Traveling with your nanny family can be an exciting opportunity to bond, explore new places, and support your nanny kids in a completely different environment. But it’s also a major shift from your day-to-day routine, and preparation is key to ensuring a smooth, enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Here’s how to make it as easy as possible for you, your nanny kids, and your nanny family.

1) What to know before you go

Before you start daydreaming about sandy beaches or city skylines, take time to get a full picture of what the trip will actually look like from your perspective. The best way to do just that? An open conversation with your nanny family.

Ask key questions upfront:

• What are the dates and destination?
• Will I be traveling with the family or meeting them there?
• Where will I stay, and will I share a room with my nanny kids?
• What are my work hours and expected responsibilities?
• Will I have any time off?
• What expenses are covered (meals, travel days, activities) and what will I be responsible for?

Understanding the full scope of your role ahead of time prevents awkward surprises and ensures you can show up prepared and confident.

Pro tip: Ask for a travel agreement or outline in writing to clarify all expectations, especially if this is your first trip with the family.

2) How to pack like a pro for you and your nanny kids

Packing for travel nannying is part childcare prep, part personal planning, and part professional readiness. Our tip? Strike a balance between being prepared and packing light.

a) For your nanny duties:

If you’ve been asked to help pack for your nanny kids, here’s a list to get you started.

 

• Daily routine essentials: Feeding tools, favorite snacks, sleep aids (sound machine, lovey, bedtime books), sunblock, hats, etc.
• Activities on the go: Small toys, coloring books, sticker packs, travel games, digital downloads (if allowed)
• Medical/emergency kit: Thermometer, Band-Aids, medications, allergy info, emergency contact sheet

b) For yourself:

• Comfortable, destination-appropriate clothes that can take you from parks to restaurants
• Snacks and personal care items you might not easily find while traveling
• A few go-to entertainment items for downtime (books, podcasts, journal, etc.)
• Travel documents if flying separately (boarding passes, IDs, emergency contacts, information on who to connect with upon arrival, etc.)

It’s also smart to check in with the family about packing preferences. They may have specific brands or gear they want to bring or request that you coordinate outfits for family photos or special events.

3) Setting expectations and boundaries

One of the biggest challenges of travel nannying is that the lines between “on” and “off” time can blur quickly. That’s why discussing boundaries ahead of time is essential.

a) Clarify your working hours

Even when you’re staying in the same hotel room or vacation rental, you are still a professional caregiver. Know when you’re expected to be “on duty” and when you’re free to rest or explore. For example:

• Will you have mornings off while the family eats breakfast together?
• Are you expected to cover all bedtimes or just on select evenings?
• Will you get any full or half days off while the family has events planned?

b) Be transparent about your needs

If you need quiet time each day to recharge or have dietary restrictions, communicate that with kindness and professionalism. You’re there to support the family, but your well-being matters, too.

c) Respect the family’s space

While you may be invited to group dinners or outings, always follow the family’s lead on when to engage or when to give space.

4) Tips for staying flexible (and sane!) during the trip

Even the most well-planned trips come with hiccups: delayed flights, overtired toddlers, unpredictable weather. Flexibility and a positive attitude go a long way in helping everyone enjoy the experience.

a) Be ready to adapt

• Bedtime may shift.
• Nap schedules may fall apart.
• Mealtimes may run late or be held in unfamiliar restaurants.

Your calm, go-with-the-flow energy helps the children feel grounded and earns major trust from your nanny family.

b) Stay organized

Use a shared calendar or notes app to keep track of:

• Daily schedules
• Meals and snacks
• Activities and excursions
• Important contacts or medical info

It’s easy to feel scattered in a new environment. Keeping things streamlined helps everyone stay on track.

c) Find joy in the little things

Whether it’s watching your nanny kids dip their toes in the ocean for the first time or sharing a giggle during a long car ride, travel offers moments of deep connection. Do your best to stay present and enjoy the journey.

Traveling as a nanny can be a rewarding and enriching experience, as long as you prepare with intention, communicate clearly, and bring your flexibility along for the ride. With thoughtful planning and a collaborative mindset, you can help create a memorable, stress-free adventure for your nanny family—and for yourself.