Many high-net-worth families rely on their trusted household staff to maintain standards across all properties, not just their primary residence. When you've found someone who understands your preferences and maintains your home exactly how you like it, it's natural to want that same level of service at your vacation home or seasonal property. If you're wondering whether you can bring your housekeeper to your second home, the answer is yes, but there are important logistical, legal, and ethical considerations you need to address to ensure the arrangement works for everyone involved.

Can My Housekeeper Travel With Our Family?

Bringing your housekeeper to your second home, whether it's in the Hamptons, Aspen, Big Sky, or any other vacation destination, can ensure continuity, comfort, and trust. Having familiar staff who already know your preferences can make your vacation home feel just as comfortable as your primary residence. However, unlike temporary help or local hires, your current housekeeper is stepping outside of their routine, their home, and their personal time.

This isn't something to take lightly or arrange casually. Employment law experts note that traveling with domestic staff requires careful planning and formalized arrangements to protect both parties. The relationship shifts when travel is involved, and what might seem like a simple extension of current duties actually introduces many new variables.

How to Travel With Your Housekeeper: What Families Need to Know

Just like with overnights for nannies, traveling with a housekeeper introduces a new layer of responsibility on the employer's part. Keep in mind:

Housekeepers are not live-in workers by default, and most are accustomed to returning to their own homes at the end of the workday.
Being "on-site" often means being "on-call," which has significant payroll and personal implications.
Their time is no longer their own, they're separated from family, friends, and their usual support systems, and that sacrifice deserves appropriate compensation.
Travel arrangements significantly change the employment relationship and may trigger different legal requirements depending on the state.

According to domestic employment specialists at Team Employer, one of the most common mistakes employers make is failing to account for the full scope of what they're asking when staff travels with them.

Additional Expenses for Traveling Housekeepers:

1. All Travel-Related Expenses

Flights, gas, rental cars, airport parking, and any incidentals related to getting to and from your second home.
Time spent traveling should be compensated as work hours. The Department of Labor considers travel for work purposes as compensable time.
This includes transportation back home for days off if your housekeeper will be staying for an extended period.

2. Accommodations

A clean, private sleeping area is non-negotiable. This means a private bedroom, not a pull-out couch in a common area or other makeshift arrangements.
Access to a private bathroom or clear bathroom scheduling is important for comfort and dignity.
Consider whether the accommodations offer appropriate privacy and comfort for longer stays.

3. Daily Meals or Meal Stipend

Just as you wouldn't expect a housekeeper to pay for lunch while working in your main residence, this rule applies during travel.
Either provide meals directly or offer a reasonable daily meal stipend that reflects local food costs.
Be mindful of dietary restrictions or preferences.

4. Per Diem or Daily Bonus

While optional, a daily bonus acknowledges their flexibility and personal sacrifice.
Industry standards suggest $50-100 per day above regular wages, depending on location and demands.
This recognizes the intangible costs of being away from home and family.

What to Pay a Traveling Housekeeper:

✔ Regular Hourly Wage for all scheduled work hours
✔ Overtime Pay for any time beyond 40 hours/week (as required by federal law)
✔ Travel Time must be compensated according to FLSA guidelines
✔ On-Call or Sleep Time may count as payable hours depending on local labor laws

The National Domestic Workers Alliance emphasizes that traveling with an employer often blurs the lines between work time and personal time. Creating a clear schedule that defines when your housekeeper is on duty versus when they have free time is essential.

💡 Tip: Discuss and document working hours in advance. If the housekeeper is "available" but not actively working (e.g., staying overnight in case they're needed), clarify whether that counts as paid on-call time. In many cases, restrictions on an employee's movement or availability may legally constitute work time even if they're not actively performing tasks.

Key Questions to Ask Before Inviting Your Housekeeper to Travel:

Are they truly comfortable being away from home overnight or for multiple days? Remember, not everyone can easily arrange for pet care, family responsibilities, or other personal obligations.
What type of accommodations will you provide, and are they appropriate for the length of stay?
Will their role and responsibilities change at the second home? Will they be expected to cook, run errands, or perform other duties outside their normal scope?
How will you handle work hours, boundaries, and off-the-clock time?
What happens if they get sick or have an emergency while traveling with you?
Have you considered their need for privacy and personal time during extended stays?

What to Include in an Offer Letter for a Housekeeper That Travels With Your Family:

If you're planning to travel with household staff, communication and advance planning are key. Offer a written agreement outlining:

Dates of travel
Daily working hours and clear off-duty times
What costs you'll be covering in detail
Sleeping arrangements and accommodations specifics
Compensation for any additional hours
Emergency protocols and contingency plans
Transportation arrangements for days off

Estate management professionals recommend having this conversation at least a month before planned travel, giving your housekeeper ample time to arrange their personal affairs. Remember that last-minute requests put undue pressure on staff who may feel unable to decline.

Legal Considerations, Pay, and Overtime for Housekeepers

Different states have different requirements for domestic worker protections. For example, New York's Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights provides specific protections regarding overtime, days off, and paid time off. California, Massachusetts, and several other states have similar provisions.

We recommend consulting with a household employment specialist if you frequently travel with staff to ensure you're compliant with all relevant regulations in both your home state and the location of your second home.

Final Thoughts

Just because your housekeeper isn't providing childcare doesn't mean overnight or travel work is casual. It's still labor, and it should be recognized as such. With fair compensation, respectful accommodations, and thoughtful communication, bringing your housekeeper to your second home can be a seamless and mutually beneficial experience.

Remember that your housekeeper is first and foremost an employee, not a travel companion. Maintaining professional boundaries while traveling helps preserve the employment relationship for the long term. The most successful arrangements are those where expectations are clearly communicated and the housekeeper's personal sacrifices are appropriately acknowledged and compensated.

Need more guidance on traveling with domestic staff? Check out these helpful resources:

At My Household Managed, we understand that bringing your housekeeper along when you travel isn’t just about convenience, it’s about maintaining your lifestyle, no matter where you are in the world. From packing protocols to privacy considerations, we prioritize candidates who are not only experienced, but adaptable, professional, and prepared for the unique demands of travel.

Are you a housekeeper with luxury household experience, ready to support a busy household on the move? Apply today and take the next step in your private service career.

Are you a family seeking a trustworthy, travel-ready housekeeper to ensure a seamless experience while away from home? Start your search with My Household Managed, we’ll connect you with the right fit.