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

Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-25 this year) is the unofficial start of summer travel season. 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 pair know if they will be off or not, so plans may be made.
• Au pairs should not make plans for holidays without checking with their host family first.

Vacations

• Au pairs earns 2 weeks of paid vacation during the course of their year.
• If the 2 weeks is taken in smaller pieces (a few days at a time), it’s important to know that 2 weeks vacation does not equal 14 vacation days. This is because you would never work 7 days in a week. When you get a week off, it’s 5 vacation days and your 2 regular days off. That means 2 weeks of vacation = 10 vacation days plus 4 regular days off.
• 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 au pairs travel with their host family, it should be discussed in advance whether this is the au pair’s vacation or if they’re working.
• If au pairs travel with their host family to work, the host family is required to pay for the au pair’s transportation, lodging and meals.

Travel Outside the U.S. 

• Au pairs in year one, 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.
  • More information and the travel validation request form may be found here on our cluster resource site.
  • It is essential that au pairs make their travel plans to return to the U.S. at least a few weeks prior to the expiration date listed on their visa. This date can sometimes be earlier than their actual year end date.
  • There is always some risk with traveling outside of the U.S., as your re-entry is at the discretion of the port of entry agent.
• There are limitations on travel outside of the U.S. for au pairs in year two. Please speak with Christine or Lisa, prior to making travel plans.

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