Eight Travel Spots for Opposites

by Amy Braunschweiger

Ever planned a ten-mile bike ride when your lover was thinking Cartoon Network marathon? Or been dragged to a champagne and black-tie celebration when you felt like Chinese takeout and cuddling?

Plenty of couples have conflicting ideas of how to spend their time off, and it can get ugly wrangling over the details in a cramped hotel room.

The solution: Figure out ahead of time what you each want from a trip and pick a destination right for both of you. These four composite couples helped pinpoint some ideal vacation spots for mismatched travelers.

BEACH BUM VS. ACTION ADDICT
Thomas and Katy, Chicago, Illinois
Thomas works hard in his finance job, and when he takes a vacation, he wants a real vacation. No stress—hell, he doesn’t even want movement. His ideal revolves around white beaches, the sound of waves lapping the shore, and an anonymous person serving Mai Tais. Sleeping in is mandatory. At dinnertime, Thomas would rather saunter into a nearby restaurant than hunt down a venue serving great regional food. His favorite destination: A resort in Jamaica.

Katy understands that Thomas wants to relax, but she can’t handle lying around on a beach for more than a day. In all honesty, she can’t even sit through a two hour movie without fidgeting. The feeling of doing nothing frustrates her. Sand and sun are fine, but couldn’t she and Thomas also climb behind a waterfall, go snorkeling, and canvass a neighboring town for vintage shops? For Katy, leisurely exploration leads to spiritual rejuvenation.