We talk a lot on this platform about the decisions we’ve made as parents: the numbers, the logistics, the emotional weight of it all. But this trip isn’t really our story, it’s theirs. So we’re starting a new, ongoing series called Kids Corner, where we sit down with our children (7 and 5) every so often and ask them what they actually think.
For this first one, we sat with them over lunch and worked through the questions together. It worked well enough, but we’re already thinking about better ways to draw their answers out next time, maybe during play time or a more relaxed moment rather than a sit-down chat, since that’s often when kids say the most honest things without realising it. We’re also planning to do these check-ins more often from now on. Two months in, it’s clear some of what happened in that first month abroad is already fading for them, and we don’t want to lose it.
No editing their answers into something more articulate than they are. No steering them towards the “right” response. Just two kids, in their own words, telling us what’s stood out to them so far.
Favourite place so far
Our daughter’s answer surprised us a little: Bosnia, specifically going on the toboggan. Not a beach, not a pool, a toboggan run in the mountains. Our son went a different direction entirely and picked the big orange hotel in Croatia, mostly because of the swimming pools, and because that’s where grandma, grandad and his cousin spent time with us. He also gave Croatia a second mention for its ice cream shops!
Best thing you’ve eaten
This one turned into a proper world tour. Our son’s top pick was truffle chips at a place called Milo’s in Bosnia. Our daughter went for something sweet: Captain Candy in Dubrovnik. Between them they also brought up the noodles in San Pedro, burek in Croatia, and chicken gyros in Albania, so it’s fair to say food has been making an impression.
What’s been the best bit of the trip overall
Our son’s answer was instant: the cars. He’s completely car obsessed, and top of his list is the Audi we bought along the way, he’s been a huge fan since it became ours.
What made you feel sad, and what helped
Our son admitted he was sad to miss his friends when we first left, but told us he feels much happier now that he’s actually travelling. Our daughter said what she’s missed most is our back garden at home, which we hadn’t expected but makes complete sense. Comfort doesn’t always look like a person, sometimes it’s a place.
Anything you’ve found hard
Refreshingly honest: our son said he’s found his sister annoying at times whilst giggling to himself. Our daughter’s answer was different, she said saying goodbye to family was the hardest part for her. We’re not printing either of these to embarrass anyone, we’re printing them because they’re true and normal. Two kids sharing this much time together are going to wind each other up sometimes, and leaving people behind is genuinely hard, even when the trip itself is exciting.
Who do you miss
Our daughter had a clear list: two friends from home and an uncle she hasn’t seen for a long while because he’s been away working. Our son named a friend from school. It’s a good reminder that even with FaceTime and voice notes, missing people is still part of this experience, and we think that’s healthy. It’s something we want them to feel, recognise and talk about, rather than brush aside.
What would you bring with you if you could
This one caught us off guard. Our daughter said she’d bring our dogs, Gizmo and Phoebe, who both passed away in the last year. It wasn’t a question we expected such a tender answer to, and it’s a good reminder that grief and adventure can sit side by side for kids too.
Best thing you’ve learned
Our daughter told us proudly that she’s picked up different words in different countries: “hola”, “amigo”, “gracias” and “faleminderit”, and clearly enjoyed being able to list them off. Language has quietly become one of her favourite parts of this trip.
Funniest thing that’s happened
Our son’s answer, without a shred of hesitation: the great pants incident in Bosnia. He’d had a dodgy stomach and had a little accident, ending with his pants going straight in the bin, and both kids still find the whole saga hilarious. Five-year-old humour is five-year-old humour wherever in the world you are, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Where do you want to go next, and why
Our son is counting down to Thailand, and has already decided he wants to try a fight school out there. Our daughter is looking forward to Vegas and San Diego, mostly because her grandparents are joining us for that leg.
What would you tell another kid about travelling like this
Our son kept it simple: it’s good. Our daughter’s answer was a little more specific: we’ve learned different languages. Somehow that sums up both of our children perfectly, one led by feeling, one led by fact.
What else is possible when you actually ask your kids what they think, instead of assuming you already know?
FAQ
How often will Kids Corner run? We started out thinking roughly once a month, but we’re moving to more frequent check-ins from here. Two months of memories is already a lot for young children to hold onto, and we’d rather capture things while they’re fresh.
Do you prompt or coach their answers? No. We ask the questions and write down what they say, including the answers that surprise us or don’t put the trip in a flattering light. That’s also why not every question below has an answer from both of them, we’re only capturing what each of them chose to share in the moment, not pushing either of them for more.
What questions would you like us to ask our children next time? This is genuinely open. If there’s something about family travel life you’d love to know from a child’s point of view, tell us and we’ll bring it to them in a future Kids Corner.
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