Dictionary
SunPartners
A company which owns and offers vacation rental home ownership on a fractional basis. Segments of homes, usually 2 months in length are sold to owners who share ownership in one of several legal arrangements.
See also: Fractionals Origin: Istay
Sunspots Network
A group of independent real estate agents and lodging managers who utilize the Sunspots central office for a variety of services that support the offering and delivery of quality vacation rentals. Members subscribe to the best practices of the lodging industry and are contractually obligated to provide a consistent quality guest and owner experience.
Origin: Vortex
Sunspotters
A program where guests who frequently rent from membes of the Sunspot Vacation Rentals Network and are given special privileges for their loyalty. Also referred to as a "Frequent Stayer" club. There is no charge for joining Sunspotters
Origin: Sunspot Vacation Rentals
Tariff
Rate of fare quoted and published by a travel industry supplier (i.e. hotels, tour operators, etc.) Usually an annual tariff is produced in a booklet form for use in sales calls at trade shows.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Tenant
A person or persons who rents a real estate property for an extended stay. As opposed to a "Guest" who rents a property for a short stay. The difference between a Guest and a Tenant is usually determined by local governing bodies such as states, counties, cities or home owner associations. Many jurisdictions consider tenants to be those who stay for more than 30 days. Tenants and Guests have different rights of use for the property.
See also: Guest Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Termination
The basis on which a party to a contract - written or verbal - may terminate the contract.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Terms & Conditions
The list of conditions, usually in writing and often printed on a website, that govern a contract or order. They spell out how payments are handled, what the policies and procedures are, what happens in the case of certain events. They govern the customer's comportment and obligate them to other rules and regulations.
See also: Rules, Regulations Origin: Istay
Textiles
All bedding, towels and other fabric products used in a lodging facility to comfort to owners, family and guests.
See also: Bedding, towels, fleece, Linens Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Therapy Animal (Dog)
Provides affection and comfort to people in Hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, people with learning difficulties, and stressful situations such as disaster areas.
Not to be confused with Service Animals or dogs, Therapy Dogs and their Handlers have no Legal rights. Institutions may invite, limit, or prohibit access to therapy dogs. If allowed, these institutions will have their own requirements for Therapy Animals.
Therapy dogs are not Service Animals. A Service Animal has a skill which directly reduces the effect of a disability and so can legally accompany their disabled handler anywhere they can legally go. In the United States, Service Animals are legally protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. As Therapy Dogs do not provide direct assistance they are not protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
See also: Service Animal (Dog) Origin: FreeMyPaws.org Link: FreeMyPaws.org
Time-Shares
Homes divided in ownership or use on the basis of time periods, most often one or two week each year.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Tip Envelope
Housekeepers leave in rooms indicating their name and date cleaned. Usually includes subtle reminder that tips are not required but gratefully appreciated.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Tour Operator
Develops, markets and operates group travel programs that provide a complete travel experience for one price and includes transportation (airline, rail, motor coach, and/or ship), accommodations, sightseeing, selected meals and an escort. Tour operators market directly to the consumer, through travel agents and are beginning to be listed on computerized reservation systems.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Tour Wholesaler
An individual or company that sells tour packages and tour product to travel agents. Tour wholesalers usually receive a 20% discount from accommodations, transportation companies and attractions and pass on a 10 to 15% discount to the retail agent.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Tourism
Where consumers undertake leisure travel. As opposed to travel for business purposes
See also: Traveler, Tourist, Visitor Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Tourist
Traveler how moves from place to place to enjoy and experience different locations. Differs from business travel who comes for business purposes.
See also: Traveler Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Towels
Fleece based materials used for bath towels, hand towels, wash clothes, bath mats
See also: Textiles, fleece, bedding Origin: May, William
Transient
A Guest who arrives without an advance reservation or pre payment. Contrary to representations to those opposed to Lodging, guests with reservations are NOT transients.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Travel
Leisure and other travel including travel for business, medical care, education, etc. All tourism is travel, but not all travel is tourism.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Travel Agent
An individual who arranges travel for individuals or groups. Travel agents may be generalist or specialists (cruises, adventure travel, conventions, and meetings.) The agent receives a commission form accommodations, transportation companies and attractions for coordinating the booking of travel. They typically coordinate travel for their customers at the same of lower cost than if the customer booked the travel on his/her own.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Travel Insurance
Purchased from a carrier who agrees to reimburse guests for some expense if they are forced to cancel their plans due to certain reasons. Usually these include death in the family, personal injury or flight delays. Highly recommended.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association