Vacation
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- This article is on vacation as time off. For the movie, see National Lampoon's Vacation. For the Go Go's album/song see Vacation (album).
Vacation is a term used in english speaking North America to describe time away from work or school, a trip abroad, or simply a pleasure trip away from home. In the rest of the English-speaking world the word "holiday" is used. In Canada both terms are widely used. In England the word vacation referred specifically to the long summer break taken by the law courts (and later universities) - a custom introduced by William the Conqueror from Normandy where it was intended to facilitate the grape harvest. The French term is similar to the American English: "Les Vacances". The term derives from the fact that, in the past, upper-class families would literally move to a summer home for part of the year, leaving their usual family home vacant.
Most countries around the world have labor laws mandating a certain number of days of time off per year to be given to a worker. In Canada the legal minimum is two weeks, in most of Europe the limit is significantly higher. Many American companies give only one week, and then frequently only after completion of a year of employment.
In modern employment practice, vacation days are usually coupled with sick time, official holidays, and sometimes personal days.
Americans and canadians may also use the word "holiday" especially those of British or european descent.
Vacation destinations
Vacation destinations can vary from something as simple as staying at a local hotel to sailing around the world. The destinations also will vary by country. Some type of destinations include:
- Amusement Parks
- Islands
- Resorts
- Scenic areas
- National Parks
- Beaches
- Ski areas
- Luxury resorts
- Cruises
- Cottageing
Minimal vacation time around the world
| Country | legally required |
|---|---|
| Argentina | 12 calendar days |
| Australia | Not required, but 4 weeks is standard |
| Austria | 5 weeks, for elderly employees 6 weeks |
| The Bahamas | 2 weeks after 1 year employment, 3 weeks after 5 years employment |
| Belgium | 20 days, premium pay |
| Brazil | 30 consecutive days |
| Bulgaria | 20 business days |
| Canada | 2 weeks, determined by provincial law |
| Chile | 15 working days |
| China | Not required |
| Czech Republic | 4 weeks |
| European Union | 4 weeks, more in some countries |
| Finland | 5 weeks |
| France | 5 weeks (30 working days) |
| Germany | 20 work days minimum (when working 5 days a week, more for longer working weeks) |
| Hong Kong | 7 days |
| Hungary | 20 work days |
| Israel | 14 days |
| Japan | including sick leave: 10 days paid time off; officially, five weeks (in reaction to the karoshi problem) |
| Korea, South | 10 working days |
| Mexico | 1 week |
| Netherlands | 4 weeks |
| Norway | 4 weeks and 1 day (25 working days) |
| Puerto Rico | 15 days |
| Saudi Arabia | 15 days |
| Singapore | 7 days |
| South Africa | 21 consecutive days |
| Spain | 30 calendar days |
| Sweden | 5 weeks |
| Switzerland | 4 weeks |
| Taiwan | 7 days |
| Turkey | 12 work days |
| Tunisia | 30 work days |
| Ukraine | 24 calendar days |
| United Kingdom | 20 calendar days, plus 8 bank holidays |
| United States | Not required, but 7-21 days is standard for most employers |
| Venezuela | 15 paid days |
See also
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