trip meaning holiday

Understanding the Distinction: Travel, Trip, and Journey Explained

Zackary Hooper

Ever find yourself scratching your head over when to use ‘travel’, ‘trip’, or ‘journey’? Me too. In fact, these terms are commonly misused by even the most well-traveled folks among us.

Table of Contents

As an English language aficionado and travel enthusiast, I dove deep into linguistic resources to clear up this confusion once and for all. This blog will guide you through the nuances of these three words , helping you navigate your way to flawless English usage in any travel context .

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Key Takeaways

• Travel refers to going to a place, especially far away.
• Trip involves traveling from one place to another, usually for a short period of time.
• Journey implies traveling from one place to another without necessarily returning.
• Proper usage of these terms is essential in effectively conveying our experiences.

Definition and Differences between Travel, Trip, and Journey

Travel is a verb that means going to a place, especially far away, while trip refers to the process of traveling from one place to another, usually for a short time. Journey, on the other hand, implies traveling from one place to another without necessarily returning.

Travel as a verb meaning to go to a place, especially far away

Travel, as a verb, emphasizes the act of moving from one location to another. This movement often involves significant distance between the two points. For instance, you might say you are traveling to Europe or Asia from America – places that are undoubtedly quite far from each other.

Notably, travel doesn’t always require a return trip; it merely notes the action of going somewhere far . Even voyages into space can be considered travel! So next time you utter “I love to travel,” note that this phrase speaks volumes about your passion for exploring distant destinations and embracing new experiences on a broader geographic scale .

Trip as the process of traveling from one place to another, usually for a short time

When we talk about a trip, we’re referring to the act of traveling from one place to another. It’s usually for a short period of time and involves moving between different locations .

Think of it as going on a vacation or taking a quick getaway. A trip can be as short as a day or extend over several days, but it generally doesn’t involve staying in one place for an extended period.

So whether you’re heading out on a road trip with friends or catching a flight to explore new cities, remember that a trip is all about the process of getting from point A to point B , enjoying the journey along the way.

Journey as traveling from one place to another, not necessarily returning

A journey is all about the experience of traveling from one place to another, without the expectation of returning . It can be a long and exciting adventure, with multiple destinations along the way.

Unlike a trip or travel, which often involves going somewhere and then coming back, a journey implies forward movement and exploration . It’s like embarking on a voyage of discovery, where you’re eager to see what lies ahead and open to new experiences.

Whether it’s backpacking through Europe or sailing around the world, a journey offers endless possibilities for exploration and self-discovery .

Common Uses and Examples of Travel, Trip, and Journey

– Travel: “I love traveling to different countries , experiencing new cultures and exploring exotic destinations.

– Trip: “We took a weekend trip to the beach, enjoying sun-kissed days and relaxing by the seaside.”

– Journey: “His journey across the desert was filled with challenges and self-discovery as he embarked on a soul-searching adventure.”

Travel: “I love to travel to different countries.”

I absolutely adore exploring different countries . Experiencing new cultures, trying unique cuisines , and immersing myself in unfamiliar landscapes is what makes travel so thrilling for me.

Whether it’s wandering through ancient ruins in Greece or hiking through the vibrant jungles of Costa Rica, I find immense joy in venturing beyond my comfort zone and discovering all that the world has to offer.

Travel opens my eyes to different perspectives and allows me to create lasting memories that I cherish forever.

Trip: “We went on a business trip to New York.”

Last week, I had the opportunity to go on a business trip to New York . It was an exciting experience that allowed me to explore the bustling city and meet with important clients . During the trip, we visited various companies , attended conferences , and even had some time to enjoy the sights and sounds of New York.

Being able to immerse myself in a different environment for a short period of time was both refreshing and educational. Overall, it was a successful trip that helped us strengthen our professional relationships and achieve our business goals.

Journey: “His journey around the world took him three years.”

I embarked on a three-year journey around the world, exploring new cultures and experiencing incredible adventures along the way. From bustling cities to remote villages, my journey allowed me to immerse myself in different landscapes and meet fascinating people from all walks of life.

It was a transformative experience that broadened my horizons and shaped my perspective on the world.

Clarifying Misuses of Travel, Trip, and Journey

Many people mistakenly use the term “travel” for short distances, but it should be reserved for going to faraway places. To understand the proper usage of these words, read on!

Incorrect uses of travel: “He traveled to the grocery store.”

Using the word “travel” to describe a short trip to the grocery store is incorrect. Travel usually refers to going to a distant place, especially far away. So, it’s important to use this term appropriately and not for everyday local trips like grocery stores.

Proper uses of the terms: “I traveled to Europe.”

I traveled to Europe for my summer vacation. It was an exciting travel experience filled with new cultures, delicious food, and breathtaking sights. The proper use of the term “travel” in this context refers to going somewhere far away , especially to a different country or continent .

In this case, I embarked on an adventure from my home country to Europe, immersing myself in each destination’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere. Traveling to Europe broadened my horizons and created memories that will last a lifetime.

Understanding the Nuances between Travel, Trip, and Journey

Travel, trip, and journey may seem similar, but they each have their own nuances. Read on to delve deeper into the distinctions between these terms and how to use them correctly in your everyday conversations.

Travel focuses on the action of going to a distant place.

Travel allows us to embark on exciting journeys to faraway destinations. It is the act of physically moving from one place to another , often to distant locations . Whether it’s exploring a new country , immersing ourselves in different cultures , or experiencing thrilling adventures , travel is all about the exhilarating action of venturing beyond our comfort zones .

So pack your bags and get ready for an incredible journey filled with unforgettable experiences!

Trip emphasizes the process of traveling and staying in a place.

A trip is all about the journey itself and the experience of being in a specific place . It focuses on the process of traveling from one location to another, while also emphasizing the time spent staying in that particular place.

Whether you’re taking a short weekend trip to a nearby city or embarking on a week-long vacation, a trip is about immersing yourself in new surroundings and enjoying everything that destination has to offer.

Journey implies a longer and more significant travel experience.

When embarking on a journey, you can expect a more extensive and meaningful travel experience . Unlike a simple trip or travel, a journey often involves exploring multiple destinations or pursuing a specific purpose .

It encompasses the idea of venturing into the unknown and embracing new challenges along the way. Whether it’s an epic road trip across several countries or a spiritual pilgrimage to sacred sites, a journey offers an opportunity for personal growth and transformation .

