Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you might want to know about the mail club, the mailings, and your subscription. Still need help? Email hello@penpaltravels.com.
What ages is Pen Pal Travels for?
Pen Pal Travels is designed for children ages 3–8. Children ages 3–5 will usually enjoy the mailing with a grown-up, while older children may complete more of the reading, coloring, and writing independently. Recipes always require adult help and supervision.
Is the pen pal a real person, or will my child be matched with someone?
No. The traveling pen pal is an imaginative story character created by Pen Pal Travels. The postcard is original Pen Pal Travels content written in that character’s voice, not a letter from a matched child or an individual traveler. Every subscriber receives the same featured destination and story each month. Children are never matched with or contacted by other people through Pen Pal Travels.
What comes in each mailing?
- A printed story postcard written in the voice of our traveling character
- Fun Facts and Map
- A recipe or activity
- A coloring page
- A blank postcard to send
Are ingredients included?
No. Families provide the ingredients needed for each recipe.
What if someone in our household has allergies or dietary restrictions?
Caregivers should review every recipe and ingredient list before beginning. Ingredients can be substituted or the recipe can be skipped based on your family’s allergies, dietary needs, and preferences. Recipes require adult help and supervision.
Does every subscriber receive the same destination?
Yes. All active subscribers receive the same featured destination each month. We track each recipient’s mailings so they do not receive the same destination twice.
Is the mailing personalized?
The red envelope is addressed to one child by name. The materials inside feature the same monthly destination and story for all subscribers and are not individually written or customized.
When will the first mailing arrive?
Join by the last day of the month to receive the next month’s mailing. Mailings are sent during the first week of the following month.
Is a stamp included for the blank postcard?
No. The blank postcard does not include postage, so you will need to add a stamp before mailing it.
Is the postcard note actually handwritten?
No. The note is printed in a handwritten style. It is original Pen Pal Travels story content and is not individually handwritten or submitted by a real pen pal.
Does my plan renew automatically?
Yes. Monthly, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month plans renew automatically at the same billing interval until canceled. We will email you before renewal.
How do I cancel?
Visit Manage subscription to update your payment method, view invoices, or cancel your next renewal. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current paid term, so you will continue receiving every mailing included in that payment. Payments already processed are non-refundable.
Are payments refundable?
Payments are non-refundable once processed, except where required by law. Cancel before your next billing date to prevent the following renewal.
Can I send Pen Pal Travels as a gift?
Yes. You can send Pen Pal Travels to a child you love, and their name appears on every red envelope. Gift subscriptions renew automatically at the selected billing interval until canceled.
What does shipping cost, and where do you ship?
Standard shipping within the United States is included with every plan. Interested in receiving monthly mail somewhere else? Email hello@penpaltravels.com and tell us where you would like us to ship next.
Can I track my mailing, and what if it has not arrived?
Mailings are sent using standard stamped mail, which does not include tracking. Please wait until the 15th of the month for your mailing to arrive. If it still has not arrived, email support@penpaltravels.com for help.
What if my mailing arrives damaged?
Email a photo of the damaged mail to support@penpaltravels.com, along with the recipient’s name and mailing address, and we will help make it right.
Can one mailing be addressed to more than one child?
Each mailing can be addressed to one person only. If more than one child would each like mail addressed directly to them, each child will need a separate subscription.
How do I update a recipient name, address, or order?
For help with a recipient name, mailing address, or order, email support@penpaltravels.com by the last day of the month to affect the next mailing.