holiday trip meaning in english

Vocabulary for Holidays & Vacations: For Travel Enthusiasts

Traveling can be one of our most enriching and exciting experiences, allowing us to discover new cultures, savor unfamiliar cuisines, and form friendships that transcend geographical boundaries. However, language barriers can sometimes hinder our ability to immerse ourselves in these experiences fully. This is why having a robust vocabulary specifically catered towards holidays and vacations is so important.

In this post, we’ll explore several holiday and vacation vocabulary categories, broken down by different aspects of the travel experience.

Table of Contents

1. pre-trip planning, 2. travel and transportation, 3. accommodations, 4. dining and food, 5. sightseeing, 6. emergencies and health, sample conversation: using vocabulary related to holidays & vacations, faq: vocabulary related to holidays & vacations.

Before embarking on a journey, travelers must plan and prepare. This section is dedicated to the vocabulary related to the preparation stage of a vacation.

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This category encompasses words and phrases related to the different modes of transport that one might use when on holiday or vacation.

From booking a room to talking about hotel amenities, this section will cover vocabulary related to accommodations.

When exploring a new place, the local cuisine can be a highlight of the trip. This section covers vocabulary related to dining and food.

Touring and exploring new locations is a major part of the travel experience. This section provides vocabulary for sightseeing and tour-related activities.

Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances or health issues may arise while on a trip. This section covers vocabulary related to emergencies and health.

Situation: At a coffee shop, two friends, Emma and Jake, are discussing their upcoming holiday plans.

Emma: Jake, I’ve been thinking about taking a getaway to the Maldives. I’ve heard it’s the perfect destination for relaxation and water sports.

Jake: Oh, the Maldives! That sounds like a fantastic choice for a tropical retreat . I’ve seen pictures of their overwater bungalows ; they look so dreamy!

Emma: Yes, I’m looking forward to unwinding there. Plus, I’ve always wanted to experience a sunset cruise and snorkeling in those crystal-clear waters.

Jake: And don’t forget about the local cuisine . Trying new dishes is always a highlight of any excursion . Have you planned your itinerary yet?

Emma: Not yet. I’m considering an all-inclusive resort so I won’t have to worry about meals or activities. But I’ll definitely set aside a day for sightseeing and exploring the local hotspots .

Jake: An all-inclusive sounds convenient. Just remember to check the peak season dates to avoid large crowds. And maybe look into some eco-tours ; they offer a unique perspective on the islands.

Emma: Great advice, Jake! I’ll keep that in mind. This vacation is going to be so rejuvenating!

Armed with the above vocabulary, any travel enthusiast can easily navigate various travel scenarios. Having a good grasp of the terms related to holidays and vacations helps in effective communication and ensures a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.

So, the next time you plan a vacation, brushing up on your travel vocabulary could be just as important as packing your suitcase. Happy travels!

1. What is a getaway ?

A getaway refers to a short holiday or trip, usually taken to escape from routine and relax.

2. How is a destination different from a hotspot ?

A destination is a place where someone is going or where something is being sent. In travel, it’s the place one plans to visit. A hotspot , on the other hand, is a popular and trendy place, especially where people go for entertainment.

3. What does tropical retreat imply?

A tropical retreat is a vacation or place of relaxation located in a tropical setting, often characterized by warm weather, beaches, and lush vegetation.

4. Why are overwater bungalows popular?

Overwater bungalows offer direct access to the water below and often provide scenic views, privacy, and a luxurious experience, making them highly sought-after accommodations in tropical destinations.

5. How does an all-inclusive resort operate?

An all-inclusive resort offers guests a package deal that typically includes accommodations, meals, drinks, and sometimes even activities, all for a single price.

6. Why is itinerary planning essential?

An itinerary provides a detailed plan or route of a trip. Planning one ensures that travelers make the most of their time, covering major attractions and activities.

7. What are the benefits of eco-tours ?

Eco-tours focus on sustainable travel, ensuring minimal environmental impact. They educate travelers about local ecosystems and cultures, promoting conservation and supporting local communities.

8. What does it mean to unwind on a vacation?

To unwind means to relax and free oneself from stress or worries. On vacation, it’s the act of taking a break from daily routines to rejuvenate.

9. How do peak season dates affect travel plans?

Peak season refers to the busiest times for a travel destination, often due to favorable weather or holidays. While attractions might be livelier, it could also mean higher prices and larger crowds.

10. Why is trying local cuisine recommended when traveling?

Experiencing local cuisine offers a taste of the region’s culture and traditions, making the travel experience more authentic and enriching.

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Essential English Holiday Vocabulary: Speak English Like a Native

• LLS English
• October 25, 2023
• No Comments

Are you planning a holiday to an English-speaking country and want to brush up on your language skills? Look no further! In this blog post, we will go through some essential holiday vocabulary that will help you communicate like a native. Whether you’re asking for directions, ordering food, or simply making small talk with locals, these holiday words and phrases will come in handy during your trip. So, pack your bags and get ready to impress everyone with your English skills! 

Learn directly from our native English teachers who provide support to our students to help them learn important topics like holiday vocabulary. Plus many more in our full digital platform designed for students to learn English easily and correctly.

Holiday Vocabulary – English-Speaking Travel Destinations

If you’re planning a trip to an English-speaking country, it’s important to have some key phrases and vocabulary under your belt to navigate your way through your holiday. From ordering food to asking for directions, these essential holiday words will make your trip a breeze.

When it comes to holiday vocabulary, knowing common phrases is key. Being able to ask for help or directions in English will save you time and make your travel experience more enjoyable. Learning simple phrases like “Excuse me, could you help me find the nearest train station?” or “Where is the nearest pharmacy?” can be extremely helpful.

Additionally, having a grasp of holiday words related to food, shopping, and accommodations will also enhance your travel experience. Being able to confidently order your meal at a restaurant, ask for recommendations from locals, or understand the hotel staff will make you feel like a native speaker.

So, before you embark on your adventure, make sure to brush up on your holiday vocabulary and become a confident communicator in English. It will open up a whole new world of experiences and connections during your trip.

Common Situations for Holiday Vocabulary

In order to truly immerse yourself in the local culture during your holiday, it’s important to have a good grasp of the English vocabulary associated with common situations. From ordering food to shopping and even navigating public transportation, knowing the right phrases and words can make a huge difference in your experience.

When it comes to dining out, being able to confidently ask for the menu, order your meal, and inquire about dietary restrictions or preferences will ensure that you have a delicious and enjoyable culinary experience.

For shopping, knowing how to ask for assistance, negotiate prices, and make purchases will make your shopping excursions seamless. And when it comes to transportation, being able to ask for directions, understand timetables, and purchase tickets will save you from getting lost or confused.

By familiarizing yourself with the vocabulary associated with these common situations, you’ll be able to navigate through your holiday like a true local, and create unforgettable memories along the way.

Case Scenarios: Using English Phrases in Real Life Situations

Imagine you’re strolling through the vibrant streets of London, and you come across a charming little café. You want to indulge in a traditional English breakfast, but you’re not sure how to order it. No worries! With a few key English phrases in your pocket, you’ll be able to confidently navigate through real-life situations during your holiday.

