Most people I know can’t wait for their vacations. I admit I do suffer from what might be considered the problem of not really caring to take time off or really go anywhere for that matter. I’m quite content where I am and it’s typically hard to justify taking time off for some elaborate, expensive trip. But then, the trip happens, in large part due to my wife’s insistence and I quickly realize, this is awesome! Off to Aruba!
Disconnecting is key
So while on vacation I vacate as much as possible, literally disconnect, empty mind and aim to optimize fun with every turn. As anyone with kids can relate, any verb you consider somehow always takes extra effort – sleep, wake up, dinnering, homework, bike ride etc – and this multiplicative effort absolutely applies to vacations. Can I say, it’s sometimes more of a hassle? Maybe it’s just me. So what do I do? I plan lightly but give myself as many options as possible.
Max out fun, get tired, repeat
Kids are generally simple – max out fun, get tired, repeat. So I put myself on their “schedule” – that is – wherever I am, max out the fun. Took along a little bluetooth speaker, swimming gear, goggles along with lots of “places of interest” marked in google maps – and turns out that’s all you need. We rented a car after I realized Aruba is the land of round-a-bouts and very very calm, considerate drivers. Along with the kids, we explored many things for my first time – caves, close to shore reefs, off-roading and even a ship-wreck.
When in Aruba, consider this
- Rent a vehicle, preferably something for off-road driving
- Enjoy the fresh and unique take on seafood
- Stay in walking distance to “street fare” including souvenir shops, gelateria and ice-cream trucks
… and try the Aruba Ariba cocktail! it’s delicious!