Thinking about bringing your nanny on your next family trip? Whether you’re jetting off for a summer vacation or planning a longer getaway, hiring a travel nanny can be a game-changer for your peace of mind. But before you book those extra plane tickets, it’s important to have clear conversations about travel nanny pay, includinglogistics, boundaries, and fair compensation. Skipping these steps can lead to confusion or tension that no one wants on vacation (least of all your nanny). Here’s everything you need to know to ensure a smooth, respectful, and mutually enjoyable travel experience.
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Travel Nanny Pay: Establishing Fair Compensation
When it comes to compensating your travel nanny for their time, it’s crucial to consider various factors to ensure you’re compensating them fairly for their time and effort. When traveling with your nanny, compensation can be a bit more tricky as they’re compensated beyond their standard hourly rate to account for additional responsibilities and non-standard hours. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Transportation costs
Because your travel nanny will be traveling with you, they are not responsible for any transportation costs, which includes:
- Airfare
- Train tickets
- Mileage and gas for driving (this includes both the trip to the destination and the return trip home)
If your family in travel nanny will be taking any public transportation or taxis during your vacation, this cost is also covered by the family.
Accommodations
You want your travel nanny to feel comfortable and this often means providing a separate hotel room or living space for your nanny, and this is covered by the family. Just because your nanny is on vacation with you doesn’t mean they’re “on” 24/7. A separate space provides a respite for your nanny, allowing them extra space and privacy. If the nanny is required to share a room with the children, they are considered on duty the entire time, including overnight, and this should be reflected in their compensation.
Meals and expenses
All meals and food expenses are covered by the family. Some families also provide a daily meal stipend if the nanny needs to eat out separately. Any additional expenses, such as admission fees to activities with the family, are reimbursed.
Related: Unveiling the World of Travel Nannies: A Comprehensive Guide
Hourly wages or daily rate
Some families pay their nanny an hourly rate for their working hours, while others opt for a fixed daily fee. A flat daily rate often ranges from $300 to $500, depending on the nanny’s experience and the level of responsibility required. If the nanny is on duty for extended hours, overtime pay may also apply. It’s also best practice to compensate your nanny for their travel time as well.
If the nanny is not free to go home during the trip, they are considered on duty for the entirety of the trip. In these cases, compensation typically includes 8 to 12 hours of pay per day at their standard hourly rate, plus a fixed daily stipend to account for their on-call availability. For longer or more demanding trips, families may also choose to provide a gratuity or bonus as a gesture of appreciation for the nanny’s hard work and flexibility.
Daily stipend
In addition to wages or a daily rate, many families offer a daily stipend, typically between $50 and $150, to account for the nanny being on call throughout the trip
Overtime compensation
Traveling may involve longer work hours than usual for your nanny. Discuss how overtime will be compensated, whether it’s paying a higher hourly rate for extra hours worked or providing additional compensation for extended shifts. It is also important to note your states overtime laws when making these decisions.
Accommodation and Travel Arrangements:
When traveling with your nanny, it’s essential to plan and communicate effectively. Alex C. who traveled with her nanny to Italy tells us, “While our nanny is like family, we had never traveled with her and wanted this to be a special experience. We decided to book her her own hotel room with an adjoining door to ours. Prior to the trip, we outlined clear expectations of her daily duties, including any expected date nights where we’d want her to work later. Having her feel comfortable and at ease on the trip meant spending a little more for her own room, but was well worth it.”
Here are a few things to consider to ensure a smooth experience:
Where they’ll stay
Determine the living arrangements for your nanny during the trip. Will they have a separate room or share accommodations with the children? Clarify any specific expectations and ensure that the living arrangements are comfortable and appropriate.
Transportation
Discuss transportation arrangements during the trip. If your nanny will be accompanying you on flights, arrange for a seat nearby. If you’re traveling by car, ensure that there is sufficient space for everyone, including your nanny.
Schedule and downtime
Plan a schedule that allows your nanny to have reasonable downtime during the trip. While travel can be exciting, it can also be exhausting. Adequate rest and breaks will help your nanny provide the best care for your children throughout the journey.
Related: Hiring a Nanny? Here’s What You Need to Know
Open Communication and Expectation Setting:
Clear communication is the foundation for a successful travel experience with your nanny. Consider the following tips:
Discuss expectations
Prior to the trip, have an open and honest conversation about your expectations and those of your nanny. Clarify their responsibilities, such as childcare duties, meal preparation, or accompanying the children during outings. For example, if a nanny is sharing a room with the children, this means they’re on duty and responsible for the children’s safety and needs, even overnight. This additional responsibility comes with additional compensation. Talk to your nanny beforehand to set clear parameters about what is and is not expected, and of course, gauge their comfort level with such situations. Setting clear expectations will help your nanny understand their role during the trip.
Flexibility and Appreciation for Your Travel Nanny
Acknowledge that traveling can be unpredictable and may require flexibility. Show appreciation for your nanny’s efforts and be understanding of any changes or challenges that may arise during the trip. Maintaining an open and positive relationship with your nanny—whether on vacation or not—will result in a long and rewarding partnership.
There are many intricacies that go into clearly defining a travel arrangement and work agreement with a nanny that will travel with your family. In addition to industry standards and practices there are employment laws that should also be followed. Consulting a nanny agency for sourcing a nanny familiar with these topics makes the process much easier. If your family is considering a nanny for their next vacation, consider inquiring with Hello, Nanny! to learn more about what it takes to find an experience travel nanny.
Are you actively hiring, but struggling to find quality candidates? Our Job Advertisement Service will help you tap into our extensive network of experienced candidates to find support that fits your needs. List your job with us today.
