How to find safe and reliable child care while traveling.
The rise of remote work has transformed how families approach travel. No longer limited to quick weekend getaways or traditional week-long vacations, many families are embracing multi-week—and even multi-month—adventures abroad. They’re swapping snowy winters for sunny beach days in Florida and exploring European capitals during extended summer breaks. With home rental platforms making it easier than ever to find comfortable accommodations, families can establish new routines while maintaining the comforts of home life during these longer journeys.
But even paradise comes with its challenges. Without grandparents along for the trip or resort kids’ clubs to rely on, how do parents carve out time to work, explore, or simply enjoy an occasional date night? Finding trustworthy child care while traveling isn’t just a luxury—it’s often necessary for parents to truly experience their destination and return home feeling refreshed rather than exhausted. Here are some suggestions on how to find reliable child care during family travels.
Leverage Social Media Communities
While social media often gets a bad rap, Facebook remains one of the most valuable travel resources for families. Smart travelers join local parent groups the moment they decide on a destination. For example, groups like “Mexico City Moms” or “Expats in Athens” provide treasure troves of information—from kid-friendly restaurant recommendations to playground meetups in local parks.
The real value comes when seeking babysitter recommendations. These groups offer personal testimonials from expats and local parents alike, along with connections to reputable nanny agencies. Finding these groups requires some experimenting with search terms. Try combinations of your destination plus keywords like “expats,” “moms,” “families,” or “parents.” The most active groups typically yield the best results. Pro tip: Avoid babysitter-specific groups that primarily feature self-promotion without the firsthand recommendations found in general community groups.
Tap Into Local Networks
Sometimes the best child care solutions come through unexpected local connections. Local connections often provide the most authentic and reliable care options. Hotel receptionists, Airbnb hosts, other parents at playgrounds, and even friendly restaurant staff can lead travelers to trusted child care providers. These locals understand the area and can recommend caregivers who speak the necessary languages and know the best ways to entertain children in that specific location. For example, a friend who was traveling had her childcare arrangements fall through. She reached out to her short-term apartment rental manager, who recommended a university student staying on the property who was able to babysit during the afternoon while my friend worked.
Use Digital Platforms and Apps
For travelers who prefer arranging child care before arriving at their destination, numerous online platforms and apps make advance planning possible. In the United States, services like Care.com and Sittercity offer well-vetted local babysitters and nannies with verified reviews and background checks. These websites typically offer extensive reviews, giving parents peace of mind when hiring short-term sitters.
Different regions have specialized platforms serving the same purpose. European travelers might consider the Marypop app, which connects families with bilingual babysitters throughout the continent. Research destination-specific platforms before departure to ensure child care won’t be a concern upon arrival.
Create Community Through Group Travel
Group travel can provide support to parents traveling with kids. For example, Copilots for Coparents organizes group trips specifically for single parents. The company’s mission is to make single parent travel less intimidating and less stressful, transforming it into a genuine vacation experience.
Group travel with other families guarantees built-in support systems. The presence of other parents who understand the challenges of traveling with kids and can help even for a few minutes can be absolutely invaluable. Whether parents need a quick bathroom break without balancing a baby on their hip or require privacy for an important call, these informal child care arrangements among trusted travel companions help everyone relax and enjoy their experience more fully.
Twist’s Take: Finding reliable child care while traveling requires creativity, advance planning, and sometimes a leap of faith. But the rewards—both for parents and kids—can make these efforts worthwhile!