Let’s say you’re in need of directions to a famous tourist attraction. Being able to ask locals questions like “Excuse me, how do I get to Big Ben?” or “Is the British Museum within walking distance from here?” will ensure that you don’t miss out on any must-see sights.

If you find yourself at a bustling market, you might want to strike up a conversation with the friendly vendors. Being able to greet them with a warm “Hello, how much is this?” or “Could you recommend a local delicacy?” will make your shopping experience more enjoyable and perhaps even lead to some unexpected discoveries.

And of course, when it’s time to grab a bite to eat, being able to order your meal with confidence and ask questions about the ingredients or preparation will ensure a delightful culinary experience.

By mastering these English phrases and using them in real-life situations, you’ll not only be able to communicate effectively, but you’ll also connect with locals on a deeper level. So go ahead, embrace these case scenarios, and immerse yourself in the language and culture of your English-speaking destination.

Everyday English Words to Polish Your Conversation Skills

If you want to take your English conversation skills to the next level, it’s important to incorporate everyday English words into your vocabulary. These words will help you have more natural and fluent conversations with native speakers. Instead of relying on textbook phrases, using common, everyday words will make you sound like a confident speaker.

To polish your conversation skills, start by learning words that are commonly used in everyday situations. For example, instead of saying “I am hungry,” you can say “I’m starving!” This adds a bit of personality and flair to your speech. Similarly, instead of saying “I’m tired,” you can say “I’m exhausted” or “I’m beat.”

Additionally, learning slang and informal words can also make your conversations more casual and authentic. Instead of saying “That’s great,” you can say “That’s awesome!” or “That’s fantastic!” These small tweaks can make a big difference in how you are perceived as a speaker.

By incorporating everyday English words into your conversations, you will sound more natural and confident, and be able to connect with native speakers on a deeper level. So, practice using these words in your everyday life and watch your English conversation skills shine!

Holiday Vocabulary And Essential Tips

Planning a trip to an English-speaking country? Want to impress the locals with your English skills? Here are some essential tips to improve your English vocabulary before your big trip.

Firstly , immerse yourself in English language materials such as books, movies, and TV shows. This will help you familiarize yourself with common phrases and idioms used in everyday conversations.

Next , practice speaking English with native speakers or language exchange partners. Engaging in real-life conversations will help you improve your pronunciation and fluency.

Additionally , make use of language learning apps and online resources. These tools offer a variety of exercises and activities to expand your vocabulary and grammar skills.

To further enhance your vocabulary, create flashcards with new words and review them regularly. Contextualize these words in sentences or use them in conversations to solidify your understanding.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Embrace opportunities to speak and listen to English, and learn from any errors you make along the way.

By following these essential tips, you’ll be well-prepared to communicate effectively during your trip and have a truly immersive experience.

Why You Should Learn English With Learn Laugh Speak

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The full digital environment provides a convenient and flexible way to learn, with interactive exercises and activities to enhance your vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills. The platform is designed to give you a well-rounded learning experience, incorporating all aspects of language acquisition.

By choosing Learn Laugh Speak, you can confidently improve your English and be prepared to communicate effectively during your holiday. So why wait? Start your language learning journey today and see the difference it can make in your ability to connect with others and navigate your English-speaking destination with ease.

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Travel idioms & expressions

Get off to a flying start with holiday vocabulary.

• English vocabulary

Get holiday inspiration with travel idioms

Welcome to our blog exploring the fascinating world of travel idioms and expressions . 

As avid travellers ourselves, we understand the excitement of embarking on new adventures. English is often the universal language that unites travellers worldwide, and we focus on holiday and travel vocabulary that is commonly used by native speakers.

Start your next holiday plans with these unique idioms and expressions.

Meaning a strong desire to travel and explore new places.

Example After their trip through Europe, Sarah and Tom caught the travel bug and began planning their next adventure.

hit the road

Meaning to begin a journey or trip.

Example We need to hit the road early tomorrow morning if we want to reach our destination by noon.

off the beaten path

Meaning going to a less travelled or unconventional destination.

Example Instead of visiting the main tourist spots, we decided to venture off the beaten path and explore smaller villages in the countryside.

take the scenic route

Meaning to choose a longer route for the enjoyment of the view or experience.

Example Rather than driving along the motorway, we decided to take the scenic route through the mountains. It added a few extra hours to our journey, but the views were amazing.

off the grid

Meaning to be disconnected from technology or society, often experienced during remote or adventurous travel.

Example During our camping trip in the wilderness, we were completely off the grid with no phone or internet access. It was a great experience, but next time, I’ll stay in a hotel!

living out of a suitcase

Meaning to be constantly travelling or moving from one place to another.

Example I went travelling with friends after graduating university. After living out of a suitcase for a few months, it was refreshing to be back at home.

get off to a flying start

Meaning to begin something with great energy and enthusiasm, like a trip or adventure.

Example Our holiday got off to a flying start with perfect weather and exciting activities planned for the week.

travel light

Meaning to pack minimally and carry only essential items while travelling.

Example We’re only going for the weekend, so remember to travel light and bring just what you need.

a change of scenery

Meaning a different environment or setting.

Example After weeks of working indoors, Anne decided to take a few days off and enjoy a change of scenery  in the mountains.

at the crack of dawn

Meaning very early in the morning.

Example We had to get up at the crack of dawn to catch the first train to the airport.

get away from it all

Meaning to escape from the pressures and routine of daily life by going on a vacation or retreat.

Example We booked a secluded cabin in the mountains to get away from it all and relax for the weekend.

a home from home

Meaning a place where you feel comfortable and at ease, similar to your own home.

Example We love staying at my aunt’s house in the holidays. It feels like a home from home , with its cosy atmosphere and familiar surroundings.

soak up the sun

Meaning to enjoy the warmth and light of the sun while relaxing outdoors.

Example While on holiday in Spain, we spent our days lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun and swimming in the sea.

in the middle of nowhere

Meaning in a remote or isolated location.

Example On the way to our hotel, we took a wrong turn and ended up in the middle of nowhere with no phone signal. Thankfully, a local farmer spoke a little English and gave us directions.

travel on a shoestring

Meaning to travel with a very limited budget.

Example As college students, we travelled on a shoestring in Asia, staying in hostels and cooking our own meals to save money.

travel far and wide

Meaning to travel to many different places, often covering long distances.

Example Over the years, Andrew has travelled far and wide , exploring every continent except Antarctica.

make a pit stop

Meaning to briefly stop during a journey for a break or to refuel.

Example On our road trip to California, we made a pit stop at a roadside diner to grab a quick bite to eat.

packed like sardines

Meaning to be in a crowded or cramped space, often used to describe public transportation.

Example We were packed like sardines on the train, with barely enough room to move.

have itchy feet

Meaning to have a strong desire to travel or move from place to place.

Example Ever since he returned from his backpacking trip, David has had itchy feet and is already planning his next adventure.

travel in style

Meaning to travel with comfort and luxury.

