"while you were on holiday"

[Odessa Dawn]

We don't get the opportunity to break bread with each other very often.

How often do you get to see your brother? = How often do you get the opportunity to see your brother? = How often do you see your brother?
How many times did you get to sunbathe while you were on holiday? = How many opportunities did you get to sunbathe while you were on holiday?
https://www.usingenglish.com/forum/ask-teacher/187156-get.html

Why has "were" been used instead of are? Would be there any subtle difference if I used are?

​

Thank you.

 

[5jj]

Why has "were" been used instead of are?
​

Thank you.

Because the whole sentence is set in past time.