For many years, women have taken girl's only holidays, spa weekends, city breaks, beach breaks and all manner of trips catered exclusively to spending time being women, in the sole company of other women. For men though, man-time has never been given quite the same amount of attention - going to the pub, watching sports, going to the gym, and for those who play, there has always been the golf course!
Lately however, a new wave of modern men have embraced the idea that men should spend more dedicated time together, taking men-only holidays, long weekends, mini adventures - Introducing, the Mancation!
A Mancation is exactly what it sounds like, a Man Vacation - Mancation! Every day, more and more men are embracing their manliness with their friends, by organising men-only trips filled with all their favourite food, drinks and activities!
Jonathan and I have been living and travelling together full time for three years now and we do almost everything together. When we're travelling we spend even more time together, practically 24 hours a day together! So when we arrived in San Diego, we decided it was time for him to experience his first ever mancation. He wrote the tips below based on his experience!
1. Decide what a Mancation is to you
While there are many things that all men have in common, we are still unique individuals, with our own interests and styles. So to get the most of your mancation, try to figure out what type of 'mancationer' you are. Here are some examples:
- Luxury Man - You like the finer things in life, fine food, good wine, luxury hotel suites, people to open doors for you, all of that. As such, you have a sizeable budget for your mancation and so do your friends.
- All about the boys - The most important aspect of your mancation, is your fellow mancationers, not expensive surroundings. In this case, let your budget guide you, because your mancation will be amazing as long as the boys are together!
- Adventure Man - You crave adrenaline, you connect with others through the pursuit of danger and the rush of driving fast, jumping off bridges and out of planes, or anything that reminds you what it is to feel alive. Plan your mancation in a foreign land full of adventure!
- The Lone Ranger - We don't all have to be pack animals all of the time It's ok, essential even, to spend some quality time alone, in peace and relaxation. Close your eyes and imagine feeling completely relaxed, comfortable, stress free and happy. Then picture what might be around you - wherever that place is, that's your perfect mancation!
- Party Guy - Some men just want to let off a load of steam in the best way they know how - put on their favourite shirt and hit the town with their favourite guys. Choose a city that's geared up for a good party, but also has a bit more to offer, just in case you don't fancy drinking all day, every day!
- Pamper Man - For the man who likes to treat himself to a massage, a facial treatment, a body scrub, and a long soak in the hot-tub. That's right, you can do it too!
2. Set the Mancation ground rules!
A mancation is a young, but very important and sacred tradition, which must be upheld and protected! There are no specific rules for a mancation, but the purpose is clear - to indulge in and express your inner man, through activities and adventures that encourage the indulgence and expression of your inner man! In fact, there is only one true rule of mancation - No women! At least not wives, girlfriends, or ill-advised phone calls to ex-wives-and-girlfriends!
3. Don't neglect the woman in your life
If you are lucky enough to have a wonderful woman in your life, then it's important that she is understanding and supportive of your mancation. You could suggest that she take a girls' weekend with her friends while you're away, or treat her to something, like a spa day, a nice meal, or an adventure activity she's always wanted to try!
4. Do something adventurous
A big part of any mancation, is to put yourself outside of your comfort zone, to try something new, get the blood flowing and give you and the guys something to laugh at each other about at night over a few beers. There are so many options depending on where your mancation takes you - Surfing lessons; paragliding; bungee jumping; sky diving; a race track experience - literally anything!
5. Destination your Mancation
One of the best ways to enhance your mancation experience is to travel somewhere new. Sights, smells, sounds, people, food, culture, language, all awaken the senses and make you feel like an explorer!
6. Always have a backup plan
Don't let your entire mancation hinge on just one event or activity, because if that doesn't work out, then you just might be left trying to find last-minute ways to fill your time. Like my paragliding experience, the weather can turn on you at any time, but luckily I had already enjoyed loads of great craft beer, great food, awesome surfing and a lot of luxury!
7. Book the right accommodation
The place you choose to stay is important in any trip, but choosing the right hotel can also make sure that no matter what happens your mancation will never be ruined. Staying at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, if the weather had closed in, or something had been cancelled, I could have gone hiking through a state park, played golf on a world-famous course, swam in the heated pool, relaxed in the outdoor hot tub, or even played a game of tennis. Quality always counts!
My fiance's first mancation experience was incredible and now that his eyes have been opened to how amazing the mancation is, he's ready to plan his next one! I hope his own experience and these 7 tips to plan the perfect mancation, help you to have your own amazing mancation!
This article was originally published on our travel blog.