Top 5 Incentive Travel Destinations: The Best Places to Reward Your Team 

Incentive travel is much more than a reward for your team; it’s all about creating some lifetime memories that encourage further success. When your top performers go over and above, they need an experience that makes all the hard work worth it.

But with a world full of fantastic destinations out there, sometimes it can be complicated to narrow down the perfect spot for your next incentive trip. Should you go for the vibrant energy of a city escape, the calming vibes of a beach retreat, or the adventure of a mountain getaway? 

Incentive Trip Ideas You Must Know

Options can be endless when planning an incentive trip. The key is to find the right program that fits into the interests and goals of your audience and will also fit within your budget. Whether it is adventure, relaxation, or a cultural dip, there is an incentive travel program just waiting to leave its mark. 

To get some inspiration, here are a few stand-out examples of group incentive travel programs that offer something unique for any team.

Beach Locations

Fun-in-the-Sun is always a great reward for groups that want to stay nearer to home or those that don’t have the five+ days that is recommended to travel out of North America. These trips are purely rest and adventure combined: relaxing in the sun, sitting by the ocean, snorkeling, sailing, and paddleboarding. This is great for rewarding your team while taking a breath in a pretty environment. 

Adventure Travel

Adventure travel programs are great for teams that are more active and get excited about adventures. Whether it be hiking through national parks, zipping through tropical forests, or white-water rafting in fast-moving rivers, adventure trips bring out the thrill-seeker in everyone. They don’t just offer adrenaline-pumping activities but also foster team bonding in a unique way. Think New Zealand, Costa Rica, the Canadian Rockies or one of the many luxury ranches in the western U.S. 

Cultural Destinations 

You can find culture in most world capitols and design some amazing group experiences wherever you choose. New York, Chicago, Miami, Vancouver, Rome, London, Vienna – the list is endless. The best plan is to embrace the best the destination offers plus create some experiences for your group that they could never achieve on their own, such as private viewing of the Sistine Chapel, a private reception with the cast of Hamilton, or cooking class supervised by a famed chef such as Bobby Flay. 

Wellness Retreats

Wellness retreats are all about resetting the mind and body. A health-and-wellness-focused program enables your winners to relax, recharge, and go back to work with fresh eyes. Such wellness retreat programs will include yoga sessions, meditation workshops, spa treatments, and healthy nutrition. Popular wellness destinations such as Bali, the Swiss Alps, or Sedona, Arizona, offer serene environments that enable one to relax and practice self-care. 

Incentive Travel Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List

Now that you have some ideas of the various types of incentive trips that would help inspire your audience into achieving your goals, the next step involves choosing that perfect destination. 

To make things a bit easier for you, the Gapp Group travel team had a spirited discussion and have come up with their favorite international incentive travel destinations and included what makes each destination special, as well as the best time to visit. Let’s dive in! 

1. Paris, France 

“The City of Lights” is a world-class tourist destination that already evokes interest from incentive contestants thanks to its prominence in films and iconic photos in American culture. There’s no shortage of group-friendly hotels to choose from and there are equally as many amazing evening venues that range from the whimsical – Musee de Berci, to the iconic – Bateaux Mouche dinner cruise, to the simply unforgettable – The Palace of Versailles. Giving guests an evening on their own is highly recommended so they can experience one of the amazing renowned restaurants. 

Recommended activities: Top sightseeing tours include escorted tours of the Eiffel Tower, a docent-led tour of the Louvre, and a guided walking tour of the artistic neighborhood of Montmartre, and a behind the scenes tour of the Opera Garnier, famed from the iconic “Phantom of the Opera.” 

Best time to visit: Gentle weather and not too many tourists make the periods from March to May and from September to October the best times for touring the city. The summertime tends to be very crowded and is when hotel pricing is at its peak.

2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates 

The UAE has become a world-class tourist destination over the past 20 years thanks to its major investment in tourism. Dubai, in particular, has distinguished itself as a go-to and has become a cultural melting pot while maintaining its ethnic cultural history. Those that think it’s only about tall buildings and technology are missing so much more. An endless selection of accommodations await, from iconic (Burj Al Arab) to pure oceanfront resorts (Jumeirah Beach or Atlantis) this a perfect place for every budget. Recommended group dinner venues include chartering an authentic Dhow to sail Dubai Creek, holding a private dinner at the top of the Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building, and hosting a farewell Bedouin evening in the desert that features camel rides, dune surfing in sport vehicles, and an Arabic dinner and entertainment under the starlit sky. 

Recommended activities: Adventurists will want to hit the varied activities offered such as indoor snow skiing, car racing, and zip-lining. Sun worshipers can hit the beaches and enjoy the watersports, and those into cultural activities will enjoy visiting the Heritage Village in Old Dubai, and taking a Abra ride across “the creek” to shop in the Gold and Spice souks, and touring the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. 

Best time to visit: The cooler months are between October and March with daytime temps in the mid-70s and little rainfall. Ramadan in 2025 is expected to begin March 2 and conclude on April 1. It is possible to hold events over that holiday but there are some restrictions in place that may impact certain entertainment. 

