Want to sneak away with your partner for date night? No problem! Spend some time at the spa? Your professional au pair has that covered too.
An extra pair of hands while traveling is invaluable, especially for our host families with special needs. But what are the ground rules for bringing your professional au pair with you?
Here are the top 4 things to consider when traveling with your professional au pair.
- Department of State regulations still stand.
If your professional au pair is working on your family vacation, the Department of State requirements still apply. For a refresher of the core regulations, click here. The two most important things to remember are that your professional au pair still receives her own room and that her travel expenses are covered as well as expenses when she’s on the clock.
For example, if your professional au pair is caring for your children with you at Disney World, her entrance ticket would be covered by you, the host family.
- Don’t go too soon.
We recommend letting your professional au pair settle into the first two months of her au pair year before going on vacation together. Remember, your professional au pair is moving overseas and navigating an entirely new culture while providing the best possible care for your children. She may be able to better handle the flexibility that traveling requires after she has become comfortable in your family. However, this is merely a suggestion, not a hard and fast rule.
- Communication is key.
We all know that the success of any relationship is built on effective communication and your relationship with your professional au pair is no different. Before and throughout your vacation, clarify when your professional au pair is working and what unique tasks she’ll be helping with. Make sure you let her know when her free time will be so that she can plan any extra sightseeing that she’s interested in.
- Jump into the local culture.
Your professional au pair will be so excited to experience a new part of the US (or the world!) with you. One of the reasons she’s come to live with your family is to be immersed in a new culture, so be sure to see local sites wherever you stay.
You can also ask your Area Director to put your professional au pair in touch with other professional au pairs in the area. This way she’ll have someone to go on adventures with!
Traveling with your professional au pair is an opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime. To have your most successful trip, don’t forget to consider the points above. Have a wonderful vacation!