Family holidays are exciting, but if you have an Au Pair, it is important to plan ahead. While a trip can be a wonderful shared experience, it can also lead to misunderstandings if expectations are not clear.

Before traveling, the Host Family and Au Pair should always discuss the following:

• Whether the Au Pair is invited or not
• Whether the Au Pair will work or be completely free
• What exactly counts as “working time”
• How much free time the Au Pair will have
• Who pays for travel, accommodation, meals, and activities

Clear agreements protect both parties and ensure a more relaxed holiday for everyone.

The 3 Possible Holiday Scenarios

Before booking or finalizing your plans, talk openly with your Au Pair and agree on which of these situations applies.

1. Your Au Pair travels with you and works

In this case, the holiday is considered working time.

This means: 

• The Au Pair keeps receiving pocket money.
• The Host Family covers all travel, accommodation, and food costs.
• Working hours, tasks, and days off are agreed in advance.
• The holiday does not count as the Au Pair’s vacation days.
• The Au Pair must still have regular time off and rest periods.

Example:
A family is going to Spain for two weeks. The Au Pair helps with the children's breakfast routine, looks after them for a few hours each day, and babysits for two evenings per week. The rest of the time is free. The family pays for the flight, hotel, and meals. These two weeks are normal working weeks for the Au Pair, not her holiday.

2. Your Au Pair is invited, but it is their free time

Here, the Au Pair joins as a guest, not as childcare support.

This means:

• The trip is considered time off/holiday.
• The Au Pair does not have to work.
• Pocket money is still paid, as agreed in the contract.
• The days may count as part of their holiday entitlement (if both parties agree).
• The Au Pair is free to join activities or spend time independently.

This option is ideal if you enjoy spending time together but do not need regular childcare help.

Example:
A Host Family invites their Au Pair to join them on a weekend trip to the mountains. They make it clear that no childcare is required. The Au Pair joins some activities, sleeps in, and spends one day hiking alone. These days count as part of the Au Pair’s holiday.

3. Your Au Pair does not join the family holiday

A Host Family is not required to take their Au Pair on vacation.

In this case, it is important to know:

• The Au Pair is allowed to stay in the Host Family’s home.
• The family must not leave the Au Pair without accommodation.
• Both sides must clarify whether this time is working time, free time, or holiday.
• Pocket money and duties must be clearly defined.

Example:
A family travels abroad for one week to visit relatives. They tell their Au Pair she is not invited. The Au Pair stays in the family home, receives pocket money, and the week counts as her free time. She uses this time to visit friends and explore the city.

Another example:
A Host Family travels for five days and asks the Au Pair to stay home and look after the family pet and water the plants. They agree on light duties and reduced hours. This time is considered working hours and does not count as a holiday.

Read this article for a simple list of dos and don'ts to help you navigate your family holiday with your Au Pair.