Vacationer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vacationer

[vəˈkeɪʃ(ə)nər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

enjoying leisure time

A vacationer is a person who is taking a break from work or daily routine to relax and enjoy leisure activities, typically away from home. Vacationers often travel to different destinations to explore new cultures, relax on beaches, visit historical sites, or engage in outdoor adventures.

Synonyms

holidaymaker, tourist, traveler.

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Word Description / Examples
vacationer

Commonly used in American English to describe someone who is on a vacation, typically looking for rest and leisure, often in more relaxed settings like beach resorts or countryside retreats.

  • The vacationer lay on the beach, soaking up the sun.
  • The hotel is packed with vacationers this summer.
tourist

A general term for someone visiting places of interest for pleasure, typically for shorter periods. Can sometimes carry a negative connotation when implying superficial engagement with the culture.

  • The city square was crowded with tourists taking photos.
  • Tourists often miss the hidden gems only locals know about.
traveler

Describes someone who travels, typically implying a deeper engagement with the culture and places visited, often used for individuals on extended or frequent journeys. It has a more adventurous and exploratory connotation than 'tourist'.

  • The traveler spent months exploring the hidden paths of the mountains.
  • Travelers often seek out unique experiences beyond typical tourist spots.
holidaymaker

Primarily used in British English, referring to someone who is on a holiday, often employed to describe people engaging in leisure activities in tourist destinations.

  • The holidaymakers flocked to the seaside town.
  • Holidaymakers enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the city.

Examples of usage

  • During the summer, the coastal towns are filled with vacationers enjoying the sun and sea.
  • The hotel offers a variety of amenities to ensure the comfort of its vacationers.
  • The vacationer decided to go on a guided tour to learn more about the local history.
  • She met a fellow vacationer at the resort and they became friends during their stay.
  • The vacationer's itinerary included hiking, sightseeing, and sampling local cuisine.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, vacations are essential for mental health, offering time for rest and rejuvenation.
  • Different countries celebrate vacations in various ways; for example, in Japan, 'Golden Week' is a popular travel time when many take long breaks.

Historical Context

  • The concept of vacations became popular in the 20th century as more people had disposable income and leisure time.
  • The rise of global tourism in the post-World War II era significantly increased the number of vacationers worldwide.

Travel Industry

  • Nowadays, vacationers often look for experiences beyond relaxation, such as adventure travel, eco-tourism, or cultural immersion.
  • The travel industry has adapted to cater to the growing needs of vacationers, with options ranging from all-inclusive resorts to backpacking adventures.

Psychology

  • Research shows that taking vacations can lead to increased happiness and improved emotional well-being.
  • Studies suggest that planning a vacation can boost happiness even before the trip begins, as it gives people something to look forward to.

Origin of 'vacationer'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the word 'vacation,' which has roots in the Latin word 'vacare,' meaning 'to be empty or free.'
  • It started being used in English around the 19th century, relating to taking time off from work or studies.

The term 'vacationer' originated from the Latin word 'vacatio', meaning freedom or exemption. In the early 19th century, the concept of taking a vacation for leisure purposes gained popularity among the upper classes in Europe. As transportation and tourism evolved, the term 'vacationer' became commonly used to describe individuals who take time off to relax and travel to different destinations.


See also: vacationers, vacationing.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,686, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.