Vacation is a term used in North America to describe time away from work or school, a trip abroad, or simply a pleasure trip away from home. In the rest of the English-speaking world the word "holiday" is used. In Canada both terms are widely used. In England the word vacation referred specifically to the long summer break taken by the law courts (and later universities) - a custom introduced by William the Conqueror from Normandy where it was intended to facilitate the grape harvest. The French term is similar to the American English: "Les Vacances". The term derives from the fact that, in the past, upper-class families would literally move to a summer home for part of the year, leaving their usual family home vacant.

Most countries around the world have labor laws mandating a certain number of days of time off per year to be given to a worker. In Canada the legal minimum is two weeks, in most of Europe the limit is significantly higher. Many American companies give only one week, and then frequently only after completion of a year of employment.

In modern employment practice, vacation days are usually coupled with sick time, official holidays, and sometimes personal days.

Vacation destinations
Vacation destinations can vary from something as simple as staying at a local hotel to sailing around the world. The destinations also will vary by country. Some type of destinations include:
Amusement Parks
Islands
Resorts
Scenic areas
National Parks
Beaches
Ski areas
Cruises