Guest Blog by Ella Peters.
Travelling with children can be one of life’s greatest adventures. It creates memories that last forever, exposes children to new cultures and allows families to spend valuable time together.
But travelling with children is also work.
Behind every seamless holiday is a huge amount of planning, flexibility and emotional labour. That’s where a professional travel nanny can make an enormous difference.
However, there are several things’ families often don’t realise before hiring one.
Travel childcare is very different from childcare at home
An unfamiliar villa, a busy airport, multiple time zones, changing sleep routines and exciting new environments all present challenges that simply don’t exist in everyday life.
Professional travel nannies are constantly assessing risks whilst ensuring children still have fun.
They’re thinking about water safety, local customs, transport logistics, weather conditions, suitable activities, tiredness, overstimulation and contingency plans if things change unexpectedly.
To children, it looks effortless, but behind the scenes there is constant planning.
Flexibility goes both ways
Travel means that sometimes plans can change with only a moment’s notice.
Flights are delayed. Weather changes. Itineraries change. Families decide to stay another week or head somewhere completely different.
A professional travel nanny needs to adapt quickly and calmly whilst maintaining consistency for the children.
At the same time, it’s important for families to recognise that flexibility should work both ways. Clear communication, agreed working hours, appropriate rest and mutual respect allow a nanny to perform at their best throughout the trip.
When everyone understands expectations from the beginning, the experience is far more enjoyable for everyone involved.
A successful trip starts long before you travel
One of the biggest mistakes families make is assuming the details can be worked out once everyone arrives.
In reality, the smoothest trips happen because expectations have been discussed and agreed before anyone boards a flight.
A clear travel nanny contract should outline working hours, rest periods, travel days, accommodation, confidentiality, destinations, insurance, cancellation terms and what happens if plans change.
It should also cover the practical details that are often overlooked, such as:
- Will the nanny have their own bedroom?
- Who is responsible for overnight care?
- What happens if the itinerary changes or the trip is extended?
- Will there be scheduled time off during longer trips?
- What are the expectations during flights, transfers and excursions?
These conversations aren’t uncomfortable, they’re professional.
Having everything agreed in advance protects both the family and the nanny, reduces misunderstandings and allows everyone to focus on enjoying the trip.
It isn’t a holiday for the nanny
Although a travel nanny may be visiting incredible destinations, they are there to work.
From navigating airports and keeping children entertained during long journeys to managing routines in unfamiliar environments, the role requires energy, organisation and constant awareness.
Whilst families may be relaxing by the pool or enjoying dinner, a nanny may still be preparing activities for the following day, settling children to bed or remaining available if support is needed.
Understanding this distinction helps build a respectful working relationship and ensures expectations remain realistic.
A great nanny doesn’t just entertain children
Planning engaging activities is certainly part of the role, but experienced travel nannies do far more than that.
They notice when a child is becoming overwhelmed before a meltdown happens. They help children adapt to unfamiliar environments. They create opportunities for learning through travel and build trusting relationships that help children feel safe and secure wherever they are in the world.
Sometimes the greatest value comes from the moments families never even notice because potential problems have been prevented before they arise.
Budgeting for a professional travel nanny
Many families are unsure what to expect when it comes to the cost of hiring a travel nanny.
Whilst every booking is unique, experienced travel nannies typically charge from £330+ per day, with rates varying depending on factors such as the number and ages of the children, overnight care, travel schedule, destinations, specialist experience and the overall complexity of the role.
In addition to the nanny’s professional fee, families should expect to cover all work-related expenses. This will usually include flights, accommodation, meals, local transport, visas where applicable and any agreed costs incurred whilst caring for the children.
Choosing the right travel nanny
Experience matters! So do childcare qualifications, paediatric first aid training, police background clearances and excellent references.
However, personality fit, communication style, emotional intelligence, professionalism and discretion are equally important.
A nanny may spend days or weeks travelling closely with your family, so selecting someone whose approach aligns with your family’s values and parenting style is essential.
Taking time to find the right fit can make all the difference.
About the author
I’m Ella Peters, founder of Superyacht Nanny. For more than 12 years, I’ve worked internationally with families across private households, luxury travel and the superyacht industry, supporting children from infancy through to teenage years in some of the world’s most unique environments.
Today, I combine that practical experience with consultancy and coaching to support both families and childcare professionals.
If you’re a family planning a holiday, superyacht charter or extended period of travel, I can help you navigate everything from hiring the right travel nanny to setting clear expectations, contracts and working arrangements that ensure a successful trip for everyone involved.
If you’re a nanny looking to move into travel or luxury childcare, I offer one-to-one coaching to help you understand the realities of the role, strengthen your professional positioning, prepare for interviews, refine your CV and build a sustainable career with confidence.
Whether I’m supporting a family or a nanny, my goal is always the same: to raise standards, create positive working relationships and ensure children receive exceptional care wherever in the world they are.
Ella Peters, founder – Superyacht Nanny – ella@superyachtnanny.co