It’s Not About Perfect Timing. It’s About Living.
We’re not waiting for retirement or the “right” moment. From Miami to Aruba, we followed our energy — not the guidebooks
#11
It’s now the middle of February, and we’re disembarking from the cruise. We have about six weeks left of our travels, and we’re definitely feeling a little road-weary. The cruise, which was meant to be rejuvenating, had its ebbs and flows. We’ve already booked a 14-day cruise out of Buenos Aires the first week of March, so we have about two weeks to cover before boarding that ship. All of the ports—minus Aruba—felt like one-and-done stops. No full-body YES to anywhere we’d want to return for a longer stay.
Tim’s birthday is near the end of February, and he wanted to be in Aruba to celebrate. So I pulled out the map to see how we could make our way down to that island. We were literally asking, Where do we want to go next?—and then making it happen. It’s freeing and wild to be able to do this! We want to travel while we’re healthy and able, and not wait for retirement. (Well, Tim is already retired—but I’ve got a ways to go!)
But this is the heart of it: Don’t wait. Not for the right timing, not for more money, not for a milestone birthday or “someday.” Life is too damn short. Yes, be responsible—but when was the last time you did something totally out of the box, just for your soul, even if the timing wasn’t perfect?
There is no perfect timing. Just a willingness to say: I’m doing the thing. I’m booking it. It’s time to live.
From Fort Lauderdale, it was a quick Uber to Miami where we stayed for four nights. It’s expensive here, and I was trying to find a room with a gym, pool, and free breakfast—but that combo wasn’t happening. So we landed a spot with a gym and pool just a few blocks from the beach. No rental car, which helped the budget.
The weather was incredible—warm and sunny! But small rooms are starting to wear on us. The “gym” was a few free weights tucked on the top floor, and food was pricey even though we stocked up on snacks and water at a nearby market. Without a microwave, we were limited in what we could make.
We took boardwalk walks—together and solo—and I went shopping one afternoon for a few new pieces of clothing. I was tired of seeing the same clothes in my bag every day. I grabbed two new t-shirts, a new pair of pajamas, and a nicer one-piece for going out. I was also carrying around clothes I wasn’t even wearing and made a mental note: if I don’t love it or it doesn’t fit just right, it’s not coming next time. But since I didn’t want to toss anything, I just kept carrying it... (Still heavy. Ha!)
One of our favorite Miami moments was a day in Little Havana. Tim visited a cigar shop, we ate a fantastic Cuban sandwich, and we wandered the neighborhood to the sound of lively music.
A not-so-favorite moment? Getting caught in a monsoon-like rainstorm on bikes—both to and from dinner. I was soaked through. Fortunately, it was warm rain, but meh.
Next stop: Puerto Rico!
I had been here as a kid but didn’t remember much, and for Tim, it was brand new. I found us a studio apartment on Airbnb with a real gym and a pool, right on the beach. No rental car again which helped the budget. We Ubered to and from the airport and into Old San Juan one day.
That day in Old San Juan ended up being my favorite: the vibrant buildings, a tour of the fort, another cigar shop for Tim, and an afternoon that unfolded into wine, laughter, locals, and a chance to rest from all the walking.
The ocean was fierce—strong riptides meant not much swimming (like Miami). Still, it was a joy to be by the water.
It is apparent right away after landing in Puerto Rico that this was also an interesting place to visit but a one and done for both of us. There’s an energy and vibe of a location that either speaks to us or it doesn’t. There’s a soul knowingness that lands in our hearts when it feels just right. Sometimes it shifts as we settle in, but usually, we know. And the only way to find out is to go. You can read about a place, but living it is a whole different story. That’s why we travel: to experience life, energy, and truth for ourselves.
I had also heard the power grid in Puerto Rico could be unstable, but everything worked well while we were there. After six weeks on Eleuthera with spotty power (still some PTSD from that!), I felt lucky. A few weeks later, the grid went down again—so we’d just missed it.
After five nights in Puerto Rico (easy in and out, since it’s considered part of the U.S.), we flew to Aruba for three nights to celebrate Tim’s birthday.
Aruba was pricey, and there was a surcharge at the airport just to enter. We had liked the afternoon we had stayed from the cruise and wanted to spend a little more time to get a better feel for it, and I also heard there was a lot of wind on the beaches, so I booked a room on the North side of the island to hopefully help us out there. This time, we went for a more resort-style stay with no rental car again. The room was spacious with a full kitchen, living area, and balcony. It felt so good to have room to spread out! The gym was great, and the grocery store was across the highway. (We were a spectacle crossing four lanes with two giant boxes of food.) We ate in every meal. Eating out was expensive, and honestly? Simple food in our own space was perfect.
It was hot, so shade was a must at the beach. We could finally swim in the ocean again which was refreshing and soul-nourishing. One day we walked to a resort town, but the heat was brutal. I did get a fun new hat, though, which saved me the rest of the trip! Even a small item like a hat has to be thoughtfully considered. Where will I pack this? What can I remove to make space? It’s just a hat—but now it’s a travel companion. In the end, it was worth it.
The wind was a thing. On Tim’s birthday, his treats got blown over and covered in sand. But hey—we’re in Aruba. It’s sunny and warm. We choose to focus on the joy. We know how fortunate we are to do this.
We chatted with locals at the beach, in shops, and with Uber drivers. The people were down-to-earth and kind. They know tourism is their lifeline—and it’s not always easy. We tried to show up with kindness and appreciation. Like every island, Aruba has its mix of wealth: a few with a lot, many getting by, and some deeply struggling. After three nights, we had our answer. Aruba was a one-and-done for us, too.
These 12 days brought us three destinations and three beds. We chose them from the map and turned dreams into real moments. We are often only limited by what we think we’re worthy of—and what we believe we deserve. Even with a tight budget, we find a way to make it happen.
So go do the thing. Even if it’s not travel—go experience something new you’ve been dreaming about. Give your soul the chance to feel something different: new places, new people, new joy. It opens you to a bigger version of life—full of happiness, freedom, and memories that last forever.
Next stop - Rio de Janeiro and Carnaval!
To your highest and best,
Dianna
💌 Love this story? Want more like it — straight to your inbox?
Join the Travels With Spirit newsletter for soulful travel, personal growth, and freedom-filled inspiration.
Something stirred in you while reading?
This is your invitation to explore what’s next — with clarity, courage, and one aligned step forward.