In my Ask the Expert column from our most recent newsletter, I respond to a client asking for tips on bringing her nanny on her family's summer vacation. While I think it's a great idea to utilize your nanny's services on your getaway, it is also very important that you and your nanny communicate about a variety of arrangements you will need to make for your trip. Remember: Your vacation is not necessarily a vacation for your nanny; in fact it may mean extra work in unfamiliar terrain for her, so there are several things to consider before you sit down with her to discuss your expectations for the trip.

First, there's money. Of course, you will need to cover her travel and room expenses. You should also consider meals. Depending on your accommodations, your nanny may not have access to a kitchen where she can cook inexpensive meals as she might normally do at home. If your family plans on eating out for most or all of your meals, you should consider whether you plan for your nanny to join you, and if so you should cover the cost of her meals when you dine together. If you're not planning for your nanny to eat with your family, it is a good idea to arrange a daily stipend for food; the amount of this stipend should depend on the average cost of meals at your travel destination.

Although she may not keep regular hours while you're on vacation, your nanny will still need a reasonable amount of time off every day while you're away. (And remember: Overtime pay is still in effect, even on vacation). You should also consider her expenses during her leisure time. Will she want to use the gym at your hotel or resort? What about tours? Recreational activities? Pay-Per-View movies in her room? Since these are all expenses she would not normally incur at home, you may want to consider a daily travel stipend to cover at least some of her costs for leisure activities. Anything offered is a perk, but it's a great way to show appreciation for all your nanny does for you all the time. You could also offer to cover the full cost of one or more perks for her, such as a spa treatment, a surfing lesson or some other activity she would enjoy.

Your nanny's time off will be even more crucial if she is expected to share accommodations with your children. While you may need your nanny to share accommodations out of financial necessity or because you want her to supervise your children at night, you should communicate this expectation to her when you approach her about traveling with you, making sure that she accepts the arrangement. You should also make clear that schedules may not be as strict while you're away and that this change in location may entail extra responsibilities for her. Partner with your nanny in developing schedules and making arrangements for your trip. This will not only be a tremendous help to you, it will also ensure that you and your nanny are on the same page before you embark on your adventure.

Happy travels!

Kathy Dupuy
President, MBF Agency

Labels: employer issues, nanny services, summer vacations