The Secrets of the Words – Meanings in Travel Descriptions
When it comes to travel, there are some little nuances that can make a difference in your expectations. It’s very important to know how to read between the lines of a travel offering, so I wanted to provide a little guide of usual terms.
Meaning of Words in Tour Descriptions
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.
See – This means you can see the outside of a site or attraction as you pass by.
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.
Visit – This means you will go into the specific attraction.
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.
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.