Is your camera roll a colorful mosaic of destinations you’ve visited? Is your passport getting satisfyingly full? If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about your next trip while trying to figure out how to fund it, we see you.

^{CONTRIBUTOR: ADVENTURE NANNIES | REAGAN FULTON}

^{EDITOR: SANDRA ZO}

What if you could build a fulfilling, well-paid career that not only supports but revolves around a life of adventure?

Let’s talk about becoming a travel nanny or private educator.

This is a career path that offers the chance to explore the world, from the stony streets of European cities to sun-drenched coastlines, all while making a meaningful impact on a family’s life. It’s a real profession that can provide financial stability and the freedom to travel on your own terms. And while it might sound like a dream, it’s absolutely within your reach.

Adventure Nannies specializes in placing exceptional nannies and educators with dynamic, progressive families. While the agency has a three-year experience requirement, we want to let you in on a little secret: there’s no single, straight path to get here. We’ve seen incredible candidates from all walks of life build thriving careers, and we want to show you how you can, too.

What a Travel Career Actually Looks Like

Forget what you think you know about nannying.

This isn’t just about tagging along on a family vacation. Professional travel nannies are key players in a family’s ability to navigate the world smoothly. The roles are as diverse as the families themselves, but here are a few of the most exciting possibilities:

Temporary Travel Work

Imagine joining a family for a three-week tour of Japan or a two-month stay in a villa in Spain. These short-term contracts allow you to dive deep into a new culture while earning a fantastic salary. Once the job is over, your time (and money) is your own.

Rotational (ROTA) Positions

This is a game-changer for serious travelers. ROTA schedules, like two weeks on/two weeks off or one month on/one month off, are intense but incredibly rewarding.

You provide dedicated, round-the-clock care during your work period, and then you have an equal amount of paid time off to pursue your own adventures, whether that’s hiking in Patagonia or taking a pottery class in Portugal.

These roles often come with a high salary, making it possible to work less while earning more.

The Rise of the Private Educator

Beyond the nanny role is another incredible career path for the travel-loving teacher: the Private Educator.

Think of it as being a teacher with a classroom of one (or a few siblings!) where the world is your textbook. Many families, especially those with the flexibility to travel extensively, are choosing to “worldschool” their children. Instead of being tied to a traditional school calendar, they hire a dedicated educator to create a bespoke curriculum that happens on the go.

As a private educator, you might be guiding a history lesson at the base of the Acropolis or a marine biology unit while snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef. Families hire private educators because they offer the ultimate flexibility, allowing them to provide their children with an unparalleled global education as they travel.

You Might Be Closer Than You Think

We know that a three-year experience requirement can feel like a high bar, but “experience” is a broad term. We’ve seen people from so many different backgrounds become sought-after nannies and educators because they possess the core transferable skills: adaptability, resourcefulness, emotional intelligence, and a genuine passion for helping children grow.

Some of the most successful candidates we’ve worked with started as:

• Teachers, tutors, and camp counselors
• Outdoor education guides and ski instructors
• Therapeutic professionals and behavior technicians
• Postpartum doulas and newborn care specialists
• Former au pairs with a desire to professionalize their experience

If you have a knack for connecting with kids and a calm, can-do attitude, you’re already on the right track. The next step is to build the hands-on childcare experience that will make your résumé shine.

Your 1-3 Year Roadmap to a Thriving Career

Think of this as your action plan. If you’re committed, you can absolutely become a top-tier candidate in the next few years.

Year 1: Lay the Foundation

• Secure Full-Time Nanny Positions: The most effective way to gain substantial experience is through full-time nanny roles. Begin by registering with reputable local nanny agencies, as they often have exclusive access to families seeking long-term placements. Actively pursue full-time positions, even if they are initially short-term contracts, to build a strong resume and a network of references.
• Get Certified: Non-negotiable basics include CPR and First Aid certifications. If you want to stand out, consider getting a lifeguard certification, taking a course in early childhood education, or becoming a certified passenger safety technician (CPST).

Years 2 and 3: Level Up Your Skills

• Gain More Travel and Networking Experience: To expand your skill set, seek opportunities to work with diverse age groups, particularly infants and toddlers. Actively network with other nannies and meet with reputable agencies to explore various opportunities. To build your travel experience and skills, seek opportunities to travel with families on weekend trips or even accompany your full-time family during their vacations.
• Document Everything: Keep a running log of your hours, duties, and any special accomplishments. Did you help a toddler learn to sleep through the night? Did you plan a creative, educational curriculum for a school-aged child? Write it down!
• Lean Into Your “Special Sauce”: What makes you, you? Are you a talented artist, a coding whiz, a surfer, or fluent in another language? Families love to hire nannies and educators who can share their unique passions and skills with their children. This is what sets you apart.

Ready to Start the Adventure?

Building a career as a travel nanny or educator is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires dedication, professionalism, and a true sense of adventure. But the payoff is a life you don’t need a vacation from, a life where your work and your wanderlust can beautifully coexist.

If you’re feeling inspired, start your journey today. Begin building your experience, lean into your unique talents, and keep that travel dream in your sights.

And when you’re ready for a partner on that journey, we’ll be here.

We’re Adventure Nannies, a recruitment firm built on the idea that the right connection can change everything. We connect talented, adventure-loving caregivers and educators with incredible, progressive families. As a proud Certified B Corporation™, we’re dedicated to being a force for good in our community and for the planet.

We’d love for you to get to know us better by reading our story here.