When is it appropriate to use a with vacation?
For instance, I found these examples in the dictionaries:
You look tired — you should take a vacation.
When are you taking vacation this year?
What's the difference between the two sentences? Why one of them uses a vacation and the other simply vacation?
And then, when do you say go on vacation and go on a vacation?
(Examples from the COCA)
A: Where do you go on vacation?
B: The beach. I love to travel, but I don't get to much.
and
A: Kids, we're about to go on a vacation!
B: Hooray! We're going to Disney World!
I'm so confused!