This article is on vacation as time off. For the movie, see National Lampoon's Vacation. For the Go Go's album/song see Vacation (album)
Vacation is a term used in 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. 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 labour 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:
Minimal vacation time around the world
Country |
legally required |
Argentina |
14 calendar days |
Australia |
Not required, but 4 weeks is standard |
Belgium |
20 days, premium pay |
Bulgaria |
20 business days |
Canada |
2 weeks, determined by provincial law |
Chile |
15 working days |
China |
Not required |
Czech Republic |
4 weeks |
European Union |
4 weeks, more in some countries |
France |
5 weeks |
Hong Kong |
7 days |
Hungary |
20 work days |
Israel |
14 days |
Japan |
including sick leave: 10 days paid time off;
officially, five weeks (in reaction to the karoshi problem)
|
Mexico |
1 week |
Netherlands |
2 weeks |
Puerto Rico |
15 days |
Saudi Arabia |
15 days |
Singapore |
7 days |
South Africa |
21 consecutive days |
South Korea |
10 working days |
Spain |
30 calendar days |
Sweden |
5 weeks |
Switzerland |
4 weeks |
Taiwan |
7 days |
Turkey |
12 work days |
Ukraine |
24 calendar days |
United States |
Not required |
Venezuela |
15 paid days |
See also
External Links