The word holiday has related but different meanings in English-speaking countries. Based on the words holy and day, holidays originally represented special religious days. The word has evolved in general usage to mean any special day of rest (as opposed to regular days of rest such as the weekend).
In most of the English-speaking world a holiday is also a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation (e.g. "I'm going on holiday to Malta next week"), the North American equivalent being "vacation". However, some Canadians (especially those of English or Irish descent) will use both the terms vacation and holiday interchangeably when referring to a trip away from home or time off work.
In Canada and the United States, a holiday is a day set aside by a nation or culture (in some cases, multiple nations and cultures) typically for celebration but sometimes for some other kind of special culture-wide (or national) observance or activity. A holiday can also be a special day on which school and/or offices are closed, such as Labor Day.
Murray stuns Nadal to reach final Sun, 07 Sep 2008 22:07:55 -0000 Scotland's Andy Murray completes a stunning win over world number one Rafael Nadal to reach his first Grand Slam final at the US Open. 'Dozens' of under-16s have STIs Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:09:54 -0000 A total of 281 children under the age of 16 contracted a sexually transmitted infection last year, new figures reveal. Heroin warning after two deaths Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:40:51 -0000 Drug users in the Inverness area are warned of possible contaminated heroin, after two sudden deaths at the weekend. Nuclear option 'must be examined' Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:17:24 -0000 Scotland needs to consider creating a new generation of nuclear power plants to ensure energy security, according to business leaders. Students step onto 'super campus' Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:18:12 -0000 A 37m development to complete a "super campus" in south west Scotland opens its doors to students. Golden eagle chicks fly the nest Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:45:12 -0000 A pair of golden eagles nesting in Argyll have reared two chicks for the first time since 46 wind turbines were built nearby.
Activity Scotland - A guide to activities, adventures and outdoor holidays. Contact details.
Meta Description: [ From abseiling to white-water rafting, Activity Scotland provides comprehensive information on activity and adventure holidays in Scotland ]
Dads n Lads Father Son Activity Holidays - Father-son activities, family vacations and adventure holidays in the Scottish Highlands near Loch Ness and Inverness.
Meta Description: [ Scottish Father Son Activities, Family Vacations & Adventure Holidays near Loch Ness Inverness. Father Son Activities in the UK ]
Macs Adventure - Offer walking and mountain bike holidays and courses. Profile and product range with dates, availability and prices.
Meta Description: [ Macs Adventure specialises in walking holidays and mountain biking adventures in Scotland and England. Walking holidays and Mountain Biking Adventures tailor made for you. ]
Safari Scotland Guided Tours - Professionally guided tours of Scotland, off the beaten track, for small parties.
Scottish Ski Tours - Ski holidays for schools, companies, groups, families and individuals.
Meta Description: [ Aviemore, Skiing and Boarding, travel, hire, lift tickets, instruction, school, company, family packs, individually tailored, high quality, low prices ]
Seafari Adventures - Specialise in offering a unique combination of high adventure and pure exhilaration with the thrill of close encounters with Scotland's magnificent sea life and beautiful scenery.
Meta Description: [ Operating from Skye, Easdale and South Queensferry - Scotland, UK. Scotland's foremost sealife seafari adventure boating specialists. ]
Surf The Hebrides - Offering hostel price accommodation, surfing tuition and restaurant facilities suited to backpackers. Listing accommodation, activities, facilities, prices and visitor information.
Wild Adventures - Cycling and walking holidays. Includes details of the routes taken along with start dates.
Meta Description: [ Aviemore's specialist Mountain bike guiding company, providing Scottish walking holidays in Scotland-scottish cycling holidays in Scotland including the Highlands and Islands from Wild Adventures ]