It’s no secret a big reason au pairs decide to join the program is the ability to travel and live abroad. With ten paid vacation days offered as part of the au pair agreement, most au pairs take full advantage of travel opportunities during their stay in the U.S. Here are some of Au Pair USA’s best tips when it comes to traveling during your au pair experience.
Understanding Au Pair Travel Parameters
During your au pair program year, you will have a J-1 Visa. This visa is valid for one year and allows for multiple entries into the U.S. (as long as you see an “M” listed there). This means if you wanted to travel to another country during your program year, you could as long as your au pair visa had not expired. Keep in mind, you may need a tourist visa for the country you plan to visit though. Traveling around the United States is completely fine, whether your visa has expired or not. Au Pair USA recommends planning ahead for successful travel experiences. Research areas you’d like to visit and talk to your host family about time off to ensure your schedules coordinate.
Budget-Friendly Transportation Options
You’ll likely be traveling on a budget, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on great opportunities. Find out if there is a tour group or organization you can join. You can often find discounts for students and youth as well. Traveling to places during their off-peak seasons can be a smart way to save money and avoid crowds. And, if you haven’t heard of Amtrak, they offer the Amtrak USA Rail Pass, which can be a savvy way to check out nearly 500 destinations across the country.
Affordable Accommodation Options
Curious how to save money when it comes to where to stay? What about tapping into your au pair network? If you want to visit New York and know an au pair who lives there, ask if they might be able to host you or recommend an inexpensive and safe housing option. You can also return the favor for the city where you live. Be sure to check with your host parents before inviting anyone to their home first! There are also affordable travel stay options on sites like AirBnb and VRBO.
Making the Most of Local Exploration
Believe it or not, there are likely lots of free options to explore in the places you plan to visit. Many museums are free or have free admission days. If not, most offer student discounts if you present a valid student ID. In addition, you can save money seeing theatrical shows by purchasing tickets last minute sometimes (although you do run the risk of there being no seats available). Public parks are also free places to stroll around and get to know a city on your own terms.
Safety While Traveling
Your safety is top priority for Au Pair USA during your stay. If you plan to travel solo, ensure you are checking in regularly with either your host family, Local Coordinator, or natural family at home. Designate an emergency contact, just in case. Whether you travel alone or with friends, it’s always a good idea to ensure you have copies of your important documents (passport, I-94, DS-2019, and any additional photo ID you may be using). Be aware of your surroundings and make responsible choices.
Digital Travel Resources
Most travel today is booked online. If you haven’t checked out some of the travel discount websites like Expedia, Priceline, Kayak, or TripAdvisor, you could be missing out on some valuable discounts and important information (like reviews and photos from past travelers). Many sites will also allow you to set an alert for the trip you’re researching so you can hear it first if prices drop on flights or hotel costs.
Making Memories
While it’s best to live in the moment during these incredible trips, don’t forget to document your experiences as well! Consider purchasing a travel journal and writing about your travel days. Or if you’re crafty, create a scrapbook during your au pair experience, dedicating some of those pages to each of your vacation destinations. You can also share your photos on social media in real time so family and friends back home can see where you are and what you’re up to!
Traveling during your au pair year will certainly be a big part of your personal growth. Seeing new places, experiencing new cultures (there are so many different ones within the U.S. alone), and learning how to navigate a new destination are ways you’ll open up your mind and learn about yourself and the world around you. Be sure to take advantage of some travel during your au pair experience by planning ahead, researching destinations, budgeting accordingly, and most of all, having fun!
If you’re ready to start your au pair experience in the USA, apply today! Au Pair USA has been helping au pairs from around the world match with carefully screened American host families for over 35 years. We can’t wait to welcome you too!
