We've tried leaving our young son in a holiday creche, but he's not liked them (an understatement), and we've had to abandon the idea. Do you know of somewhere we could hire a nanny whilst abroad? Sheila Cartwright, Surrey

Sunday Times travel expert, Richard Green, responds: Nannies are offered by some upmarket hotels, particularly in the Indian Ocean or Caribbean, and also by a few tour operators, such as Scott Dunn (020 8682 5000), and Caribtours (020 751 0660). And there are agencies in particularly destinations, often ski resorts. So it's worth checking out before you book.

But there's now a solution for your entire trip, through a new company called Holiday Nanny (01494 772400). It's a family run business, born out of the founder's similar frustrations to yours, and there are now 20 nannies on the books. Mostly, these are primary and nursery school teachers, maternity nurses and qualified nannies - including some with particular talents, say in languages, fitness, or wait for it, ice-skating.

You can meet your nanny beforehand, and they all live in the UK. The cost is £425 for one week, or £795 for a fortnight, to include 45 hours per week on a six/seven-day week, plus 14 hours of evening babysitting spread over four nights.

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