• When we travel, my partner prefers heading outdoors but I like exploring big cities.
• We plan trips we both enjoy by finding experiences and stays that feature our shared interests.
• We stay open-minded when trying activities one of us is way more excited about than the other.

In many ways, my partner and I are proof that opposites attract.

For starters, he adores mountains and hikes, while I prefer a big city and spas. Although we both love to travel, our preferred itineraries, activities, and destinations can be pretty different.

Over time, though, we've figured out how to plan couples trips that we can both enjoy together.

We try to book experiences and stays that combine our interests

Whenever possible, we try to find activities and excursions that feature something we're both passionate about, like cycling.

I love a spin class, and he adores mountain biking. So, when we travel, we look for bike tours. One of our favorite trips featured a bike tour through the French countryside that included a picnic.

We also combined our interests on a day trip to Tolantongo, just a few hours north of Mexico City.

Since we both enjoy being in and around water, we relaxed in hillside hot-spring pools, ziplined, explored caves hidden behind waterfalls, and lounged by a thermal river to end the day.

The experience combined the relaxing vibes of a spa day (my favorite) with a stunning outdoor landscape (his favorite) that blew us both away.

Plus, we try to combine our priorities and preferences when booking accommodations.

Last summer, he wanted to go horseback riding and camping in Montana's Big Sky. So, I found an Airbnb close enough to the wilderness (for him) with a massive bathtub (for me) to relax in after a day in the great outdoors.

We're patient and open-minded when doing activities the other is really excited about

Sometimes, the best gift you can give your partner is letting them introduce you to an activity that makes them light up inside.

This helps us lean into our individual interests while still making memories together. For example, I love spending a day vintage shopping for the perfect pair of boots or a jacket that I definitely don't need.

My partner is wonderful and patient as I rummage through racks of secondhand goodies — and I'm the same way when he takes me on a three-hour hike.

Plus, while trying activities my partner is excited about, I've learned more about myself and what I enjoy.

I'll never forget the rush of endorphins I felt while whitewater rafting in Colorado or how special it was to see a moose and her baby while hiking in Wyoming.

When in doubt, we take turns planning

If we're struggling to find common ground, we'll take turns choosing destinations and activities.

Usually, if I pick one trip, he'll choose the next. If neither of us really has a preference, we'll draw a destination out of a hat.

Doing so is easy because we prioritize each other's happiness and know each other's limits — he knows I'm open to camping, but only if there's electricity nearby.

• I loved visiting Mérida, Mexico, which feels more laid-back and less crowded than Cancún.
• Mérida has beautiful architecture and excellent cuisine for a range of budgets.
• There's nothing like exploring the area's cenotes, which are unique fresh-water chambers.

Mexico is a really popular spot for tourists.

One of its most-visited cities is Cancún, with its famous nightlife and beautiful beaches, which make it an especially popular spot for college spring-breakers from the US.

I wished I could have afforded to go there in college with my friends. But now that I'm in my late 30s, I'm not looking to party hard when I visit Mexico — I want history, adventure, and culinary delights.

Luckily, I found all of the above in Mérida, which is about 200 miles inland from Cancún. With millions of fewer tourists annually, Mérida also feels less crowded and more relaxed than Cancún.

I adore the city so much, and I think it's perfect for anyone looking for laid-back adventure in lieu of nonstop beach parties.

I still dream of the city's historic architecture

Located on the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula and founded on the site of an ancient Mayan city, Mérida is both historic and beautiful.

With its distinct blend of Mayan design and 16th-century Spanish colonial architecture, the city's history can even be felt as you walk around it.

It has an array of beautiful churches and arches that made me want to stop in my tracks — and its brightly-colored homes in shades of blue, green, pink, and yellow look straight-up dreamy.

In addition, the city has a range of impressive museums dedicated to topics such as Mayan culture and Mexican music.

Mérida has culinary delights to accommodate a range of budgets and dietary preferences

No matter your budget, you'll likely eat very well here. In my experience, Mérida's casual restaurants are just as fantastic as its higher-end contemporaries.

Local watering hole The Negrita Cantina is not to be missed. It feels like the special kind of place where you'll know everyone's name by the end of the night.

Its scrumptious food, like ceviche and aguachiles, and wide selection of tequila and mezcal always impresses me — and it frequently has live music that keeps visitors dancing through the morning.

La Chaya Maya is my go-to stop for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It serves some of the best chilaquiles and margaritas — and many meals cost under $10.

If you're willing to spend more, Museo de la Gastronomía Yucateca (also known as the Museum of Yucatecan Gastronomy or MUGY) is a solid choice.

The restaurant offers a great selection of craft cocktails and local cuisine, as well as many options for people with a range of dietary restrictions.

Lastly, the area has incredible cenotes

Mérida and the area around it are famous for its cenotes, which are sinkholes or pits filled with fresh water that's often swimmable. Seeing one of these unique chambers has long been on my bucket list.

I especially enjoyed going on a cenote-seeing journey with Magic Cenotes + Hacienda Tour through Airbnb Experiences.

My day trip included a visit to two separate cenotes, a well-rounded guided historical tour, and a homemade lunch in the home of a local resident. I had a fantastic time and made many international friends I still keep in touch with.

The tour was definitely a highlight of my time in Mérida — and I can't wait to go back to see even more of the wonderful city.