It allows you to immerse yourself in different cultures , navigate unfamiliar terrain, and create lasting memories. So if you’re seeking an adventure that goes beyond mere transportation from point A to point B, set out on a journey that will take you further and leave an indelible mark on your soul.

Conclusion and Importance of Using the Correct Terms

Understanding the distinctions between travel , trip, and journey is crucial in accurately conveying our experiences . By using these terms correctly, we can communicate more effectively and avoid confusion .

So whether we’re embarking on a short trip or a life-changing journey , let’s remember to use the right words to describe our adventures ! Keep exploring and keep traveling!

1. What is the difference between travel, trip, and journey?

Travel refers to the act of going from one place to another, while a trip is a specific instance of traveling for a particular purpose or destination. A journey, on the other hand, implies a longer and more meaningful experience that may involve personal growth or transformation.

2. Can you give examples of each term – travel, trip, and journey?

Sure! Travel can include activities like flying to a different country or taking a road trip across states. A trip could be going on vacation to Disneyland or visiting family over the holidays. And a journey might involve backpacking through Europe for several months or embarking on a spiritual retreat.

3. Is there any overlap between these terms?

Yes, there can be some overlap between these terms depending on context. For example, someone’s “trip” may also be considered their “journey” if it involves self-discovery or exploration. Similarly, long-term travel experiences may encompass both the notions of “travel” and “journey.”

4. How does understanding the distinction between these terms help in communication?

Understanding the distinction between travel, trip, and journey helps in effective communication as it allows us to accurately describe our experiences and intentions when discussing our travels with others. It provides clarity and avoids confusion by using appropriate terminology when sharing stories or making plans involving different types of travel experiences.

About the author

I’ve been fortunate to visit over fifty countries, each journey leaving a unique footprint on my life’s map. From bustling cities to serene nature trails, I’ve immersed myself in different cultures and experiences, constantly broadening my understanding of the world. On this site, I share my travel stories, tips, and insights, hoping to inspire others to embark on their own journeys. Join me as we uncover the beauty of our planet, one adventure at a time. Please reach out here if you need to get in touch.

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Example sentences holiday travel

This makes holiday travel insurance far cheaper than it would be otherwise.

Arriving passengers also were pleased with their holiday travel experience.

The restrictions on holiday travel which remain as a consequence of the war seem unlikely to keep people at home.

Cruising was - and remains - one of the safest forms of holiday travel .

A railway official with 40 years' experience stated yesterday that he had known nothing approaching the number of bookings for holiday travel that have been made for today.

Definition of 'holiday' holiday

Definition of 'travel' travel

COBUILD Collocations holiday travel

Browse alphabetically holiday travel.

• holiday spirit
• holiday tour
• holiday traffic
• holiday travel
• holiday treat
• holiday village
• holiday wardrobe
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Definition of trip noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• Did you have a good trip?
• We went on a trip to the mountains.
• a boat/coach/bus trip
• a business/school/shopping trip
• a fishing/camping trip
• They took a trip down the river.
• We had to make several trips to bring all the equipment over.
• Jack made a return trip (= another visit to the same place) later that year.
• The return trip (= back to the place where you started) on the bike was much easier and quicker than the outbound trip.
• He went with her on her overseas trips.
• She's away on a short trip.
• He is planning a trip to Vienna.
• They organize short bike trips.
• He has just returned from a three-day trip to Australia.
• a business trip
• a five-minute trip by taxi
• a long and difficult journey across the mountains
• a tour of Bavaria
• the first expedition to the South Pole
• We went on an all-day excursion to the island.
• The children were on a day’s outing from school.
• We had a day out at the beach.
• a(n) foreign/​overseas trip/​journey/​tour/​expedition
• a bus/​coach/​train/​rail trip/​journey/​tour
• to go on a(n) trip/​journey/​tour/​expedition/​excursion/​outing/​day out
• to set out/​off on a(n) trip/​journey/​tour/​expedition/​excursion
• to make a(n) trip/​journey/​tour/​expedition/​excursion
• 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
• Enjoy your trip!
• He makes frequent trips to Poland.
• He's just back from a trip to Alaska.
• I had to cut short my trip when my wallet was stolen.
• My last trip abroad was two years ago.
• Don't make a special trip just to get my newspaper.
• In their last two away trips, Everton were defeated by Spurs.
• The first prize is a free trip to New York.
• The food alone made the trip worthwhile.
• The rest of our trip was uneventful.
• The trip home took us five hours!
• They are hoping to complete the trip in four days.
• They saved for years for their trip of a lifetime to Hawaii.
• Well, have a safe trip back!
• her dream trip to New Zealand
• Because of bad weather conditions, the trip was cancelled.
• Tomorrow there will be a boat trip to the island.
• We used to go on school trips to France when we were kids.
• be (away) on
• a trip abroad
• the trip home
• the trip of a lifetime

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English Grammar

TRAVEL - TRIP - JOURNEY - TOUR - VOYAGE

Meaning and use of the words 'trip', 'travel', 'journey', 'tour', and 'voyage'..

The explanation below should help clarify the meaning and use of vocabulary related to travel.

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Travel vs. Trip vs. Journey

The act of going to another place (often for a short period of time) and returning.

• We took a five-day trip to the Amazon.
• You’re back from vacation! How was your trip ?
• I went on business trips to Switzerland and Germany last month.

Use the verbs “take” and “go on” with trip .

• A round-trip ticket is a ticket for going and coming back.
• A one-way ticket is only for going.

Travel (v.)

Going to another place (in general).

• I really like to travel.
• He travels frequently for work.
• My sister is currently  traveling through South America.

Travel (n.) can be used to describe the act of traveling in general:

• Travel in that region of the country is dangerous.
• World travel gives you a new perspective.

Incorrect uses of travel :

• I bought this shirt on my  travel  to Thailand. I bought this shirt on my  trip  to Thailand.
• I’m planning a travel to the U.S. next year. I’m planning to travel to the U.S. next year. I’m planning a trip to the U.S. next year.

Journey (n.)

One piece of travel (going from one place to another) – usually a long distance.

• The journey takes 3 hours by plane or 28 hours by bus.
• He made the 200-mile journey by bike.
• “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step” – Lao-tze,  Tao Te Ching

We can also use journey in a more “metaphorical” way to talk about progress in life:

• He has overcome a lot of problems on his spiritual journey.
• My uncle is an alcoholic, but he’s beginning the journey of recovery.