Example To celebrate their retirement, our grandparents decided to travel in style on a luxury cruise around the world.

Have a great travel experience!

We have flown through 20 travel idioms and expressions that are frequently used by native English speakers. Let these idioms and expressions inspire your next adventure and serve as a reminder of the wonderful memories created along the way.

Tip: We recommend learning new vocabulary by topic, and to create examples that help you to remember new words and expressions. For English idioms about other topics, please visit our free vocabulary lessons .

Enjoy your travels and journey learning English too!

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Difference between holiday and vacation

600 Confusing English Words Explained E-Book Right now it’s just a couple days away from Christmas, which is a major holiday in the United States. So in today’s lesson I’m going to teach you about the difference between the words holiday and vacation . English learners often ask me about this, and it’s a little more complicated than you might think!

The word holiday is used for important days that are celebrated by a lot of people. Holidays are celebrated usually by your whole country or whole culture. Examples of holidays include Christmas for Christians, Ramadan for Muslims, and Passover for Jewish people.

Holidays can have religious significance, like the ones I mentioned, or holidays can be important historical dates, like Independence Day, which is July 4th in the U.S. We also have holidays that commemorate important people, like Martin Luther King Jr. day, to remember an important civil rights activist., and Memorial Day, which honors people who died while serving in the military.

During holidays, a lot of businesses and schools close and many people have days off from work – although this depends on how major or minor the holiday is. And the celebration of holidays often involves traditions like decorations, parades, or special foods.

What’s your favorite holiday? Try to describe it in English.

The word vacation refers to your personal time off from work or school – usually an extended time, not just one day – and vacations often involve traveling. So I might take a week off from work so I can go on vacation to South America; I will travel to South America, and I won’t work during that time.

Some people go on vacations to the beach, others go to the mountains, others go to another city, or to the countryside, or to an amusement park. What did you do on your last vacation? Speak or write about it in English.

But here’s where it gets tricky – when you’re in the middle of a vacation, again, that’s personal time off from work or school which usually involve traveling, American English speakers say you are on vacation , and British English speakers say you are on holiday .

OK? In American English, a holiday is a special day like Christmas or Independence day, and a vacation is time off from work when you usually travel. But in British English, the word holiday is used for both these things.

• Then and Than
• Affect and Effect

Happy Holidays!

One common expression you’ll often hear in December in the United States is “Happy Holidays!” – wishing someone a nice season of celebration, regardless of whether they celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or another special time.

Happy holidays to you! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to keep receiving my English lessons as we head into the new year.

Learn to understand the differences between confusing words:

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About the author.

Shayna Oliveira

Shayna Oliveira is the founder of Espresso English, where you can improve your English fast - even if you don’t have much time to study. Millions of students are learning English from her clear, friendly, and practical lessons! Shayna is a CELTA-certified teacher with 10+ years of experience helping English learners become more fluent in her English courses.

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Holiday Vocabulary in English

Holiday is a duration of time away form work or daily requirements and intended for relaxing, or recreation. It is a day of rest or celebration, typically one on which people are not required to work. In many countries, they are often celebrated with festivities and rituals. Holiday vocabulary include both recreational facilities and transportation.

⬤ Pictures of holiday vocabulary with pronunciations

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⬤ Word list of holiday vocabulary

• destination
• national park
• reservations
• sight-seeing
• train station
• transportation
• travel agent
• video camera

SIMILAR PAGES: ❯❯ Seaside vocabulary ❯❯ Travel vocabulary ❯❯ Transportation vocabulary ❯❯ City life vocabulary ❯❯ Street objects vocabulary

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Take More Vacation Time Off

Home » Latest » What’s the Difference Between Vacation and Holiday?

What’s the Difference Between Vacation and Holiday?

• Time Off Benefits
• By Scott (VacationCounts)

Do you want to “take a vacation” or “go on holiday”? The difference in meaning between these related words are not always obvious. It depends on where you live and work and how you use the phrase. In the US and most of Canada the term ‘vacation’ means taking earned time off from work to take a trip. In the UK, Australia, and most other English-speaking countries, people say ‘holiday’ to describe a going away from home for a period of leisure. Then there’s the notion of an official holiday referring to a public or company holiday. This article will explain the differences in definition between the words vacation and holiday so you know when to use which in a sentence.

Quick Answer : Vacation and Holiday mean the same thing when it refers to taking paid time off from work to travel, for leisure and/or to relax. Further Reading : Are you missing vacation from your definition of work-life balance?

I’m on Vacation

If you are an American taking time off and traveling, regardless of the destination, you will most likely say that you are on vacation. A vacation happens when you take time off from work for recreation and/or relaxation. Leaving behind the responsibilities of work and home life is an essential part of taking a vacation.

Definition of Vacation

A vacation is a period of time during which you relax and enjoy yourself away from home. a period of rest and freedom from work, study, etc.; time of recreation, usually a specific interval in a year Collins English Dictionary – https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/vacation

While most people think of vacation time as paid time off from work, a vacation break can span long weekends, company holidays (like official federal, state, or work holidays) and even unpaid time off like a summer school break. You can even be on vacation for just a weekend (Friday night or Saturday to Sunday) without actually using any paid vacation days. However you probably agree that most people think of a vacation as taking at least one paid day off from work, either a vacation day (including personal days or floating holidays) or a company-designated holiday when the office is closed.

I’m On Holiday

Even if you are American you likely have heard the expression that someone was going on holiday. A holiday sounds like an old-fashioned way of describing a vacation. The word does have a luxury or fancy ring to it. You may come off as posh if you tell your office mates in the U.S. that you will be away on holiday, but give it a try (do it with a British accent) and test the reaction. Now if you say that today IS a holiday or there is a holiday coming up on the calendar, that has an entirely different meaning. Jump down to the section on holiday definitions to get the full picture.

Video : Real World English – Macmillan Dictionary

For those living and working in the UK and Ireland along with several other countries (see the list below), going on holiday is actually a normal way of saying they are taking time off work for leisure travel. It’s the same as going on vacation for Americans but in British-English speak. If you are an American on an expat assignment in London or Dublin, you’d be better off sticking to the local lingo and saying holiday or holidays. 

A holiday is a period of time during which you relax and enjoy yourself away from home. If you are holidaying in a place away from home, you are on holiday there. Collins English Dictionary – https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/holiday

What about leave? That’s one more term you can use instead of or in addition to the word holiday. For example taking your annual leave, use your annual holiday leave, or even the phrase “leave entitlement” which sounds odd to my ears. The UK government has a statutory annual leave entitlement to guarantee paid time off for most workers who work a 5-day week.

As you can see the terms holiday and vacation are mostly interchangeable. Be aware of these rules so you know how to talk about taking time off to get away from work (and home) to travel. Your choice is based on where you currently live and work and probably where you grew up as well. 

