This will be shocking to most parents, but here’s what you need to know if you are thinking about traveling with or without the Nanny:
☆ When traveling with your family, your Nanny is on the job, so this is not a vacation for them. It’s your family’s vacation, but it’s a work trip for the Nanny. The Nanny is working so that you can actually have a vacation.
☆ All travel in which the Nanny is asked to accompany your family must be mutually agreed upon. Your Nanny has the right not to want to accompany you on your trip… and they should still receive their weekly wage or guaranteed hours if they don’t want to go.
☆ It is industry standard to pay your Nanny while you are away and don’t need them. If you’ve hired a professional Nanny, not only is it the right thing to do to pay your employee while your family is away, if you have a contract stating guaranteed hours, you are obligated to do so.
☆ If the Nanny does not accompany you on your vacation, it is okay to ask them if they will be willing to take their paid vacation at the same time. If however, you are planning a trip on short notice, or the Nanny needs to take a vacation at a different time, they should be paid regardless.
☆ The Nanny must be paid an additional rate when traveling and must also receive overtime pay. The nanny’s travel, lodging, meals and all business expenses should be covered.
☆ Your Nanny has the right to be compensated for time spent travelling to and from your destination. Your holiday travel time is different from your commute and must be compensated.
☆ Even if your Nanny is sitting in a completely different row on the plane and they are not at all responsible for the kids, your Nanny must be paid for the travel time because they are on the clock…
☆ Unless you are willing to pay your nanny 24 hours a day, you need to provide them with their own accommodations for the trip and remember that they are entitled to breaks.
The best way to avoid any misunderstandings when the nanny’s employer goes on vacation with or without the nanny is to have a contract that clearly outlines travel times with the family and guaranteed hours!
