Welcome to SpendItTraveling.com, where we’re joyfully spending the inheritance before the kids get it!
We’re Philip and Laura Mire, a retired couple who traded the daily grind for a life filled with travel, scuba adventures, and stories from around the world. After years of raising a family and building careers, we decided it was time to invest in experiences instead of things, to live intentionally, travel slowly, and see the world with gratitude and curiosity.
Our journey is about more than destinations; it’s about discovering beauty in culture, history, and people, and sharing those moments in a way that’s authentic, encouraging, and accessible for travelers of every age and ability. From ancient cathedrals and coastal dives to quiet cafés and cobblestone streets, we’ve learned that adventure doesn’t have to be fast-paced or fancy to be life-changing.
We write for those who believe that wonder doesn’t fade with age, for couples rediscovering each other in retirement, and for anyone who needs a little nudge to finally take that trip they’ve been dreaming about. Whether it’s an afternoon exploring a nearby town or a months-long journey across oceans, our goal is to inspire you to create your own version of adventure, one that fits your life, your pace, and your dreams.
About Philip
Philip is a retired cybersecurity executive, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and adaptive scuba instructor who believes life is meant to be lived fully, not fearfully.
After decades of managing cybersecurity crises, teaching graduate-level classes, and leading operations teams, he decided it was time to lead a different kind of mission: one that involves more coral reefs, ancient ruins, and sunrise strolls through quiet town squares.
Diagnosed with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS), Philip has learned firsthand the value of accessible travel and the joy that comes from adapting, not retreating. Rather than slowing down, his condition inspired him to redefine adventure while focusing on experiences that celebrate curiosity, creativity, and connection. He writes with the insight of someone who has learned to navigate the world differently, sharing tips and reflections to help others travel with confidence, regardless of their limitations.
Philip is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who refuses to let PLS define his limits. The same discipline and determination that carried him through his military service now drives him to stay active and keep exploring. Whether it’s tackling unique scuba diving sites, hiking challenging terrain at his own pace, or finding a way to photograph the world from a different vantage point, he continues to test what’s possible. True to the Marine Corps spirit of “Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome,” Philip approaches every challenge with grit and creativity, proving that perseverance, purpose, and a touch of stubbornness can carry you farther than you think.
His motto: “The body is capable of way more than we give it credit. A broken body can still climb mountains, just differently.” This saying isn’t just about resilience; it also reflects his travel philosophy. Every journey presents its own obstacles, and Philip sees them as part of the adventure, whether it’s finding an accessible path to a viewpoint, adapting plans on the fly, or turning challenges into stories that inspire others to keep moving forward.
About Laura
Laura is the calm in Philip’s daily storm, the curious explorer who follows wonder and curiosity instead of maps, and the heart behind the beauty in their photos.
While Philip focuses on logistics and planning, Laura brings balance with her curiosity and openness. She’s the one who slows things down, reminding them both to notice the laughter of a street musician, the smell of fresh bread from a nearby bakery, or the warmth of a stranger’s smile. She may not call herself a photographer, but she has a good eye for capturing moments that feel real. Her photos aren’t about technical perfection; they’re about emotion, atmosphere, and the stories behind the frame.
Laura jokes that she “flies by the seat of her pants,” but her spontaneity often leads them to their best discoveries. She’s the first to wander down an unmarked path or strike up a conversation with a local, and those small adventures often become the memories that mean the most. Her easygoing nature complements Philip’s love of structure, turning every trip into a blend of planning and serendipity.
Laura suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis, which she has under control, but requires her to take daily medication. This adds an extra layer of planning to their adventures, one that Philip takes on with the same enthusiasm he applies to every itinerary. Together, they’ve turned medication schedules and refill logistics into just another challenge to solve, proving that thoughtful preparation and teamwork make long-term travel possible for anyone.
Her favorite moments? Quiet mornings with coffee, sunset walks near the water, and discovering that even the simplest travels can become lasting memories. Her motto: “Seeing beauty in the unplanned, finding joy in the imperfect, and discovering meaning in the moments most people rush past.”
Were We’ve Been
Every journey leaves a mark on us, sometimes in the form of a breathtaking dive, other times in the quiet memory of a shared meal or a chance encounter with a local who felt like an old friend. In this section, we’re gathering the places that have shaped our story so far. From cobblestone alleys and ancient cathedrals to coral gardens and island sunsets, these are the destinations that taught us to slow down, improvise, adapt, and overcome, and to keep exploring the world with joy. We hope our footsteps inspire your next adventure.
- Texas: Central Texas has been our home for over 30 years of marriage
- Other USA Locations we’ve visited
- California, Nevada, Virginia, Florida, New Mexico, Puerto Rico
- Caribbean Islands
- Belize: Loved the Scuba diving on both Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye
- Bonaire: Best Shore diving in the Caribbean
- Roatán, Cozumel, St. Vincent, Grenada
- Barbados
- South Pacific
- Australia: We lived in Sydney for two years
- New Zealand, Vanuatu
- Europe
- Netherlands: We lived in Amsterdam for two years
- Spain: We lived in Valencia and Segovia for six months. One of our favorite destinations!
- Italy
- Brussels, Luxembourg, Germany, Greece, Malta, England
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have a travel question, a story to share, or want to say hello, we’re always happy to connect with fellow travelers, scuba lovers, and adventure-seekers of every age and ability. For now, the easiest way to reach us is by email.
Reach out and say hello! Just click the link below, and your message will head straight to our inbox:
Email: [email protected]
We do our best to respond as quickly as we can, especially if you’re asking about accessibility, adaptive scuba, or destinations we’ve visited. Thanks for being part of our journey!
If you’d like to learn more about how we handle partnerships, privacy, and transparency, you can explore the following pages:
- Travel Partnership Policy – how we collaborate with tourism boards, brands, and experiences.
- Privacy Policy – how we protect your personal information.
- Terms & Conditions – the guidelines for using our site.
- Affiliate & Advertising Disclosure – how we use affiliate links and advertising to support our travels at no extra cost to you.
We appreciate your trust, and we’re grateful you’re here.