Vacation versus Travel

I don’t want to cause further debate, but there is a perceived difference between being on vacation (or holiday) and traveling. For many people, a vacation is only for relaxation and entertainment like spending a week on the beach, at an amusement park such as Disney or Universal, or departing on a cruise like for example to the Caribbean Islands. Those people call it travel when the goal of the trip is to visit one or more destinations to explore the culture, history, food, art, nature, and attractions.  

The Travel Channel on TV is an apt example. It’s not called The Vacation Channel for a very good reason. Many of the shows on The Travel Channel (though in my opinion far fewer than there should be) are about places and destinations around the world. It’s about showcasing the experience of visiting a country, city, or park and offering travel inspiration and advice. You can make time for relaxing by the pool like at a resort, but that is often not the primary goal of what’s considered travel.

While the definition of vacation versus travel is a bit more clear, real-world language usage is never absolute. Most of the time my wife and I take time off to travel, I still say we’re going on vacation to our friends and family. I’m not the type of person who takes a lot of beach vacations (or sun holidays as they are called by people who prefer holiday over vacation) or goes away to relax. However I still personally prefer the word vacation as I’m enjoying my time while traveling and that’s what I want out of a vacation.

Where Does Vacation Come From

The origin of the word vacation is interesting to learn about. Wikipedia describes how rich people would “vacate” their mansions to get away for leisure time (what were they doing at home if they didn’t work for a living?). Smithsonian Magazine explains how the term vacation replaced holiday in the USA:

The scions of New York City took to declaring that they would “vacate” their city homes for their lakeside summer retreats, and the term “vacation” replaced the British “holiday” in common parlance. Smithsonian Magazine – Where Was the Birthplace of the American Vacation?

It would take many years before the working class had the time and money to follow this trend. This tradition of taking a vacation began in earnest in the late 1800’s as the USA embraced the pursuit of leisure and the rewards of spending time outdoors. The creation of the National Parks Service (NPS) in 1916 sealed the deal that nature was worth protecting for the growing leisure class.

Eventually the word trickled down to the middle class when prosperity and workers rights began to increase. Though it wasn’t until the 1920’s through the 1940’s that paid time off become commonplace among the working class. Once that become the norm, millions of people now had the time and money to travel .

In the UK the word vacation is still used to refer to university breaks. Historically it was also used to describe a time period when the UK law courts were not in session during the summer months. So if for example you search for the Oxford University academic term dates page, it lists how the year is divided into three terms and three vacations. School vacations are common around the world though the word “break” is often the preferred term such as when going on Spring break.

What Does Travel Mean?

Defining words such as vacation and travel seem easy at first, but they their usage and meaning have evolved over the years. Travel means taking a journey or going someplace for a specific distance and time. The word can also be defined as movement as it relates to an object as opposed to a person. 

Finally, you have to consider spelling of the verb form of travel. In the USA the action word is spelled “traveling” while in Canada, the UK and countries that maintained British English standards, “travelling” or “traveller” contains two l’s. Make sure your spell-checker in your email or document editor is set to English-US or English-UK so your spelling is accurate.

Vacation Policies at Work

Vacation days versus paid time off.

Jobs that pay a salary or hourly wage also offer some form of employee benefits. These may include health insurance, sick or personal days, a retirement plan, and paid vacation days. In exchange for working a full-time job (and sometimes part-time as well) you may earn a set number of vacation days each year. Though in the U.S. there is no legal requirement for any job to offer paid time off. It is completely up to your employer and contract of employment 🙁

A popular alternative to offering a set number of vacation days per year is to have a paid time off or PTO policy . Companies that offer PTO combine all of your vacation, sick and personal days into a bank of days off to be used for any purpose. You can use all of them for vacation, though if you get sick, you won’t have any time off left to rest and recover. Again the number of PTO hours or days earned per period of work such as weekly or monthly is up to your employer to decide. 

Of course at the same you can apply vacation days toward sick and personal reasons if you must. Like for example a scheduled doctors appointment or to deal with a family emergency. Regardless of how you slice and dice PTO, allocate a fixed minimum number of days off for vacation usage. That way you can plan ahead to use your accrued time off on vacation (or for holiday if you prefer).

Time Off Benefits Posts – VacationCounts.com

Usa holiday calendar dates for 2024 vacation planning, usa holiday calendar dates for 2023 vacation planning, dates to take thanksgiving, christmas, new year’s holidays off.

• USA Holiday Calendar Dates for 2022 Vacation Planning

What about an unlimited vacation policy? 

A small percentage of employers are offering employees a “unlimited” number of vacation days each year. They are not accrued or tracked like when you have a fixed number of paid vacation days. You are encouraged to use a minimum number but technically there is no maximum. However without any guidelines you may feel uneasy or guilty about taking “too many” vacation days compared with your co-workers. Either way when you decide to take at least one of your so-called unlimited vacation days to travel, you are taking a vacation.

Whether you have PTO or unlimited time off may depend on whether you are exempt (from overtime pay and the minimum wage) or a non-exempt employee. Exempt employees are often in management roles that pay a salary and do not earn overtime while non-exempt workers (yes these are confusing terms) are subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This includes being paid overtime pay for working more than 40 hours in a week along with other legal protections. 

Read more about the downsides of unlimited vacation and why it isn’t necessarily a solution to the vacation deprivation problem in the USA.  

Different Types of Holidays

What’s the difference between company holidays, public holidays, and bank holidays.

Unlike vacation, the word holiday can refer to more than just a day of paid time off from work. Whether you are living in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland, you’ll be familiar with the list of public holidays on your calendar that are specific to your country. It doesn’t matter whether you work for a company, take care of your family, are self-employed or between jobs. An official or public holiday for your country includes statutory (legislated) days off for a defined set of employees. They may be referred to as Federal holidays or State holidays in the U.S. or called Bank Holidays in the UK and Ireland.

Who gets these free days off from work? It varies based on country and the day of the week on which each holiday falls. Typically employees who work for the government or public sector as well as schools, the post office, and banks or financial institutions are guaranteed these non-working days. Why private banks are included is beyond me. Try and search for “what’s closed on [holiday name]” in Google to find a list of which public offices and private businesses are mostly closed on a common holiday or observance. 

What about the rest of us? Luckily, most employers give their employees an official holiday calendar. Your annual holiday calendar will list the dates when your office or workplace will be closed for the day. It will be a day off for all staff, but in some cases you may be required to use PTO if you want to be paid that day. Check your HR policy handbook for details. Depending upon the nature of the business, your organization might remain open with limited staffing. Or it might be a very busy day where you work. Employees in retail, restaurants, transit and public safety may find themselves forced to work on a holiday and offered another day off in lieu. Hopefully if you have to go to work on a popular holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas, you’ll earn overtime or bonus pay to make up for it. 

The History of USA Holidays

Like most democratic countries, the introduction of public holidays in the United States of America happened over many years. As the U.S. is made up of 50 states (fewer when the original federal holiday legislation was enacted), each state can pass laws to declare and commemorate public holidays as they wish. The federal government can pass legislation to declare national holidays which only apply to the area of Washington D.C. It is up to each state to decide whether to follow their lead to turn national holidays into state holidays. That is why there is no official list of public holidays that applies to all 50 states today.

