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• Your au pair can travel domestically and internationally during their program, but eligibility for international travel depends on their home country and whether they're first-year or extension au pairs
• When planning family trips, you must define whether your au pair will be on-duty (performing childcare duties) or off-duty (using vacation time) before booking
• If your au pair doesn't join family travel, they must maintain access to your home, food, their belongings, and continue receiving their weekly stipend
For au pairs, one of the most exciting parts of the Cultural Care program is the opportunity to travel—whether it’s solo adventures, weekend trips with new friends, or vacations with their host family. To help host families navigate the logistics and set their au pair up for success, this au pair travel guide will:
Explain travel rules for au pairs with a J-1 visa
Outline documents needed for domestic and international trips
Offer au pair vacation tips for traveling with (and without) your au pair
Share advice for au pairs traveling independently
Can au pairs travel during their program?
Absolutely! In fact, many au pairs arrive in the U.S. with a bucket list of cities and states they hope to visit. While location shouldn’t be the primary factor when choosing a host family, travel is a big part of the experience.
Au pairs have four main opportunities to travel during their program term in the U.S.:
During scheduled time off: This includes 1.5 consecutive days off per week and one full weekend off per month
During paid vacation: Au pairs get two weeks of paid vacation during the program year
With their host families: Au pairs may be invited to join their host families on a trip
One-month grace period: After completing their program year, au pairs can stay in the U.S. for 30 additional days for post-program travel before returning home
Understanding au pair travel rules and visas
Before planning any trips, it’s important for au pairs to understand the travel rules that apply to them. These rules vary based on whether the trip is domestic or international, and whether the au pair is in their first year or on an extension term. To help avoid any issues, especially with international travel, we’ve outlined key au pair travel guidelines and au pair vacation tips to support a smooth, stress-free experience.
Traveling domestically as an au pair
Once au pairs feel settled in and familiar with their host community, many are eager to explore other cities and states on their U.S. bucket list. Domestic travel might look like a weekend road trip with friends, a solo flight to a new destination, or a longer, pre-planned getaway.
To fly domestically, check into a hotel, or rent a car, au pairs will need a valid form of identification—typically their passport or a local driver’s license.
Traveling abroad as an au pair
Au pairs planning international travel—whether during their first program year or extension term—must be aware of J-1 visa restrictions and U.S. re-entry requirements. Travel outside the U.S. is limited to 30 days at a time, and au pairs must carry specific documents and may need to complete additional steps to ensure a smooth return (see below). Always check in with Cultural Care before booking any international travel to understand the necessary requirements.
Cultural Care strongly advises first-year au pairs not to travel internationally during the final six weeks of their visa, as they may be denied re-entry to the U.S. Extension au pairs who plan to travel abroad must renew their au pair J-1 visa in person at a U.S. embassy in their home country in order to return to the U.S.
Entering a new country as an au pair
Before traveling internationally, au pairs must also check whether a tourist visa is required for their destination. This can be done by consulting the official website of that country’s national embassy. Visa requirements vary based on an au pair’s home country, so it’s important not to rely on secondhand information from friends or social media. Traveling without the correct documentation—such as a required tourist visa—can result in being denied boarding or entry upon arrival.
Traveling to Mexico and Canada as an au pair
Thanks to their proximity the U.S., Mexico and Canada are popular and budget-friendly travel destinations for au pairs. However, it’s essential to understand and follow the specific entry requirements for each country before traveling.
Au pairs can refer to their local embassy websites for up-to-date visa information. For Mexico, they should also check tourist visa requirements with the Mexican embassy. For Canada, they can review current Canadian visa requirements through the Canadian embassy.
If flying to Canada, most au pairs will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before departure, as well. Note that, if an au pair is required to obtain a visa to enter Canada, they do not need an eTA—in that case, they simply need to follow the standard visa application process.
Documents needed for au pair international travel
When traveling outside of the U.S., au pairs must carry specific documents to ensure a smooth re-entry. These include the following.
Valid passport
Au pairs must have a valid passport issued by their home country. This passport should include their original J-1 visa stamp. If a passport is lost or stolen and later replaced, the new passport will not contain the J-1 visa—meaning international travel is restricted unless the au pair returns home to apply for a new visa.
J-1 visa
This is the visa stamp placed in the au pair’s passport at the U.S. Embassy in their home country. It includes personal and program-related details, such as the au pair’s name, date of birth, program dates, and passport number.
Look for an “M” under “Entries,” which stands for “multiple entry”—with this type of designation, au pairs can exit and re-enter the U.S. during the dates listed in the visa as long as all required documents are in order.
DS-2019 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status)
Every au pair has a DS-2019 form in their online account, which must be printed and carried when traveling abroad. For most international travel, it must be signed by a Cultural Care Responsible Officer in the Travel Validation section. If the form has been signed within the past 12 months (and within the program dates), it is valid for travel. If not, the au pair should notify Cultural Care of their travel plans to request a signed copy. Once uploaded to their account, the au pair must print both pages on white paper and bring it with them.
