Glossary
This Glossary is provided to users of the website as a guide to terms and information they may find helpful. Definitions are added, edited or removed occasionally.
Dude Ranch
Usually working ranches that accept guests for lodging, food service, horse back riding and other ranch and farm activities.
See also: Guest Ranch, Farm Stay Origin: Wm. May Link: GuestRanchers.org
Farm Stay
Usually operating farms that accept guests for lodging, food service, horse back riding and other farm life activities and experiences.
See also: Guest Ranch, Due ranch Origin: Wm. May Link: GuestRanchers.org
Guest Ranch
Usually working ranches that accept guests for lodging, food service, horse back riding and other ranch and farm activities.
See also: Dude Ranch, Farm Stay Origin: Wm. May Link: GuestRanchers.org
Hostel
An establishment that provides inexpensive lodging often for students, workers or travelers, some in shared bed or bunk rooms, sometimes with modest individual rooms. Usually baths are across the hall. Many have bending machines and coffee service, but seldom sit down dining.
Origin: Wm. May
Memberships
Customers who wish to utilize one or more of our websites must sign up for a Membership in that site. Each membership has a username, logon and Membership type. Some sites allow users to view some data before becoming members.
Origin: Redstone Systems
Network Member
A person who owns a local vacation rental company in a geographic location, that is a member of the Sunspots Network. They are the key person in the are and may have other people who work for them. A member may also be referred to as a Networker, Operator, Manager or Property Manager.
See also: networker, manager, operator, property manager Origin: Vortex Organization
Network Operator
An alternate title for a person who owns a local vacation rental company in a geographic location, that is a member of the Sunspots Network. See Network Member.
See also: Network Member, Networker, Manager, Property Manager Origin: Vortex Organization
Networker
Refers to employs or subcontractors of Sunspot Network Members such as housekeepers, maintenance personnel, office staff and so forth.
See also: manager, network member, operator, property manager Origin: Istay
Rustication
Vacation in a rustic, rural or remote Inn, Lodge or Resort
Origin: William May Link: Rustications.com
Shoulder Season
The period between peak and low periods when business is stronger, but has room from growth.
See also: Travel Seasons, Peak Season, Low Season Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Site Inspection
An assessment tour of a destination of facility by a meeting planner, convention or trade show manager, site selection committee, tour operator, wholesaler or incentive travel manager to see if it meets their needs and requirements prior to selecting a specific site for an event. After site selection, a site inspection may be utilized to make arrangements.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
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
Sunspots Vacation Rentals Network
Network of Vacation Rental Management Companies, each independently owned and operated operated by trained and certified managers in various geographic areas.
See also: Sunspots Network Origin: Vortex Link: SunspotVacationRentals.com
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
Use Fee
A proper term for the cost of renting a lodging property. May include rent, housekeeping and other charges.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Vacation Rental Travel Insurance
A form of travel insurance, purchased from a carrier who agrees to reimburse guests for some expense if they are forced to cancel their travel plans including their rental of a vacation rental home. Covered events usually these include death in the family, personal injury or flight delays. Highly recommended.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Wholesaler Lodging
A lodging operator who sells occupancy through other parties called retailers
See also: Retailers Origin: Redstone Systems
Your Share
Rental program from Sunspot Vacation Rentals that provides advertising and bookings services to owners of timeshares who have dates available to rent.
Origin: May, William
24-Hour Assistance Services
These services offer on-the-spot and immediate assistance for unexpected problems that can arise during your trip. The hotline operates 24/7 for help anytime, any place while traveling.
Origin: CSA Travel Protection
DETAILS: Glossaries and Dictionaries are handy tools. They provide an indication of meaning but additional study may be necessary to comprehend the full meaning. There may be alternate definitions not included here and experts may disagree on the proper explanation of each term.
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