Lesson
Vacation and holiday vocabulary
Text
This lesson introduces common vocabulary related to holidays and travel. You will learn words used to describe types of holidays, planning and booking, and useful travel expressions for professional contexts.
Table
| Word | Category | Example |
|---|---|---|
| holiday | noun | We have a public holiday on Monday. |
| vacation | noun | She is on vacation until Friday. |
| paid leave | noun | Employees can request paid leave for family reasons. |
| public holiday | noun | Banks are closed on public holidays. |
| staycation | noun | We took a staycation and explored local museums. |
| getaway | noun | We planned a short weekend getaway to relax. |
| itinerary | noun | The travel agent sent the itinerary for the business trip. |
| resort | noun | The team retreat was held at a seaside resort. |
| peak season | noun | Hotel prices rise during peak season. |
| off-season | noun | Traveling off-season can reduce costs significantly. |
Tip
Use these guidelines when choosing words related to holidays:
Choose the word that matches regional usage and the formality level of the context.
Example
I'll be on holiday next week, so please email my colleague.
The company offers 20 days of paid leave per year.
We created a detailed itinerary for the client visit.
During peak season, we must book hotels well in advance.
Tip
Watch out for these universal errors when using holiday vocabulary:
Check prepositions and noun forms; these errors are common regardless of native language.
Quiz
Choose the correct sentence:
Hint: Think about the correct verb + noun collocation for taking time off.
Correct!
Use 'go on vacation' (US) or 'go on holiday' (UK). 'Going to holiday' is not correct in this structure.
Incorrect
The correct answer was: I'm going on vacation next week.
Use 'go on vacation' (US) or 'go on holiday' (UK). 'Going to holiday' is not correct in this structure.
Quiz
Complete: We usually take a _____ during the spring break.
Hint: Think of a two-word phrase meaning a brief trip to relax.
Correct!
'Short getaway' describes a brief trip taken to relax, often for a few days.
Incorrect
The correct answer was: short getaway
'Short getaway' describes a brief trip taken to relax, often for a few days.
Quiz
Which word best fits this definition: 'a planned list of places and times for a trip'?
Hint: Focus on the word that refers to a travel plan or schedule.
Correct!
An 'itinerary' is a planned route or schedule for a trip, listing places and times.
Incorrect
The correct answer was: itinerary
An 'itinerary' is a planned route or schedule for a trip, listing places and times.
Vocabulary
a period of time spent away from work or school for rest or travel; also a public celebration day
We have a public holiday next Friday.
Vocabulary
a period of time when someone stops working to travel or rest (commonly used in US English)
She is on vacation until the end of the month.
Vocabulary
authorized time off from work during which an employee still receives pay
All staff are entitled to paid leave for medical appointments.
Vocabulary
a planned route or schedule of travel events and appointments
Please review the itinerary before the team departs.
Vocabulary
a place where people go for rest, recreation, or vacations, often with hotels and facilities
The conference will be held at a mountain resort.
Vocabulary
a short trip taken to relax or escape daily routine
We booked a weekend getaway to recharge.
Vocabulary
a vacation spent at home or near home rather than traveling afar
This year we chose a staycation and visited local attractions.
Vocabulary
the time period when demand for travel or accommodation is highest
Prices increase significantly during peak season.