Should You Bring a Nanny on Vacation?
Aaah, vacation. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? But then you start mapping out the needs and expectations of every family member, start calculating how much time will be spent putting sunscreen on a toddler, and realize that the math doesn’t add up to that restorative, rejuvenating, drinks-by-the-pool vacation time you had initially dreamed about.
The solution? Bring a nanny.
Whether it’s your regular nanny or a childcare pro specifically brought in for the trip, a travel nanny can help with logistics, make the kids’ experience truly sparkle, and – can you picture it? – give you that grown-up, no-cares vacation experience, too.
Think Before You Go: What Kind of Vacation Do You Want?
Your best chance at a successful vacation with kids is to determine ahead of time what kind of vacation you are hoping for.
Decide in advance:
Do you want kid-free dinners, full-morning golf rounds, alone time with your partner, relaxing spa time in between silly waterslides or going to the zoo with the kiddos?
Is the goal of your trip mostly being together as a family, doing kid-oriented things and building naps and snacks into the daily routine?
If you want your vacation to be 100% built around the kids, then you may be set on your own (or you can even hire a local caregiver for a one-off dinner date, see more below!). If you want an extra pair of hands during travel, a person who can step in and handle early bedtimes, or just someone who can make your kids’ experience magical for them, bringing a nanny along might be the answer for you.
Our President and COO, Suzie, had some great insights from a recent trip with her family’s nanny. Read her top 5 takeaways from traveling with their nanny here.
Which Trips Truly Benefit from a Travel Nanny?
Multi-stop or long-haul itineraries – A travel savvy nanny keeps little travelers calm through connections, jet-lag meltdowns and customs lines. If you have a baby or toddler, a nanny can be the difference between getting a few hours’ sleep on a plane or spending the entire transatlantic red-eye bouncing a reluctant sleeper up and down the aisle.
Remote villas & ski chalets – Limited kids’ programming means parents are otherwise “on” 24/7. If you’re renting a house or cabin for your vacation, half of that time might be spent in normal kiddo routines – great for little kids, but maybe not what you had in mind. Hit the slopes for a full day while the nanny brings the kiddos to a hot chocolate station after the bunny hill runs have lost their charm.
Theme parks & cruise ships – Believe it or not, but specialized “theme park nannies” can map routes, hold spots in line, and design the perfect itinerary for any age. PLus, they can handle midday naps while you enjoy adult-only rides and nicer dining options.
Vacations where you desperately need some R&R. We know, as parents we take some trips just for the kiddos, and that can be so fulfilling. But if you need a few precious days off to recover from regular life, no matter what kind of destination, a travel nanny can be just the ticket.
All-Inclusive Kids’ Club vs. Dedicated Vacation Nanny
Plenty of resorts and destinations offer kids’ clubs and other children’s programming. Those are a wonderful, and often budget-friendly, way to make sure you’re not always in charge of arranging entertainment. However, their hours may be limited, ratios can be high, and under-threes are often excluded.
A private nanny tailors every activity to your child’s interests and routine needs. This might mean that they research and plan a fun excursion or spend 50 hours building sand castles without tiring. It might also just mean that they handle early evening wind-down and eeeearly morning rises so you can savour a slow dinner or sleep in.
Basically: If you’re going to an all-inclusive with children's activities for a few hours during the day, does that mean you are all set, or would it be awesome to have a nanny give the kids the tailored vacation of their lives while you sidle up to the swim-up bar?
City Escapes: Bring Your Nanny or Hire Local?
If your vacation isn’t to a remote beach or a foreign country, you might also consider hiring a nanny or babysitter at the destination.
Bring your current caregiver when the trip is longer, spans several cities, or you need full days or day/night coverage or seamless continuity with routines and food allergies.
Also consider if there is a language barrier and how comfortable your kids are with new sitters. Don’t forget to check in with your nanny to see if they are comfortable traveling and available for this kind of arrangement.
Hire a local babysitting service for shorter urban breaks (New York, L.A., London), if you only need a few hours for a dinner or similar, or if you’re trying to keep down costs. A vetted agency such as Smart Sitting can match you with background-checked, vetted sitters familiar with hotel protocols and neighborhood attractions. You’ll get the chance to meet your sitter via video before, check references, and can feel secure knowing that this is a known, reliable person and an experienced caregiver.
Some resorts and hotels can also connect you with caregivers who may have previous references from other travelers.
Let Smart Sitting Put the R in Your R&R
If you’re looking for a new caregiver who travels – or if you’re looking for a temporary sitter at your destination – let Smart Sitting help you find your ideal candidate. Our placement team hand selects nannies and sitters who have just the right experience, travel familiarity, and love of kids to make your kiddos’ vacation dreams come true (and, by extension, yours).
Need someone who can ski? Someone with First Aid, CPR, and lifeguard training? Someone who can speak Spanish/French/Norwegian/New York? We’ve got you. Contact us with any questions, read more about hiring a sitter when you visit NYC, or get started by clicking the button below.
Whether you’re craving adult-only dinners, need help juggling city sightseeing, or simply hope to board the plane without bringing the chaos, the right travel nanny (or local sitter) is less a luxury and more a smart investment in relaxation. The blissful memories that last longer than the sand in your suitcase? They’re just the icing on the boarding pass.