5 Tips for Vacationing with a Caregiver

Traveling with a Nanny conjures up an image of a relaxing and enjoyable experience that allows you to unwind and get more out of your vacation, but the reality may not always be so. To ensure that everything goes smoothly or at least that no serious issues arise, there are certain things you need to pay attention to. Here are some points to consider when planning to travel with a nanny:

Vacation with a Nanny

If You Are Hiring a Nanny Just for the Vacation

If you have had a nanny at home for a while, your job is easier. In this case, you have an idea about each other, the nanny knows your child, your preferences, and needs, and it will be sufficient to discuss how you want the routine to be during the vacation. However, if you are hiring a childcare provider just for the vacation, you need to provide detailed information to the nanny about your child's eating and sleeping habits, temperament, needs, likes and dislikes, and any health issues. You must ensure that you do not overlook any details to relax during the vacation.

If you are hiring a nanny just for the vacation, we recommend that you do not leave the selection until the last minute. Allocate enough time for interviews. Research details such as their knowledge, experience, behavior, communication with children, personality, and health status. Even if you are hiring a nanny for just 1 week – 10 days, you should not make a random choice. Otherwise, the vacation you have been eagerly waiting for may not go as you hoped.

Vacation Schedule and Division of Labor

When preparing for a vacation with a nanny, it is important to establish the basic conditions in advance. Your child will want to spend time with you during the day. Additionally, the nanny will also need time to rest and take care of themselves. Therefore, you should make a clear plan as much as possible in advance. You should plan which activities your child will do with you and which ones with the nanny, when the nanny will have time to rest, and discuss these with the nanny. If you are going on vacation with your current nanny and they will be responsible for tasks they normally do not handle, make sure to specify these as well. Determine whether they will stay with the child or children, and whether they will have a private room.

Since you will be on vacation, there may be times when you need to alter your planned schedule for some reason. For example, you may find yourself needing to ask the nanny to work during the hours you had planned for them to have time for themselves to attend a concert or festival. Discuss the possibility of such situations in advance and find a way to compensate later. Alternatively, offer to make an extra payment for such situations.

Payment Matters

If you are working with a live-in nanny, payment may not be an issue. However, if your nanny works during the day, you will need to pay them extra during the vacation period as they will be working away from home, in an environment and under conditions they are not accustomed to.

Expenses of the Nanny

When you travel with a nanny, you are responsible for their expenses such as accommodation, meals, transportation, and any items they may need to acquire for the vacation that they do not normally require. You should also share with them which expenses you will cover. If they will be cooking for themselves in the kitchen, make sure you have everything they need. If you will be dining out frequently and the nanny will not be eating with you, allocate a budget for them to eat elsewhere.

This Is Not the Nanny's Vacation, But They Still Need Time for Themselves

This is your vacation, and you are bringing the nanny along not for them to have a vacation, but to take care of your child and ensure their safety. Nevertheless, they should have time to rest, take care of themselves, and have some time off. Plan these details carefully and make sure to compensate later if there are deviations from the plan.