Respectfully, I’m assuming a “vacation” here is a US-ism for what we in the UK would call a “holiday” (i.e. a recreational trip somewhere), I’m not sure if there are nuanced differences. To see as much as possible of the local culture is generally my aim, that’s my main reason for travelling. I’m not saying that in a snooty “high culture” way at all, sometimes the most mundane cultural things can be the most interesting. Also to try the local cuisine. I like trains, so going to places I can explore by train are great - Interrailing around Europe have been some of my favourite trips. Also I did a great train trip around Japan pre-covid.
I think we (Americans) likely use “vacation” almost synonymous as you would “holiday”, with little-to-no nuances. We probably distinguish them from the term “holiday” because we culturally define “holidays” as various annual observances, religious or federal.
Don’t worry, you came off as snooty from the pure Britishosity.
What a lovely, humble thing to say, thank you.
Does “vacation” have a different meaning in the UK? Or is it just not used?
In the US “vacation” could refer to either a trip away from home for leisure, or just individually scheduled paid leave from work in general, even if you spend it at home in your PJs (aka a “staycation”). Not sure if “holiday” is used there for only the former, or also the latter.
The only reason I asked is that I wasn’t 100% sure what it means, I could have guessed. I got that it probably means the same thing, I just wasn’t sure if it would cover a city/train trip the same way I was thinking. I, personally, wouldn’t use vacation. If they mean the same thing I think probably the Americans have the etymologically better term, if anything.
