Understand before comparing
Glossary of travel: understand the terms of comparison
Full cost, correspondence, franchise, surety and time: separate the terms that change a travel comparison, then open the appropriate guide or tool.
These definitions provide practical benchmarks. The contracts, terms and conditions of the service providers and official sources cited in the guides specify what applies to your trip. The examples are illustrative.
Full cost
Sum of expenses required to complete the trip in the selected configuration. The price of the transport or room does not necessarily include all these expenses.
Example of verification: To compare two flights, add the necessary luggage, the journey to each airport and a possible night imposed by the schedule.
Compare two quotes to the full cost →Door to door duration
Time between your actual and final departure points, with access to the station or airport, waiting, connections and last trip.
Example of verification: A shorter flight can lead to a later arrival if the airport requests a long transfer.
Organize the transfer and arrival →Correspondence
Passage from one transport service to another during the same journey. The conditions for taking over depend on the contracts and the carriers.
Example of verification: Note station or terminal, baggage to be recovered, possible controls and contract of each segment before choosing your margin.
Check a match →Separate banknotes
Separate reservations for different parts of the journey. Do not assume that a carrier will take over the consequences of delay on another contract.
Example of verification: For two flights booked separately, check the baggage recovery and the conditions of the second ticket if you miss the departure.
Compare journey contracts →Route base
Where you stay to join several visits or activities without changing rooms every day. Its usefulness depends on the actual journeys.
Example of verification: Compare three excursions from the same base with two changes in housing: enter the transfers and installation into the calculation.
Choose your basics →Time-use on site
Time still available for activities after the travel, installation, daily needs and rest period you have chosen.
Example of verification: Seven days on site are not seven full days of visits if two days involve important connections.
Calculate time required →Baggage allowance
Baggage included in a fare according to the number, weight and size limits announced for the exact ticket.
Example of verification: Distinguish a small accessory under the seat, carry-on baggage and carry-on baggage; check each segment.
Read baggage rules →Insurance excess
Share of damage that can remain at your expense according to the guarantees, conditions and exclusions of the contract.
Example of verification: A reduction in deductible is not enough to confirm the coverage of tires or windows: see the covered spaces.
Check rental warranties →Deposit or security deposit
Amount requested or locked in as security. The amount, method of blocking and refund must be confirmed with the claimant.
Example of verification: For a car, separate the rental cost and the capacity to pay required for the deposit.
Prepare deposit and payment →Cancellation and refund
Cancellation terminates a reservation; the refund depends on the cause, contract and applicable rules. These two actions are not equivalent.
Example of verification: Before paying, ask for refundable fees, application time and supporting documentation.
Read the final conditions →Change of booking
Change in date, journey or other accepted feature according to the booking conditions. An authorized change may still cost money.
Example of verification: Compare the change fee and the possible price difference, as well as the actual possibility of changing the name.
Check for change opportunities →Assistance and insurance
Assistance organises services provided for in the contract; insurance covers risks within agreed limits. Benefits may coexist without covering all incidents.
Example of verification: Identify the number to contact, exclusions and situations where prior agreement is requested before making any costs.
Compare insurance and assistance →Transit
Step in a country or airport while travelling to another destination. The necessary documents depend in particular on nationality and the exact route.
Example of verification: Check if you need to pick up the luggage, change airport or exit the transit area. Confirm the formalities with the authorities.
Check transit documents →Mobile driving
Use of another operator's network during a trip. Coverage, usages included and tariffs depend on your offer and the countries crossed.
Example of verification: Check calls, data, login sharing and bank validations before leaving.
Prepare phone and connection →Time and budget reserve
Resources you keep available to absorb uncertainty or adapt the stay. Their amount is chosen according to your course and constraints.
Example of verification: Do not compare a quote including a night of safety with a quote that does not provide for it without making this difference explicit.
Plan your budget reserve →