Taking Your Au pair On Vacation

Summer is one of the most popular times of the year for family vacations, and host families are no exception. When planning a vacation for the family, the au pair's needs and hourly restrictions still need to be considered. Here are three scenarios for you to consider when planning your vacation.

1. Your Au Pair Comes Along to Help with Child Care

If you are planning on having your au pair come along on the family vacation to continue to provide child care, her schedule and other requirements must still be met as if it were any other time. This includes ensuring she has her own room, does not work beyond the 10 hours a day or 45 hours a week, and still receives her weekly stipend. It's important to make sure your au pair has her schedule clearly laid out to prevent miscommunication while away from the home. 

During a host family vacation with an au pair, any meals and admission tickets should be provided by the host family. For extended vacations, the au pair's time off must be accommodated as well (1.5 consecutive days off and full weekend off per month). 

 2. Your Au Pair is Traveling with You as a Family Member and Will Not Provide Child Care

When your au pair joins you on your family vacation as a member of the family and is not be expected to provide child care, the following should be considered:

• Your au pair will still receive her normal weekly stipend.
• She will have free time, but should be considered a part of the family.
• Cost of meals, and who is responsible for them, should be decided beforehand.
• Your au pair may share a room with the children.
• Price of tickets or admission to tourist areas should be paid for by the au pair if she wishes to join the family.

3. Your Au Pair is Traveling with the Family for Her Personal Vacation

If your au pair decides to join the family during her personal vacation time, she must have her own room, be free to do as she wishes, and she will be responsible for her meals and any admission tickets. Since this is considered her vacation, her weekly stipend should be paid at the start of the vacation. 

To learn more about managing a host family vacation with an au pair, or about EurAupair’s amazing au pair services, please contact EurAupair today!