vacation

A vacation is a period of time away from work or usual duties, typically taken to rest, travel, or engage in personal activities. Vacations are often planned in advance and may be paid or unpaid, depending on employment policies and local labor laws. In many countries, paid leave is established by law or collective agreements, enabling workers to schedule time off without financial hardship.

The word vacation derives from Latin vacatio, meaning freedom from obligations, passing into Old French vacacion and English usage. Historically, vacation as official time off became common in the 20th century with the growth of paid leave.

Common vacation forms include leisure travel to domestic or international destinations, staycations at home, and specialist trips such as adventure, cultural, or wellness-focused vacations. Sabbaticals are extended vacations for personal or professional development, often after many years of service.

Vacations require planning: choosing a destination, booking transport and accommodation, budgeting, and considering travel insurance and safety. They influence tourism demand, hotel occupancy, and local economies; sustained vacation patterns can promote regional development but also raise concerns about over-tourism and environmental impact.

In American English, vacation commonly refers to the time off; in British English, 'holiday' is more commonly used for both time off and public holidays, while 'vacation' is less common. Accessibility and inclusivity considerations include accommodating disabilities, offering affordable options, and planning family-friendly itineraries.