3. London, England 

London is a perennial favorite in group travel surveys because it has so much going for it. Great airlift from the U.S., no language barriers, rich history and iconic landmarks, world-class museums and galleries, and great entertainment and theatre. Accommodations to befit groups of every size and taste include the elegant such as the Ritz or Four Seasons, to the iconic such as the Savoy or Claridge’s. Recommended group dinner venues include chartering the Bateaux London for a night cruise on the Thames, a private dinner at The Ivy at Covent Gardens, a champagne reception on the London Eye, and a dine-around evening followed by live theater in the West End. 

Recommended activities: There are numerous great tours in and outside of London. Museums abound including the Tate Modern, the British Museum and The National Gallery. Group VIP tours can also be arranged for favorite’s like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, as well as the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels. Trips outside of London include a visit to Stonehenge, Hampton Court Palace, or a visit to Shakespeare’s home at Stratford-upon-Avon.

Best time to visit: Like most European destinations the most pleasant periods are in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). The summertime is when the crowds are at their peak and you should try to avoid going during Wimbledon which is historically the first two weeks of July.

4. Barcelona, Spain 

When one looks to visit Spain with an incentive group there are so many places to go – Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Costa del Sol, and that’s not even touching the wonderful Basque region of northern Spain. 

As for Barcelona there is so much to see and do for every generation of your audience. The great blend of history, architecture, culture and cuisine is on parade throughout the city. Accommodations range from the classic (Hotel 1898) to the chic (Hotel Arts or W Barcelona). It mostly depends whether you want to be near the busy Las Ramblas or overlooking the beach. Some of my favorite group dinner events include a spectacular evening at Codorniu Winery at a captain’s table for 100, doing a group tapas tasting/pub crawl, taking in a Flamenco dinner show at the renowned Tablao Cordobes, or having a casual evening learning how to make paella at a seafront restaurant. 

Recommended activities: Must see’s are the famed Gaudi buildings of Segrada Familia, Casa Batllo, and Park Guell. Strolling the Las Ramblas and its endless shops, visiting the Gothic Quarter, and the Picasso Museum. Also, an absolute must for a group is a day-trip to experience the unbelievable views of Montserrat. 

Best time to visit: Barcelona doesn’t suffer too many extremes in it’s weather. Most groups visit in the Springtime (April to June) with mild temps but it is most crowded then. September to November will have high’s in the 70s but it’s after the tourist season and much easier to get around. 

5. Monte Carlo, Monaco 

One of the reasons this great destination makes my top five list for group incentives is it already captures the imagination of your target audience. So many classic films have been filmed in and around and all of them depict a chic destination where all the cool people hang out – and they do! In-season celebrity sightings are De rigueur and winners feel like they too are part of the A-list. Recommended group hotels are The Hotel des Paris for smaller groups with bigger budgets and the Fairmont Monte Carlo offering stunning views of the Bay. Top group evening recommendations include a casual event in Ville Frenche (the fisherman’s village), a catered dinner at Chateau de Rothschild, certainly a dine-around, and an epic final night banquet at the famed Sporting Club of Monaco. 

Recommended group activities: Wow. There’s so many to choose from. Let’s start with a road rally where guests drive the upper cornishe in restored vintage or high-end sports cars. A group tour to the Medieval Village of Eze, a visit to Palace of Monaco, or an afternoon at Cousteau’s Oceanographic Museum, or a day trip into Cannes and Nice should also be high on the list. 

Best time to visit: Spring is certainly the most cherished time to visit but nearly impossible to book for groups because of the one-two punch of the famed Monaco Grand Prix and the world-renowned Cannes Film Festival. Fall weather is still very comfortable and the pricing is oh so much better. 

Final Thoughts

Incentive travel offers more than just a break from the routine – it’s a way to reward your team with experiences that leave a lasting impact. From luxurious beach vacations and adrenaline-pumping adventures to cultural tours and wellness retreats, the options are endless for creating a program that fits your team’s personality and goals. Pairing these programs with the perfect destinations, whether it’s the beaches of Santa Barbara, the mountains of Queenstown, or the rich culture of Marrakech, can truly elevate the experience. 

By carefully selecting both the type of trip and the ideal location, you’re not only celebrating your team’s achievements but also fostering stronger bonds and renewed motivation. Whether your goal is relaxation, adventure, or personal growth, the right incentive trip can inspire your team and drive future success.

For impactful incentive trips, consult the experts at Gapp Group. We tailor each trip based on your team’s preferences and ensure it leaves the employees with unforgettable memories. Contact us today! 

FAQs on Incentive Travel Destinations 

Q1. What is an incentive travel?

Incentive travel is a reward trip given to employees or business associates to motivate and recognize their performance. It can be for individuals or groups based on achieving specific goals.

Q2. How do I choose the right incentive travel destination?

Consider your team’s interests, the type of experience you want (relaxation, adventure, culture), and your budget. Also, think about the best time of year and ease of travel.

Q3. What are some unique activities or experiences to include in an incentive travel program?

Include activities like hiking, zip-lining, spa treatments, or cultural experiences such as guided tours and cooking classes, depending on your team’s preferences.