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Passports and Pacifiers—Traveling the World, One Tantrum at a Time
"A parenting memoir and travel guide that will inspire families to have new experiences." "Our verdict: GET IT" Kirkus Reviews
Conversational, lively, humorous tone. Enjoyable and memorable. The BookLife Prize
"Reading Kaitlyn Jain's very funny stories made me feel regret for not traveling more when my children were young...but also huge relief I didn't." George Mahood, author of Free Country: A Penniless Adventure the Length of Britain.
"Passports and Pacifiers reminds us all of the dream-mare that comes with traveling with your children…Kaitlyn Jain gives you the permission, inspiration, and information you need to get out and see the world again!" Erin Hatzikostas, former corporate CEO, TEDx speaker, and author of You Do You(ish)
"Passports and Pacifiers is an impossible-to-put-down book that is part travelogue, part advice column for would-be jet setting parents. Jain is a talented storyteller who takes us on journeys from the gelato shops of Italy to the beaches of San Diego, from Mayan ruins in Guatemala to cruises to Helsinki. For parents wanting to raise their kids with memories and meaningful encounters with cultures from around the world, this is a must-read." Jason Farman, author of Delayed Response: The Art of Waiting from the Ancient to the Instant World
The true story of two crazy parents traveling with four small children on a budget
Starting with two bumbling parents taking their Never-Sleep infant to Italy and ending with an adventure across Scandinavia, Passports and Pacifiers follows a naïve, baby-wearing family on memorable, affordable, and nap-centered trips.
You’ll be regaled with honest, often hilarious, accounts of their misadventures, like losing the only pacifier of the trip, missing ferries, and soothing tantrums across the globe. The Jains find deals—traveling just a tad off the prime season, finding buy one get two flights, and using credit card miles and free grandparent babysitters—and save where they can.
In addition, you’ll receive hard-earned travel tips like:
• Entertaining kids during long flights
• Packing light (while bringing what you need!)
• Driving with a carsick-prone toddler
• Keeping your Ever-Hungry spouse happy
Conversational, lively, humorous tone. Enjoyable and memorable. The BookLife Prize
"Reading Kaitlyn Jain's very funny stories made me feel regret for not traveling more when my children were young...but also huge relief I didn't." George Mahood, author of Free Country: A Penniless Adventure the Length of Britain.
"Passports and Pacifiers reminds us all of the dream-mare that comes with traveling with your children…Kaitlyn Jain gives you the permission, inspiration, and information you need to get out and see the world again!" Erin Hatzikostas, former corporate CEO, TEDx speaker, and author of You Do You(ish)
"Passports and Pacifiers is an impossible-to-put-down book that is part travelogue, part advice column for would-be jet setting parents. Jain is a talented storyteller who takes us on journeys from the gelato shops of Italy to the beaches of San Diego, from Mayan ruins in Guatemala to cruises to Helsinki. For parents wanting to raise their kids with memories and meaningful encounters with cultures from around the world, this is a must-read." Jason Farman, author of Delayed Response: The Art of Waiting from the Ancient to the Instant World
The true story of two crazy parents traveling with four small children on a budget
Starting with two bumbling parents taking their Never-Sleep infant to Italy and ending with an adventure across Scandinavia, Passports and Pacifiers follows a naïve, baby-wearing family on memorable, affordable, and nap-centered trips.
You’ll be regaled with honest, often hilarious, accounts of their misadventures, like losing the only pacifier of the trip, missing ferries, and soothing tantrums across the globe. The Jains find deals—traveling just a tad off the prime season, finding buy one get two flights, and using credit card miles and free grandparent babysitters—and save where they can.
In addition, you’ll receive hard-earned travel tips like:
• Entertaining kids during long flights
• Packing light (while bringing what you need!)
