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TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration that lets eligible passengers use expedited airport security lanes after completing an enrollment and background check.
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that speeds up reentry to the United States for preapproved travelers using automated kiosks or eGates at select airports.
CLEAR is a private identity verification service that uses biometrics to speed up the ID check step at participating airports and venues.
A boarding pass is the document or digital credential issued by an airline that grants a passenger access to the security checkpoint and permission to board a specific flight.
Checked baggage is luggage handed to the airline at the counter or bag drop to be transported in the aircraft hold and retrieved at baggage claim after landing.
Carry-on luggage is the small bag or suitcase a passenger brings into the cabin and stores in the overhead bin or under the seat in front.
A red-eye flight departs late at night and arrives early the next morning, often covering long distances while passengers try to sleep in transit.
A nonstop flight travels directly from origin to destination with no intermediate stops, minimizing total travel time.
A connecting flight itinerary includes one or more intermediate stops where passengers change aircraft to reach their final destination.
A layover is the short scheduled stop between flights on a connecting itinerary, typically less than 24 hours on international trips and less than 4 hours on many domestic itineraries.
A planned break in a journey, typically 24+ hours on international itineraries, before continuing to the final destination.
An open-jaw ticket is a round-trip where you fly into one city and return from another, or depart from a different city than the one you flew into. Example: New York → Paris, then Rome → New York.
A round-trip ticket includes both the outbound and return flights between the same origin and destination. It’s the classic two-way booking under one ticket number.
A one-way ticket takes you from point A to point B with no scheduled return on the same ticket. It offers maximum flexibility for open-ended travel or complex itineraries.
Frequent flyer miles (or points) are earned through airline loyalty programs when you fly eligible fares or via partners like credit cards, hotels, and car rentals.
An airline alliance is a partnership among multiple carriers that coordinate schedules, routes, and loyalty benefits. Major alliances include Star Alliance, oneworld, and SkyTeam.
A low-cost carrier (LCC) offers lower base fares by unbundling services like checked bags, seat selection, and onboard amenities. You pay extra for most add-ons.
Overbooking occurs when an airline sells more seats than the aircraft has, anticipating that some passengers won’t show up. If everyone arrives, the airline seeks volunteers or may bump passengers.
A flight voucher is airline-issued credit, often provided after schedule changes, bumps, or customer service gestures. It can usually be applied to future bookings with that airline.
A standby passenger waits for an available seat on a flight without a confirmed reservation for that specific departure. Standby lists are cleared by airline priority rules.
A direct flight keeps the same flight number from origin to destination but may make one or more intermediate stops. You might stay on the aircraft during the stop, or in some cases change aircraft while the flight number remains the same (a “change of gauge”).
Resort Fee / Destination Fee / Amenity Fee
City/state taxes applied to nightly room rates.
Self-parking means you park your own car; valet means the hotel handles it.
Flexible/refundable rates allow changes/cancellations within a window
Dollar credit (e.g., $100 food & beverage) included with certain packages
Service fee for personalized trip planning, proposal handling, booking management, and after-sales support.
ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It’s an automated system run by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that determines whether travelers from certain countries can enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows eligible nationals of participating countries to visit the U.S. for tourism or business up to 90 days
See also ESTA, Onward Return Ticket, cuba travel vwp, ESTA Validiity
ESTA approval is generally valid **2 years** (or until your passport expires).
Since Oct 1, 2022, VWP travelers entering the U.S. by land must have an approved ESTA
Because Cuba is designated a **State Sponsor of Terrorism (Jan 12, 2021)**, travelers who visited **Cuba on/after that date** are **not eligible
An e‑passport contains a contactless chip with your biographic and biometric info.
The I‑94 records your class of admission and admit‑until date.
The B‑1 visa covers short visits for business activities such as meetings, conferences, training (unpaid), or contract negotiations.
The B‑2 visa is for tourism, visiting family/friends, or certain medical treatment.
The DS‑160 is the online application for most nonimmigrant visas (including B‑1/B‑2).
The **Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee** is the **non‑refundable** application fee most visa applicants must pay.
Depending on your nationality and the visa class, a reciprocity (issuance) fee may be due when the visa is issued.
A visa lets you request entry until the visa expiry;
Administrative Processing (221(g)) means your visa decision is pending extra review after the interview.
Some posts allow **interview waivers** for eligible cases
EVUS requires certain PRC passport holders with 10‑year B1/B2 visas to enroll and update basic info before travel. .
The U.S. generally expects 6 months’ passport validity beyond your stay.
If you **transit** the U.S., you still need permission: **ESTA** if you’re VWP‑eligible, otherwise a **C‑1 transit visa**. Cruises/air transfers count as transit.
Under VWP, you should carry proof of **onward/return travel within 90 days**.
An overstay (remaining beyond your *´I‑94 date) can cause visa voidance,
A policy that lets you modify your booking (e.g., date/time/flight) without paying the airline or agency’s change penalty.
The airline’s lowest, most restrictive economy fare (“Economy Light/Saver”). You get a standard seat in economy but with tight rules and fewer perks.
