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
6089 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
2268 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
2115 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.