Back in 1870, Congress designated the first set of holidays in the USA for New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. These holidays were only applicable to federal employees and the District of Columbia. In the years that followed, six more holidays were added. They are Memorial Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Inauguration Day, Columbus Day, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday. The names and dates of many of these holidays changed a bit over the decades, including fixing several on a Monday.

Source : https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R41990.pdf

For a list of the official public holidays (civic, religious, traditional) in the US, refer to the annual posts on VacationCounts. These federal holidays are observed in most U.S. states with the addition of important local holidays and observances that vary state by state. Since these are popular times to travel, plan ahead by taking vacation during these holidays dates.

• USA Holiday Calendar Dates for 2019
• USA Holiday Calendar Dates for 2018
• USA Holiday Calendar Dates for 2017

Video : History of the Holidays – History Channel

The History of UK Bank Holidays

The origin of bank holidays in the United Kingdom makes for an interesting read. They evolved over time to celebrate local holidays, religious festivals and important dates in UK history. Officially it was the 1871 Bank Holiday Act followed by the Banking and Financial Dealings Act of 1971 that put into law the list of official bank holidays in each of the countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). 

Source : http://libraryblog.lbrut.org.uk/wordpress/2016/12/origins-bank-holidays/

As the term “bank holiday” suggests, initially it was only meant as a day for banks and financial institutions to be allowed to close so staff could take a day off. Eventually other shops and businesses followed suit in addition to government employees along with schools and universities. However the annual list of UK bank holidays is not a legal requirement applied fairly to all workers. This is why it is up to the employer to grant this holiday as a paid day off from work. Like everywhere around the world, some companies are more generous than others when it comes to offering national and bank holidays as part of time-off benefits. 

Religious Observances

You might be wondering about religious holidays and how they fit into the picture. There are numerous annual holidays for religious observances, both major and minor. The observed dates for these may vary based on the standard 12-month calendar. The official list of holidays in your country probably includes at least a few religious holidays based on the predominant religion in your country or region. For example in the USA, Christmas Day is a public holiday across all 50 states and applies to all employees regardless of religion. Celebrated as a religious as well as cultural holiday in the US, Christmas continues to become more secular over the years according to research . 

In Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, Good Friday is a bank holiday while in Australia and New Zealand, Easter Monday (as per common policy to push holidays which fall on a Sunday to Monday) is a national holiday. 

The majority of religious holidays are not an official public or national holiday in these English-speaking countries, but still worth noting. You may choose to take a vacation day or floating holiday (see below) to observe a religious occasion, practice, or festival. The Holidays and Observances around the world page on timeanddate.com is an excellent reference. Select your country then use the dropdown list to filter for some, many, or all religious observances . Also be aware that school holidays differ from national or state holidays. For example the NYC public school system closes for two major Jewish holidays in the Fall. 

Floating Holidays

Don’t forget about floating holidays which are designed to give employees a flexible day off. The intended purpose is to celebrate a religious or cultural holiday of your choosing. This is a smart policy decision since not everyone wants to celebrate Good Friday or Easter Monday during the Easter weekend for example. The Jewish holiday calendar has numerous high holy days that would only be of importance to a small group of employees. The same is true for workers that are of the Muslim or Hindu faith. 

The rule for when you can take a floating holiday is up to your employer’s policy . Read your employee benefits guide or browse the HR system to look it up. In my experience, a floating holiday can be taken as a one-off day anytime during the year. It’s true purpose is to provide flexibility and promote diversity and inclusion across the workforce. Ask whether you can take your floating holiday on any date, the rules for accrual and approval, and whether you can combine a floating holiday with vacation days to take advantage of additional paid days off.

Which Countries Say Vacation

Usa says vacation.

The current usage of the word vacation originated in America and the U.S. is still the main country that uses it today. As the history suggests it originated among the rich residents of NYC, but the USA has made it our own. It doesn’t matter which of the 50 states you call home (from the mountains to the prairies to the oceans…). We all say vacation. It’s the time to get away! 😉

Since American media including TV and movies are broadcast around the world, English-speakers should be well accustomed to seeing and hearing the word vacation. That is why it is surprising that practically no other native English speaking country prefers the word vacation to describe leisure time off. I think it’s a better word since it is less ambiguous. A holiday can mean multiple things, but a vacation only refers to taking time off from work to travel or leisure.

Planning a big vacation road-trip with your family? Hopefully it won’t turn into a disaster as it does in the string of Vacation movies. Though how many more National Lampoon Vacation films do we need before the rest of the world adopts vacation over holiday? 😉 

Video : Vacation Movie Trailer (2015)

Which Countries Say Holiday

United kingdom says holiday.

People in the UK use the word holiday as opposed to vacation when talking about taking planned time off from their jobs. This is true in the nations of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Phrases such as going on holiday, taking their holidays, travel for holidays, holidays abroad, and summer holiday are quite common. You might hear citizens described as “British holidaymakers” and “ Brits took holidays to…” in the travel press. It can even be abbreviated to hols such as asking your mate “Where are you going on your hols?”

Are you an American expat working in London or planning to take a summer vacation to the UK? Plan to call it a holiday when you arrive. Another term is leave. People in the UK would say they are going on leave in much the same way as going on holiday.

Ireland says Holiday

Ireland tends to follow the UK English standards for language usage and spelling including the word holiday. In the Republic of Ireland people might say they are on holidays just like people in the UK. The one critical difference is that the first official language of Ireland is Irish, not English. Surprised? While you might hear Irish spoken in the Gaeltacht region while visiting the west of Ireland on vacation (certainly not in Dublin), you’ll find that everyone speaks English fluently. However if you want to learn how to say the word holiday in Irish, a video tutorial makes for an excellent introduction to the language. 

Video : How to say ‘holiday’ in Irish Gaelic language

Australia and New Zealand say Holiday

Traveling to Australia or New Zealand on your next vacation? Better refer to it as a holiday instead. Both of these countries which were formerly part of the British Empire and now part of the Commonwealth use the term holiday just like in the UK. Now of course you’ll find other words and phrases that are unique to these two countries.

Before you travel on holidays or vacation to this part of the world, search for Australian and Kiwi slang online. It will be of tremendous help when talking to the locals and getting their take on how they spend their holidays. Whether you are just visiting or working in Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, or elsewhere around these incredible countries, call it a holiday.

Canada says Holiday and Vacation

Since the version of English spoken in Canada derives from British English (they are still a member of The Commonwealth), they default to calling a vacation a holiday. However it seems that many Canadians use the words holiday and vacation interchangeably . From what I read it can vary based upon which province you live and work in as customs vary. However since Canada borders, I’d call it a vacation when visiting popular places such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.

What About Your Country?

If you live in another English speaking country or if you learned English as a second language and have a strong preference, let readers know in the comments. Do you say that you’re taking a vacation or going on holidays? Or do you combine the two and say that you are taking a vacation for the holidays? 🙂

Video : The Holiday Film Trailer (2006)

You Say Tomato…

As you can see the terms vacation and holiday are pretty much the same thing when you are talking about taking (paid) time off from work (and life) for the purpose of leisure or travel or relaxation. It gets more tricky when you use paid vacation days for other purposes or when you are referring to national public or bank or company (official) holidays.

