20+ Differences between Holiday and Vacation (Explained)

Who does not like Holidays and Vacations? Literally no one. But did you know that most people use the terms Holiday and Vacation interchangeably? Most people think that Holidays and Vacations are the same due to many similarities.

But despite the similarities, both are very different. The significant difference between a Holiday and a Vacation is that the former is of a concise duration, whereas the latter is of an extended period. 

I/C

Key Differences

Holiday

• It can be best described as an absence from the daily routine that is usually a day or two long. For example, if a week is absent from one’s daily routine, it can not be termed a holiday. But if a day is absent, it is only called a Holiday.

•  One of the significant characteristics of this type of absence is that these are typically given to people only when there is a special occasion. This could mean festivals, historical dates, national holidays, etc. 

• Another classic feature of these absences that also acts as a significant distinction between them and Vacation is that these absences are completely paid from the organization. 

Vacation

• It can be best described as an absence from the daily routine that is of a longer duration than Holidays. These absences generally last from a week to a fortnight to a month. If five days are absent from one’s daily routine, it will be known as a vacation, not a holiday. 

• The primary feature of these absences is that these are generally given to people without the presence of special occasions. Summer and Winter Vacations are an example of such absences. 

• Unlike Holidays, these absences are entirely unpaid. However, it may vary from country to country and organization to organization. 

Comparison Between A Holiday And A Vacation

Parameter	Holiday	Vacation
Meaning	It can be best described as an absence from the daily routine that lasts shorter than a Vacation. Typically, these absences last from a day to two. Anything more than that is generally not considered a Holiday but a Vacation.	It can be best described as an absence from the daily routine that lasts longer than a Holiday. Generally, these absences last from five days to a month. However, there is not any specific criterion that helps in defining how many days are Holidays and Vacations. But talking in general, these are longer.
Duration	The sole most crucial feature of these absences that also acts as a significant distinction between these absences and Vacation is that these are of a shorter duration than Vacations. These absences last a day or two. These absences last a day or two.	The central feature of these absences is that they are of longer duration. These generally last from five days to a maximum of a month.
Types	It can be broadly classified into seven major categories: Public, National, Bank, Gazetted, Restricted, Bridge, and Federal Holidays.	There are not any specific types of these absences
Given on	Another essential characteristic of these absences is that they are always given to people on special occasions. These can not be taken for granted without the presence of special events.	Unlike Holidays, these absences are not taken for granted in the presence of special occasions. However, these absences can be taken without any special occasion.
Paid/unpaid	One of the significant advantages of these absences is that these are continually paid leaves, as these are generally official absences as directed by a country or state’s official authorities.	Most often, people opt for these absences as and when they like. These absences are not granted to people by any official authorities. Thus, these are not paid absences.
Examples	Christmas, Independence Day, National Day, Thanksgiving, Federal and State Holidays, etc.	Summer Vacations, Winter Vacations, Christmas Vacations, abroad Vacations, etc.

Major Differences Between A Holiday And A Vacation

What Exactly Is A Holiday? 

A holiday is an absence from the daily routine that lasts for a shorter period. Typically, these absences are given to people when there is some sort of special occasion such as festivals, historic Holidays, bank holidays, national holidays, etc. Generally, these absences last a day or two. Thus, an absence of a day or two can not be termed as a Vacation. In almost every country, these absences are entirely paid. 

I/C

Key Features Of Holidays

• It is referred to as an absence from the daily routine that is concise and lasts for a day or two. Anything more than that can not be termed a Holiday. 

• These absences are given only when there is a special occasion like festivals, historic Holidays, bank holidays, national holidays, etc.

• These absences are generally entirely paid for in almost every country and every organization. 

• The usage of Holidays and Vacations also varies from country to country. For example, countries like England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland use the term Holiday over Vacation.

• Examples of Holidays include Christmas, Good Friday, Independence Day, etc. 

What Exactly Is A Vacation? 

Vacation refers to an absence from the daily routine that generally lasts an extended period. These absences mainly last from a week to a month. Unlike Holidays, these absences are given to people without the presence of a special occasion.

These absences come in the form of summer and winter vacations in school. In organizations, employees could opt for voluntary Vacations. Generally, these absences are not paid, but they may vary from region to region and organization to organization. 

I/C

Key Features Of Vacations

• It is referred to as an absence from the daily routine that is of long duration and lasts from five days to a month. There is no definite criterion about how many days of Vacation is, but mainly less than three to four days can not be termed a Vacation. 

• These absences are not given to people on special occasions. People can also opt for voluntary Vacations as and when they like. 

• In almost every country and organization, these absences are entirely unpaid. 

• It should be noted that people in the United States of America (USA) like to use the term Vacation over Holiday. 