The published set of fares and rules an airline files
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
It’s the largest law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Their main job is to secure the U.S. borders while facilitating legal travel and trade.
Extra fee for drivers under 25 years old.
See also: Additional Driver Fee
Extra daily charge for registering another person as a driver
Covers damage or injury to other people or property. Often included by law in U.S. rentals.
See also CDW/LWD
Optional insurance that reduces or eliminates your financial responsibility if the car is damaged or stolen.
Rental plan that allows unlimited driving distance without extra fees.
Charge for leaving the car at a location different from the pick-up poin
One-Way Rental – Returning the car to a different location than where it was picked up. Often includes an extra drop-off fee.
Sport Utility Vehicle - Spacious car with higher seating and more cargo capacity; popular for families or outdoor trips.
Larger sedan with more legroom and trunk space, suitable for longer trips.
Small, fuel-efficient vehicle, usually seating up to 4 passengers. Good for city driving.
STEP usually refers to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
It’s not an immigration benefit like a visa or ESTA, but a free service provided by the U.S. Department of State for U.S. citizens and nationals traveling or living abroad.
(Full-to-Full / Prepaid) – Rules on how you return the gas tank (e.g., return full or pay in advance).
short time window (often 29–59 minutes) after the return deadline before late return charges apply.
Annual pass that grants access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all U.S. national parks.
A per-vehicle or per-person fee required at most parks, unless you have a pass.
See also: National Park Pass
The main hub in a park with maps, exhibits, ranger information, and restrooms.
An educational program for kids to learn about nature, earn badges, and engage with rangers
Special authorization required for overnight stays in undeveloped areas.
Booking a camping spot in advance (often via Recreation.gov).
The busiest time of year (usually summer and holidays), when reservations are strongly recommended.
Guided hikes, talks, and activities led by park rangers.
Rules for safely observing animals (e.g., keep 100 yards from bears, 25 yards from bison).
A designated route with notable viewpoints and landscapes inside a park.
Temporary closures due to snow, fire danger, or road conditions
A system requiring visitors to book entry slots during high-demand periods.
Reimburses prepaid expenses if you must cancel your trip for a covered reason (e.g., illness, severe weather).
A policy that covers unexpected events during your trip such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
Outdoor ethics promoting minimal impact on nature (e.g., pack out trash, stay on trails).
Free park buses used in busy areas to reduce traffic and protect the environment.
Covers costs if your trip is cut short due to an emergency.
Pays for doctor visits, hospital stays, or emergency care while abroad.
Covers the cost of returning the traveler’s body home in case of death abroad.
Covers transport to the nearest adequate medical facility or back home in case of serious illness or injury.
Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) – An optional upgrade that allows cancellation for reasons not covered by standard trip cancellation insurance.
Primary pays first for claims; secondary only after other insurance has paid.
Situations not covered by the insurance (e.g., extreme sports, alcohol-related incidents).
The formal request you file with the insurer to receive reimbursement.
The amount you must pay out of pocket before insurance coverage begins.
A detailed plan of your trip, including flights, accommodations, and activities
A plug device that allows you to use electronics in countries with different outlet types.
A checklist of essential items to bring on your trip.
A planned breakdown of expected expenses such as flights, hotels, food, and activities.
The process of converting one currency into another.
Immunizations required by some countries for entry.l.
Legal permission to enter a country, which may need to be obtained before travel.
The least busy travel time, usually with the lowest prices.s.
The period between peak and low season, often with fewer crowds and better prices.
The time period when you plan to travel, often used for flexible booking searches.
The process of boarding the ship at the start of the cruise.
Leaving the ship at the end of the cruise (or at a port of call).
A destination where the cruise ship stops during the voyage.
A full day spent at sea without docking.
Your private room on the cruise ship.all).
A stateroom without windows, usually the most affordable.
A package where meals, some drinks, and entertainment are included in the cruise fare.
Restaurants onboard that require an additional fee beyond the standard dining options.
A mandatory safety exercise to prepare passengers for emergencies.
Money provided by the cruise line to spend onboard (for drinks, excursions, spa, etc.).
Tips automatically added to your onboard account for crew services.
A small boat that ferries passengers from the ship to shore when the port doesn’t have a docking pier.
A guided tour in a safari vehicle to spot wildlife in their natural habitat.
The five iconic African animals: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.at.
Protected area managed by local authorities (e.g., Maasai Mara in Kenya).
Government-managed wildlife conservation area (e.g., Serengeti in Tanzania).
Privately leased land next to a park or reserve, often with exclusive safari lodges.
A permanent safari accommodation, often with luxury amenities.s.
A safari package where travelers fly directly to camps or lodges via small aircraft.
Daily fee charged by parks/reserves to support wildlife protection.
Area where malaria transmission is possible; prophylaxis is often recommended.
An open or closed off-road vehicle used for game drives
A safari tradition of enjoying drinks at sunset in the bush.
A safari tradition of enjoying drinks at sunset in the bush.
A game drive conducted after dark using spotlights to view nocturnal animals.
A semi-permanent camp offering a mix of comfort and outdoor experience.
Guided tour on foot with a ranger to explore wildlife and nature closely.
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