Your Vacation, Their Work Trip: How to Travel with a Nanny

Apr 14, 2026 | GTM Blog, Household Employee Management

Bringing your nanny on a family getaway can be a total game-changer. Having an extra set of hands means you might actually get to read a book by the pool or enjoy a quiet dinner with your partner.

But remember: For you, it’s a vacation. For your nanny, it’s a business trip.

Before you start planning your summer trip with your nanny, here are 10 things to keep in mind to ensure it’s a success for everyone.

Shift Your Perspective

Think of it like this: if your company sent you to a sunny destination for a conference, it would be great, but you’d still be working. A nanny joining your family trip is essentially on a business trip. They didn’t choose the destination, and they aren’t there to relax; they are there to help your family function in a new environment.

Over-Communicate Early

Clear expectations are the secret to a stress-free trip. Sit down before you book anything and walk through the itinerary, their specific duties, and the schedule. When everyone is on the same page, there’s no room for disappointment.

Fair Pay is Non-Negotiable

Your nanny is still an hourly employee, even at the beach.

Hourly Pay: Pay for every hour worked.
Overtime: If they go over 40 hours in a week, time-and-a-half kicks in.
No Flat Rates: It might seem easier to offer a “trip fee,” but labor laws still apply. Stick to tracking hours to stay compliant.

Travel Time is Work Time

The clock starts the moment you head to the airport or hit the road. Since your nanny is likely helping with the kids during the transit (which can be the most hectic part of the trip!), they need to be compensated for that time.

Cover All the Bases (and Expenses)

Since your nanny wouldn’t be incurring these travel costs if they weren’t working for you, it’s standard to cover everything:

Flights and transportation
Meals (including those they eat during their off-hours)
Hotel costs
Entrance fees for any attractions where they are “on the clock”

The Bedroom Situation

It’s tempting to save money by having the nanny share a room with the kids, but we recommend against it. Everyone needs a place to truly “turn off.” If your nanny is in a room with the children, they are never really off duty. Plus, legal rest-time requirements are much harder to meet if they are being woken up by a toddler at 2:00 AM.

Schedule Real Downtime

At home, your nanny gets to leave at the end of the day. On vacation, they need that same mental break. Be very explicit about when they are “off.” Whether it’s every evening after 6:00 PM or a few full afternoons, make sure they have time to explore or rest on their own.

This Isn’t PTO

You can’t ask a nanny to use their personal vacation days to come work on your vacation. Their PTO is for them to use whenever and however they choose.

Stay on Track

To avoid any confusion on payday, track the hours daily. Use a simple notebook or a notes app on your phone and check in with your nanny each evening to agree on the time worked. It keeps things transparent and prevents headaches when it’s time to process payroll back home.

Prepare for a “No”

Sometimes, a nanny might decline the invitation, and that’s okay. They might have pets to care for, family commitments, or simply need their own downtime. If they stay behind, remember that “guaranteed hours” still apply- they should receive their regular pay while you’re away. Some families and their nannies agree that the nanny will take PTO when the family is on vacation (their remaining PTO is the nanny’s to use as they wish). This type of arrangement should be spelled out clearly in your work agreement.

Conclusion

A well-planned trip with a nanny can create incredible memories for your kids and give you much-needed rest. By treating it like a professional arrangement, you ensure your nanny feels valued and ready to give their best. To learn more about the legal requirements when traveling with a nanny, call us at (800) 929-9213 for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation with a household employment expert. Or schedule time with us at your convenience.