• Examples of Vacations include summer, winter, Christmas, etc. 

Contrast Between A Holiday And A Vacation

Origin of the word

• Holiday – The word Holiday is believed to have originated from the Old English word “hāligdæg.” This word connects two words, “hālig” and “dæg.” The former means “holy,” while the latter means “day.” 

• Vacation – The word Vacation is believed to have originated from the Old French and Latin words “vacation” and “vacation,” which means “vacant place” and “exemption, freedom,” respectively. 

Meaning

• Holiday – It can be best described as an absence from the daily routine that is of concise duration. Typically, these absences last one or two days, a maximum of three days. No proper criterion defines how many off-days are Holidays, but it is generally a concise duration – a day or two. Anything more than that can be termed a Holiday. The usage of the term Holiday also varies from region to region. For example, mainly the United Kingdom (UK) likes to use the period Holiday over Vacation. 

• Vacation – It can be best described as an absence from the daily routine that is of a very long duration. These absences generally last from a week to a maximum of one month. Just like Holidays, there is no proper criterion for how many days are Vacation, but these are longer than Holidays. A day or two of absences can not be termed as Vacation. Individuals living in the United States of America like to use the term Vacation over Holiday. 

Duration

• Holiday – The main feature of these absences that is a significant factor in differentiating these absences from Vacations is that these are of very short duration compared to Holidays. 

• Vacation – An essential characteristic of these absences is that these are of long duration compared to holidays. 

Types

• Holiday – These absences can be broadly categorized into seven categories: Public, National, Bank, Gazetted, Restricted, Bridge, and Federal. 

• Vacation – There are not any significant classifications of these absences. 

I/C

Types Of Holidays:

1. Public Holidays – These absences can be best described as holidays that are holidays everywhere in the country by law. These absences fall on a specific date yearly and are a holiday for everyone. 
2. National Holidays – These absences can be best described as holidays that are given in lieu of a country. It could mean the Independence or Republic days of a country. Most countries have national holidays, and since these holidays are national, these imply to the whole nation and every person. 
3. Bank Holidays – As the name suggests, these absences can be best described as holidays when all the banking institutions of a country are closed. Most of the other institutions, such as education and corporate, also follow these holidays, but it may vary from place to place. 
4. Gazetted Holidays – These absences are best described as holidays granted to the public by a country or state’s official authorities. Typically, these holidays imply to the whole nation and mean holidays for every person. 
5. Restricted Holidays – These are a set of holidays that are given to people. People must choose a limited number of holidays from these Restricted Holidays, whichever they want. 
6. Bridge Holidays – These absences are given to people when other holidays are nearby, so there is a bridge for a couple of holidays. 
7. Federal Holidays – Some countries, especially the United States of America (USA), generally have no national holidays. In that case, Federal holidays serve the same purpose as national holidays. Specifically, these holidays are regulated by the US federal government. 

Given On

• Holiday – The trademark feature of these absences is that they are always given to people on special occasions. The official holidays of various states and countries are a holiday for everyone living in the concerned region, and no workplace, school, or institution can stop you from claiming that Holiday. Various special occasions include national, public, and bank holidays. 

• Vacation – Unlike Holidays, these absences are not given to people on special occasions. These can be granted to people as and when the concerned people desire to have so. People can opt for voluntary Vacations, and children are offered winter and summer Vacations. It should be noted that employees asking for voluntary Vacations can be tuned down due to numerous reasons. 

Paid/unpaid

• Holiday – The classic feature of these absences is that they are always paid. This is primarily because of the fact that these are generally given when there is an official holiday of a state or a country. And that means a Holiday for all, meaning the employee has not taken an absence because of his want, but the official authorities grant it. 

• Vacation – The hallmark feature of these absences is that they are always unpaid. The main reason behind this is that these are of very long duration, and employees are not doing any work for the organization. Also, these are not granted to people from the official authorities of a country or state. 

Examples

• Holiday – Examples of such absences include Christmas, Independence Day, National Holidays, Thanksgiving, Republic Day, etc. 

• Vacation – Examples of such absences include summer Vacations, Winter Vacations, voluntary Vacations, etc. 

CONCLUSION

The terms Holiday and Vacation are known to create confusion in people’s minds. Due to various similarities, both are considered the same, but despite the similarities, both are very different. The significant difference between a Holiday and a Vacation is that the former is of concise duration and is paid, while the latter is of a very long period and is unpaid. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Similar Posts:

• 20+ Differences between a CEO and a Chairman  (Explained)
• 20+ Difference Between Executive Director And CEO
• 25+ Pros and Cons of Wellness Vacations (Explained)
• 30+ Advantages And Disadvantages Of Daily Routine (Explained)
• 20+ Differences Between Memorial Day And Veterans Day (Explained)