Quiz: Travel, Trip, or Journey

• Then and Than
• Affect and Effect

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Travel vs Trip – Difference

What is the difference between Travel and Trip?

These two words frequently confuse learners of English.

A quick explanation that is valid for most situations is the following:

Travel – a verb (the action) Trip – a noun

Susan’s husband isn’t in town at the moment; he is on a business trip . He travels to many different countries. Susan met her husband on a trip to the Bahamas.

Travel – to go from one place to another Trip – a journey that is often for a short period of time.

NOTE: There are some exceptions to the general rule above.

Travel can also be a noun when it refers to the act of traveling.

• Travel is difficult in that part of the country since there are no paved roads.
• Travel broadens your mind.

Sometimes Travel appears in plural form and in that case is normally preceded by a possessive adjective (my travels, his travels etc.)

• She has had many adventures in her travels .
• I have never seen any as strange as that in all of my travels .

Trip can also be a verb though it has a completely different meaning. To Trip – to accidentally stumble and almost fall while walking or running, usually after catching your foot on something.

• He didn’t see the cat and he tripped up.

Trip vs. Journey

A trip usually refers to traveling to a place and returning back to where you started. A journey usually implies traveling from one place to another (not necessarily returning to where you started). It sometimes refers to the length of time taken to go from one place to another.

• They went on a journey through South America that lasted 6 months.
• It is a three-day journey by train.

Some more uses of the word Trip

A day trip usually refers to a tourist activity that occupies your entire day. A business trip is when you travel for business reasons. A round trip means to travel somewhere and return to place of original, there and back (= a return trip)

Summary Chart

What is the best trip you have ever had?

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

What’s the Difference Between Vacation and Holiday?

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• 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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Passover 2024 is here! When is Pesach? What is The Haggadah? A Seder meal? How to celebrate

Passover is nearly here and the Jewish holiday plays an important role in Judaism , according to myjewishlearning.com .

Only unleavened bread or "matzo" must may be eaten during the celebratory Jewish festival, according to britannica.com . Matzo symbolizes "the Hebrews' suffering while in bondage and the haste with which they left Egypt in the course of the  Exodus ."

Indiana election 2024: Everything you need to know about the primary

Here's what you need to know about Passover:

When is Passover 2024?

Passover begins at sundown Monday, April 22 and ends at sundown on Tuesday, April 30, in 2024, according to almanac.com .

What is Pesach?

Pesach is the Hebrew word for Passover, according to myjewishlearning.com . The name comes from the miracle in which God “passed over” the houses of the Israelites during the 10th plague.

What is the meaning of Passover?

Passover is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the Hebrews’ liberation from slavery in Egypt, according to britannica.com . The holiday also recognizes the sparing of the firstborn of the Israelites − the “passing over” of the forces of destruction − when the Lord “smote the land of Egypt” on the eve of the  Exodus .

How is passover celebrated?

Passover is a ceremonious occasion to rejoice in Judaism, especially during the first family meal or Seder, according to britannica.com .

Foods of symbolic significance are consumed, while prayers and traditional recitations are performed. Strict dietary laws are observed and special prohibitions restrict work at the beginning and end of the festival.

How long is Passover?

Biblicial command dictates Passover last for 7 days, according to chabad.org . The festival begins on  Nissan 15 , while the first and seventh days are observed as  yom tov − a period when work is not performed.

IPS lawsuit: IPS sued after teacher's alleged 'fight club' discipline is exposed in disturbing video

When does Passover 2024 start?

Passover starts at sundown on Monday, April 22.

When does Passover 2024 end?

Passover ends at sundown on Tuesday, April 30.

What is The Haggadah?

The Haggadah is a book − meaning the "telling" − that is read during the Passover Seder, according to reformjudaism.org .

What is a Seder?

The Seder dinner is a Jewish ritual celebrated during the first two nights of Passover, according to myjewishlearning.com :

There are three fundamental patterns of the Seder − the family, the individual and the nation.

"The Seder permits Jews to worship God through prayer, study and learning by taking part in what is essentially a lesson of Jewish history, literature and religion. Participation in the seder lets one symbolically and vicariously relive the Exodus," the website states.

When is the first Seder of 2024 Passover?

The first Passover Seder begins at sundown on Monday, April 22, according to myjewishlearning.com.

When is the second Seder of 2024 Passover?

The second Passover Seder is Tuesday, April 23, according to myjewishlearning.com.

What are the 6 parts of a Seder plate?

The six parts of a Seder plate include beitzah, charoset, chazeret, karpas, maror and zeroa, according to reformjudaism.org .

What is beitzah in Passover Seder?

The word literally means “egg,” according to reformjudaism.org . The Passover Seder plate item represents the Passover sacrifice from biblical times and symbolizes the spring season.

What is charoset in Passover Seder?

A part of the Passover Seder consisting of fruits, nuts, spices and wine, according to reformjudaism.org . The color and consistency reminds Jews of the bricks and mortar used by Israelite slaves.

What is chazeret in Passover Seder?

A vegetable − usually romaine lettuce − that is used in addition to maror on the Seder plate, according to reformjudaism.org .

What is karpas in Passover Seder?

Karpas is a green herb or vegetable − such as parsley, celery or watercress − which symbolizes spring and rebirth as part of the Passover Seder, according to reformjudaism.org .

What is maror in Passover Seder?

The word literally means "bitter," according to reformjudaism.org . Maror is the bitter herb or vegetable − such as horseradish − that symbolizes "the bitter plight of enslaved Israelites" for the Passover Seder.

What is zeroa in Passover Seder?

Zeroa is the shank bone "symbolizing the Paschal lamb offered as the Passover sacrifice in biblical times," according to reformjudaism.org . Chicken neck is a common substitute, as is beets for vegetarians.

Chris Sims is a digital content producer at Midwest Connect Gannett. Follow him on Twitter:  @ChrisFSims .

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Autism makes travel a challenge. Here’s how I learned to cope

Busy places and unexpected events used to send me into meltdown on holiday. An autism diagnosis helped me to adapt my plans and rediscover the joy of travelling

W andering hand-in-hand through the medieval streets of Bologna, my boyfriend and I were in awe of the sweeping porticoes and distinctive rust-red brickwork of the city. It was our first holiday together. We’d wanted to find somewhere beyond the obvious that would marry our respective interests in architecture and history. Bologna was the perfect fit.

