let us be calm and wise

This is a bit vague, but to me a "real" vacation (as opposed to an "obligatory" vacation) is one during which NO ONE (with the possible exception of my spouse) gets to have demands for my time. I get to do what I want to do at all times. That can be exploring new places, basking in the sun, visiting places I already love, or just staying at home and doing whatever I fancy at any given time (which can absolutely include cleaning and projects, as long as they are MY choice). This does not have to mean NOT seeing family and friends, but time away from work in which my family expects to be here or do this...not a vacation.