Traveling can be stressful at times, even when it’s not meant to be. Imagine having a helping hand to lighten the load. Whether it be for a business trip or a family vacation, bringing along a personal assistant or nanny can make traveling a much more positive experience. However, in order to get the most out of traveling with your staff, make sure to iron out the details before you leave.

Accommodations: Make sure you and your household staff are both aware of where each of you will be staying. If a nanny is traveling with you, is she sharing a space with you or will she have her own room? It’s best to sort this out before your trip to avoid confusion later.

Time on and Time off: If you are traveling with a nanny or butler, your needs might be different than they are at home. This being said, so might their expectations. For example, a butler traveling with you to the Hamptons may need to be available for evening driving which was not necessary in New York City. Compromise before the trip to work out their hours based on your needs.

Itinerary: A top-notch personal assistant will already have the itinerary handy, but it’s important to double check that you both are on the same page. Where everyone should be at certain times, what they need, and travel accommodations from one place to the next are especially important.

Proper Documents: This is vital especially when it comes to traveling abroad. If traveling internationally, make sure your staff is properly screened. You should also be aware of things such as immunizations, visa and passport requirements, and foreign exchange rates to avoid unnecessary and unexpected hassles during the trip.

Emergency Plans: Unexpected events such as sudden illness, accidents, or even death can put a damper on your trip, so it’s always best to be prepared. Emergency cash advances, message relays to family and friends, legal assistance, etc. are things that should be prepared before your trip. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Reimbursements: Like accommodations, reimbursements should be sorted out before the trip. You should be clear with your household staff on what is covered and what isn’t.