it’s for a land tour, a shore excursion, or just a one-hour walking tour, there is a bit of a code in our industry that you may not be aware of. I think it’s important to have a clear understanding of what to expect and not interpret more than what’s actually offered, so that inspires this week’s article…

As you look at different travel experiences, whether it’s a shore excursion on a cruise, a day tour in a European city, or a full escorted tour for ten days, it’s important to understand the wording and what it really means. Often we can assume more will be delivered than what is truly being conveyed, so here’s a list of words and what they typically mean in a written tour description.

Panoramic view of ruins of an Hore Abbey in Cashel, Ireland. It is a ruined Cistercian monastery and famous landmark in TipperarySee – This means you can see the outside of a site or attraction as you pass by. Usually no stop is involved.

View – View can mean the same as see, or sometimes it can be more, with the motorcoach stopping for a view from the outside of the attraction and time to take a picture.

Glimpse – A fleeting look at a site or scene, often as you continue your journey.

Admire – Appreciate a view or attraction from afar or within set boundaries without entry.

Visit – This means you will go into the specific attraction, with specific time to enter and explore.

Orientation tour – Typically means a drive around the city pointing out key sites and attractions, but staying on the motorcoach the whole time, until arriving at a specific destination mentioned in the description.

Sightseeing tour – Sometimes conducted by a local city guide, there is typically a stop or two, where members of tour get off the coach to see a particular site up close, or to visit an attraction, during the orientation around town.

“You may enjoy…”, “Perhaps you could try…”, or “Consider exploring…” – This phrasing means you will have some free time and these are things you can visit on your own, and the cost is not included in your tour.

Snap – Brief opportunity for photography, typically limited to recognized vantage points or stops.

Explore – Limited wandering, perhaps within set boundaries, allowing personal discovery with minimal guidance.

Enjoy – Experience an attraction in a leisurely manner, often with freedom to engage as you wish. Not usually guided.

Taste – Sample a small selection, usually just a bite or two, rather than a full meal or extensive options.

Savor – Focused tasting of select items; experience is often brief yet flavorful.

Time at Leisure – Free time for individual pursuits, but keep in mind the upcoming schedule may restrict duration.

Journey – Part of your travel that focuses on transit, not necessarily immersive interaction with the surroundings.

Optional – Activities or excursions available for an additional cost and not included in standard plans.

Continental breakfast – Usually consists of breads, pastries and rolls, with condiments such as butter and jam, along with tea or coffee.

Buffet breakfast – Typically includes more choices with some type of protein such as eggs or breakfast meats.

When you are reading a tour or shore excursion description and are unsure what it really means, the best plan is to call and ask. It’s best not to assume anything that is not clearly stated.