Barack Obama Speaks His Mind On The Benefits Of Travel

What was the most memorable travel experience you've ever had, and why?

I have travelled a lot, so it's difficult to choose just one moment. For me, travelling with my daughters is the most memorable. It is wonderful to see a new place, to experience a different culture, to be exposed to new ideas. Travel makes you grow. But as a parent, when you see the thrill of discovery in your children's eyes, that is more special than anything else. 

So I would say that the most memorable trips I took were with the girls. Some of them were spectacular, like when we walked around the Kremlin when I was president and Sasha was about seven. She had on an overcoat and looked like an international spy.

That was an excellent trip because, in addition to Russia, we also went to Italy. I was there for the G20 summit, but they went to Rome, and got to go to the Vatican and meet the Pope. Then we went to Ghana and were greeted with dancing on the airstrip. 

So, seeing a 10-year-old and a 7-year-old experience such an extensive world tour, to some extent for the first time, is something I will always remember. But it's also great to travel with them now, when they are 20 and 17.