• Driving with a carsick-prone toddler
• Keeping your Ever-Hungry spouse happy
- GenresTravelNonfiction
Audiobook
Published July 1, 2022
10 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Kaitlyn Jain
1 book4 followersKaitlyn Jain is a world traveler and dedicated mom to her four young children. She has visited over 25 countries and nearly all 50 states, dragging her kids wherever she can. Passports and Pacifiers is her first book.
Follow Kaitlyn on social media:
https://www.kaitlynjain.com
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Follow Kaitlyn on social media:
https://www.kaitlynjain.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 17, 2020
My hat is off to the Author and her husband. They travel widely with their four children in tow. Jain begins by describing her own travels before motherhood and interspersed her adventures with her children as her progeny increased. It was interesting to read how they coped with tantrums, missed connections, and overtired offspring. She offers practical tips,to other enterprising parents who also want to venture beyond their home with their children. I enjoyed reading about their travels. I love to travel. The author must live close to Olney, Maryland, which is ironic because my home town is also Olney, but in the Midwest. Thanks to NetGalley and Boston BELS Publishing for the early read.
June 23, 2022
***I received an audio ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
If I were just rating for content, this would be 3 stars. The stories of Jain's travels through different countries and sometimes with small children were charming and informative. And honestly, I would have liked more of the asides with background about the areas visited.
But the structure of the chapters (and random personal backstories in the middle of chapters that only sort of connected to what was happening) was disjointed and confusing. It often pulled me out of the moment to say, "Wait, when did this trip take place? Where is she now?" This is definitely an editing issue, because the writing style itself was conversational and fine, but it was hard to reorient myself every time. The stories just needed to be put together differently. Maybe it would be less noticeable in the print version (I understand they're working on this audio a bit more), depending on where and how much the paragraphs/chapters are separated, but I think the issue is probably still there.
I hope the author isn't discouraged by my review, because I think she has many stories to tell. The structure just isn't quite there yet.
If I were just rating for content, this would be 3 stars. The stories of Jain's travels through different countries and sometimes with small children were charming and informative. And honestly, I would have liked more of the asides with background about the areas visited.
But the structure of the chapters (and random personal backstories in the middle of chapters that only sort of connected to what was happening) was disjointed and confusing. It often pulled me out of the moment to say, "Wait, when did this trip take place? Where is she now?" This is definitely an editing issue, because the writing style itself was conversational and fine, but it was hard to reorient myself every time. The stories just needed to be put together differently. Maybe it would be less noticeable in the print version (I understand they're working on this audio a bit more), depending on where and how much the paragraphs/chapters are separated, but I think the issue is probably still there.
I hope the author isn't discouraged by my review, because I think she has many stories to tell. The structure just isn't quite there yet.
May 21, 2022
Story is describes as traveling the world one tantrum at a time.
A fun family adventure with small children.
Although a fun story, I am an audiobook narrator snob. I have found that authors typically are not good performers. They, of course, know the story but are not actors. Which happens in this case, so doesn’t come across as professional. Of course, this is not an issue in the book.
Want to thank NetGalley and Books Go Social for this audio eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Audiobook Publishing Release Date July 1, 2022.
A fun family adventure with small children.
Although a fun story, I am an audiobook narrator snob. I have found that authors typically are not good performers. They, of course, know the story but are not actors. Which happens in this case, so doesn’t come across as professional. Of course, this is not an issue in the book.
Want to thank NetGalley and Books Go Social for this audio eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Audiobook Publishing Release Date July 1, 2022.
May 17, 2022
The author is a little crazy traveling with small kids but I certainly miss it now! Kindle version and paperback versions are now available. If you enjoyed, please consider sharing your review on Amazon too.
February 25, 2021
This book was the perfect balance of travelogue and travel tips. Following a family with young children on their international travels while in the midst of the pandemic brought a smile to my face and reminded me that one day we will all get back to being able to explore new places and be with those we love. One of my favorite parts of the book were that their travels often took them off the beaten path, so I learned more about places that I wouldn't have thought of as travel hot spots. I also loved the personalities of some of their travel buddies (extended family members) and the honesty with which Jain shared her stories - kids aren't always well-behaved, travel isn't always a walk in the park, but in the end, it is always a fond memory and worth all the hard work!