At least the words vacation and holiday are pronounced the same in all countries. Unlike tomato which you say one way in North America and a slightly different way in most of the rest of the English-speaking world. There are so many differences between the spelling of common American English and British English words that are also worth reading about. 

• dictionary , Holiday Time Off , Holidays , Vacation Benefit

Scott (VacationCounts)

One response.

Ah! both looks that they are having the same meaning. But thank you so much for making the differences between vacation and holiday. I have enjoyed vacation unlimited times and used both vacation and holiday as saying the same. But I was wrong. This article is very informative and useful for everyone who would misunderstand for treating both the words same.

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Definition of vacation noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• on vacation They're on vacation in Hawaii right now.
• I'm going on vacation for a couple of weeks.
• You look tired—you should take a vacation .
• We're planning a summer vacation to Europe next year.
• I just got back from a family vacation in New Orleans.
• The job includes two weeks' paid vacation.
• a vacation home
• He had a lot of unused vacation time.
• have/​take (British English) a holiday/ (North American English) a vacation/​a break/​a day off/ (British English) a gap year
• go on/​be on holiday/​vacation/​leave/​honeymoon/​safari/​a trip/​a tour/​a cruise/​a pilgrimage
• go backpacking/​camping/​hitchhiking/​sightseeing
• plan a trip/​a holiday/​a vacation/​your itinerary
• book accommodation/​a hotel room/​a flight/​tickets
• have/​make/​cancel a reservation/ (especially British English) booking
• rent a villa/ (both British English) a holiday home/​a holiday cottage
• (especially British English) hire/ (especially North American English) rent a car/​bicycle/​moped
• stay in a hotel/​a bed and breakfast/​a youth hostel/​a villa/ (both British English) a holiday home/​a caravan
• cost/​charge $100 a/​per night for a single/​double/​twin/​standard/ (British English) en suite room
• check into/​out of a hotel/​a motel/​your room
• pack/​unpack your suitcase/​bags
• call/​order room service
• cancel/​cut short a trip/​holiday/​vacation
• apply for/​get/​renew a/​your passport
• take out/​buy/​get travel insurance
• catch/​miss your plane/​train/​ferry/​connecting flight
• fly (in)/travel in business/​economy class
• make/​have a brief/​two-day/​twelve-hour stopover/ (North American English also) layover in Hong Kong
• experience/​cause/​lead to delays
• check (in)/collect/​get/​lose (your) (especially British English) luggage/ (especially North American English) baggage
• be charged for/​pay excess baggage
• board/​get on/​leave/​get off the aircraft/​plane/​ship/​ferry
• taxi down/​leave/​approach/​hit/​overshoot the runway
• experience/​hit/​encounter severe turbulence
• suffer from/​recover from/​get over your jet lag/​travel sickness
• attract/​draw/​bring tourists/​visitors
• encourage/​promote/​hurt tourism
• promote/​develop ecotourism
• build/​develop/​visit a tourist/​holiday/ (especially British English) seaside/​beach/​ski resort
• work for/​be operated by a major hotel chain
• be served by/​compete with low-cost/ (especially North American English) low-fare/​budget airlines
• book something through/​make a booking through/​use a travel agent
• contact/​check with your travel agent/​tour operator
• book/​be on/​go on a package deal/​holiday/​tour
• buy/​bring back (tacky/​overpriced) souvenirs
• I get four weeks’ holiday/​vacation a year.
• He’s on holiday/​vacation this week.
• I like to take my holiday/​vacation in the winter.
• the summer holidays/​vacation
• The school will be closed Monday because it’s a holiday.
• The holidays is used in North American English to refer to the time from late November to early January that includes Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and the New Year.
• Vacation in British English is used mainly to mean one of the periods when universities are officially closed for the students.
• Employees no longer have a fixed number of vacation days.
• He hadn't taken a real vacation in years.
• I have put in for vacation time.
• I hope the bad weather didn't ruin your vacation.
• I may go on an extended vacation to Bermuda.
• I wasn't able to use all of my vacation time last year.
• Military personnel receive a month of paid vacation.
• Orlando is a popular vacation resort for British tourists.
• She needed a little vacation to clear her head.
• She took a well-deserved vacation to Mexico.
• She was going to spend her vacation in Hawaii all by herself.
• The President cut short his working vacation by two days.
• The sisters are on summer vacation with their family.
• He has a private jet and a vacation home in Switzerland.
• He went on vacation some time last week.
• How was your vacation?
• Let us help you with your vacation plans!
• She's gone on vacation to Massachusetts.
• The area is a popular vacation choice for families.
• The couple had left for a European vacation.
• The senator is on vacation in Maine.
• They usually go on a ski vacation this time of year.
• Vacation time and other benefits were cut.
• Their son is home on vacation.
• When I got back from my vacation, there was a letter waiting for me.
• destination
• on vacation

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Meaning of holiday in English

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• After all that hard work , you deserve a holiday.
• The Caribbean is a popular holiday destination .
• Give me a call when you get back from holiday.
• You can win a holiday for two in the south of France just by answering three simple questions .
• We can't really afford foreign holidays.
• air corridor
• amenity kit
• caravanning
• high season
• package tour
• phrase book
• post-holiday
• put something up
• ranger station
• tourist trap

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

holiday | American Dictionary

Holiday | business english, examples of holiday, collocations with holiday.

These are words often used in combination with holiday .

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Translations of holiday

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English Idioms about Holidays and Travel

• Post author: Harry
• Post last modified: 25/02/2023
• Post category: English Idioms
• Reading time: 9 mins read

Here you will learn useful English idioms about holidays and travel .

Idioms are phrases that don’t mean what they say. Idioms are confusing because each one has a special meaning. If you don’t know the special meaning, you won’t understand what someone is saying .

And here is your chance to increase your English travel vocabulary, just check out this link .

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1️⃣ to take things easy .

Meaning: to relax

After a lot of persuading he finally agreed that we both needed time to take things easy for a bit.

At this pretty traditional cottage, guests can simply sit back and take things easy.

2️⃣ off the beaten track 

Meaning: isolated and quiet, not visited by many tourists

My last holiday was brilliant. No internet or traffic or anything like that for a whole week. It was completely off the beaten track.

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3️⃣ in your element.

Meaning: very happy/suited to a situation

I was in my element. A bit of walking or fishing with no one telling you what to do.

4️⃣ run-of-the-mill 

Meaning: ordinary and unexciting place

I’m really tired of the same run-of-the-mill holiday places. This summer I want to go somewhere new.

6️⃣ round the clock 

Meaning: all day and all night

This holiday destination has it all. White sandy beaches and round-the-clock bars and discos where you can dance all night.

7️⃣ to get into the swing of something 

Meaning: to become accustomed to something and start enjoying it

Going on holidays on your own can be nerve-racking, but once you get into the swing of it, you’ll really enjoy it.

