Hi! For some reason, I’m feeling weird about asking this question here but I’m hoping that it makes sense. We are a family of four with two kids under six looking to travel for 4 to 6 weeks in Spain across the main hubs this summer. Has anyone had experience with hiring a nanny or a babysitting service that not just a “sit them in front of a screen” type sitting service? We are visiting Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Mallorca, and I’m wondering if it makes sense to have some kind of a back up in mind in case we are busy with work as we work remotely or if we just want to have a date night while abroad. In another form, I heard of a family doing this and hiring a nanny in Barcelona during their travels, and it was such a great experience that they’ve hired that same person in subsequent summers whenever they head back to Europe and even pay for that person to travel along in different countries. This is the kind of thing that I’d love to happen for us.
Posted by
TX, USA
6153 posts
We are all different - and I am sure you will get plenty of opinions on how “I” would do it. LOL.
If money isn’t a problem, would you consider bringing someone with you that you have already had the chance to meet with, vett, and get to know? You could set expectations ahead of time - like days off, evenings off, etc. I can understand the draw of hiring someone locally but I would think the less potential for communication problems, the better. I think you are planning more than one location - so you either start over in a new place or you hire them to go with you.
On the other hands, I would assume your friends hired from an agency. So you could try their agency.
Insurance would seem to be a factor to be considered.
Posted by
Chicago
2269 posts
Honestly, I wouldn’t feel comfortable relying on a complete stranger to care for my kids. There are hotel services that do this but it’s basically for those who can afford to stay at the top hotels.
Have you thought about bringing along a relative or sitter from home? Yes you have to pay for them but it could be less expensive. But you could just have a kid friendly vacation. Kids are welcomed in all restaurants in Spain and it’s not unusual to see small kids dining out still at 11pm. Finally Spaniards love kids and you will be treated better. It’s not like the US where talking your kids to bars or fancy restaurants is taboo.
Posted by
Bristol, UK
2133 posts
I would start by contacting a few nanny agencies. There are some in Spain or you could use a London based agency who would also be able to help you. I don’t know what the vetting process is in Spain but a London agency would do extremely through vetting checks of criminal records and references.
It is expensive to hire a professional nanny.
Posted by
Palm Springs area, CA. USA (winters)🌴☀️ Nomadic (Spring thru Fall)
3953 posts
Do you have a retired friend who could use some extra money? That’s what we did. Left the kiddos at home and took a 2 week trip to Europe. They got to go when they were a bit older.
Posted by
Penzance
261 posts
This is what grandparents are for.
Posted by
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
467 posts
Leaving the kids at home doesn't seem to achieve the main goals of this family trip. Four to six weeks is a long time to be away from small children and watching them for that long is a big request of any grandparent or friend.
I can't offer any concrete advice for the child care question, but I want to commend you for introducing your kids to the world when they are so young. Have a great time.
Posted by
Reston VA
552 posts
Have you thought about bringing along a relative or sitter from home?
This would be my suggestion. When we were kids, my parents just brought our normal sitter along as a guest who had "babysitting" duties when they would go out to dinner or need some kid-free time.
Probably different these days, but it was a free vacation for the sitter with the caveat of having to babysit every so often.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
3263 posts
Acquaintances of ours invited an older teenager who had babysat for the couple to come to Hawaii with them. She was included in all the activities and helped the parents with the kids but didn't have to watch them by herself the whole time. She had some time everyday to herself, and mostly the arrangement allowed the parents to enjoy evening meals in restaurants without the kids, and help get the kids up in the morning and down at night. Another pair of eyes and hands on outings wasn't onerous as the parents were involved with the kids as well on their outings. Aside from a free introduction to Hawaii, she got paid as well. (I don't recall how much.) This was only for two weeks, however. A longer trip such as yours would need someone free for that long. Maybe a college student with a Spanish major? Or a European history major?
Best of luck in your search.