We admired the Church of Santa Maria della Vita , with its imposing baroque interior, lavishly decorated in colourful frescoes and marble carvings. We caught a little red and blue express train up into the hills to the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca , and climbed the bell tower of the Basilica di San Petronio for panoramic views across the city.

But after one particularly long, hot day on our feet, with our stomachs clamouring to be fed, my mood began to shift. With the setting of the sun came the rising of my rage, as we struggled to agree on where we wanted to eat. In a city nicknamed La Grassa (“the fat one”), we weren’t lacking in options; in fact, it was the sheer number of well-reviewed eateries that was overwhelming.

Eventually we decided on pizza, and my boyfriend anxiously led us through sun-dappled alleyways, seeking out a little hole-in-the-wall spot with stellar reviews on Google. Looking back now, I’m ashamed of my reaction once we arrived. Instead of excitedly tucking into the steaming, cheese-drenched deliciousness before me, I burst into tears, refusing to order. And why?

Because they were slices .

In my mind, getting pizza meant that we’d be presented with a whole pizza. The idea of just grabbing a slice or two felt abhorrently wrong. It truly felt to me, in that moment, like I was being asked to do the impossible. Instead, we had to find a standard bistro and get me the right kind of pizza. Scrolling through photographs from that trip for this article, I find a snapshot of my boyfriend opposite me at the table, looking as if he’d just (barely) survived the fury of the Visigoths during the sacking of Rome.

It wasn’t until three years later – in spring 2020, when I was diagnosed as autistic – that this fragment of my life story, and many others like it, finally began to make sense.

B eing autistic means that life is a challenge, every day, in myriad tiny ways most others cannot see. Autistic people often grapple with sensory, social and communication challenges that manifest differently in each of us. As a toddler, for instance, I couldn’t stand the touch of grass on my skin. My parents could pop me down on a blanket by our tent during camping trips, safe in the knowledge that I wouldn’t stray. The same went for sand – putting me down to build a sandcastle on the beach only led to banshee-esque wailing until someone picked me up. When I got older, I preferred to stay by the tent and read my books than risk the chaotic din of the campsite playground. I’ve also always found it difficult when confronted with the unexpected. That could be anything, from a last-minute change of plans to something simply not turning out the way I’d pictured it in my head.

Relentlessly busy places are a terrifying prospect for those of us predisposed to sensory overwhelm. The best way I can describe how I experience this sensation is to ask you to imagine that the whole world has climbed into your chest. It then sits there, heavy and loud and bright, thrumming with energy, too much energy, more than any one person could hold within themselves. And yet, that’s what’s expected of us, day in, day out.

Fortunately, societal awareness of how autistic people interact with public spaces has grown over the past few years, thanks to the rise of lived experiences shared on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. The thriving autistic creator communities online were a lifebelt for me when I was first diagnosed, providing both insights into my own behaviour and suggesting coping mechanisms.

Initiatives such as the sunflower lanyard scheme are also having a real impact on how employees in train stations, airports, bus terminals and so on are trained in making these places more accessible to those with hidden disabilities. What I have learned is that many challenges can be overcome with sufficient planning and support from those around me. Through much trial and error over the last four years, I’m making real progress towards learning how to adapt my holiday plans to accommodate my needs. I now have a self-made kit for mitigating sensory overwhelm that I take with me whenever I travel: sunglasses, noise-isolating earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones, a fidget toy or two and a safe food to snack on (a favourite cereal bar, for example). Having avoided meltdowns by using these items in the past, I now can’t imagine travelling without them.

The process of writing my book, The Autistic Guide to Adventure , has provided many useful insights too. Designed to introduce younger readers from the autistic community to a variety of different outdoor activities, the book suggests how to best approach them from sensory, social and communication perspectives.

Take kayaking, for instance, a popular holiday activity in the UK thanks to our miles upon miles of public waterways and easily accessible coastline. I’ve kayaked on family holidays since a young age. Before I knew I was autistic, however, I’d never have thought to give myself extra time to get used to sitting in a new boat in a new location, testing the feel of a buoyancy aid or holding the paddle properly. Yet something as simple as taking the opportunity to do that – on dry land, before the kayak even gets near the water – can make a real difference to how comfortable and confident an autistic person might feel about trying this new activity. Most activity providers are understanding and would be happy to facilitate this, if you let them know in advance.

Other simple adaptations to recreational activities include using walking poles for all levels of hiking – not only on mountains – and bringing an inflatable for wild swimming. These help to maintain balance, something that many autistic people find hard because of difficulties regulating their vestibular system.

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There will never be one single trip or destination that’s perfect for every autistic person, because our individual strengths, struggles and support needs are so different. But if we each plan ahead and choose what to do or where to go based on our known sensory sensitivities, communication preferences and social battery life, every trip has the potential to be perfect just for us .

M ost recently, my boyfriend and I took a much-anticipated trip to the Arctic Circle, visiting Tromsø. There’s a key difference between this holiday and our stay in Bologna five years earlier: the weather. It’s common for autistic people to have strong preferences when it comes to temperature – in my case, I’ll always choose cold over hot.

That’s why Tromsø in December was a sensory dream for me. Plunged into polar night, the light was never brighter than a muted lilac haze for a few short hours around midday. The temperature was consistently below freezing; the snow lay piled in marshmallow-soft heaps along pavements and roadsides. It was as far a cry from the lively streets and humid air of summer in Bologna as you could get, and it was perfect.

Learning from previous experience, we planned exactly where we wanted to eat during the trip. We spent several cheerful mealtimes huddled by the fire pit at Raketten Bar and enjoyed Pølse , a hotdog stand in a sunshine-yellow kiosk dating back to 1911.

Autistic people often prefer the company of animals to other humans, but it’s not something I’d ever thought to factor into my travel plans before. In Tromsø, we ended up spending three out of our five days on activities involving animals: huskies, whales and reindeer. It was, without a doubt, one of the best decisions we could have made.

The joy of losing myself in a frenzied pack of newfound canine friends radiates from my face in photos from the day we went husky sledding.

Given that travel is something I treasure, it’s a relief to realise that my ability to do it is not limited by being neurodivergent. On the contrary, I truly believe some of my many travel experiences have been – and will continue to be – enhanced by the fact that my brain works on a different wavelength. When I close my eyes, I can still see the play of lavender light on the snow-capped mountains surrounding Tromsø. I’m immediately transported back to a place that felt like home to my soul, soothed without having to take even a step outside.

