The ultimate incentive trip

 

Organising a successful incentive trip calls for a high level of expertise and meticulous planning. It is a reward for employees or customers and its goal is to promote loyalty and cooperation.

A fun destination or a good hotel will take you a long way but if you want to make it a truly unique experience it’s best not to leave anything to chance...

 

Once-in-a-lifetime

An incentive trip should be unique, creative and fun. That’s why it’s important to strike the right balance between work and leisure. It is perfectly possible to alternate sports and group activities or cultural outings with professional activities. It can be tempting to overload the trip with activities but if participants get exhausted this distracts from the success of the experience.

 

 

In other words, sufficient rest and leisure time is not only indispensable, it also gives your customers or employees the space they need to let the many impressions truly sink in. Less is more, even on an incentive trip! The trick is to work up to a climax at the right time. A wonderful surprise or a once-in-a-lifetime experience can work wonders.

 

“If you really want to make a lasting impression you can organise a small reunion or share photos and videos to keep the memory alive.”

 

Good preparation

Planning, planning and more planning. Everything hinges on preparation. For longer or more complex incentive trips it is advisable to start preparations more than a year in advance. This way you are guaranteed comfortable flights, the nicest hotels and the most fun activities at the best rates. Setting the date is also a crucial aspect in the choice of destination. You don’t want to travel to Thailand at the height of the rainy season. Travelling during a well-chosen shoulder season can have a positive impact on the overall budget.

 

 

In addition to flawless organisation the gastronomic aspect is often a crucial factor within the overall experience of the incentive trip. Try to make every meal or snack special without exaggerating. This can vary from a meal at a starred restaurant to a restaurant with a spectacular view or dinner at a local bistro with a bit of local colour and entertainment.

 

“It's important to make sure everyone is up-to-date on the agenda and the activities. This can be achieved through an inspiring programme booklet, a Whatsapp group or another mobile application. What you don’t want is participants missing out on activities.”

 

Short but impactful

The first thing to come to mind with an incentive trip, is often a multi-day trip to a far-off location - but that doesn’t always have to be the case. A well-planned and original day trip in your own country or Europe can also pleasantly surprise your team or customers and make the necessary impact.

 

 

Checklist for the ultimate incentive trip

 

 Start working early on the planning and preparation

 Align your travel date with the chosen destination or vice versa

 Alternate business with fascinating activities

 Don´t forget to plan enough R&R time

 Make that unforgettable ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience happen

 Keep the participants up-to-date on the agenda

Make every meal a unique event