How to Be Travel Sitters - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 26, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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FAQ

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The cause of an increasing demand for travel sitters is a growing trend of parents wanting to travel with their kids. With this, more parents are choosing to hire someone who can look after their children while they are away. This is beneficial for both the parents and the travel sitter, as parents can feel secure in knowing that their children are safe and taken care of while they are away, while the travel sitter can gain experience and additional income.

Furthermore, this has created a new industry of travel sitting services which provide babysitters or nannies that specialize in caring for children while the parents are on vacation or business trips. This provides a great opportunity for those looking to make extra money while also doing something they enjoy.

Steps How to Become

Research the travel sitting industry to get an understanding of what is required to be a successful travel sitter.
Decide on the services you will offer as a travel sitter and create a profile that showcases your skills and experience.
Enroll in a certified travel sitter program, if necessary, to become qualified and certified.
Network with potential clients and employers in the travel industry to gain contacts and make yourself known as a reliable travel sitter.
Research travel safety and security information so you're up to date on the latest procedures and can provide the best service possible for your clients.
Create a professional website with your services, portfolio, and contact information to make it easy for travel sitters to contact you.
Keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date by taking relevant courses or attending conferences related to travel sitting.
Develop good customer service skills so that you can provide excellent customer service to your clients.
Maintain a positive attitude and be willing to go the extra mile to ensure that your clients have the best experience possible while travelling with you.

Finding skilled and qualified travel sitters can be a difficult task, especially when you are looking for someone to trust with your children while you are away. To ensure that you find the best fit, it is important to research potential candidates thoroughly. Start by looking for sitters with relevant experience, such as those who have previously worked as a nanny, babysitter, or camp counselor.

ask for references from previous employers and check background checks for any potential red flags. You should also look for someone who is certified in First Aid and CPR, as well as someone who is patient and reliable. Finally, be sure to interview each candidate in-person and get to know them before making a final decision.

By taking these precautions, you can be confident that your children will be safe and cared for while you are away.

You may want to check Tutor/Sitter, On-Call Sitter, and Summer Sitter for alternative.

Job Description

Travel Sitter: Provide companionship, care, and supervision to children while traveling. Monitor and ensure the safety of their charges while traveling.
Travel Planner: Create and manage detailed travel plans for families, including booking flight and hotel reservations, car rental, and other necessary arrangements.
Travel Instructor: Teach children about different cultures and customs while traveling. Lead activities that are educational, fun, and age-appropriate.
Travel Nurse: Provide medical care such as administering medications, checking vital signs, and providing first aid when necessary.
Travel Companion: Provide companionship to families while traveling. Assist with tasks such as grocery shopping, packing, and carrying luggage.
Travel Teacher: Teach children language or other skills while traveling. Guide them in activities that will help them develop a greater understanding of the culture they are visiting.
Travel Monitor: Monitor childrens activities and ensure their safety at all times. Keep a close watch on their whereabouts and be ready to take action if necessary.
Travel Organizer: Help families stay organized while traveling by coordinating meals, packing, and other tasks.
Travel Playmate: Provide entertainment and companionship to children while traveling. Lead games and activities that are safe and fun for all ages.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to plan and manage travel itineraries
Knowledge of local transportation options
Ability to provide guidance and support to travelers
Familiarity with local attractions and activities
Ability to engage in conversation with child travelers
Ability to stay organized and manage multiple tasks
Good problem-solving skills
Solid communication skills
Ability to remain calm under pressure
Ability to work independently and set priorities
First aid and CPR certification
Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures
Ability to handle a variety of cultural and language barriers
Good judgement and decision-making skills
Patience, flexibility, and reliability

Having the right skill set is essential for any successful travel sitter. The ability to effectively manage time, multi-task, and remain calm and composed in challenging situations makes them invaluable resources for families and individuals on vacation. Being organized, reliable, and proactive, as well as having strong communication skills are all key factors for providing quality service.

being knowledgeable of the local language and culture is also beneficial in order to anticipate potential problems and provide efficient solutions. For example, being familiar with the local customs can help a travel sitter avoid situations that might be viewed as offensive or inappropriate to the locals. having a basic understanding of first aid and safety protocol can be lifesaving in an emergency situation.

All of these qualities combined will help ensure that the vacation of the client is a safe and enjoyable experience.

Reliable Sitter, Vacation Sitter, and House Sitting Coordinator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as a Travel Sitter?
How do you handle difficult situations or challenging behaviors from children?
What methods do you use to maintain a safe, secure and comfortable environment?
Describe a time when you had to manage multiple tasks while taking care of children.
Are you comfortable with overnight stays and long-distance travel?
How do you react when a child refuses to follow instructions?
What activities and games do you use to engage children during travel?
How do you handle family emergencies or urgent situations?
What techniques do you use to build trust with families?
How do you stay organized and prepared for a variety of different travel scenarios?

Common Tools in Industry

Project Management Software. Used to manage, track and organize projects and tasks. (eg: Trello)
Time Tracking Software. Used to track how long employees spend on various tasks. (eg: Toggl)
Online Scheduling Software. Used to create, schedule and manage appointments with customers and employees. (eg: Calendly)
Document Management Software. Used to store, manage and share documents in a secure and organized manner. (eg: Dropbox)
Video Conferencing Software. Used to hold video conferences with colleagues, customers, etc. (eg: Zoom)
Communication Platforms. Used to streamline internal communication between teams and departments. (eg: Slack)
Customer Relationship Management Software. Used to manage relationships with customers and prospects. (eg: Salesforce)
Accounting Software. Used to manage finances, generate invoices and track payments. (eg: Quickbooks)
Human Resources Software. Used to manage employee information and automate HR processes. (eg: BambooHR)
Travel Sitters. Used to connect travelers and hosts who are willing to provide pet care services while they are away. (eg: Fetch)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Professional Pet Sitters
Pet Care Services Association
Pet Sitters International
National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors
The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters
The International Pet Sitters Association
The American Boarding and Pet Care Services Association
Professional United Pet Sitters
The Professional Pet Sitter's Association
The Association of Professional Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers

We also have Day Sitter, Responsible Sitter, and Vacation Care Sitter jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Babysitting. The practice of providing care for children while their parents are away.
Nanny. A professional caregiver who cares for children in the home of the parent or guardian.
Childcare. The practice of providing care for children during the hours when their parents are not present.
Caregiver. An individual responsible for providing physical, emotional and social support to another person.
Au Pair. A cultural exchange program which allows foreign nationals to live with a host family abroad and provide childcare in exchange for a small stipend and room and board.
Pet Sitting. The practice of providing care and companionship to pets while their owners are away.
House Sitting. The practice of providing care and maintenance to a home while the owners are away.
Elder Care. The practice of providing care for an elderly person, including medical, social, and psychological support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Travel Sitters? A1: Travel Sitters is a babysitting service that provides experienced, reliable, and safe childcare for travelers. Q2: How many years of experience do Travel Sitters have? A2: Travel Sitters have over 10 years of experience providing quality childcare services. Q3: What types of services does Travel Sitters offer? A3: Travel Sitters offers babysitting, pet sitting, house sitting, and nanny services. Q4: Where is Travel Sitters located? A4: Travel Sitters is located in the United States and Canada, with locations in major cities such as New York, Chicago, and Toronto. Q5: Does Travel Sitters provide background checks for their sitters? A5: Yes, all of Travel Sitters' sitters go through a rigorous background check process before they are hired.

Web Resources

Sitters and Tutors Network - Northwestern University sitters-tutors.northwestern.edu
Travel Office | Travel Services | University of Arkansas travel.uark.edu
Student Sitters | Portland State University www.pdx.edu