The Autistic Guide to Adventure by Allie Mason is published by Jessica Kingsley (£14.99 ). To support the Guardian and Observer, buy a copy at guardianbookshop.com . Delivery charges may apply

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The 30 best UK holidays for 2024

T ravel is truly back – predictions are that 2024 will break records for global tourism. So does that mean domestic holidays are dead? Nope. Abta’s latest report reveals 58 per cent of Britons are planning a UK trip in 2024. 

The continuing demand for more sustainable, lower-carbon breaks is a contributing factor. But so is the fact that Britain offers so much. 

For instance, this year should see the completion of the 2,700-mile King Charles III England Coast Path , the longest managed coast path in the world. This is also a year to celebrate National Landscapes , the new name given to the country’s 46 Areas of Outstanding National Beauty. Then there’s English wine, and wine tourism, which is booming – check out events such as Norwich Wine Week and new trips from Wine Tours of Kent . Or maybe use the National Gallery as your guide: to celebrate its 200th anniversary, the gallery is lending 12 headline works to 12 venues countrywide. 

Whatever your interests, here’s a batch of British break ideas to inspire you to holiday on home soil this year.

Skip ahead:

Coastal escapes

• Weekend breaks

Longer journeys

• Luxury stays
• Family holidays
• Active adventures
• Back to nature trips

Celebrate the sea in the Isles of Scilly

Ahoy! This year sees the inaugural outing of Ocean Scilly (Aug 23-Sept 1), a week dedicated to the waters around southern England’s idyllic archipelago. There will be a lot going on, from paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing sessions to Wildlife Trust talks, marine workshops, seafaring storytelling and pilot gig races. If you’re game, try one of the five Swimrun events, which range from a short taster to a long race comprising five miles of inter-island open-water swimming and 18.5 miles of trail running.

Book it:  St Mary’s Star Castle Hotel (01720 422317; star-castle.co.uk) has double rooms from £205 including breakfast. For festival news see visitislesofscilly.com . Plan the perfect break on the Isles of Scilly with our guide .

Kip on the cliffs in Ceredigion

Embrace the trend of being fully immersed in nature at secluded Golwg y Mor. This adults-only cottage is built right into the plunging cliffs; there are uninterrupted views over Cardigan Bay from its enormous picture windows, huge roof garden and hot tub terrace. Stay in and use the binoculars and telescopes to spot the resident dolphins. Alternatively, follow the Wales Coast Path, which passes just below, to reach the beautiful beaches of Llangrannog and Cwmtydu, a few miles’ walk away.

Book it:  Golwg y Mor (01237 426781; walescottageholidays.co.uk ) costs from £1,423 for seven nights, sleeping four. Plan the perfect holiday in Wales with our guide .

Live by the links in Ayrshire

In July 2024, the Open will be played at Royal Troon, the 10th time the venerable South Ayrshire club will have hosted the championship since 1923. The Marine Troon hotel, fresh from a smart revamp last year, is just the place to get in the golfing mood, as it offers unobstructed views of the 1st and 18th fairways, and the Firth of Clyde beyond. Enjoy the indoor pool, sauna and steam rooms, book a round of golf or hit Troon’s tremendous beach, perfect for windsurfing, kitesurfing and blustery strolls.

Book it:  Marine Troon (01292 314444; marineandlawn.com/marinetroon ) has double rooms from £159 including breakfast.

Enjoy accessible surf in Pembrokeshire

Blue Horizons is committed to getting everyone out on the waves. In 2024, this surf club near Tenby is focusing on lessons for disabled people, including wheelchair users and those with autism, offering assisted sessions on seated, tandem and prone boards. Stay at nearby Bluestone National Park Resort, which has a number of adapted family rooms that include wider doorways and accessible wet rooms.

Book it:  Blue Horizons Surf Club (01646 685273; bluehorizonssurfclub.co.uk ) offers half-day tuition from £40, or £120 supported by instructors and volunteers. Bluestone (01834 862400; bluestonewales.com ) offers adapted lodges, sleeping four, from £630 for three nights. Plan the perfect holiday in Pembrokeshire with our guide .

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Ultimate weekenders

Fish for your supper in hampshire.

Fancy yourself as a bit of a Rick Stein/Paul Whitehouse cross? Then head to Southampton for First Class Sailing’s new Catch and Cook trips. Onboard the Golden Vanity, a traditional wooden gaff cutter, venture into the Solent with a skipper and some fishing kit to try your luck, then cook up a feast in the galley afterwards. Not into fishing? Gaff Rig Sailing courses are available too.

Book it:  First Class Sailing (020 3006 3717; firstclasssailing.com ) offers two-night Catch and Cook/Gaff Rig Sailing trips from £549pp or £1,900 for five, hiring the whole boat, including onboard accommodation, skipper and food; April-October.

Re-treat yourself in Somerset

Tucked away in rural Somerset, 42 Acres is a nature reserve, regenerative farm and vision for environmental change. Last November, the estate launched Self-Guided Retreats – restorative, inspiring breaks that guests can take at their own pace. Based in the beautifully calming rooms of the 13th-century Hermitage, stays include daily guided experiences (anything from gardening to beaver walks and somatic movement) as well as nourishing soil-to-gut meals, wild swims in the lake and the chance to explore the 170-acre site solo.

Book it:  42 Acres (07511 209876; 42acres.com ) offers Self-Guided Retreats from £350 per night for two including food and experiences. Plan the perfect holiday in Somerset with our guide.

Get away with the girls in Cornwall

Companies dedicated to women-only trips have increased by 230 per cent in the past few years, according to the Lemongrass 2023 Travel Trends Report. One such is Ride on Retreats, whose surf and yoga escapes for women promise not only like-minded company and a safe space to try new things but a big boost in a short break. It’s based at a clifftop spa hotel on the Cornish coast, and the long weekends are packed with surf lessons, yoga sessions, seaside walks, wild swims, nutritious meals and camaraderie.

Book it:  Ride on Retreats ( rideonretreats.com ) offers three-night retreats from £895pp including accommodation, activities and meals; departs May 17, November 15. Plan the perfect holiday in Cornwall with our guide.

Run wild in Argyll

Ecologists Katharine and David Lowrie, the owners of Auchgoyle Farm, were the first people in the world to run the length of South America. But don’t worry: their new wild-running weekenders aren’t so extreme. Some retreats are mixed, some are women-only, some are aimed at beginners; all include lovely guided runs around their rewilding estate and across the hills, beaches and woodlands of the Argyll coast. Gentle yoga, farm walks, tree planting and eco-friendly accommodation are included too.

