In 1986, Reactor 4 in the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded. Within a year of exposure to radiation poisoning the rate of cancer, particularly leukaemia and thyroid cancer, was reported as 100 times higher in children living in contaminated areas. Volunteers in more than 18 countries responded by establishing a network of recuperative holidays for children living in the most affected areas. Breaking new ground, this small-scale study adopts a qualitative approach informed by the bio-ecological model and social constructivist theory to explore the lived experiences of children (n = 4, two girls and two boys, between seven and eight years of age), who spoke Russian exclusively, on a three-week recuperative holiday to the UK and their host families (n = 4), who spoke English exclusively. Whilst on the cusp of early childhood, the experience of children who travelled more than 10,000 miles to stay with an unknown family in an unknown culture warrants a voice. Key findings suggest that the programme is adult-designed and adult-led, with children on the periphery of the decision-making process. The benefits of the recuperative holiday are assumed rather than grounded on an evidential base, and misunderstandings, confounded by cultural differences, tend to problematise children's behaviour; most especially boys' behaviour.