December 26, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book prior to publication in exchange for my review. Passports and Pacifiers by Kaitlyn Jain is an entertaining book about what it is like to travel all over the world, on a budget, with young children. The book covers eight trips over a span of six years, starting with just one child and ending up with four. It is a humorous story and I especially liked Jain's nicknames for her family, her Ever Hungry husband, the Never Sleep Baby and my, favorite, the aptly named Screech Owl. They encounter the normal challenges that parents traveling with children encounter: missed connections, tired and cranky kids, hotel rooms that are not as advertised, but it is the way that they cope with the challenges that makes this story such a good one. I have to mention that Jain tells a very funny story involving a pacifier and a toilet that had me wondering what would I do in this situation. Scattered throughout the book are brief chapters entitled Lesson Learned and these contain some great practical travel tips, including one dealing with what you should put in your airplane carry-on. It is a great book that is relatable, well written and very honest. I recommend it.
February 22, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Kaitlyn Jain’s first book. She is an excellent story teller. Her writing style is fun and easy, as if she is a friend chatting with you. She provides much information about the places she visits, which lets you know she is soaking up the culture of those locales. It tells me also that the kids are being immersed in those cultures as well. Wonderful.
I am very impressed that she and her husband choose to see the world with their children. She's up front about traveling with children…it can be challenging but so rewarding. It is nice that they want to share those moments with them. It may be daunting with 4 little ones, but they make it work, enjoy the sights and cherish the memories. Kids may not remember everything from the trips, but she will remember as a parent.
I appreciate her travel tips from a savvy seasoned traveler. It is interesting how clever she is in affording their trips. I look forward to a second book.
I am very impressed that she and her husband choose to see the world with their children. She's up front about traveling with children…it can be challenging but so rewarding. It is nice that they want to share those moments with them. It may be daunting with 4 little ones, but they make it work, enjoy the sights and cherish the memories. Kids may not remember everything from the trips, but she will remember as a parent.
I appreciate her travel tips from a savvy seasoned traveler. It is interesting how clever she is in affording their trips. I look forward to a second book.
February 10, 2021
People often say that life as you know it ends when you have kids. I was understandably apprehensive towards a book on traveling with young children.
The stories in Passports and Pacifiers are many people’s definition of nightmare - cross-Atlantic flights with a NeverSleep baby, carrying children, strollers, snacks on walking destinations... Where most parents avoid these situations at all cost, Jain seems to seek them out (and somehow always pulls through).
As a parent of two young boys, I found myself asking the same question over and over - how does she do it? Initially, I attributed it all to her athleticism and grit as a successful college athlete. But at the end, I realized it was something else. It was her inclination to always see things glass half full, the desire to share her experiences with her children, and a superhuman-like optimism that everything will turn out ok at the end.
This book fills me with hope. Adventures don’t have to end at the onset of a family; Jain offers living proof that family makes these journeys all the more memorable. This is a memoir on resilience, perspectives and love.
The stories in Passports and Pacifiers are many people’s definition of nightmare - cross-Atlantic flights with a NeverSleep baby, carrying children, strollers, snacks on walking destinations... Where most parents avoid these situations at all cost, Jain seems to seek them out (and somehow always pulls through).
As a parent of two young boys, I found myself asking the same question over and over - how does she do it? Initially, I attributed it all to her athleticism and grit as a successful college athlete. But at the end, I realized it was something else. It was her inclination to always see things glass half full, the desire to share her experiences with her children, and a superhuman-like optimism that everything will turn out ok at the end.
This book fills me with hope. Adventures don’t have to end at the onset of a family; Jain offers living proof that family makes these journeys all the more memorable. This is a memoir on resilience, perspectives and love.
