I was stuck in the same predicament and decided to go for my CFII/MEI. I have built up 14 more hours of PIC multi flying to an airport 50 nm away, practicing an approach, and then doing the MEI maneuvers. This way, I log it all as "mindless time" that counts as cross country hours, practicing instrument procedures for my II (which I plan to take in a multi engine airplane as well), and doing MEI preparation all at the same time. Cost effective and builds XC.