Finding Childcare While on Vacation

Taking a family vacation does not mean that you have to spend every waking minute together. If you have not brought your baby-sitter along, you can find quality childcare while vacationing that will allow you to spend some well-deserved time alone. A little bit of time alone or with your spouse can be refreshing and relaxing.

If you are staying at a large hotel in the United States, they may provide baby-sitting services in the hotel. If your hotel does not offer onsite childcare services, the concierge will probably be able to give you a list of bonded, licensed baby-sitting services in the area. Because of the risk of liability, do not expect a recommendation from the hotel staff. They will probably just hand you a list of childcare services in the area. If your hotel does not provide a list of possible caregivers, call Child Care Aware. Child Care Aware is a national service for quality child-care referrals that can refer you to the local number for licensed childcare providers at your destination. The number for Child Care Aware is (800) 424-2246. There list should give you more choices than the hotel list. Once you call the local referral service, ask for caregivers that provide or specialize in short-term care.