16 Other Ways to Say HOLIDAY | Holiday Synonyms (Examples)

Everyone loves a good holiday. It’s that time when you can relax, travel, or spend moments with family and friends. But sometimes, we want to say it differently, like vacation, break, getaway, or retreat. Each word gives a different feeling and tone. In this article, let’s look at 16 great options.

16 Different Ways to Say HOLIDAY: Another Word for HOLIDAY

Vacation

Vacation is one of the most common ways to replace the word holiday. It brings the idea of taking time away from regular duties to rest, explore, or spend with loved ones. You can use it for both long and short breaks, whether it’s a weekend trip or a full month off. It works great for travel plans or just relaxing at home. This word gives a warm and exciting feeling, making it perfect for talking about fun plans.

• We went on a vacation to Bali last summer.
• I love planning a winter vacation with my family.
• After exams, a small vacation feels like heaven.

Break

Break is a short and simple word that means stopping work or routine for a while. It can be used for a few minutes, days, or even weeks, depending on the context. People use this when they want to step away from stress or take a breather. It fits perfectly in school, office, or daily life settings. It shows a need to recharge or pause before continuing again.

• I need a break before starting the next project.
• She took a weekend break to visit her parents.
• Let’s take a short break and grab some coffee.

Getaway

Getaway gives the feeling of escaping from everyday life to find peace or fun somewhere else. It sounds refreshing and exciting, often used for short trips or surprise plans. You can use it when you want to describe a special or quick escape from your routine. It fits best for weekends or spontaneous adventures. This word adds a touch of adventure and joy.

• We planned a romantic getaway in the mountains.
• Their family getaway was just what they needed.
• A beach getaway always lifts my mood.

Retreat

Retreat is a word that means stepping back to rest or reflect. It often has a calm and peaceful tone, making it perfect for quiet holidays or wellness trips. It can be used for personal reflection or group gatherings. Many people use it for spiritual or company events meant to relax and refocus. It suggests renewal and peace of mind.

• The yoga retreat helped me relax completely.
• Our team retreat built strong relationships.
• She joined a silent retreat for a week of calm.

Leave

Leave is often used in workplaces to mean time away from duty. It can be for rest, travel, or personal reasons. It is a formal word but still feels friendly when used right. You can use it when talking about time off approved by a boss or school. It's also a clear way to show official permission to be absent.

• I applied for annual leave to visit my parents.
• She is on sick leave after the surgery.
• They approved my leave for two weeks in July.

Recess

Recess is mostly used for school breaks, but it can also mean a pause or rest in between activities. It shows a short, regular time to relax and have fun. It is light and cheerful, often connected with children or short work breaks. It's a good word for moments meant to refresh before getting back to work.

• Students enjoy playing during recess.
• The court went into recess after the session.
• We had a quick recess before the next meeting.

Trip

Trip is one of the most common and friendly words for holiday. It refers to traveling from one place to another for fun, work, or learning. It's flexible and can describe both short and long journeys. You can use it for solo, family, or group travels. It always gives a fun and exploring feeling.

• We took a trip to Italy last summer.
• That road trip was unforgettable.
• She planned a short trip to the nearby town.

Excursion

Excursion is a nice word for a short journey, often for fun or study. It's usually organized and has a clear purpose, like a school trip or guided tour. This word sounds neat and adds a bit of formality. It's great for describing outings with groups or educational travel.

• The students enjoyed their science excursion.
• Our family went on a nature excursion last weekend.
• The excursion to the old fort was exciting.

Furlough

Furlough is a term often used for official leave from duty, especially in military or work settings. It usually means a longer break granted for rest or personal time. It gives a formal tone but still represents relaxation and relief. It's perfect for describing time off that's planned or granted for a reason.

• The officer returned home on furlough.
• He spent his furlough traveling across the country.
• The company offered furlough days during the slowdown.

Time off

Time off is a casual and widely used way to say holiday. It can be for vacation, personal days, or rest. It suits both formal and friendly talks, and it's easy to understand. People use it when they need a pause from work or want to refresh their mind. It fits any break, short or long.

• I took some time off for my birthday.
• She needs time off to recover from the flu.
• Everyone deserves time off to recharge.

R&R

R&R stands for rest and relaxation. It's a catchy and fun way to talk about taking a break to recover energy. People use it when they need to unwind after hard work or stress. It has a casual and friendly tone. It's also used in workplaces and travel plans.

• After the busy week, I just need some R&R.
• He went on a short R&R trip to the countryside.
• We all deserve a little R&R sometimes.

Sabbatical

Sabbatical means a long break from work, often for study, travel, or personal projects. It's usually planned and can last months or even a year. It's common for professionals or teachers who want to grow, learn, or rest. It feels special because it's used for a meaningful and renewing time away.

• She took a sabbatical to write her first book.
• He spent his sabbatical teaching in another country.
• I dream of taking a sabbatical one day.

Escape

Escape means getting away from stress or daily life for rest or joy. It's about finding freedom and peace. You can use it for travel, a short stay, or even a mental break. It's a word that brings excitement and calm at the same time. People love using it when talking about freedom.

• A weekend escape to nature sounds perfect.
• They planned an escape from city noise.
• Everyone needs an escape now and then.

Staycation

Staycation means taking a holiday at home or nearby instead of traveling far. It's perfect when you want rest without big expenses or long trips. People use it to enjoy local spots or just relax at home. It's popular because it's stress-free and still feels like a real holiday.

• We had a cozy staycation with movies and snacks.
• A staycation is great when you want to save money.
• Our staycation made us appreciate our home more.

Journey

Journey means traveling from one place to another, but it also carries a deeper meaning. It can be about discovery, adventure, or personal growth. It feels poetic and emotional, making it perfect for storytelling or travel writing. It's not only about the destination but also the experience.

• Our journey through the mountains was magical.
• Life itself is a beautiful journey.
• The journey taught us patience and courage.

Expedition

Expedition means a long or planned trip, often for exploration or study. It sounds adventurous and serious, usually linked with challenges and discovery. You can use it when talking about travel with a purpose. It adds a touch of bravery and excitement to the idea of a holiday.

• The Arctic expedition was a dream come true.
• They joined a desert expedition with experts.
• Our expedition revealed hidden natural wonders.

Final Thoughts

There are so many ways to say holiday, and each one brings a unique feeling. Whether you want fun, rest, or discovery, there’s always a word that fits perfectly for the moment.