June 5, 2022
International travel with a toddler is something many people wouldn’t contemplate, never mind travelling with 4 children under 8!
Part memoir, part travelogue, part guidance for other families contemplating travel with young children, there is no doubt that this is a book written from the heart. There is plenty of humour, some interesting insights and plenty of "Lessons Learned”. The writing does jump about a bit, and there is quite a lot of repetition, but I am sure that many parents who have travelled with young children will recognise many of the situations in the book!
I listened to the audiobook version & it felt quite amateurish. It was read by the author but it was very much read & not narrated, with odd phrasing at times, you could hear pages turning and she stumbled over many pronunciations. I think it could be much better if the recording was redone, but it doesn’t change the fact that the content will appeal to those contemplating travel with children!
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this audiobook free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own & my review is left voluntarily.
Part memoir, part travelogue, part guidance for other families contemplating travel with young children, there is no doubt that this is a book written from the heart. There is plenty of humour, some interesting insights and plenty of "Lessons Learned”. The writing does jump about a bit, and there is quite a lot of repetition, but I am sure that many parents who have travelled with young children will recognise many of the situations in the book!
I listened to the audiobook version & it felt quite amateurish. It was read by the author but it was very much read & not narrated, with odd phrasing at times, you could hear pages turning and she stumbled over many pronunciations. I think it could be much better if the recording was redone, but it doesn’t change the fact that the content will appeal to those contemplating travel with children!
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this audiobook free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own & my review is left voluntarily.
February 11, 2021
We have done a small amount of traveling with children. It is fun—and a lot of work! Kaitlyn tells it like it is. With children, travel can be totally unpredictable. She tells about the fun times, like the long hikes in Maine and seeing the Bay of Fundy. She also tells about the hard times, like the baby with seasickness in Scandinavia. If you've ever been curious about traveling with children, or if you simply like to read about traveling, this is the book for you.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
March 14, 2021
A fun and informative read! Beautiful descriptions and stories of places traveled with a dose of the realities of traveling with young kids.
January 12, 2021
This book will bring back many memories for readers about their past family vacations. Kaitlyn and EverHungry show the difficulty, but more importantly, the enjoyment of traveling with their young children. If you hope to or have traveled with your family, then this book is for you. Kaitlyn's many experiences have been neatly compressed into an interesting and humorous memoir. The family pictures are an added bonus.
November 28, 2020
This entertaining travelogue/memoir combines rich descriptions with vivid word pictures and pours out a plethora of “kid tested, mother approved” advice and practical tips for traveling with young children. It's based on the author's own travel experiences with little ones. This brisk, often funny tome offers an honest look at the unique joys and difficulties of traveling with young children, including a Never Sleep baby and an Ever Hungry husband.
The book’s target audience - parents with young children - will find it entertaining and worthwhile. Parents of grown children will also remember those gallant days of yore as they recall endless kid choruses of "Are we there yet?"
The book’s target audience - parents with young children - will find it entertaining and worthwhile. Parents of grown children will also remember those gallant days of yore as they recall endless kid choruses of "Are we there yet?"
December 2, 2020
A humorous retelling of the travel adventures of a young couple and their family including 4 young children. Lots of detailed descriptions, history and advice along with some pictures lead to an entertaining read.
December 4, 2020
OMG!! I wish I had read this when my kids were young! What a wonderful and entertaining read. There are tips and tricks interspersed with a very relatable and enjoyable story of a family with 4 kids who love to travel. I bought this for both my kids as holiday gifts to enjoy and maybe after the pandemic, travel a little more!
March 19, 2021
This book is hilarious! It had me, in turns, laughing out loud ... and packing my bags. :D A great armchair-travel read as we navigate a pandemic world, with tons of practical advice that still applies just as well to those of us without kids as with.