Note that a signed DS-2019 is generally not required for travel to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean unless traveling by cruise. Some cruise lines may require a signed form, so au pairs should confirm this in advance.
I-94 arrival/departure record
This official record is issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security upon entry to the U.S. and is required for international travel. Au pairs can access and print their I-94 record here by entering their full name (as written in their passport), passport number, and date of birth.
Traveling with your au pair
Many host parents wonder: can my au pair join our family on vacation? The answer is yes—as long as all program rules and the below au pair vacation tips are followed.
Host families often find that having their au pair along makes vacations more relaxing and enjoyable. And working while traveling as an au pair also gives them the chance to explore a new part of the country (or the world!) and deepen their cultural exchange experience.
What’s work and what’s vacation?
When traveling with a host family as an au pair, it’s important to clearly define whether the trip will be considered on-duty time or personal vacation. Setting expectations upfront helps avoid confusion and ensures a smooth experience for everyone.
If your au pair will be working during the trip, all program rules still apply. That means they should have their own private room and cannot exceed 45 hours per week and 10 hours per day.
In terms of travel time, we recommend counting at least half the hours en route to your destination as on-duty hours, especially if your au pair is helping with the kids during travel.
Who pays for what?
If your au pair is working during your trip, you’re responsible for covering all associated expenses including flights, accommodations, and meals. If your au pair is using their own vacation time to join you, you aren’t obligated to pay for their travel or lodging. That said, it’s considerate to discuss expenses in advance and be mindful of their budget.
Remember, au pairs have limited time off and often want to make travel plans with friends. Don’t take it personally if they decide not to join your family vacation on their time off—it’s their opportunity to recharge and explore the U.S. on their own terms.
Planning a trip with an au pair
As mentioned, bringing your au pair along on a family trip can be a great way to enjoy extra support while you’re away from home. To ensure the experience is smooth and enjoyable for everyone, it’s important to plan ahead.
Start by discussing travel dates early. Your au pair may have their own commitments, including classes and personal plans, so the more notice you provide, the better. Next, be clear about expectations—will they be working during the trip, or can they also use a bit of their personal vacation time? If you aren’t looking for childcare support, be upfront about that from the beginning.
It’s also essential to clarify expenses. If your au pair isn’t working, talk about what costs you will and won’t cover, including transportation, meals, and accommodations. Being transparent early helps avoid any confusion or awkward moments later on.
Finally, if you’re traveling internationally, make sure your au pair has the proper documents to enter and return from the destination. Taking these steps ahead of time ensures everyone can enjoy the trip with peace of mind.
Budget-friendly travel tips for host families traveling with an au pair
Including your au pair in family travel doesn't have to strain your budget. Many families find creative ways to make trips affordable for everyone:
Accommodation savings:
Look for vacation rentals with extra bedrooms instead of multiple hotel rooms
Consider family-friendly hotels with suite options or connecting rooms,
Explore house-swapping with other host families in different regions
Remember that your au pair needs their own room
Transportation deals:
Book group rates for train travel or flights when available
Use your family car for road trips
Look into public transportation passes for city destinations
Consider that your au pair may enjoy the cultural experience of different transportation methods
Activity planning:
Research free attractions like museums with no-cost days, public beaches, or hiking trails
Take advantage of group discounts for attractions and tours
Plan some activities specifically for your au pair's interests and cultural background
Ask your au pair about places they'd like to see—their perspective might introduce you to new experiences
Many families find that including their au pair enhances their travel experience by adding an extra adult who can help with logistics while bringing a fresh perspective to family adventures.
Emotional tips: what if you're left out or homesick?
Travel can bring up complex emotions for both au pairs and host families. As a host family, you play an important role in supporting your au pair through these experiences.
If your au pair is staying behind:
Sometimes you need adults-only vacations or want to visit relatives where an extra person isn't practical. This is completely normal, but it requires thoughtful communication and planning.
If your au pair doesn't travel with your family, they must maintain access to your home and their belongings, have food available for their meals, and continue receiving their weekly stipend. Help your au pair plan something special for their time off. Suggest local events, connect them with other au pairs planning trips, or provide recommendations for solo adventures. Check in via text during your trip to show you're thinking of them.
Remember that being left behind can trigger homesickness, especially if your au pair is missing family events back home. A little extra consideration—like bringing them a small souvenir or sharing photos from your trip—goes a long way in maintaining your relationship.
Supporting your au pair through homesickness:
Travel can intensify feelings of missing home, especially during holidays or special occasions. Encourage your au pair to stay connected with family through video calls and share their travel experiences with loved ones back home.
Sometimes the excitement of new places makes au pairs realize how much they miss familiar surroundings. This is normal and usually passes, but offering emotional support helps them work through these feelings. Consider their cultural background when planning activities—visiting cultural centers or restaurants from their home country can provide comfort.
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