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11-05-2007, 4:20 PM babysitterlaura Joined on 08-12-2007 USA Getting to Know Us babysitting while on vacation, and overnights Hi guys.  So I was wondering if any of you have ever gone on vacation with a family that you babysitt/nanny for.  A family that I nannied for wants me to vacation with them so I can take care of their children at the hotel, or the beach or whatever, while the parents get some time together.  So my question is, what do you charge in a situation like that?  They'd be paying for my plane ride, hotel, and meals, so how much do I charge them? They also said that they would give me spending money.  Do I charge by hour? or do i just set a flat rate?  How have you handled this in the past? Also, I have done overnights, but my question is, does the rate change if it is for more than one night?  This one family wants me to watch their two children for a week while they go on business.  Do I charge my normal overnight rates? Or do I cut it a bit because its an extended period of time?   When I pet/house sitt for this family I get $50 a night no matter how long they're gone.  Logically, I should get more for taking care of their kids/dog/house, but I think that any more than $50 a night would be too much?! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you!    Report

11-05-2007, 11:28 PM Chosen7Stone Joined on 10-21-2005 Tallahassee, FL Super Sitter!! Re: babysitting while on vacation, and overnights I own a childcare agency, and have a sitter currently in the Bahamas with the family she cares for actually.  The way we've decided to do it is this: the parent pays for your lodging and travel costs.  The sitter is responsible for her own food, souveniers, etc.  Before leaving, the sitter and family need to agree on the hours the sitter is to work, at the normal hourly rate.  If while the vacation is in-progress, the parents realize they might need the hours to change because an opportunity arose that they were earlier unaware of, i.e. a special date night, then they ask the sitters' permission. Certain ground rules need to be set beforehand, such as --- your free time is your free time.  This means it's not okay for the kids to come into your room and jump on your bed to wake you at 7am if you're not scheduled to care for them until noon. *Love in Christ from Mary* 1 Peter 2:4-5 Vote my agency, Seminole Sitters, the "Best Overall Business" in Tallahassee for the 2007 Tally Awards at EverythingTallahassee.com!!!    Report

11-06-2007, 6:59 AM babysitterlaura Joined on 08-12-2007 USA Getting to Know Us Re: babysitting while on vacation, and overnights Thank you very much Chosen7stone.  I had not thought about setting hours, but I can see that is a very important thing to do if I want any time to myself!!  Thank you very much for your input.  I greatly appreciate it.    Report

11-10-2007, 11:50 PM Chosen7Stone Joined on 10-21-2005 Tallahassee, FL Super Sitter!! Re: babysitting while on vacation, and overnights Let us know how it goes!  Going on vacation with a family is a rare treat -- hope you have a blast!  :) *Love in Christ from Mary* 1 Peter 2:4-5 Vote my agency, Seminole Sitters, the "Best Overall Business" in Tallahassee for the 2007 Tally Awards at EverythingTallahassee.com!!!    Report