Dreaming of a trip that feels more ‘tailored escape’ than ‘package deal’? That’s exactly what husband-and-wife team Mark and Isobel McCardie had in mind when they founded Rock My World. Based in Edinburgh, the dynamic duo has built a boutique travel concierge business rooted in insight, connection and a genuine love of seeing people fall in love with new destinations.
We caught up with Isobel to find out more about the couple behind the brand, what makes their service so different and where they’re sending families for their next great escape. Spoiler alert: these trips are the kind you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Was it always the plan to start a travel business together?
“Not at all! Rock My World began, quite honestly, out of frustration. Back in 2016, we were living in Bangkok and trying to plan our own honeymoon. I remember sitting in this egg chair (very fitting, really) on our apartment balcony, going deeper and deeper into a travel research rabbit hole. Nothing was quite right. Nothing felt… us.”
“Mark was working for Destination Management Company at the time, so he understood the industry and how it worked behind the scenes. We kept saying, ‘Why is this so hard?’ The more frustrated we got with our search, the more we started to think - maybe we could do it better?”
“That one conversation planted the seed. What if we created something that actually got people? Something that didn’t just churn out holidays, but took the stress away and made the whole thing feel like a joy, from start to finish.”
“At first, we called the business Rock My Moon because it was all about once-in-a-lifetime trips like honeymoons, but we quickly saw the potential to go much further. That’s when Rock My World was officially born.”
What were you both doing before launching the business?
“I was freelancing in digital design and loving the freedom of remote work. Mark was a marketing director for a travel company. We always had this shared dream of building something together, something that blended our skillsets and let us work from anywhere in the world.”
What were those early days like?
“A bit of a juggling act, to be honest! I was still working as a designer, squeezing in client calls and trip planning between deadlines and dinner. Mark took on everything else. Eventually we realised we needed clearer roles, not just for our sanity, but to grow.
“These days, Mark jokes that he’s the CEO (Chief Everything Officer), and I focus on sales, which I love. It’s about people, getting to know them, figuring out what makes a trip unforgettable for them. That’s where the magic is.”
How has the business changed over the years?
“We’ve grown in the right ways. We’re now lucky enough to have a small but brilliant team: Donna works with us as a consultant, whilst Stewart and Leanne manage concierge and aftersales. We’re not a big machine, and that’s kind of the point. It means we can stay nimble, stay personal, and stay focused on what really matters: the client. That's not to say we won't continue to grow and have ambitious plans for the future!”
What’s it like working with your partner?
“It definitely has its challenges, especially when work and life blur together. But we’ve found our rhythm. We don’t sit next to each other all day at the same desk (I’m loud on the phone and he needs quiet to think!), and we’ve learned the importance of switching off. Most evenings we’ll take the dog out, phones away, just to decompress.”
“We’ve also got our daily ‘board walk’ (directors meeting), where Mark and I head out first thing along the Water of Leith with the dog and chat through what’s going on in the business. It’s where most of our best ideas happen - or at least the ones that survive the caffeine. We use this nifty little AI tool called Plaud that records our conversation and emails us a full summary by the time we’re back. Genuinely brilliant. It’s saves us scribbling notes or pretending we’ll remember it all later.”
What makes Rock My World different?
“Everything we do starts with a conversation. We ask questions. We listen. We try to figure out not just where someone wants to go, but why. What do they want to feel? What have they loved before? What didn’t work last time? Sometimes what the customer thinks they want may not actually be what they need, so we work collaboratively to find the perfect fit for them.”
Where are your personal favourite places to escape to?
“I’ve got a deep love for Italy, especially Tuscany. We got married there and just celebrated our 10-year anniversary in the same spot. It holds a pretty special place in our hearts. The culture, the food, the pace of life… it’s good for the soul.”
“Mark’s favourite is Mauritius. Gorgeous beaches, a real cultural blend and a climate that’s kind to you year-round. Plus, he’ll tell you the golf’s not bad either - understatement of the century!”
Got any must-book offers right now for families?
“Yes! Two of our current favourites are perfect for families wanting a blend of luxury and adventure:”
🌴 Mauritius – Shandrani Beachcomber (February Half Term 2026)
An all-inclusive paradise in the protected Blue Bay Marine Park. From £7,965 per family (2 adults + 2 kids under 12). Departs 13th February 2026. Book by 30th June 2025.
We’ve stayed at Beachcomber Shandrani ourselves. It’s one of those rare places that makes family travel feel genuinely easy. Set on a calm, protected bay, it’s beautifully designed for slowing down. It is close to the airport, so you’ll notice the occasional plane but I'd forgotten it was even there once the sandals were on, and the first cocktail had arrived!
Everything moves at a slower pace here. The kids can be off doing their thing, whether it’s crafts and stories at the kids’ club or splashing about in the shallows - and you finally get a bit of breathing space. Spa, sea or just some proper quiet… whatever calm looks like for you.
Price includes:
- 7 nights in a Deluxe Ground Floor Room
- Return economy flights
- A choice of free land & water sports
- Private transfers in Mauritius
- Family extras: Baby bathtubs, kids’ menus, baby care facilities, highchairs, gourmet purées, 2-bedroom apartments, and babysitting on request.
*Upgrade to a Family Apartment for just £595 more.
⛰️ Peru - Discover the Legacy of the Incas, Various Dates
This once-in-a-lifetime adventure takes you through Peru’s Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. From £3,199 per person. Includes flights, accommodation, and all excursions.
I’ve done this trip myself and honestly, nothing really prepares you for it. The early morning mist hanging over Machu Picchu, the quiet energy of the Sacred Valley, the mix of Incan history and Spanish charm in Cusco… it just stays with you. It’s one of those journeys that really lingers, in the best way possible.
You’ll start in Lima, a city that blends old-world charm with buzzing street life and seriously good food. From there, the scenery shifts to the Sacred Valley, where ancient ruins and quiet villages are tucked between the mountains.
Next up is Machu Picchu. Every bit as breathtaking as you’d hope, especially with a guide who knows how to unlock its secrets. After that, you’ll have time to soak up Cusco’s rich mix of Inca and Spanish history, before heading back to Lima for one last night to take it all in.
Price includes:
- International flights
- 7 nights’ accommodation
- 8 meals: 7 breakfasts and 1 lunch
- Guided tours of Lima, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu
- Second entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- All transfers and domestic flights as per the itinerary
Want to book? Contact Rock My World on 0800 368 9664 or email [email protected]. You can also visit their website for more information, www.rockmyworld.co.uk.
Rock My World is proud to be an egg Business partner. Planning a well-deserved break? Let their expert travel team take the stress out of it all, crafting bespoke experiences tailored just for you.
egg members enjoy an exclusive treat! New clients can claim a luxurious NUXE travel bag, completely free. Click here for more.
