Planning a family vacation can be exciting—but it’s also a lot of work! Including your Au Pair in the trip can help provide extra support, make family outings easier, and strengthen the bond between your family and your Au Pair.
Whether you’re planning a family trip to the beach, mountains, or a nearby city, a little preparation goes a long way. By setting expectations, balancing responsibilities, and including your Au Pair in the fun, you can ensure everyone has a smooth and memorable vacation. Read on for your guide to family vacation planning with your Au Pair!
Tips for a Smooth Family Vacation With Your Au Pair
Traveling with your Au Pair is a great way to create lasting memories while having extra support during your family vacation. By planning ahead and focusing on balance, communication, and inclusion, you can ensure the trip is enjoyable for everyone. Here’s how to make it a success.
1. Set Expectations Before You Leave
A successful vacation starts with clear communication. Before you start packing, sit down with your Au Pair and discuss the details of the trip so everyone knows what to expect.
What to cover:
- Work hours and responsibilities: Decide when they’ll be “on duty” (e.g., helping with morning routines, watching kids during outings) and when they’ll have personal time to relax or explore.
- Family activities: Clarify which activities are part of their role and which are optional for them to enjoy as downtime.
- Accommodations and meals: Let your Au Pair know what travel expenses, meals, and accommodations will be covered.
Taking time to outline these details ensures fairness and sets the stage for a positive trip.
2. Balance Work and Downtime
Just like at home, your Au Pair needs a clear balance between work and personal time during the vacation. While they’re there to help, it’s also an opportunity for them to enjoy the trip with you.
- Stay within agreed hours: Keep their responsibilities within the usual 45 hours per week. Vacations shouldn’t mean extra work.
- Allow personal time: Give your Au Pair moments to recharge—like an evening off or free time to explore nearby attractions. Keep in mind Au Pairs are required to have 1 and a half day off each week and 1 full weekend off per month.
- Keep tasks flexible: Responsibilities like supervising kids at the pool, helping with bedtime routines, or organizing games can be light and manageable.
Creating this balance ensures your Au Pair feels appreciated and included while still providing the support your family needs.
3. Plan for Comfort and Inclusion
When planning a family vacation, don’t forget to consider your Au Pair’s comfort and role as part of the family.
Provide Private Space to Recharge
Everyone needs time to rest after a busy day! Whether you’re staying in a hotel, rental home, or cabin, plan for:
- A separate/private bedroom where your Au Pair can relax.
- Quiet downtime to help them recharge for the next day.
Involve Them in Planning
Ask your Au Pair what they’d enjoy doing during the trip. Whether it’s hiking, sightseeing, or visiting local attractions, their input can make the vacation more enjoyable for everyone.
4. Share Your Family Vacation Plan
It’s helpful for your Au Pair to know what to expect during the trip. Share a simple itinerary that includes:
- Daily plans: Outline key activities, meal times, and responsibilities.
- Breaks and personal time: Let them know when they’ll have time to relax or explore.
- Important details: Include hotel locations, emergency contacts, and travel schedules.
A clear plan keeps everyone on the same page and helps the trip run smoothly.
5. Build Lasting Memories Together
Vacations offer the perfect opportunity to strengthen the bond between your family and your Au Pair. Shared experiences can bring you closer together while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Here are some tips on how to make the most of your trip:
- Take group photos: Capture special moments to look back on and cherish.
- Celebrate milestones: If your Au Pair’s birthday or family anniversary happens during the trip, celebrate it with a small dinner, cake, or card.
- Enjoy relaxed moments together: Whether it’s roasting marshmallows by the fire, playing cards, or chatting over breakfast, these simple moments often mean the most.
Strengthening Bonds and Creating Memories with Your Au Pair on Vacation
When you learn how to plan a family vacation that includes your Au Pair, you get the best of both worlds—trusted childcare support and opportunities to strengthen family bonds. Taking time to set expectations, balance work and downtime, and share meaningful experiences ensures the trip is smooth, enjoyable, and memorable for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling With Your Au Pair
Can my Au Pair come on vacation with us?
Yes! Including your Au Pair in your family vacation can provide valuable childcare support while helping them bond with your family. Clear communication is key when you plan a family trip to ensure everyone knows what to expect.
Who pays for the Au Pair’s travel expenses?
As part of hosting an Au Pair, families are typically responsible for covering their travel-related expenses, including accommodations, meals, and tickets for planned activities.
Will my Au Pair still have work hours during the trip?
Yes, but these hours should remain within their standard weekly limits (usually 45 hours). When you plan a family vacation, outline the schedule so your Au Pair has a fair balance of work and downtime.
Should I give my Au Pair free time during the vacation?
Absolutely. Just like you, your Au Pair will need time to rest, recharge, and explore. Allow for free time to ensure they enjoy the trip as well.
How can I make my Au Pair feel included on vacation?
Simple steps like involving them in activity planning, sharing family traditions, and encouraging cultural exchange go a long way in making your Au Pair feel valued.
Ready to start your Au Pair journey? Go Au Pair makes it easy to connect with dedicated, caring childcare providers who fit seamlessly into your family—at home and on vacation.
Find an Au Pair today and discover the difference an Au Pair can make!
