Traveling with little ones is no easy task, so it’s common for many families to need a nanny’s assistance! In fact, according to the International Nanny Association, nearly 40% of nannies travel with their families. Bringing your nanny, or even a temporary travel nanny, requires planning and clear communication but can ultimately turn a tricky trip into a smooth and enjoyable one.
Planning for Your Nanny’s Expenses
As you get ready for your trip with your caregiver, first and foremost, employers need to remember they are responsible for transportation and travel-related expenses for the nanny. This can include airfare, meals, housing accommodations, and any possible outings parents would expect their nanny to accompany their children on. If your nanny typically commutes to and from work, consider the sleeping arrangements you are planning for your nanny while you are away and whether or not you will require overnight coverage. While some professionals may be comfortable staying in the same bedroom with their young charges, it may be more comfortable for all parties if a private room is provided in your vacation rental or hotel.
If a nanny is being asked to room with a child and they are responsible for the child in the event of overnight wake-ups, this expense should be factored into your pre-travel plans. It’s important to remember while this is a vacation for you, this is a work trip for your nanny. Even if you and your nanny have a close relationship, please remember that they are there to work; professional boundaries should be maintained and respected so everyone can have a positive experience.
Hiring a Travel Nanny
If your full-time caregiver cannot travel with you, look into hiring a travel nanny before embarking on a trip. Travel nannies are childcare providers explicitly hired to go on vacations with families. Even a teen can need a chaperone! Whether you choose to travel with your full-time nanny or to hire a vacation nanny, travel expectations and requirements should be written into a contract to prevent misunderstandings. Remember, a parent’s vacation is not a nanny’s vacation, and communicating about salary and other items can prevent stressors later on. Click here to read more about travel nannies: https://nannyauthority.com/the-role-of-a-travel-nanny/
Tips for Traveling with Your Nanny
Set yourself up for success by covering some of these critical topics before heading on your holiday:
- Who will be responsible for discipline when on vacation, and is it different than your at-home expectations?
- What kind of clothes should be packed for both the children and the nanny in the climate we are heading to?
- What will downtime look like on vacation? Will there be any evenings when your nanny has off? What are the specific working hours. Keep in mind that if you are going on a 12-day vacation, that is 12 days straight of work for your nanny!
- What are the sleeping accommodations and overnight expectations? What kind of additional fees are expected for overnights? If you expect your nanny to work overnight, they should be paid any standard hourly/overtime rates for those additional hours. It is also industry standard to compensate nannies an extra, flat rate for any nights they may be expected to be away from their home (even if they are not working said night). While it is ultimately up to the employer and employee to agree on this amount, we typically see numbers that range from $100-300 per night, depending on the role, responsibilities, amount of children, etc.
Writing travel expectations with clear boundaries around the schedule, duties (such as who is in charge of checking the baby monitor or waking up the kiddos in the morning), and pay into the agreement itself can be vital in avoiding confusion during your trip. Remember that being responsible for children’s safety in an unfamiliar setting can be challenging for the most seasoned professionals. It’s essential to allow the nanny time off to relax and explore. This will help keep them refreshed and better able to attend to your children’s needs when they are on the clock, as well as more likely to agree to go with the family on any future travels. If you can, try to book your vacation plans so your nanny has a weekend or a few days off when you get home. Providing time for your nanny to reset after an extended work period can help avoid burnout and make it easier to jump back into the regular work week!
Interested in traveling with your nanny and have a few more questions? We are always here to help! Call us at (973)-466-2669 or email us today at info@nannyauthority.com to learn more about traveling with your nanny and the ins and outs of vacationing with your employee.