Holiday vs Vacation: American vs British English

Do you say holiday or vacation? This video clears up one of the most common British vs American English misunderstandings.

In British English, holiday means taking time off to relax or travel. For example, “I’m going on holiday.” But in American English, the word holiday usually refers to a public holiday, like Christmas or Thanksgiving.

So, when you’re applying for a tourist visa to the USA or chatting with Americans, saying “I’m going for a holiday” can sound confusing. It’s better to say “I’m going for a vacation.”

In this short skit, we see how misusing the word can cause problems during a visa interview. You’ll learn the correct usage, pronunciation tips, and how to avoid awkward mistakes.

This is a great lesson for English learners, international travelers, and ESL students. Understanding the cultural context of words helps you speak clearly and confidently.

Watch the video, practice the phrases, and next time you’re traveling, you’ll know exactly what to say!