What is the difference between "vacation" and "holiday"?

[tufguy]

1) I had a four days vacation last year.

2) I had a four days holiday last year.

3) He went on holidays.

4) He went on a vacation.

Could you please check my sentences? What is the difference between "vacation" and "holiday"?

 

[SoothingDave]

In your examples, the use of "holiday" is British. "Vacation" is American. I use my vacation days at work when I want time off. I go on vacation when I take my family to some destination for fun.

 

[Tdol]

In 3, it should be on holiday IMO.

 

[teechar]

... a four-day vacation/holiday ...

or

... a vacation/holiday for four days ...

 

[tufguy]

In your examples, the use of "holiday" is British. "Vacation" is American. I use my vacation days at work when I want time off. I go on vacation when I take my family to some destination for fun.

So "vacation" and "holiday" both are same. One is American other is British.

 

[tufguy]

Not necessarily. Christmas Day for example, is a holiday in both the UK and the USA. It is not a vacation.

So what is the difference between these two?