Book it:  Auchgoyle ( auchgoylefarm.com ) offers three-night Wild Running Retreats from £599pp including full-board accommodation and activities (10 per cent off if arriving by public transport); April-December. 

Drink and ride in Shropshire

To mark the 30th anniversary of the legendary Ludlow Food Festival this year, why not experience the wider county’s bounty by bike? Shropshire company Wheely Wonderful Cycling has devised an easy-going route that visits an array of small breweries, food producers and even a vineyard, while showcasing plenty of pretty countryside. Those booking to coincide with the Ludlow Food Festival’s events (May 10-12, Sept 13-15; foodfestival.co.uk ) will get free entry too.

Book it:  Wheely Wonderful Cycling (01568 770755; wheelywonderfulcycling.co.uk ) offers a six-day self-guided Six Local Breweries and a Vineyard Cycle Trail from £935pp including B&B accommodation and bike hire; May-September.

Stride the Salt Path in Devon & Cornwall

This year, a big-screen version of Raynor Winn’s South West Coast Path memoir, The Salt Path , is due to open in cinemas – shooting took place in Cornwall last summer. But don’t just watch the film; hit the trail yourself. Walkers’ Britain’s new trip from Westward Ho! to Padstow covers one of the 630-mile path’s most challenging but magnificent sections, undulating between scenic spots such as cliff-tumbling Clovelly, Tintagel Castle, picturesque Port Isaac and wild Hartland Point.

Book it:  Walkers’ Britain (0800 008 7741; walkersbritain.co.uk ) offers a 10-day self-guided trip from Westward Ho! to Padstow from £1,120pp including B&B accommodation. Plan the perfect holiday in Devon with our guide .

Be surprised in the Highlands

Feel like your life is lacking adventure? New for 2024, tour operator McKinlay Kidd has launched Reveal road trips: bespoke Scotland tours designed especially for you, with an air of mystery. “You give us an idea of what you do and don’t like,” McKinlay Kidd’s Mark Worthington says, “and we’ll put together a tailor-made tour that remains a surprise to you until you decide to see the details – even if it’s on a day-by-day basis while you’re travelling.”

Book it:  McKinlay Kidd (0141 260 9260; mckinlaykidd.com ) offers a seven-night Highlands Reveal Road Trip from around £1,370pp including B&B accommodation. Plan the perfect holiday in Scotland with our guide .

See it all by sea

Can’t decide where to go in 2024? Visit it all. Hurtigruten Expeditions’ British Isles expedition explores the country’s islands and coast via ports such as the Isles of Scilly, St Davids Cathedral, the Isle of Man, the Outer Hebrides and Islay’s whisky distilleries. There’s an onboard Citizen Science programme, so you can help with research. Or you can hit the hot tubs and panoramic sauna instead. Join the April 26 departure to cruise with television’s Carol Kirkwood.

Book it:  Hurtigruten Expeditions (020 3993 5652; hxexpeditions.com ) offers a 13-day British Isles cruise from £3,590pp including full-board accommodation; no single supplement. Departs April 14 & 26, May 8, June 1.

A touch of luxe

Ride the dragon in north wales.

Take a nostalgic steam-hauled journey along the most scenic tracks in Wales. Steam Dreams Rail Co’s new Welsh Dragon trip will trundle over Barmouth Bridge and along the Cambrian Coast, follow the North Wales route between Snowdonia and the sea, and plunge through the little-visited Marches on the Heart of Wales Line; journeys between Wales and the start/end in London are steam-pulled, too.

Book it:  Steam Dreams Rail Co ( steamdreamsblog.wordpress.com ) offers a four-night Welsh Dragon trip from £995pp Premium Standard including B&B accommodation, travel and some meals, depending on package; departs Sept 15.

Raise a glass in East Sussex

As English wine increases in quality, wine tourism is increasing in popularity. In response, Gallivant Camber Sands, a swish adults-only hotel in the heart of British wine country, has collaborated with Gusbourne Estate to offer exclusive quaffing for guests. Book a Discover English Wine stay for a self-guided Gusbourne tour and tasting. Or upgrade to the Ultimate English Wine Experience, which includes a private winery tour, tutored tastings of rare bottles and a sumptuous dinner with wine pairing.

Book it:  The Gallivant (01797 225057; thegallivant.co.uk ) offers a one-night Ultimate English Wine Experience from £1,015 or Discover English Wine stay from £375 for two.

Lounge around in Lincolnshire

A top wellness trend for 2024 is boosting your energy in natural ways, and Laceby Manor Spa, on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, is just the place. Opened in 2022, it’s been designed to bring the countryside in; there’s a natural swimming pond (perfect for wild swimming and cold-water therapy), an indoor-outdoor vitality pool and saunas infused with herbs from the garden. Or indulge in its speciality hammams, rituals and massages using hand-harvested seaweed.

Book it:  Laceby Manor Spa (01472 873468; lacebymanor.co.uk ) offers a Two Night Weekend Escape from £249pp/per night including full-board accommodation, spa access and two treatments per person.

Live the high life in Suffolk

For some, the cost of living isn’t a crisis: 2023 became the year of the Six Figure Family Holiday , with high-net-worth individuals spending big. For a taste of that high life, rent 17th-century state-of-the-art Orpheus manor (where, incidentally, Gordon Brown held a cabinet meeting during the 2008 financial crisis that effectively saved the banking system). Follow the mile-long driveway to discover, among other things, a heated outdoor pool, a high-spec Dolby Atmos cinema, the same bathtubs you’d find in Buckingham Palace and general rococo-meets-Hollywood flair.

Book it:  Unique Homestays (01637 881183; uniquehomestays.com ) offers seven nights at Orpheus from £9,995, sleeping 14. Plan the perfect holiday in Suffolk with our guide .

Drink a dram or two in Argyll & the Isles

Did you know we’re almost through Whisky Year Zero (July 2023-June 2024), the 200th anniversary of the 1823 Excise Act, which shaped Scotland’s “Whisky Coast”? To celebrate, Tartan Road has devised a new luxe tour. You’ll be driven around the most exciting distilleries in Campbeltown, Islay and beyond, and given VIP tours, tutored tastings and the chance to blend your own bottle. You’ll also explore the dramatic landscapes and spirited communities from which whisky comes.

