There's nothing wrong with a little dose of selfishness now and then, and Me-cations serve up a delicious slice of it. The antithesis of family holidays, where the children's wants and needs reign supreme, Me-cations are when couples - particularly parents - take their holidays separately from both children and one another so that they can indulge in activities that their other half and offspring are less than thrilled about (think diving, skiing, fishing, brass rubbing, wine-tasting, cycling, riding etc) and go at their own pace, all outside of the restrictive school holiday dates while partner is home to look after the children. What's not to like?

Me-Cation Ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

  • One Country Norway – Bergen – Os

    A Scandinavian Sojourn - Discover the Norwegian Fjords From Bergen to Os

    Discover Bergen and Os on this rejuvenating five-day escape to the Norwegian fjords

    5 days, from £1650 to £2250

  • One Country Portugal – Lisbon – A Dos Cunhados

    Lively Lisbon and Coastal Calm - A Big Short Break in Western Portugal

    Pair the timeless allure of Lisbon with the scenic charm of A Dos Cunhados on this six-day sojourn in Portugal

    6 days, from £1650 to £2300

  • One Country France – Normandy – Honfleur - Port-en-Bessin – Brittany – Cancale

    Oysters, Ocean Views and Old Towns - A Normandy and Brittany Road Trip

    Embark on a week-long road trip from Normandy to Brittany, discovering windswept beaches, soaking up local history and savouring coastal cuisine

    7 days, from £1700 to £2500

  • One Country Spain – Mallorca – Campanet – Capdepera

    A Green Escape to Mallorca - Wild Coasts, Olive Groves and Renowned Wineries

    Dig out your swimwear and set your sights on two rural Mallorcan towns on this slow-paced Spanish sojourn

    7 days, from £1800 to £2520

  • One Country France - Perigord - Cantal - Aubrac

    Perigord, Cantal and Aubrac - Road Trip Through the Heart of France

    Embark on a week-long road trip across central France, journeying from Perigord into the heart of the Massif Central

    8 days, from £1800 to £2400

  • One Country Italy – Rome

    A Long Weekend in Rome - A Classic City Break Through Centuries of History

    Uncover Rome over four unforgettable days, from iconic art and local culture to a private tour of the Forum, Palatine Hill and Colosseum

    4 days, from £1900 to £2450

  • One Country Croatia – Split – Dubrovnik

    Split and Dubrovnik - A Big Short Break in Croatia

    Journey between the Dalmatian Coast’s big hitters on this five-day escape to Split and Dubrovnik

    5 days, from £1900 to £2450

  • One Country USA – New York

    Icons of New York - A Week in the Big Apple

    Experience the best of New York City over six days, starting in the iconic Central Park

    7 days, from £2250 to £3200

  • One Country Egypt – Cairo – Alexandria – Faiyum

    Cairo, Alexandria and a Desert Oasis - The Hidden Gems of Northern Egypt

    Uncover northern Egypt in six days, where city culture meets timeless desert scenery

    6 days, from £4100 to £5300

Me-Cations by country

Me-Cations Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

Whether this is your chance to finally take that literary tour of Europe that nobody else in your family seems quite so passionate about; or to simply laze and lounge by a long haul beach with your closest friends, taking some time out totally dedicated to you is eminently refreshing and rejuvenating. You'll return home with a renewed sense of self, longing to see the family (hopefully) and excited about the next holiday together.

Some of our favourite types of Me-Cations include:

City Breaks

City breaks make excellent Me-cations. Feeling free to shop, linger over long lunches and spend hours in museums and galleries is particularly popular with parents who normally have to hop from place to place to keep everybody else happy.

Walking Holidays

Little legs aren't cut out for marching up hill and down dale (and teenagers tend not to be incline inclined), but for parents, the chance to stride out at their own pace, without the need to cajole and bribe a reluctant party along is, frankly, bliss. The fresh air and headspace are extremely conducive to coming home feeling restored and rejuvenated, too.

Foodie Getaways

Begone chips, chicken nuggets and packets of crisps - foodie-focused getaways are all about the finer things in life. From freshly-shucked oysters and champagne to locally-grown wines and foraged truffles, a trip away without the children means that you swap convenience for pure pleasure, taking as long as you please to savour a degustation dinner with wine pairings, or learning how to cook your own hand-foraged ingredients up into an exotic dish.