Exploring the world with Little Passports

The past few months we have been reviewing a gorgeous, interesting (and fun) monthly subscription package from Little Passports, helping us to explore the globe. We have been learning about continents, famous landmarks and music from around the world.

Little Passports was launched in 2009 by best friends Amy and Stella, all because they felt it was so important that children are introduced to the world around them – something I feel passionately about. I feel it is so important to understand other cultures, experience new things, step outside your bubble and find out where people come from – what makes us similar, different and unique.

There are a number of different package subscriptions – Early Explorers, World Edition, Science Expeditions and USA Edition, plus age categories within those. We have been reviewing the Early Explorers subscription aimed at 3-5 year olds.

Each month we have received: 

• A 20 page activity booklet
• Souvenirs
• Flashlight adventures
• Trading cards
• Letters, postcards, photos and luggage tags

…and the first month you also receive a map and a suitcase to get you started.

So far on our travels we have learnt about continents, world music and famous landmarks, but future themes include: dinosaurs, food, art, natural wonders, science, oceans, insects, celebrations and sports.

We had particular fun with the music month. We received a CD with eleven fun songs on as part of the package, and they love it (perhaps a bit too much). Their favourite song without a doubt is: ‘La Cucaracha’, which we discovered translates to ‘The Cockroach’. The music month also encouraged us to find out about unusual musical instruments, including taiko drums, the didgeridoo, the bagpipes, the mbira, maracas and the Chinese gong. We spent a fun afternoon watching YouTube music videos to learn more.

Things we love:

• Everything is built to last so it is perfect for sharing, and subsequent children.
• The monthly cost is just over £12. When this is split between two children, I think it is reasonable.
• The suitcase means that everything is kept in one place and nothing gets lost.
• Getting it out doesn’t have to be a big event. It can be like a book – opened, enjoyed and put away after half an hour or so, but can easily fill a larger time slot. Everything provided is a starting point, and can be expanded upon.
• It would make a fantastic Christmas, or birthday present.
• The boys have taken the suitcase on ‘mini adventures’ around the house, complete with a packed rucksack.
• As long as it’s not windy, or rainy, it is perfect for taking outdoors too.

Points to note:

• The main thing we have struggled with is having time since Win started school. After school he likes to play with all his toys or draw, and I like to leave him to it. Ru’s understanding of the world isn’t quite there yet, but he turns three in January and won’t start school until the following September, so we have plenty of time to open our Early Explorers suitcase.
• It’s perfect adventure for school holidays, ill siblings or having to stay indoors.
• Older children can be left to enjoy their package, but as you can imagine, 3-5 year olds will need an adult to read and explain. It’s definitely something to do together.
• We have been using our Maps book alongside the packages, as it makes everything easier to visualise (and is utterly beautiful).

We have thoroughly enjoyed our three month subscription, and can’t wait to learn more!

E xx

Big thanks to the lovely people at Little Passports for sending us a three month Early Explorers subscription, free of charge, in exchange for an honest review.