Holidays and vacations are a great opportunity to rest, recharge, and explore the US.
With the summer travel season fast approaching, here are some reminders about program rules regarding holidays and vacations.
Holidays
- Host families are not required to give au pairs any specific holidays.
- Each host family will make different arrangements on holidays; some au pairs will be off and others will be required to work.
- As holidays approach, it is helpful for host parents to let their au pairs know if they will be off or not, so plans can be made.
- Au pairs should not make plans for holidays without checking with their host families first.
Vacations
- Au pairs earn 2 weeks of paid vacation during the course of their year.
- Vacation time should be mutually agreed upon.
- All vacations should be pre-planned (at least 4 weeks in advance.)
- All au pair’s friends and/or family visits should be pre-approved prior to purchasing tickets.
- If an au pair travels with her host family, discuss in advance the expectations of the trip:
- If an au pair travels with her host family for work, the host family is required to pay for the au pair’s transportation, lodging, and meals.
- If an au pair travels with her host family for vacation only and is not required to work, discuss the expectations for her participation in family activities in detail BEFORE the start of the trip.
- For more information about scheduling vacation time, see APIA’s Tips for Current Host Families: Vacations.
Travel Outside the U.S.
- During their first year, au pairs are allowed to travel outside of the U.S. and return. However, there are some important steps to take:
- Au pairs must have their DS2019 signed (travel validation) PRIOR to their departure from the US.
- It is essential that au pairs make their travel plans to return to the U.S. prior to the expiration date listed on their visa. This date can sometimes be earlier than their actual year end date.
- More information and the travel validation request form may be found on the Au Pair in America website.
- There are limitations on travel outside of the U.S. for second year (extension) au pairs. Please speak with Catherine prior to making travel plans.
- More information can be found by selecting the Au Pair Resources tab on the top of this page and looking under “Au Pair Travel Outside the US.”