The VIP Nanny’s Guide to Travel: Packing, Jet Lag, and Entertaining Kids on the Go

As a nanny for high-profile families, traveling is both a thrilling benefit and a significant challenge. You might find yourself suddenly heading to a tropical paradise, an upscale ski resort, or a vibrant global city.

This guide blends practical packing hacks with child-friendly travel tips, ensuring you’re prepared to keep kids happy, healthy, and engaged in the air, on the road, or at a new destination.

1. Anticipating the Unexpected

Working with VIP families often means minimal notice. A child might announce they want to join Dad’s business trip to Paris, or a parent may decide on a spontaneous getaway.

Be “Travel-Ready” at All Times

• Keep your documents in order. Passport valid for 6+ months, any needed visas, a copy of your nanny contract and NDA.

• Maintain a mini travel kit: basic first aid, comfort items, a list of the child’s allergies, digital entertainment, and an extra phone charger.

Real-life anecdote: A rota nanny once recalled a morning phone call at 6 AM: “Pack your bags—we’re taking a jet to Greece by 10!” Because she’d kept everything meticulously prepared, she was able to adapt with minimal stress.

2. Packing Smart for Kids

Kids in VIP families can have expansive wardrobes and specialized gear. Yet you need a strategy to avoid luggage chaos and ensure you have essentials at hand.

A. Organise by Category

• Outfits in labelled packing cubes: daywear, sleepwear, swimwear, and formal attire.

• Toiletries: child-safe shampoo, favorite bath toys, any medications, sunscreen.

• Flight bag: Spares of everything, from nappies or underwear to headphones.

B. Create a Checklist for Each Child

Whether you use a notes app or a Google Doc, list each category (clothing, electronics, comfort items, etc.). Update it regularly as a child’s needs change.

Pro tip: Check with parents about formal dress requirements for specific events, like a gala or a family photo session, so you don’t overpack or underpack.

3. Navigating Jet Lag: Tips for Smooth Transitions

Jet lag can transform sweet kids into cranky little zombies, especially if the time zone difference is 5+ hours.

A. Gradual Time Shifts

• If possible, adjust bedtime/wake-up by 30 minutes each day before travel.

• Once you arrive, embrace local time: plenty of daylight exposure and avoid extended naps at the wrong time.

B. Use Strategic Light and Darkness

• Dim or darken the child’s room at nighttime in the new time zone.

• Keep curtains open during the day to promote wakefulness.

C. Gentle Activity

• Light exercise or a walk outside can help reset the body clock.

• Avoid heavy meals right before bed, as it might disrupt sleep further.

Real-life anecdote: A VIP nanny took along a small portable sunrise lamp to replicate morning light in hotel rooms, helping the older kids wake more naturally.

4. Entertaining Kids on Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

A. In-Flight Strategies

1. Engaging “Busy Bags”

• Fill small pouches with crayons, mini puzzles, sticker books, or travel-friendly crafts.

• Swap them out mid-flight so they feel “new” again.

2. E-Reader or Tablet

• Pre-load educational apps, offline videos, or audiobooks.

• Maintain headphones to respect co-passengers.

• Limit screen time if the child is prone to overstimulation, balancing it with non-screen activities.

3. Movement Breaks

• If the aircraft seatbelt sign is off, take a quick walk down the aisle.

• Gentle stretches or a toddler-friendly yoga pose can prevent restlessness.

B. Road Trips or Car Journeys

• Frequent stops for snacks and bathroom breaks.

• Games like “I Spy” or sing-along sessions to engage them.

• Pack an easily accessible bag with favorite toys, blankets, or stuffed animals for comfort.

Pro tip: If the child is prone to motion sickness, keep ginger candies or doctor-approved remedies on hand.

5. Handling Layovers and Delays

VIP travel might involve private jets or first-class seats, but delays and layovers still happen. Keep kids patient and entertained by:

• Exploring airport lounges or designated play areas.

• Having quick, easy games ready (like a deck of cards or a mini board game).

• Taking short walks around to see airport sights (e.g., planes on the tarmac, interesting shops).

Snack Strategy

• Bring healthy, child-approved snacks to avoid sugary airport treats that might spike energy and lead to crashes.

Anecdote: One manny recalled a 6-hour flight delay in Dubai, which he turned into a “cultural treasure hunt.” He took pictures of interesting airport sculptures, asked the child to guess their meaning, then looked them up online together for an impromptu history lesson.

6. Hotel and Villa Childproofing

A. Quick Safety Sweep

• Check windows, balconies, and sharp furniture edges.

• Lock away minibars or household cleaning supplies.

• Ensure any local staff or security are aware of the child’s allergies or sensitivities.

B. Familiar Comforts

• Bring a small pillow, favourite bedtime toy, or a familiar blanket to create a sense of “home” even in a new environment.

Tech Tip: Ask for an extra key card so you can manage power in the room (many hotels use keycard-activated electricity). Keep a small nightlight for midnight bathroom trips.

7. Cultural Adaptation and Language Fun

When traveling internationally, turn the experience into an educational opportunity.

Language Basics

• Teach simple local phrases: “hello,” “thank you,” and “please.”

• Encourage kids to order their own meal in the local language, if possible.

Cultural Immersion

• Plan short outings to museums, kid-friendly historical sites, or local festivals.

• Combine these with child-friendly guides or scavenger hunts to add a playful twist.

Resource: The Lonely Planet Kids site offers travel books tailored to children’s curiosity.

8. Balancing Professional Boundaries on the Go

Travel can blur lines between professional and personal time. You might share hotel rooms, dine together, or handle bedtime far away from home.

Best Practices:

• Keep your own “off-duty” items separate to maintain a professional appearance.

• If you feel tasks creep beyond childcare (e.g., you’re asked to handle parents’ errands), politely clarify your role.

• Document any changes to agreed hours or duties—especially important if working rota schedules or encountering extended travel days.

Ensuring Confidentiality and Security When Working in a VIP/HNW Household highlights the significance of boundaries and NDAs while traveling.

9. Dealing with Unexpected Situations Abroad

Emergency Protocols

• Keep the child’s passport, medical info, and a notarized permission letter for medical treatment accessible.

• Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers andthe nearestt hospital.

Handling Child Illness

• Pack a travel first-aid kit: fever reducers, rehydration salts, and basic wound care.

• If symptoms persist, contact the family or designated physician for advice.

Cultural or Security Concerns

• VIP families may have security teams. Coordinate the child’s movements with them to avoid confusion.

• Stay in close contact with the parents or staff leads if encountering unusual local customs or rules.

Read why Keeping a Nanny Diary is essential when working for families

Final Thoughts

Making Travel an Adventure (Not a Nightmare)

Travel can be the highlight of a VIP nanny or tutor’s role, with days filled with new sights, the wonder of a child discovering different places, and the satisfaction of maintaining normalcy in extraordinary settings. Yet it also brings unique challenges like jet lag meltdowns, cramped flights, and unpredictable schedules.

Your success hinges on:

• Being travel-ready with organized packing and crucial documents.

• Mastering child-friendly entertainment that balances fun, learning, and calm.

• Maintaining strong emotional resilience and thorough preparation for potential hitches.

When you’re prepared, travel becomes more than a stressful transition—it becomes an opportunity for bonding, exploration, and global learning. And to the families you serve, your organisation and skill under pressure will make you an indispensable companion on every journey.

Find VIP Travel Nanny Positions

Eager to put these travel strategies into action? Check out current job openings for VIP and rota nannies at Jobs in Childcare—your next adventure might be a plane ride away.