As a Brit, I love to travel and take vacations. But have you ever wondered what British people say for vacation? In this article, I will take you through the phrases and expressions commonly used by British people when talking about their vacation plans.
1. Holiday
When Brits talk about their time off work or school, they usually refer to it as a “holiday” rather than a vacation. “I’m going on holiday to Spain next week” is a typical phrase you might hear.
1.1 Annual Leave
In the workplace, British people often talk about their “annual leave” when discussing their vacation time. “I have 20 days of annual leave this year, so I’m planning a trip to Italy.”
2. Trip
Another common term used by British people when referring to their vacation is “trip.” “I’m going on a trip to France next month” is a simple and straightforward way to talk about their upcoming travel plans.
2.1 Getaway
Some British people might refer to their vacation as a “getaway.” “I need a quick getaway to the countryside to relax and recharge.”
3. Break
The word “break” is often used to describe a short vacation or time off work. “Let’s go for a weekend break to the beach” is a common sentence you might hear from a Brit planning their vacation.
3.1 Time Off
When discussing vacation plans with friends or colleagues, British people might simply say “I’m taking some time off next month” to signify their upcoming holidays.
4. Out of Office
When British people are away on vacation, they often set an “out of office” message on their emails to inform colleagues that they are not available. This is a simple and direct way of communicating their absence.
4.1 Annual Shut Down
In some workplaces, particularly around Christmas and New Year, there might be an “annual shut down” where the entire company closes for a period of time, allowing employees to take a longer vacation.
5. Staycation
While not specific to British people, the term “staycation” has become popular in the UK. It refers to a vacation where you stay at home or within your own country rather than traveling abroad. “We’re having a staycation this summer and exploring the local area.”
5.1 Home Holiday
Similar to a staycation, some British people might refer to their vacation as a “home holiday.” This means they will be staying at or near their home for their time off.
6. Conclusion
In conclusion, British people have a variety of ways to talk about their vacation plans, from using simple terms like “holiday” and “trip” to more specific phrases like “annual leave” and “staycation.” Understanding these expressions can help you navigate conversations with British friends and colleagues about their time off.
7. FAQs
7.1 What’s the difference between “holiday” and “vacation” for British people?
For British people, “holiday” is the more commonly used term to refer to their time off work or school, while “vacation” is more commonly used in American English.
7.2 Do British people take long vacations?
British people typically have a set amount of annual leave, usually ranging from 20 to 30 days, which allows them to take longer vacations if they choose to do so.
7.3 What are some popular vacation destinations for British people?
Popular vacation destinations for British people include Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and countries in Southeast Asia for long-haul trips.
7.4 How do British people plan their vacations?
British people often plan their vacations well in advance, taking into account school holidays, work schedules, and any travel restrictions or requirements for their chosen destination.
7.5 Do British people prefer beach vacations or city breaks?
It varies from person to person, but beach vacations in sunny destinations like Spain and Greece are popular among British holidaymakers, as are city breaks to European cities such as Paris and Rome.