Book it:  Tartan Road (01631 402066; tartanroad.co.uk ) offers an eight-day Ultimate Whisky Tour from £6,500pp including B&B accommodation, chauffeur-guide and tours.

Family adventures

Sleep back in time in lancashire.

This year, swap screen-gazing for stargazing, plus an immersive history lesson, by staying at Bowland Escapes Roundhouse. This faithful replica of an Iron Age dwelling sits within a family-owned park in the heart of the Forest of Bowland, an official Dark Sky Discovery site. Families can explore the National Landscape’s woodland and riverbanks, walk the Ribble Valley Sculpture Trail, cook over the firepit and stare up at the sparkling stars, and then huddle together under the roundhouse’s ancient-feeling – and definitely Wi-Fi-free – thatch.

Book it:  Bowland Escapes Roundhouse ( hostunusual.com ) costs from £60 per night, sleeping two adults and three children.

Go under-age off-roading in Hertfordshire

The Grove is great for families. During the school holidays, this five-star country retreat near London offers a smorgasbord of kids’ stuff, from hawking, archery, axe throwing and arts and crafts to a kids’ club, video game wagon, soft play centre, fun pool and free afternoon sweet trolley. Plus, new for 2024, children can head out on woodland trails in miniature 4×4s for their own off-roading adventures.

Book it:  The Grove (01923 807807; thegrove.co.uk ) has B&B rooms from £289 per night as part of its three-nights-for-two Holiday Escape deal, valid during Easter; junior 4×4 £40.

Cavort with kings in Leicestershire

This year’s a biggie for Richard III, despite having been dead since 1485. A new (free) King’s Walking Trail has launched in Leicester, plus it’s the 10th anniversary of the city’s Richard III Visitor Centre and the 50th of Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre. These two sites – among others such as Twycross Zoo and Conkers – are included in the region’s excellent-value Stay Play Explore holidays, which package accommodation and attractions for one low cost; better yet, the price has been frozen for 2024.

Book it:  Stay Play Explore ( stayplayexplore.co.uk ) offers a one-night Leicestershire Family Fun break from £169 for four including B&B accommodation and three attractions.

Bunk up in Powys

Last year saw a rise in both group and multigenerational holidays – a trend for bonding breaks that shows no sign of abating. So grab everyone and book into Wye Valley Bunkhouse. This five-star (but affordable) converted chapel can squeeze in up to 18 – and is built for family fun. It has a huge television, games room with table tennis and pool table, and a tube slide for getting from the top floor to the bottom. Plus Wye Valley Canoes is based on site, making it easy to hire boats for river exploration.

Book it:  Wye Valley Bunkhouse (07515 905 419; groupaccommodation.com ) costs from £3,450 per week, sleeping 18 (£27pp/per night). 

Mini-adventures

Conquer the fells in the lake district.

New year, new challenge? HF Holidays has launched a collection of challenge hikes for 2024. Mostly doable in a long weekend, they require a little more effort than your average countryside stroll but deliver a lot of satisfaction. For instance, scale Scafell. Meet like-minded walkers over a cream tea at HF’s Derwent Bank country house, take a warm-up walk to Cat Bells, then tackle the roof of England. It’s a good option for solos: there’s no extra charge for a single room.

Book it:  HF Holidays (020 3974 8865; hfholidays.co.uk ) offers a three-night small-group Scafell Pike Challenge from £475pp including full-board accommodation; May 3, Sept 13. Plan the perfect holiday in the Lake District with our guide .

Pack in a pilgrimage in Northumberland

Pilgrimages are popular. But not everyone has time for a month-long Camino. Instead, consider Macs Adventure’s taster of St Cuthbert’s Way which, though only three walking days, packs a historic punch. From Wooler, follow in ancient footsteps, pausing at Cuthbert’s Cave (where the saint’s body was once hidden) and crossing to the tidal island of Lindisfarne, where he became abbot; explore Holy Island’s priory ruins and stay overnight to explore after the day-trippers have gone.

Book it:  Macs Adventure (0141 530 5452; macsadventure.com ) offers a four-night Highlights of the St Cuthbert’s Way trip from £545pp including B&B accommodation. Plan the perfect holiday in Northumberland with our guide.

Camp wild in Norfolk

Launching in spring 2024, the East Anglia 350 driving route will reveal the wild beauty of Norfolk and Suffolk, from Brecklands to the Broads. But to make the 350-mile road trip even more immersive in nature, do it with Wild With Consent. The off-grid experts have teamed up with EA350 to create self-drive 4×4 experiences, wild camping included. Behind the wheel of a fully equipped Land Rover Defender (complete with roof tent), make your way through villages, beaches and bird reserves, before parking up – legally – in the middle of nowhere each night.

Book it:  Wild With Consent ( wildwithconsent.com ) offers a two-night Norfolk Off-Grid self-drive from £695 including 4×4 hire. Plan the perfect holiday in Norfolk with our guide .

Pedal pushers in Southern Scotland

Opened in 2023, the Kirkpatrick Coast to Coast – a 250-mile route named after the local blacksmith who invented the first pedal-assisted bicycle – is Scotland’s newest cycle route. It runs from Stranraer to Eyemouth via sandy beaches, Wigtown (Scotland’s National Book Town), hills and forests, Victorian viaducts, ruined abbeys, the river Tweed and a smidgen of Northumberland. For a bit of support along the way, join Saddle Skedaddle’s new guided ride – the width of a whole country packed into just four diverse cycling days. 

Book it:  Saddle Skedaddle (0191 265 1110; skedaddle.com ) offers a five-night Kirkpatrick Coast to Coast cycle from £1,175pp including half-board accommodation; April 21, September 15. 

Back to nature

Go on stay-fari in dorset.

No need to swan off abroad on safari this year. Enjoy a magnificent menagerie in south-west England in the company of top-notch guides. Wildlife Worldwide’s week in Dorset with nature buffs Mike Dilger and Ed Drewitt (both seen on the BBC) will explore some of Britain’s most biodiverse sites. Sightings may include great bustards on Salisbury Plain, osprey and white-tailed eagles on the Wareham Channel and red squirrels on Brownsea Island.

Book it:  Wildlife Worldwide (01962 302086; wildlifeworldwide.com ) offers an eight-day small-group South Coast Wildlife Extravaganza from £2,995pp including accommodation, most meals and guided activities; departs May 10.