8️⃣ to steer clear of 

Meaning: to avoid something/somebody

If you are not a fan of the hot weather, steer clear of this area in the summer months.

Since curry upsets my stomach, I steer clear of it.

9️⃣ to let your hair down 

Meaning: to enjoy yourself and have some fun

On the first day of my summer holiday in Italy, I was in the mood for letting my hair down.

1️⃣0️⃣ a new lease of life 

Meaning: a burst of new energy and enthusiasm 

I returned home with a glow and looked healthy again. I had energy. It was a new lease of life.

1️⃣1️⃣ to get away from it all 

Meaning: to escape from your daily problems

We decided to go to a desert island so that we could get away from it all.

1️⃣2️⃣ to catch your eye 

Meaning: to get your attention

The beautiful dress in the shop window caught my eye, so I went in and bought it.

Cheap flights seat sales caught my eye last week and I decided to book flights to Majorca.

1️⃣3️⃣ right up your street 

Meaning: within your range of interests/knowledge

This place sounds right up my street, I’m going to book it for next summer.

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1️⃣4️⃣ to get itchy feet.

Meaning: to like to travel

Sam never stays in one place for long; he’s got itchy feet.

1️⃣5️⃣ to hit the road

Meaning: to set off, to start a journey

We’ve got a long way to go before it gets dark. Let’s hit the road.

1️⃣6️⃣ to travel light

Meaning: to take the essentials only

When we fly with a budget airline, we don’t take much with us; we prefer to travel light.

1️⃣7️⃣ to live out of a suitcase

Meaning: live briefly in several places

Pamela continuously travels from place to place; she seems to be living out of a suitcase.

More information

For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:

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Definition of holiday

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of holiday  (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

• hols [ British ]

Examples of holiday in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'holiday.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Noun and Verb

Middle English, from Old English hāligdæg , from hālig holy + dæg day

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

1839, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing holiday

• bank holiday
• busman's holiday
• floating holiday
• holiday season
• holiday weekend
• legal holiday
• package holiday
• pre - holiday
• Roman holiday
• state holiday
• the holiday season

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Dictionary Entries Near holiday

Cite this entry.

“Holiday.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holiday. Accessed 15 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of holiday, biographical definition, biographical name, definition of holiday, more from merriam-webster on holiday.

Nglish: Translation of holiday for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of holiday for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about holiday

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What is Cinco de Mayo? Holiday's origins and why it's celebrated in the U.S.

Cinco de Mayo is one of the most recognized Mexican holidays in the United States. It's when people search for half-price margaritas and feast on Mexican food.

But Cinco de Mayo — which translates to "fifth of May" in Spanish — isn't actually about burritos and beer. And while it's celebrated in Mexico, it is not as deeply ingrained in the national culture as it is in the United States.

In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is primarily observed in the state of Puebla, where the historic Battle of Puebla took place. It commemorates the Mexican victory over the French empire on May 5, 1862. However, it's often  misunderstood as Mexico's Independence Day , which is celebrated on Sept. 16.

Despite its significance in Mexican history, Cinco de Mayo holds more importance in the United States, but why? Here is everything you need to know about Cinco de Mayo.

What is Cinco de Mayo and why is it celebrated?

Mexican Independence Day, or Día de la Independencia, came on Sept. 16, 1810, when the country broke free of Spanish rule.

Cinco de Mayo came more than 50 years later when French Emperor Napoleon III wanted to claim Mexico for himself.

The French sent troops to force Mexico's President Benito Juárez and the government out of Veracruz. On May 5, 1862, in a small town in east-central Mexico called  Puebla, 2,000 Mexican soldiers faced 6,000 French troops  at daybreak. Incredibly, Mexico claimed victory by the evening, and Juárez declared May 5 a national holiday.

The battle also played a role in the American Civil War. With the French defeated and leaving North America, the Confederacy wasn't able to use them as an ally to win the war.

What did Mexico gain from Cinco de Mayo?

The victory in the Battle of Puebla was a significant morale boost for the Mexicans. The French army, one of the most powerful in the world at that time, was trying to establish a foothold in Mexico. Zaragoza and his troops defeated the much larger and better-equipped French army led by Gen. Charles de Lorencez, according to  History.com .

The victory delayed the French advance toward Mexico City and gave the Mexican government time to prepare for further attacks.

The victory also had international implications, as it helped to demonstrate that the French army was not invincible. This indirectly affected the American Civil War, as it discouraged Napoleon III from providing support to the Confederacy. This support could have changed the outcome of that war.

Despite the Battle of Puebla's significance, the French victory there did not end the French occupation of Mexico.

Who did Mexico gain independence from?

Mexico gained its independence from Spain. The Mexican War of Independence began on Sept. 16, 1810, when the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla made the famous "Grito de Dolores," a call to arms for the Mexican people to rise against Spanish colonial rule.

After over a decade of fighting, Mexico finally achieved independence on Sept. 27, 1821, when the Treaty of Córdoba was signed, officially ending Spanish rule in Mexico.

More: How Mexico celebrates Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo food and drink specials: Deals at Taco Bell, Chipotle, TGI Fridays, more

Why is Cinco de Mayo celebrated in the U.S.?

Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the United States and Mexico, but it is a much more significant observance in the U.S.

While there are Cinco De Mayo celebrations throughout Mexico, notably in the city of Puebla, the event doesn't compare to the celebrations of Día de la Independencia.

The reasons for its popularity in the U.S. are varied.

The celebration of Cinco de Mayo began as a form of resistance to the effects of the Mexican-American War in the late 19th century. The holiday gained popularity during the  Chicano Movement  of the 1960s and 1970s.

Cinco de Mayo is heavily commercialized in the United States, particularly by the food and beverage industries, which promote it as a day to enjoy Mexican food and drinks .

Cinco de Mayo events and deals in Florida

• In Palm Beach County: Here are 12 places that are ready and waiting with food and drink specials, music and more
• In Tallahassee: Here are the restaurants joining the festivities
• In Naples, Fort Myers, Bonita: Here's where to go in Collier and Lee counties
• In Pensacola: Where to score all-you-can-eat tacos, free tequila shots in Pensacola

Contributing: Emily DeLetter, Amanda Lee Myers

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3 bodies in Mexican well identified as Australian and American surfers killed for truck’s tires

Relatives have identified three bodies found in a well as those of two Australian surfers and one American who went missing last weekend, Mexican authorities said Sunday. Baja California state prosecutors said the relatives had viewed the bodies recovered from a remote well about 50 feet (15 meters) deep and recognized them as their loved ones.