I've not traveled much with kids (and they've always been other family members', when I did), but still found the stories and experiences spot on. Incredibly relatable--anyone can find something to smile and nod in commiseration here!--as well as encouraging. Jain has truly "been there, done that," and brings us up close and personal to watch and learn.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I've not traveled much with kids (and they've always been other family members', when I did), but still found the stories and experiences spot on. Incredibly relatable--anyone can find something to smile and nod in commiseration here!--as well as encouraging. Jain has truly "been there, done that," and brings us up close and personal to watch and learn.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 29, 2022
I was given an early copy in exchange for an honest review. This contained valuable tips for traveling with your youngsters. Even though I know she put money aside to go on these trips and found the cheapest tickets airline miles etc. I still felt you needed to realistically be upper middle class to go on these European trips that encompass several countries in Europe and Scandinavia. You learn to quickly find a local map as soon as possible and highlight the territory for places of interest with no particular schedule. It’s better when enjoyed in a native natural state rather than forcing an itinerary. For instance I don’t feel most Italian grandmothers would be so welcoming to babysit just anyone’s children. Although that was a nice submersible touch in case her parents wanted to do something on their own one night. Her parents also traveled separately to be of help to baby sit, carry strollers, as needed. You learn that weird can be wonderful when enjoyed with the kids. Travel expands their minds to the world and the customs of the area. It also expands their food palates to the local cuisine.. Not just everyone would have parents able to take off and go when their daughter called to spend a couple of weeks or so to travel through Europe.. Special thanks to #NetGalley, #KaitlynJain and #Passports and Pacifiers for the opportunity to review early. The audiobook did feel more personal since it was narrated by the author. Relatable touch.ie. Made me feel like she actually knew what she was talking about when traveling with kids. Itinerary must be in broad brush stokes. Arrive here on date. Leave from here on date. The rest is loosely structured. To fit within hard set dates and times.Don’t get sucked under by the occasional meltdowns with kids they are going to happen. Pack enough snacks and games in a nap sack to keep them under a semi-controlled state. Yes I would recommend this book to anyone with mixed feelings about traveling with children anywhere.
June 14, 2022
I received this audiobook as an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I was excited to read this book because I also love to travel, and now I have a 10 month old daughter. I really liked the lessons learned and the tips the author provided. The stories were also humorous and the substance of the book was, in general, a good read. Listening to it made me long to travel and gave me some inspiration as to which places to go to.
I would have rated the book 4 or even 5 stars had it not been for the poor quality of the audiobook. To be honest, while I was enjoying the substance of the book, it was hard to finish because of the audio. The book was read by the author, and the recording was very unprofessional. You could hear pages turning, mouth noises, and once the author even stumbled over a sentence. Why was this recording not better edited? Additionally, the author would sometimes pause in weird places in the sentence, which prompted me to listen at 1.25x speed, as this normalized the reading somehow.
While I would highly recommend this book, I would ONLY recommend the print or ebook version. Steer clear of the audiobook!
I would have rated the book 4 or even 5 stars had it not been for the poor quality of the audiobook. To be honest, while I was enjoying the substance of the book, it was hard to finish because of the audio. The book was read by the author, and the recording was very unprofessional. You could hear pages turning, mouth noises, and once the author even stumbled over a sentence. Why was this recording not better edited? Additionally, the author would sometimes pause in weird places in the sentence, which prompted me to listen at 1.25x speed, as this normalized the reading somehow.
While I would highly recommend this book, I would ONLY recommend the print or ebook version. Steer clear of the audiobook!
July 10, 2022
This was a really good book. Its a genre hybrid book that incorporates parenting advice with travel writings that just worked really well. I became engrossed in the story from the start. I listened to the audiobook and loved that the author read her own work. She had a wonderful tone and pitch and the book was paced brilliantly. I was slightly in awe of the author at being such a fantastic mother and able to travel with her 4 kids which is magnificent. This book had really good parenting advice and was really fascinating to read.
I do hope the author does write more books as they were very entertaining and so interesting.
