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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
Planning travel with your au pair or helping them explore the USA on their own is one of the most rewarding aspects of hosting. This comprehensive au pair travel guide helps you understand the rules, costs, and logistics so your family can make the most of travel opportunities during your au pair's program year.
Can au pairs travel during their program?
Yes, your au pair can absolutely travel during their program year. The au pair cultural exchange program encourages exploration and discovery, but there are important distinctions between different types of travel that affect your family's responsibilities and planning.
Your au pair's J-1 visa allows domestic travel throughout the U.S., and with proper planning, international travel is sometimes possible too. The key is understanding when your au pair is traveling as part of their on-duty responsibilities versus their personal time off. Au pairs receive at least 1.5 consecutive days off each week plus two weeks of paid vacation, giving them plenty of opportunities for both quick getaways and longer adventures.
Understanding au pair travel rules and visas
Before your au pair books any trip, it's essential that both of you understand how their J-1 visa affects travel plans. Au pairs travel on a legal J-1 cultural exchange visa through a designated au pair agency, and their conditions are regulated by the U.S. Department of State. These au pair travel rules exist to protect your au pair and ensure they can return to your family without complications.
Traveling domestically on days off
Domestic travel within the U.S. is straightforward for your au pair. They can explore neighboring states, visit other au pairs, or take solo trips during their time off. Your au pair should bring valid photo identification (their passport or state ID) and keep you informed about their plans.
Many host families enjoy helping their au pairs discover popular destinations. Au pairs near major cities often take weekend trips to places like Boston's Freedom Trail, Washington D.C.'s museums, or Los Angeles beaches. Many also organize group trips to national parks or attend au pair meetups in other cities.
Your Local Childcare Consultant (LCC) can also provide recommendations for safe, budget-friendly destinations in your area. They often know which au pairs are planning trips and can help connect your au pair with travel companions, giving you peace of mind about their safety and social connections.
Traveling abroad as an au pair
International travel requires more careful planning due to au pair J-1 visa requirements. Eligibility to travel outside the U.S. depends on your au pair's home country and whether they're a first-year or extension au pair. Before your au pair plans any international vacation, you should consult with your Local Childcare Consultant or a Cultural Care staff member to find out what documents your au pair needs and to understand any travel restrictions.
The most important rule for reentry to the US: your au pair must have valid visa documentation. If their visa stamp has expired, they'll need to apply for a new one at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, which can take weeks and isn't guaranteed.
Embassy processing times vary significantly by country and season. What seems like a simple vacation to Canada or Mexico can become complicated if your au pair needs visa renewal. Always encourage your au pair to plan international travel with extra time built in for potential delays and consider backup childcare arrangements if their return is delayed.
Traveling after your program ends
Your au pair's 30-day grace period offers the perfect opportunity for post-program travel throughout the U.S. Many au pairs use this time for cross-country road trips, visiting national parks, or exploring regions they couldn't see during their program year.
During the grace period, your au pair cannot work or provide childcare, but they can travel freely within the U.S. Popular post-program adventures include driving Route 66, visiting multiple national parks, or taking that California-to-New York road trip.
Many host families help their former au pairs plan grace period travel by providing recommendations, connecting them with other traveling au pairs, or even offering to store luggage during longer trips. This support often strengthens the lifelong relationships that make hosting so rewarding.
Traveling with a host family
When you invite your au pair on vacation, it's both an exciting opportunity and a situation that requires clear communication. Understanding what counts as on-duty time versus family time helps everyone enjoy the trip and ensures you stay compliant with program regulations.
What's work and what's vacation?
It's essential to define whether your au pair will be on duty (performing their normal childcare duties) or off duty (using their vacation time) before travel. These expectations must be clear to your au pair before travel so they can decide if they'd like to spend their off-duty time on vacation with your family.
If your au pair is on duty during the trip, they'll be performing their regular childcare responsibilities and will require their own room. All on-duty time must stay within the 45-hour weekly and 10-hour daily limits. If they're off duty, they've agreed to take vacation time and should not be expected to provide childcare.
Document these agreements beforehand. If it's a working vacation, ensure the hours count toward their weekly limit and that they still receive their required time off during the trip. Many families find it helpful to create a simple written agreement outlining expectations, schedules, and responsibilities.
Who pays for what?
Cost arrangements vary significantly between families and depend on whether the trip is work-related or a family invitation. If your au pair is traveling as part of their on-duty responsibilities, you cover their transportation, accommodation, and meals.
For family vacations where you're inviting your au pair as an extended family member, costs might be shared or covered by you as a generous gesture. Some families pay for everything, others cover accommodation and transportation but ask au pairs to handle personal expenses, and some split costs more evenly.
Discuss money matters before booking anything. Clear communication prevents awkward situations and ensures everyone can enjoy the trip without financial stress. Consider your au pair's budget: remember, they receive a minimum weekly stipend of $195.75, so unexpected travel expenses can be significant for them.
Planning a trip with an au pair
When planning to include your au pair in family travel, consider these practical steps to ensure a smooth experience:
Before booking:
Discuss whether this is on-duty time or vacation time for your au pair
Clarify cost arrangements for transportation, accommodation, meals, and activities
Consult with your Local Childcare Consultant or Cultural Care staff about travel eligibility and required documents
Verify that your au pair's travel medical insurance covers them during travel
During planning:
Include your au pair in destination discussions if they're joining as family
Plan some activities that interest your au pair, not just kid-focused attractions
Build in downtime for everyone, including your au pair
Respect cultural or dietary preferences when planning meals and activities
Backup planning:
Arrange alternative childcare in case your au pair can't travel due to visa issues
Have emergency contacts and procedures for medical situations while traveling
Ensure your au pair has access to their important documents while away
Plan for potential delays that might affect your au pair's return
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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