Where to Travel When You and Your Partner Have Different Vacation Wants

See recent posts by Lara Grant

We've all been there: You and your travel partner -- whether it's your spouse, best friend, or mother -- want to hit the road together, but can't decide on where to go. Perhaps they want a bustling metropolis with all the museums and fine-dining eateries, while you're attracted to low-key beach towns with great surfing. Fortunately, there are some bucket-list places that offer a multitude of experiences, making them a great compromise. Read on for six of the best destinations when you and your partner have different vacation wants. 


Beach vs. Hiking: Hawaii, United States

Opaekaa Falls in Kauai, Hawaii/Oyster

Opaekaa Falls in Kauai, Hawaii/Oyster

When you want to dip your toes in the sand and sunbathe on the beach, but your partner wants an active vacation with good hiking, head to Hawaii. Whether you visit Oahu, Kauai, or the Big Island, you’ll have stellar beaches and hiking opportunities available. Travelers can book a stay in famous Waikiki, wake up early to hike Diamond Head or the Olomana Trail, then recuperate with a piña colada by the water. Or, head to the less touristy Kauai for a luxury stay in the beachfront Princeville, and add Wailua Falls Trail and Kalalau Trail to your itinerary. From well-developed to secluded stretches of sand, and easy to difficult trails, beautiful beaches and hikes are numerous throughout the Hawaiian islands. 

Hawaii Hotel Pick:

Historic Sights vs. Breweries: Berlin, Germany

Bars Around Kollwitzplatz in Berlin, Germany/Oyster

Bars Around Kollwitzplatz in Berlin, Germany/Oyster

If you’re primarily interested in seeing every historic sight a city has to offer, but your partner is hoping for a relaxing getaway involving many breweries, compromise with Berlin. Germany’s capital is artsy, hip, and safe, plus packed with many things to do. Any time of year is suitable for tourists, and several breweries allow visitors to pop in for a pint after visiting iconic attractions such as Checkpoint Charlie, German Historical Museum, and Gendarmenmarkt. Top breweries in Berlin include Hops & Barley, Heidenpeters, and Brauhaus Lemke. Other pros: Berlin is affordable, easy to navigate by a 24-hour train system, and one of Europe’s nightlife capitals (with many bars that never really close).

Berlin Hotel Pick:

Foodie Scene vs. Temples: Tokyo, Japan

Ikegami Honmonji in Tokyo, Japan/Oyster

Ikegami Honmonji in Tokyo, Japan/Oyster

You and your travel partner don’t have to pick between exploring elaborate temples and feasting on culinary delights if you go to Tokyo, Japan. Between the skyscrapers and convenient subway system, this buzzing city is packed with historic temples, like the iconic Sensoji Temple, a striking Buddhist structure built in the seventh century. Even easier to come across are the city’s impressive eateries, as Tokyo has the most Michelin-starred restaurants of any city. Excellent street eats, cute cat cafes, and conveyor-belt sushi are also easy to find here. Don’t forget to go shopping in Harajuku, buy something from one of the many street vending machines, and spend a night at Robot Restaurant.

Tokyo Hotel Pick:

Museums vs. Wine Tastings: Tuscany, Italy

View From The Altana Suite at Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo in Tuscany, Italy/Oyster

View From The Altana Suite at Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo in Tuscany, Italy/Oyster

If you want to spend hours upon hours strolling through museums, but your partner wants plenty of vacation time to sip on wine, go to Tuscany. Spend a good amount of your getaway in the gorgeous city of Florence, which has over a whopping 80 museums — comprising art, history, and other specialties. Plus, centuries-old churches, palaces, and squares will have you feeling like you’re in a museum while simply walking down the street. While every restaurant and bar will have ample wines to buy, head straight for the rolling hills of Tuscany, one of the best wine regions in the world. Be sure to try the Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino here. Numerous tiny towns are worth checking out, or stick to bigger cities such as Lucca and Siena.

Tuscany Hotel Pick:

Skydiving vs. Wildlife Viewing: Cape Town, South Africa

Garden at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town, South Africa/Oyster

Garden at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town, South Africa/Oyster

So you both love adventure, but one of you is more keen on extreme sports, such as skydiving, and the other would rather view wildlife. Fortunately, the perfect compromise can be found in Cape Town, South Africa. This port city has a lot going for it, from historic museums to beautiful beaches to hiking at Table Mountain. Wildlife lovers should book a guided safari in hopes of spotting hippos, giraffes, lions, and elephants, plus head to Boulders Beach to see roaming penguins. Meanwhile, adrenaline junkies can choose from skydiving, cage diving with great white sharks, and paragliding above the city.

Cape Town Hotel Pick:

Yoga Retreat vs. Partying: Bali, Indonesia

Ubud, Bali/Oyster

Ubud, Bali/Oyster

Maybe you want a week-long yoga retreat disconnected from the modern world, while your partner would rather unwind by partying till the wee hours of the morning. If that’s the case, book a ticket to Bali, Indonesia, where you can fill your time with plenty of downward dogs and acai bowls, as well as dancing around the clubs come nightfall. This scenic island is also home to great surfing beaches, terraced rice paddies, a monkey forest, and breathtaking vistas from the nearly 10,000-foot Mount Agung. Kuta is the best spot for partying with backpackers, while Ubud is a more spiritual oasis. Luckily, they’re an hour drive from each other.

Bali Hotel Pick:

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