I definitely recommend this book for those parents who wish to travel and those who love reading family orientated travel writings.
So much praise goes out to the author and publishing team for creating this fascinating, funny and very enjoyable book that I'm sure other mums and dad's out there would love to read.
I do hope the author does write more books as they were very entertaining and so interesting.
I definitely recommend this book for those parents who wish to travel and those who love reading family orientated travel writings.
So much praise goes out to the author and publishing team for creating this fascinating, funny and very enjoyable book that I'm sure other mums and dad's out there would love to read.
June 14, 2022
Props to Kaitlyn Jain for managing to travel with 4 kids! Her adventures are funny, informative, and enlightening. I enjoyed listening to the different locations she visited and have added a few to my list. There were some issues with the narration - at one point she makes a mistake, pauses, and starts again - but otherwise it was fine; it didn't take away from the stories. It was also cute that her daughter (I'm guessing, it's never mentioned) narrates the chapter titles.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
July 19, 2022
This book was really interesting and fun to listen to as an audiobook. Kaitlyn tells a variety of relatable and funny stories about her trips around the world with her young children. It was light, easy listening, but also had lots of interesting details. I think I will give it another quick read right before I plan any future vacations with future toddlers! Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to listen to this great audiobook!
June 10, 2021
Funny, relatable and full of tidbits and tips for anyone who dares this kind of travel. Perfect gift for a first time mommy or anyone who has ever ventured out their front door with children. Solid writing, did I mention funny? Will recommend.
June 30, 2022
In Passports and Pacifiers, Kaitlyn Jain has crafted an excellent balance of heartwarming human interest stories with very useful ideas of where and how to travel more comfortably spending less time, trouble, and money. She has done the Conestoga-wagon pioneering and is sharing what she learned to put you on an Interstate-smooth path to enjoyable travel experiences, whether you are traveling with four children, as she grew to be, or by yourself. Her book reads like a novel with clear, crisp and colorful well-edited writing, providing many ideas of where to go, what to see when there, what to avoid, and personal secrets, or hacks, such as how to coax the kids asleep. You will learn the benefits of different hotels, and how to secure a configuration of space to fit your needs. She pauses periodically for “Lessons Learned.” A favorite—take a photo of trail maps so you won’t get lost.
I recall a very disputatious checkout of Customs at one location when I could have had a pleasant encounter where my guidebook suggested, had I read it beforehand. Was it “now you tell me,” or “now I read it”? Oh, the cost of ignorance, much more than the cost of the guide. It would belittle the book and your time to say the book is worth the money. More than that, it is worth your time, and will save you money, time, stress, angst, maybe jail. And you will enjoy the read. Buy the book and READ it. Research shows that travel makes us better people. By experiencing different customs, languages, currencies, and lifestyles, the travelers—children and adults— become more flexible, innovative, and understanding. Despite the recent upheavals, it is still a beautiful world. Be informed as you check it out.
I recall a very disputatious checkout of Customs at one location when I could have had a pleasant encounter where my guidebook suggested, had I read it beforehand. Was it “now you tell me,” or “now I read it”? Oh, the cost of ignorance, much more than the cost of the guide. It would belittle the book and your time to say the book is worth the money. More than that, it is worth your time, and will save you money, time, stress, angst, maybe jail. And you will enjoy the read. Buy the book and READ it. Research shows that travel makes us better people. By experiencing different customs, languages, currencies, and lifestyles, the travelers—children and adults— become more flexible, innovative, and understanding. Despite the recent upheavals, it is still a beautiful world. Be informed as you check it out.
November 27, 2021
I’ve never read a travel book that has so many layers. Sure, it’s about travel (lots of sharp tips), but it’s just as much about parenting, family, and personal revelations. In her friendly, conversational style, Jain shares experiences and reflections (lots of them humorous and humble) that bring us to know her and her family. Read this as you embark on family travels and keep it to help yourself adjust and ponder.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews