Vacation
Vacation questions and answers
Read up on Top Vacation Spots at Agonist Learning Center.
Q: Got fired right after my vacation. Can I still get paid for the time I was on vacation?
I work for a small company in CALIFORNIA and there is no employee handbook setting the policies on whether the employee gets paid on vacation or how the employer can discharge employees. I did, however, asked my boss before I left for my vacation to see if I'd get paid during the days I was on vacation. He told me he'd pay me out of his own pocket and not from company payroll because he does not want his wife to find out (his wife is very stingy). So I went on my vacation this whole time thinking that I'd get paid one way or another for the time I was gone.
Today's Friday, I just came back from my 2.5 week vacation and was planning to return to work the following Monday. To my surprise, my boss' wife just called my cell phone right after I got back home from the airport and said I don't have to go to work anymore.
What are my rights here? Am I still entitled to get paid for the days I was on vacation?
Thank you for your kind response. I do not intend to return to work after they just screwed my life. I could've had a longer vacation if I knew this was gonna happen. I just want to know if I am still entitled to get my money for the the time I was gone and how do I get the money?
A: California law requires employers to pay out any accrued vacation time to an employee immediately upon termination, regardless of the reason for termination. The state of California is very generous to their employees and will side with the employee over the employer for most cases.
You should contact your employer and demand they pay you, otherwise you need to contact an attorney and they will take care of it for you immediately.
Q: What is a reasonable vacation/sick day policy for a business owner?
When it is two weeks paid vacation, does that mean 14 whenever vacation days, along with thanksgiving, christmas, labor day, and the 4th of july? How do you handle sick days - are they counted as vacation days?
A: Where I work, I earn so many sick hours per month. I work forty hours a week and am granted ten hours a month in sick leave. Sick days are not considered vacation days. Vacation days should be taken on a scheduled, optional basis. Sick days should be used when one is ACTUALLY sick or for a scheduled doctor's appointment. If I am out sick for more than three days, I need a doctor's note. But there is no explanation needed to take my vacation time.
I also accrue ten hours of vacation time a month. That is actually quite a bit because it works out that I get three weeks a year. So if you want to grant two weeks of vacation a year you'll have to have your employees accrue approximately seven hours a month for them to obtain a two week vacation at forty hours a week.
Q: Vacation destination? Where is the best place in America to travel for a GREAT Weekend?
I'm taking this vacation alone (maybe a couple of the fella's if they clear it with the wife). I've excluded NY and Las Vegas becuase I'll be going to those places in the upcomming months. This is my first seperate vacation (without the wifey) and I'd like to go someplace with some seriously good nightlife or Great rollercosters.
Things I like to do on Vacation...
Drink
Club (Hip Hop or Mixed)
Stay out late
Gamble (but somewhere that has other attractions or I may exceed my budget)
or
Ride Roller coaster (If there are any theme parks open in April I'd go visist if they have an exceptional roller coaster.
I know some of you have had exceptional Vacations and if you could recommend a place I'd apareciate it, thank you.
dcgirl GREAT answer, but I forgot to include, I'm from Houston so I go to New Orleans about once every 3 month, I've been so much It wouldn't be worth my first solo vaction. Thanks for the answer though if I had never been you'd definatly have got "Best Answer"...
To every one else....
I've excluded New Orleans too... I go there too much already.
A: New Orleans... you can do all of this except ride roller coasters. There's a couple of casinos just steps from the French Quarter, lots of clubs of all sorts, there's no last call, and it is a fun, fun, fun place! New Orleans is open for business post-Katrina and if you stick to the tourist areas you would hardly notice a hurricane had even been there. But the folks who work there could sure use your tip money, and will be very appreciative. I was there a few months ago, and I got stellar service everywhere I went. Had a blast!
Q: Vacation!!?
Some friends and I are planning a vacation to Orange Beach, AL in the middle of August. What are some good places to eat, bars, night life? We're gonna be on the beach all day so we need something fun to do at night! (We're all over 21!) Thanks!
A: LULU'S or Mikee's in GShores have great food.
Q: What happens to vacation time when you are switched to salary after working at a company for 3 years?
I live in Alberta, and I have been working at my job for 3 and a half years, and for that time I have been an hourly pay employee. I just took a vacation and got paid vacation pay, and then I was informed they were switching me to salary. I got a call from my accountant telling me that I can't have a vacation, until September 27th, 2008 (one year from now, so a whole year without a vacation) because I have to be on salary for a year before I earn it. Is this right? Even though I've been there, in the same position for 3 years?
After reading a reply, I figured I would add that the last vacation I took was 5 days, and the only vacation I took this year when we are allowed 2 weeks.
A: If that company was your sole source of income for 3 years and they provided the tools and managed your activities and your time then you are an employee and should be treated as such. That's a federal description from CRA.
Did your employer remit EI, CPP and income tax on your behalf?
Either way you should negotiate holidays before signing the new agreement.
According to Alberta employment standards you are eligible for 2 weeks paid vacation every year. See link below.
Q: What are good destinations to vacation alone?
I really want to go on vacation this summer, but I have no one to go with but myself. What are some good vacation ideas for young women traveling alone? I was thinking maybe a spa vacation or something. Let me know.
A: Hawaii !!!! You can hang out on the beach by yourself & people watch while soaking up rays. Go shopping & browse all you want without someone telling you "let's go", dining might be somewhat lonely, maybe eat in the bar areas of restaurant, so you won't be the only one dining alone & you can meet people. Go Hawaii !!! Aloha!!!!
Q: If I resign a job with enough vacation to last until next year, can I get paid for vacation next year also?
I have about 3 weeks of vacation time left at my current job. I am planning to resign such that December 12, 2008 is my last day, and take vacation until the end of the year. Obviously I will get paid until December 31, 2008. But since I have some leftover days, could I technically be considered an employee on January 1, 2009, at which point I could take my 3 weeks of vacation time for 2009, and get paid for those extra 3 weeks?
I assume it depends on the company and I will have to ask payroll, but is it typical to allow that?
A: I have a feeling you are not technically an employee on Jan 1st 09, therefore you should not be entitled to additional vacation. I believe, even if you resign later, you would be entitled to a percentage of the 09 vacation, depending on how many days you have worked in 2009. It doesn't make logical sense otherwise.
Q: Does anyone have any all inclusive vacation tips or ideas?
My wife and I are planning to go on an all inclusive vacation, but can't decide where to go or who to go through. We have looked at Sandals, Apple Vacations, and Cruise lines but can't decide who will provide the best vacation at the most reasonable price. Can anyone help with suggestions? Thanks.
A: The only all inclusive trips I have taken have been cruises which I liked because I just unpacked once, settled in, then could choose if/when I wanted to go on shore excursions, or explore all the wonderful activities offered aboard the ship.
As the other answerer said - drinks, massages, beauty salon, etc. on board were NOT included, but there was a lot that was. It all depends on what you like to do & what your tastes are.
Best thing would be for you & your wife to do what he did - type in all inclusive vacations in your browser search line & review what comes up, then keep adding a keyword until you narrow it down to just those that fit the activities, locations, etc. that both of you like.
Good luck!!
Q: What vacation recommendations can you make for New Orleans after Katrina?
We want to travel there with our 16 year old son, but we do not know if it is still a good vacation spot, especially for a teenager. I'd love to hear about your recent travel adventures.
A: Things to do in New Orleans:
Mardi Gras and the Jazz Festival are world famous events, but New Orleans hosts many festivals and celebrations throughout the year: www.nola.com/festivals
The Saint Charles Streetcar is the oldest continuously operating street railway in the world and is a "tourist attraction" in its own right. It is part of the public transit system, as are the Canal Street and Riverfront streetcar lines: www.norta.com
There is always music, but the bands change: Go to www.bestofneworleans.com and click on Music then Listings or to www.offbeat.com and click on Listings, then Music.
Note that music clubs often advertise "No Cover", meaning there is no charge for entering. However, clubs with "No Cover" often require that customers buy a beverage each for every "set " of music (which can be every 20 minutes) so KNOW THE PRICE before you sit down. Clubs do that because some people will sit in the club all evening drinking nothing (clubs only make money from the drinks they sell - not from the music). It is also a good idea to pay for each round of drinks (in clubs on Bourbon Street) as it is delivered so there can't be any confusion at the end of the evening.
An incomplete guide to bars & clubs: www.neworleanscheapdrinks.com
About certain alcoholic beverages: Realize that some famous drinks are VERY potent compared with regular cocktails that have only 1 to 1 ½ ounces of alcohol. For example, a Hurricane is basically 3 or 4 ounces of rum in something like red Kool-Aid, and a Hand Grenade has at least 4 ½ ounces of Everclear + rum + vodka mixed with melon liquor. They don’t necessarily taste like an alcoholic beverage and it is easy to over-indulge.
Wander around the French Quarter, enjoy the architecture, watch the street entertainers (do tip), and visit some of the historic buildings that have been turned into museums (go to www.frenchquarter.com and click on Historic Attractions).
Assuming the weather is good, you can collect a sandwich lunch and eat in the riverfront park (watch the shipping) or in Jackson Square (a very nice park).
The Riverwalk shopping center has an air-conditioned food court with dining overlooking the river (www.riverwalkmarketplace.com). The Canal Place shopping center is in the French Quarter and has a cinema and higher-end shopping (Saks 5th Avenue, Brooks Brothers, etc.). Magazine Street is a miles-long shopping district: www.magazinestreet.com
Louisiana is the only US state that offers tax-free shopping for international visitors: http://www.louisianataxfree.com/
The lobby for the Westin Canal Place Hotel is on the 11th floor and overlooks the French Quarter. It is a great place for an afternoon drink/snack:(www.westin.com).
Cafe du Monde is in the French Quarter and you shouldn't miss having cafe au lait & beignets (www.cafedumonde.com). Another great coffee shop is the Croissant d'Or (at 615 Ursulines Street), which is open from 7:00am to 2:00pm and has food in addition to pastry.
The Palm Court restaurant is very nice, has moderate prices, and offers traditional live jazz starting at 8:00pm: 1204 Decatur Street, tel 504-525-0200 (reservations are important and they are not open every day). The Palm Court is closed from about July 25th to about September 25th each year.
Maximo's Italian Grill has great food and atmosphere: 1117 Decatur Street in the French Quarter, (504) 586-8883.
All of the famous restaurants (Antoine's, Arnaud's, Brennan's, Commander's Palace, etc.) have reopened. The Pelican Club (on Exchange Alley in the FQ) is not as well known but is the same type experience. Reservations are a good idea, and probably essential on weekends. Tujaques Restaurant (823 Decatur Street) is very traditional and has moderate prices: www.tujaguesrestaurant.com
Cafe Degas is a very French restaurant near City Park at 3127 Esplanade - which is not within walking distance of downtown (5 to 10 minutes by taxi). They are closed on Mondays & Tuesdays (504-945-5635).
The Napoleon House restaurant is at 500 Chartres Street in the FQ, and has a menu of great local dishes: www.napoleonhouse.com
Preservation Hall has traditional live Jazz, and doesn’t serve alcohol so all ages are welcome: www.preservationhall.com
New Orleans has ballet, opera, a symphony orchestra, and theatre:
www.nobadance.com
www.neworleansopera.org
www.lpomusic.com
www.lepetittheatre.com
There is a free ferry across the Mississippi at the "foot" of Canal Street. It is a short trip but like a harbor cruise w/o a guide: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/canal_street_ferry
The Aquarium, Audubon Zoo, and the new Insectarium are world-class attractions (www.auduboninstitute.org) and you should see them if you can. The Zoo is several miles from downtown. You can drive to the Zoo (which has free parking) or take public transit from the French Quarter.
The Louisiana State Museum is in the French Quarter: http://lsm.crt.state.la.us/ New Orleans is also home to a number of other museums, such as the National World War II Museum (www.ddaymuseum.org) and the New Orleans Museum of Art (www.noma.org). Both can be reached by public transit: The WWII museum is in the central business district but a long walk from the French Quarter. NOMA is not within walking distance of downtown but has free parking. Go to www.neworleansmuseums.com for info on more museums.
Harrah’s Casino is in the Central Business District: www.harrahs.com (age 21 required for entry)
New Orleans City Park has a variety of attractions + free parking. City Park also presents "Celebration in the Oaks" from late November to early January: (www.neworleanscitypark.com).
Check www.frenchquarter.com and http://www.nola.com/visitor/ for ideas about other things to do.
Hope you have a great time!
Q: What is the best vacation for a group of women?
We are planning an all women vacation, me and my 4 friends are going. The husbands is taking care of the kids. We live in Baltimore, MD, I like to go to a destination that is at least 1-5 hours drive, we don't like flying. We don't like to go more than far. So what is the best vacation for my women's group.
A: I swear, If you don't go to NY and get on a cruise ship you will have missed out on a vacation to remember!!!!!!!!!! With all the girls too? I just took my first cruise for my 40th birthday. My best friend and I went for a week to the Western Caribbean. It was the first time we have been able to have fun since her son was born 15 years ago. We laughed, cried, danced, laughed and ate! When I got back to port and I called my family to tell them I was back, no one could hear me because I lost my voice from all of the fun. My ears hurt from laughing so much. I would have NEVER thought a cruise would be that much fun NEVER!!!!!!!! It hurts to even think about it, because I am dying to book another one. For the money YOU CANNOT BEAT IT! We went on Norwegian Cruise lines Norwegian Pearl and it was a new ship. I liked the freestyle cruising(though I have nothing to compare it to) because Deb and I could time our own activities, and dinner.....! If you haven't done a cruise before Now is the time Especially with "just the girls" My God...the stories you will never be able to tell! :~) For a balcony stateroom for two people and airline tickets (Charlotte to Miami) the trip was about 1000.00 per person (includes meals ALL OF THEM, as many as you want). There was no stress at all boarding the ship and the captain steared us around every afternoon T'storm. We got one drop of rain in total>all week. I can't stress enough how much fun it was. If you do go find me and tell me all about it.
Q: What is your favorite vacation spot in the united states?
I live in the midwest.Don't want to spend too much money on a vacation, but I'd like a nice one. Thanks. Oh and this is a family vacation, not a party-hard spring break type of thing.
A: montana is pretty gorgeous...but me and my family rented a little house on a lake for a week in colorado and that was awesomeeeeee we rode horses through the pass in the mountains and canoed and there were beavers and the food was good ....ooo but go in summer definitely.
Q: What are some good vacation spots for a family?
I want to go on a very fun vacation with my family. My family consist of a mom, dad, sister (10), me (13). So where are some good vacation spots me and my family?
A: San Clemente state beach is an awesome vacation spot it has perfect waves and wonderful camp spots it is nice and warm the weather is perfect i think it is an awesome spot because ive been going there sience i was a kid we go in july it is the place to be....:)p.s its in san diego
Q: What does the setting vacation mean on my water heater?
There are three settings, vacation, medium and hot. Right now it's on vacation and we don't have any hot water. Do I just need to put in on medium or hot?
A: It is the lowest setting on the water heater thermostat. It doesnt let the burner come on until you reset it. That way you arent wasting gas or electricity heating a tank of water that youre not using.
Q: Does anyone know a vacation website where I can find an all inclusive trip to Italy?
Rome specifically, but some sort of tour would be okay as well. I am not planning right away, but would love to look through some all inclusive vacations. I have already looked on some of the major travel sites (travelocity, orbitz, yahoo travel) and didn't find any vacation packages. Please and thank you!
A: I booked mine through roadtoitaly.com
Check them out, perhaps you'll find what you're looking for there. They have custom options. I booked a tour for 2 weeks around northern part of Italy and it included land and air fare - portorage, taxes, airport transfers, etc. Made my trip hassle free and easy. They have great tours such as Cosmos, Globus, and Tafalgar. If you scroll down, you'll find more European tours. You can have something very intense or something light in terms of constantly walking and looking. But they are tours. If you want a vacation - as in rest time - this is probably not it. Hope this helps. Best of luck.
Q: How much vacation do teachers get per year? Do teachers work on holidays while the kids are home?
I imagine they get as many days of vacation as there are days between the end of a school year and the start of the next? I'm asking because I'm doing some career exploration.
A: I am a teacher in the state of TN. In our city, we are on 9 weeks. We get a week's vacation for Fall Break; we'll be out on the 19th through Jan 5th for Winter Break. We'll have another one in the Spring - one week and then summer. I usually teach through the summer. Summer school starts at 7:30 am and ends at 12:00. I still have time to do what I want to do. Summer school lasts through early July and I have about 6 weeks before school starts again. I find that enough time for me to get rested. In addition, we have our sick and personal days.