Holidays, as we know them today, stem from social, economic, and cultural transformations and have their roots in ancient practices. Industrialisation and paid holidays have made vacations a right for workers, but this was not always the case. For historians, the rise of seaside resorts, mass tourism, and holidays themselves have had an impact on national identity and individual aspirations.

Holidays, a time of pause and rest, have intrigued many philosophers over the years. Not all have expressed themselves specifically on the concept of holidays, but many have reflected on related ideas such as leisure, rest, working on oneself, and the search for meaning in life.