Travel nannies are always sharing photos of themselves on private jets or in paradise locations on their social media, but they rarely show what goes on behind the scenes…
It’s not all glitz and although what they show is very glamorous, these nannies work and it’s far from a vacation for them! Travel Nannies certainly enjoy many perks, but above all they work very hard, and in stressful conditions. They are absolutely not “paid to see the world”.
Many candidates think that having a passport, loving children and loving to travel is enough to be a good candidate for these positions… this is absolutely not the case… All of this is obviously necessary, but above all, it is important to understand what these positions really involve.
Do your research before applying for these dream jobs—you won’t just be taking selfies on a private jet, in fact, you might not even be traveling on a private jet!
If you have a strong passport and can leave home at any time
If you don’t get motion sickness and can continue to do your job while traveling
If you are able to pack smartly for yourself and the kids with minimal notice and time
If you can keep the kids busy and entertained on a plane, in a car or on a boat!
If you can maintain some routine and structure for children during trips and in unfamiliar environments
If you know how to research activities around the globe and can create itineraries for children
If you can be flexible and are happy to be on the clock 24/7
If you can tolerate the lack of sleep, manage the jet lag (& jet lag tantrums)
If you have strong emotional resilience to manage fatigue and unexpected events
If you are extremely security conscious and know how to childproof a luxury hotel room or villa
If you are not shocked that all families who employ a travel nanny own a private jet or yacht
If you know that you may be traveling economy class with the children while the parents travel business
If you understand that the line between your work and personal time will sometimes be blurred
If you are open to sharing a room with children and not having much privacy
If you know you might not see much of the place you are visiting, or you might not see as much as you wanted
Then you have what it takes to be a travel nanny!
