Which Is Correct Holiday or Vacation?

By Anna Duncan

When it comes to taking time off work or school, the terms holiday and vacation are often used interchangeably. However, is there a correct term to use? Let’s explore the origins and differences between these two words.

What is a Holiday?

In British English, the term holiday refers to a day or period of time when people do not work or go to school. These can include public holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and New Year’s Day. In American English, the term holiday is often used to refer to specific celebrations such as Thanksgiving or Independence Day.

What is a Vacation?

On the other hand, vacation typically refers to a period of time when someone takes off from work or school for rest, relaxation, or travel. This term is more commonly used in American English but can also be used in British English.

What’s the Difference?

The main difference between these two terms is that holiday refers to a specific day or period of time while vacation refers to taking time off for personal reasons. For example, you might say “I’m going on vacation next week” rather than “I’m going on holiday next week” if you’re taking time off specifically for rest and relaxation.

Which should you use?

Ultimately, whether you use holiday or vacation depends on your location and context. If you’re in Britain talking about taking time off work for personal reasons, you might say “I’m going on holiday.” If you’re in America talking about taking time off work for Christmas, you might say “I’m taking some holiday time.”

Conclusion

In summary, both holiday and vacation are correct terms to use depending on your location and context. The important thing is to communicate clearly what your intentions are when taking time off from work or school. So whether you’re planning a trip to the beach or staying home to relax, remember to use the term that best suits your needs and location.