A demonstrator holding a bodyboard written in Spanish " I don’t want to die” protests the disappearance of foreign surfers in Ensenada, Mexico, Sunday, May 5, 2024. Mexican authorities said Friday that three bodies were recovered in an area of Baja California near where two Australians and an American went missing last weekend during an apparent camping and surfing trip. (AP Photo/Karen Castaneda)

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Locals march to protest the disappearance of foreign surfers in Ensenada, Mexico, Sunday, May 5, 2024. Mexican authorities said Friday that three bodies were recovered in an area of Baja California near where two Australians and an American went missing last weekend during an apparent camping and surfing trip. (AP Photo/Karen Castaneda)

A demonstrator holding a bodyboard written in Spanish " No more violence” protests the disappearance of foreign surfers in Ensenada, Mexico, Sunday, May 5, 2024. Mexican authorities said Friday that three bodies were recovered in an area of Baja California near where two Australians and an American went missing last weekend during an apparent camping and surfing trip. (AP Photo/Karen Castaneda)

In this image made from video, Mexico’s police officers stand guard at the Ensenada station in Ensenada, Mexico, Thursday, May 2, 2024. Mexican authorities said Thursday they have found tents and questioned a few people in the case of two Australians and an American who went missing over the weekend in the Pacific coast state of Baja California. (AP Photo)

In this image made from video, Mexican security forces frisk men at a checkpoint in Ensenada, Mexico, Thursday, May 2, 2024. Mexican authorities said Thursday they have found tents and questioned a few people in the case of two Australians and an American who went missing over the weekend in the Pacific coast state of Baja California. (AP Photo)

A demonstrator holding a bodyboard written in Spanish " They just wanted to surf and they were executed” protests the disappearance of foreign surfers in Ensenada, Mexico, Sunday, May 5, 2024. Mexican authorities said Friday that three bodies were recovered in an area of Baja California near where two Australians and an American went missing last weekend during an apparent camping and surfing trip. (AP Photo/Karen Castaneda)

A demonstrator holds photos of the foreign surfers who disappeared during a protest in Ensenada, Mexico, Sunday, May 5, 2024. Mexican authorities said Friday that three bodies were recovered in an area of Baja California near where two Australians and an American went missing last weekend during an apparent camping and surfing trip. (AP Photo/Karen Castaneda)

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Relatives have identified three bodies found in a well as those of two Australian surfers and one American who went missing last weekend, Mexican authorities said Sunday.

Baja California state prosecutors said the relatives had viewed the corpses recovered from a remote well about 50 feet (15 meters) deep and recognized them as their loved ones.

Thieves apparently killed the three, who were on a surfing trip to Mexico’s Baja peninsula, to steal their truck because they wanted the tires. They then allegedly got rid of the bodies by dumping them in a well near the coast.

The well was located some 4 miles (6 kilometers) from where the foreigners were killed, and also contained a fourth cadaver that had been there much longer.

Three suspects are being held in connection with the case, which locals said was solved far more quickly than the disappearances of thousands of Mexicans.

The three men were on a camping and surfing trip along a stretch of coast south of the city of Ensenada, posting idyllic photos on social media of waves and isolated beaches, before they went missing last weekend.

Chief state prosecutor María Elena Andrade Ramírez described what likely would have been moments of terror that ended the trip for brothers Jake and Callum Robinson from Australia and American Jack Carter Rhoad.

She theorized the killers drove by and saw the foreigners’ pickup truck and tents and wanted to steal their tires. But “when (the foreigners) came up and caught them, surely, they resisted.”

She said that’s when the killers would have shot the tourists.

The thieves then allegedly went to what she called “a site that is extremely hard to get to” and allegedly dumped the bodies into a well they apparently were familiar with. She said investigators were not ruling out the possibility the same suspects also dumped the first, earlier body in the well as part of previous crimes.

“They may have been looking for trucks in this area,” Andrade Ramírez said.

The thieves allegedly covered the well with boards. “It was literally almost impossible to find it,” Andrade Ramírez said, and it took two hours to winch the bodies out of the well.

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers expressed sympathy for the Robinson family. “I think the whole country’s heart goes out to all of their loved ones. It has been an absolutely horrendous, absolutely horrific ordeal and our thoughts are with all of them today,” he said at a news conference Monday in the capital, Canberra.

The site where the bodies were discovered near the township of Santo Tomás was near the remote seaside area where the missing men’s tents and truck were found Thursday along the coast. From their last photo posts, the trip looked perfect. But even experienced local expatriates are questioning whether it is safe to camp along the largely deserted coast anymore.

The moderator of the local Talk Baja internet forum, who has lived in the area for almost two decades, wrote in an editorial Saturday that “the reality is, the dangers of traveling to and camping in remote areas are outweighing the benefits anymore.”

But in a way, adventure was key to the victims’ lifestyle.

Callum Robinson’s Instagram account contained the following slogan: “If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much room.”

At the news conference, Andrade Ramírez was questioned by one reporter who expressed approval that such a massive and rapid search was mounted for the foreigners, but asked why, when local people disappear in the area, little is often done for weeks, months, or years.

“Do you have to be a foreigner in Baja California in order for there to be an investigation if something happens to you?′ asked the reporter, who did not identify herself by name. ”Every investigation is different,” Andrade Ramírez replied.

As if to underscore that point, dozens of mourners, surfers and demonstrators gathered in a main plaza in Ensenada, the nearest city, to voice their anger and sadness at the deaths.

“Ensenada is a mass grave,” read one placard carried by protesters. “Australia, we are with you,” one man scrawled on one of the half-dozen surf boards at the demonstration.

A woman held up a sign that read “They only wanted to surf — we demand safe beaches.”

Gabriela Acosta, a surfer, attended the protest “to show love, solidarity and respect for the three lives that were lost.” Acosta said that surfers in Baja are aware of the dangers.

“We are women and we would sometimes like to surf alone,” Acosta said. “But we never do that, because of the situation. We always have to go accompanied.”

“I think that what happened to them is just an example of the lack of safety in this state,” she said.

Surfers later performed a “paddle-out” ceremony where they formed a circle on their boards in the ocean.

Baja California prosecutors had said they were questioning three people in the killings, two of them because they were caught with methamphetamines. Prosecutors said the two were being held pending drug charges but continue to be suspects in the killings.

A third man was arrested on charges of a crime equivalent to kidnapping, but that was before the bodies were found. It was unclear if he might face more charges.

The third suspect was believed to have directly participated in the killings. In keeping with Mexican law, prosecutors identified him by his first name, Jesús Gerardo, alias “el Kekas,” a slang word that means “quesadillas,” or cheese tortillas. Andrade Ramírez said he had a criminal record, and that more people may have been involved.

Last week, the mother of the missing Australians, Debra Robinson, posted on a local community Facebook page, appealing for help in finding her sons. Robinson said Callum and Jake had not been heard from since April 27. They had booked accommodation in the city of Rosarito, not far from Ensenada.

Robinson said Callum was diabetic. She also mentioned that the American who was with them was named Jack Carter Rhoad, but the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City did not immediately confirm that. The U.S. State Department said it was aware of reports of a U.S. citizen missing in Baja, but gave no further details.

In 2015, two Australian surfers , Adam Coleman and Dean Lucas, were killed in western Sinaloa state, across the Gulf of California — also known as the Sea of Cortez — from the Baja peninsula. Authorities said they were victims of highway bandits. Three suspects were arrested in that case.