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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:

• Amusement Parks
• Islands
• Resorts
• Scenic areas
• National Parks
• Beaches
• Ski areas
• Cruises

Minimal vacation time around the world

Country	legally required
Argentina	12 calendar days
Australia	Not required, but 4 weeks is standard
Austria	5 weeks, for elderly employees 6 weeks
The Bahamas	2 weeks after 1 year employment, 3 weeks after 5 years employment
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)
Korea, South	10 working days
Mexico	1 week
Netherlands	4 weeks
Puerto Rico	15 days
Saudi Arabia	15 days
Singapore	7 days
South Africa	21 consecutive days
Spain	30 calendar days
Sweden	5 weeks
Switzerland	4 weeks
Taiwan	7 days
Turkey	12 work days
Tunisia	30 work days
Ukraine	24 calendar days
United States	Not required
Venezuela	15 paid days

See also

• Tourism

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