With winter comes travel planning. Whether you are traveling for business or planning a weekend or entire winter abroad, traveling with an Executive Assistant, Nanny, Chef or any other Household Staff requires some important considerations. Use this ultimate guide to winter travel as a helpful reference.

Avoid Miscommunication About Your Expectations

Where it comes to winter traveling with staff, you can never be too clear. It is a good idea to explain any changes to their responsibilities well before you travel.

You will also want to clarify other details, such as whether or not a Nanny will be expected to work outside of their normal hours, or a Personal Assistant will be asked to make reservations or finalize itineraries before you land.

It can be a good idea to develop and present a role-specific manual for travel well before departure that includes these details. This way, your Household Employees can review, receive  answers to questions, and ensure they are fully prepared for any changes before they arrive.

Accommodations and Expenses

Where will your Domestic Staff stay during your time away? Discussing their accommodations beforehand will ensure everyone’s travel experience goes smoothly. If employees will be staying offsite or in another building on the property, the subject of reimbursement will warrant discussion.

Where this is the case, ensure you communicate how employees should document accommodation expenses, such as logging receipts of their stay. You will also want to consider discussing which expenses are and are not eligible for reimbursement.

Travel Payment

In addition to expectations, accommodation, and reimbursement, a conversation about how much your staff will be paid during winter travel should also be had. In addition to their regular pay, traveling with Household Staff typically also includes payment for any hours worked overtime.

Payment for time traveled to your destination is an additional item. You may also choose to cover their meals and accommodations to a set amount in lieu of full reimbursement. If you decide to also pay a stipend for any other expenses employees incur, this is also considered to be a reasonable payment during winter travel.

Prepare for the Unexpected

Accidents, sickness, and other unexpected events sometimes do not wait until you return home to occur. Having a plan in place for these emergencies is crucial. Important aspects of your emergency plan should include having emergency contact information for each staff member who will be accompanying you, as well as any information regarding allergies and medical conditions.

Always Keep Lines of Communication Open

Communication is one of the most important aspects of a healthy working relationship, especially when traveling.

Clear and open communication is the best way to assure your staff that they can always come to you when they need to. When you are traveling during the winter, an open communication policy will extend this assurance to whatever destination you are in. In a time of emergency, it can keep everyone safe.

Hire Qualified Staff for Your Winter Vacation

Staffing at Tiffanie’s is dedicated to matching celebrities, executives, sports figures and other high-profile individuals with top-quality professionals. We use a meticulous process to find Personal Security, Household Managers, Assistants, Chefs and other qualified candidates that are aligned with the personality and work ethic of your household.

If you are going to be traveling during the holidays and need expert staff, Staffing at Tiffanie’s accesses an extensive and exclusive network of candidates, discreetly sourcing the best Housekeepers, Private Chefs, Travel Nannies, and many more Domestic Professionals.

Discover the benefits of working with an experienced Household Staffing Agency that supports and guides you through the process. Visit our website or call us to start your hiring process:  (866) 484-5550