Imagine that you’re planning an incentive trip for yourself and 20 of your top channel partners or customers. Where would you take them?
We could say that money isn’t a factor, but of course it is. Your choice would need to consider a somewhat limited budget (for the sake of the thought experiment, we’ll suggest the average incentive budget of around $6,000 per-person).
Now, you could choose a bucket-list destination, like the Galapagos Islands or a safari in Kenya. But these, while admittedly amazing, probably come with a price tag above what you’re willing to pay.
On the other hand, you could take the path of least resistance and choose a place that’s familiar and easy to get to. For Americans, this would be Mexico, the Caribbean, or possibly somewhere domestic.
But while these spots are certainly great, you might run into the issue of having to sell your participants on a destination they’ve already been to—maybe even on a previous incentive trip!
So where does that leave you?
Even if you remove all of your bucket list destinations and all of your path-of-least-resistance destinations, that still probably would leave roughly 80% of the world to consider for your hypothetical incentive trip.
Where else could you go?
Some places are too far away (sorry, New Zealand) or too hard to get to (you have always wanted to go to Tibet).
Others might not have the infrastructure in place to support a group trip, might be considered too risky for some Americans, or simply don’t stimulate the imagination enough to inspire great performances.
There must be some places that fit what you’re looking for, though, right?
We’re going to show you that yes, there are indeed destinations you might not even be thinking about. Places that provide a lot of bang for their buck and that exotic “Wow!” factor of your favorite bucket list destinations. There are plenty of these places to consider, but here are just a few:
Under-The-Radar Incentive Travel Destinations
Incredible Iceland
Iceland may not immediately come to mind as a great incentive travel destination. But that doesn’t mean it can’t get the job done . . . and in spectacular fashion.
Consider this: Iceland is one of the few places on earth that has volcanoes and glaciers, as well as incredible, world-renowned geothermal pools that look like hot springs from another planet.
It boasts a vibrant, cosmopolitan capital city, with numerous 4- and 5-star hotels like the Hilton Canopy and the Reykjavik EDITION. It now also offers affordable, relatively short nonstop flights from a number of major East Coast cities, and can be particularly cost-effective if you avoid traveling during the high season.
Finally, don’t let the name fool you: comfortable weather in Iceland can be found as early as March and as late as October. Even in the colder winter months, visitors have the opportunity to see the breathtaking Northern Lights, killer whale migrations, and more.
Beautiful Eastern Europe
Paris, Italy, Greece, and London all probably top the list of most popular European destinations. And that’s exactly why you should consider places like Austria, Croatia, or Slovenia for your next incentive trip.
Far less crowded and a good deal cheaper, these oft-overlooked Eastern European getaways still have lots to offer.
For example, Italy sure seems like a dream location for an incentive trip. But if you look across the Adriatic Sea to Croatia, you’ll find a country that’s equal parts charming and beautiful, boasts nearly as much Roman history as Rome itself (the seaside city of Pula even features a 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater, one of largest and best maintained in the world), and can be explored for nearly half the price of its more highly trafficked neighbor.
Or if you’re seeking a chic and sophisticated city for your incentive trip, Vienna, Austria could be the perfect fit.
Home of the famed Hapsburg dynasty and considered by some to be one of the birthplaces of modern Western thought, Vienna’s cobblestoned streets are filled with imperial art museums, world-renowned classical music venues, impressive baroque-style architecture, and more.
Offering better weather than London, cheaper accommodations than Paris, and nonstop flights to a number of major American cities, these Eastern European gems could become the site of your next great incentive trip.
Surprising Santa Fe
Sometimes the best surprises are the ones that are closest to home. Nicknamed “The City Different”, Santa Fe, New Mexico is a truly underrated destination in the U.S.
While many of us will have visions of dusty deserts when New Mexico comes to mind, Santa Fe is actually America’s highest capital city, sitting at an altitude of nearly 7,200 feet in the southern Rocky Mountains. It’s also the country’s oldest capital, too, having once been called the Dancing Ground of the Sun by early Native Americans.
From the moment you set foot in The City Different, you will feel the eclectic atmosphere beckoning you to try something new. A fully four-season destination, Santa Fe is a dreamland for outdoor enthusiasts, offering mountains and canyons, rivers and forests, and everything in between.
Whether you’re looking for some fun day hikes, an exciting river rafting tour, a 4x4 adventure, or a relaxing afternoon on the links, Santa Fe is sure not to disappoint. In addition, it's a city that finds itself at the intersection of Native American, Spanish-American, and Wild West history, and as such it boasts a wealth of fascinating historical and cultural sites and activities.
Art afficionados will love a visit to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, while the San Juan Pueblo, just north of the city, is worth a visit for those seeking out an authentic glimpse of Native American life. You could go treasure hunting among local jewelry vendors for the perfect Southwest souvenir, time travel among 200-year-old ranches, or experience the incredible healing powers of ancient mineral springs. And this is only the beginning!
With an amazing combination of history, great food, cultural attractions and endless sunshine, it’s the perfect vacation destination. And the best part? For Americans, no passports necessary!
And the winner is . . .
We’ll let you decide! Which of the three under-the-radar incentive travel destinations would you most like to visit or bring a group to?
Want to learn more about impressing your audience with a unique incentive trip? Download our Incentive Travel Playbook: Strategies for Customers, Channel Partners & Salespeople.