Down on the farm in Ceredigion

Looking for a sustainable stay in 2024? Choose Denmark Farm, a conservation centre near Lampeter that is at the forefront of efforts to revitalise the country’s farmed countryside. There’s a lovely eco-lodge (sustainably sourced timber, sheep’s wool insulation), an eco-campsite with composting loos and woodland kitchen, plus bird hides, biodiverse ponds and nature trails. It also runs a range of back-to-nature courses, featuring everything from ethnobotany and willow weaving to fermenting and tree identification.

Book it:  Denmark Farm (01570 493358; denmarkfarm.org.uk ) has tent pitches from £14 per adult/£8 per child; eco-lodge apartments, sleeping four, cost from £90pp. See online calendar for courses and prices.

Write your way in East Sussex

The three luxe cabins at Starcroft Farm, hidden in the High Weald, are a good choice for creative types. Each one has two writing desks, bulging bookshelves and thought-provoking art and curios you can use as writing prompts. But if your novel needs a real kickstart, book one of Starcroft’s Writing Retreats. As well as an inspiring natural environment, you get a one-to-one with a writing coach, head-clearing woodland walks, writing goodies and vital cake breaks.

Book it:  Starcroft Farm (0780 884 1313; starcroftfarm.co.uk ) offers five-day Writing Retreats from £560pp including self-catering accommodation and coaching session; March 18, June 10, September 23. 

Planting ideas in Cairngorms

When Sir David Attenborough starts extolling the benefits of plant-based diets – as he did on Planet Earth III – nature buffs should take note. So consider signing up for Naturetrek’s new Summer in the Cairngorms Vegetarian/Vegan tour. While the focus will be on seeking special species, from rare orchids to dragonflies and crossbills, it will be based at a hotel specialising in vegan cuisine, and includes delicious meat-free breakfasts, picnics and three-course dinners.

Book it:  Naturetrek (01962 733051; naturetrek.co.uk ) offers a five-day small-group Summer in the Cairngorms trip from £1,495pp including full-board vegetarian/vegan accommodation; June 23. Plan the perfect holiday in the Cairngorms with our guide.

Rewild in style in Devon

Cove Valley, a 300-acre rewilding project on the edge of Exmoor, is home to a wealth of species: red deer, badgers, beavers, hares and more than 50 species of birds. It’s also home to three luxurious, nature-immersed cabins. Opened in summer 2023, these beautiful boltholes are designed to encourage alfresco living: as well as indoor facilities, there are kitchens and wood-fired tubs outside. Enjoy the views, then pack the picnic basket to stroll the estate – trails lead via streams, lakes and feeding stations, where you might spot the wild residents.

Book it: Cove Valley ( covevalley.co.uk ) has self-catering cabins from £250pp, sleeping two.

This story was first published in February 2024 and has been revised and updated.

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What is 4/20? How April 20 became a holiday for weed-lovers everywhere

Kief. Herb. Mary Jane. ZaZa. Would a flower by any other name smell as sweet? On 4/20 it just might. Each year April 20 rolls around and weed smokers pass the pipe, reveling in their love for the magic herb. 

But how did a random day in late April become an international observance for marijuana enthusiasts? Whether you celebrate or not, you may be interested in the smoke-hazed lore behind the holiday. 

The most popularly believed story involves a gaggle of cannabis-loving California teens, a wall at a local high school campus, and a famous rock band. 

What does 4/20 mean? 

April 20, or 4/20, is a holiday celebrated by many weed smokers both in the United States and around the globe. 

It's a day for smokers to not only celebrate their love of the intoxicating flower but to rally for legalization, particularly in the U.S. where marijuana is not federally legal.

Though there is no officially agreed-upon story for the holiday's origins, plenty of popular theories exist — perhaps the most famous tying the holiday's date to a cohort of teenagers in California. 

Happy 4/20!  The best stoner movies and TV shows to light up your 'high' holiday

What is the meaning behind 420?

What better place to celebrate weed than California, a state long known as a smoker's paradise (google: counter-culture, Haight-Ashbury) 

Popular lore ties the birth of "4/20" to a group of high schoolers attending Northern California's San Rafael High School in the early 1970s. The cohort which dubbed itself the "Waldos" used to gather at 4:20 pm to toke up. 

“We weren’t stupid stoners,” Steve Capper, 68, an original Waldo said, pointing to a certificate for exceptional achievement and citizenship he received in school. His point was that the Waldos chose 4:20 as a meeting time because it accommodated after-school activities like sports and studying.

That timestamp soon became a short-hand for the act of smoking weed, and eventually spread beyond the Golden State's borders. The messenger? None other than The Grateful Dead. 

Dave Reddix, a member of the "Waldos," told TIME Magazine in 2017 that the band helped popularize the term during his tenure working as a roadie for bassist Phil Lesh. TIME reports that during a December show in 1990 some Deadheads in Oakland distributed flyers inviting people to smoke “420” at 4:20 p.m. on April 20.

One of the recipients of the flyer was Steven Bloom, a reporter at The High Times. The following year the popular cannabis publication printed that flyer and a new observance was born. 

Why is 4/20 associated with weed?

The Waldos themselves didn't begin to notice the holiday's far reach until the late 1990s, Reddix tells me. They began to see it spray-painted on benches and signs and decided they needed to set the record straight on the real story behind it. 

Now celebrities, cannabis shops, and novice smokers alike celebrate 4/20. 

Though other theories exist about the origins of 4/20, including references to a California police code and a Bob Dylan song , the Waldos have remained adamant that they are the true architects of the holiday. Reddix and Capper both shrugged off competing theories, saying no other group has presented evidence that was verified by a legitimate source. "Every year more and more people start claiming 4/20 as their own," Reddix joked. 

Their  documented proof , which is compiled on a website, is now kept in a bank safe in San Francisco, they said. The address is not so coincidentally located at 420 Montgomery Street.

Dog ate weed?: What to do if your pup got into cannabis

Happy 4/20!

The Waldos still gather each year to celebrate 4/20 together.

Last year, Reddix and Capper met fellow members of their high school toke club at the Lagunitas Brewery in Northern California which has a signature beer named after them: The Waldos' Special Ale. They describe its flavor profile, unsurprisingly, as "dank." 

"We didn't know at the time we were creating history but now we find it rather amusing that this has taken off," Reddix said. 

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered.

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "What is delta-8 THC?" to "How long does weed stay in your system?" to "What is hangxiety?" – we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.

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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.

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Word of the Day

the fact that people or animals do what they are told to do

Binding, nailing, and gluing: talking about fastening things together

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