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.

COMPROMISE DESTINATIONS:

Outer Banks, North Carolina
A chain of barrier islands off North Carolina's shore, he Outer Banks offer sandy beaches, plenty of history, and southern hospitality.

Unpack your bags at the Tranquil House Inn, nestled on the waterfront of Manteo, and test out the four-poster bed before heading to the boardwalk. The beaches are made for lounging, but there's also plenty of opportunity for windsurfing, fishing, and clamming. Bone up on American history by visiting Roanoke Island,where a group of early settlers mysteriously disappeared, and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, dedicated to the 1,000 ships that have sunk off the coast. Dine at the inn or head to Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar for steamed shrimp and tender steak. Be sure to pop by Mama Kwan's Grill & Tiki Bar for a drink. For fun, try climbing into the 1970 Volkswagen bus sticking out of the wall, and see if they kick you out.

Cape Town, South Africa
Dig your toes into the sand of Cape Town's fine beachfronts and heave a sigh of relaxation. Where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet at the continent's tip, South Africa has a wealth of national parks, vegetation, and, of course, a phenomenal coastline. Book a room at Floreal House, a bed-andbreakfast built into the side of Table Mountain. The stunning 1,086-meter peak (ripe for climbing, but only with a guide) provides an amazing view from its top, and those too lazy to walk can ride up in a cable car. Another day, visit Stellenbosch vineyards, in the pastoral region where South Africa's best wine is grown, and taste a few heady shirazes.