“Rest and be thankful.” – William Wordsworth

Holidays and vacations are a great opportunity to rest, recharge and explore the U.S.

Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of the summer travel season. Here are some reminders about program rules regarding holidays, vacations, and international travel.

Holidays

• Host families are not required to give au pairs off on any specific holidays.
• Each host family will make different arrangements for holidays, some au pairs will be off and others will be required to work.
• Au pairs should not make plans for holidays without checking with their host family 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 preplanned (at least 4 weeks in advance).
• All au pair’s friends and/or family visits/vacations should be pre-approved prior to purchasing tickets.
• If an au pair travels with their host family, it should be discussed in advance whether they are working or if this would be the au pair’s vacation time.
• If an au pair travels with the host family to provide childcare:
  • It does not count as their vacation time.
  • They must have a private bedroom.
  • Their transportation, lodging, and meals should be paid for by the host family.

Travel Outside of the U.S.

Photo: Leah Kelly from Pexels