I get paid for 3 weeks plus a week at Christmas. I give 4 weeks notice by contract but I aim to give a lot more. I gave 2 and 3 months notice for the 2 weeks (separate weeks) I have taken off for the summer.

It will depend on your area and your families if you can charge for vacation. Mine don't flinch at paying me. I can't imagine working so hard and not being paid for vacation!