Top 8 Out-of-the-Box Incentive Travel Destinations 2024
In 2024, we are seeing that more and more clients are looking for out-of-the-box travel destinations. Places where their colleagues or business relations haven't been before, and which, alongside connection with one another, also provide a unique destination experience. To inspire you, we highlight eight out-of-the-box incentive travel destinations in this blog. You can read them in no particular order:
- Hidden gem: Montenegro
- Exotic Madeira
- Eco-wonders Iceland
- Tropical paradise Costa Rica
- Eastern charm in Oman
- Bilbao & La Rioja
- Island hopping in the Azores
- Insane South Africa
Montenegro: a destination that belongs on your bucket list
Recently we visited Montenegro as a new European gem for group and incentive travel. And it didn’t disappoint! With picturesque landscapes, green national parks, historic locations and an abundance of adventurous activities, Montenegro is a perfect destination for groups:
- Go rafting on the wild Tara River;
- Go on a jeep safari through the spectacular Durmitor National Park;
- Enjoy a boat trip along the coastline of the Bay of Kotor;
- Sample the local dishes and wines on a food tour in medieval towns like Kotor and Budva.
Curious about this hidden gem as a top group travel destination for 2024? Ask us about the possibilities!
The Portuguese island full of surprises: Madeira!
This Portuguese archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean offers a unique mix of exotic adventure and natural beauty. A number of highlights for a group trip to Madeira?
- Funchal the charming and vibrant capital of the island with its picturesque neighbourhoods, colourful buildings, authentic farmers' market and many culinary locations hide.
- Toboggan sledging & Monte Palace Tropical Garden: Visit this iconic tropical garden and finish the visit with an adrenaline-seeking experience… toboggan sledging! Together with two Carreiros (drivers), you slide down the mountain on wooden boards! An authentic means of transport and a true experience for the group!
- Off-road jeep adventure Discover the wild heart of Madeira on a jeep safari. From rugged terrain with panoramic views, dramatic cliffs and green forests.
- Marine life spottedDepart by catamaran from the harbour of Funchal and keep your eyes peeled to spot dolphins, turtles and whales! The trip is alternated with snorkel stops, where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
With a flight time of 4.5 hours, the island is easily accessible and from approximately €2,000 p.p. A nicely put-together 4-day programme to this island already organising!
Eco-wonders: discover Iceland!
Go green! Is sustainability one of the travel requirements within your organisation? Then consider Iceland as an out-of-the-box incentive travel destination: a pioneer in the field of sustainability on many fronts. Curious about how they achieve this? Then read our blog ‘top 5 sustainable destinations in Europe’.
Whether you visit Iceland in summer or in winter, this destination is guaranteed to amaze your colleagues or business associates with its natural beauty. The huge variety of landscapes and stunning natural phenomena such as volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls and cliffs, you are not going to find in any other destination. Avoid popular sights and pay a visit to lesser-known places, such as:
- Mývatn Nature Baths.Also known as the ‘off the beaten track Blue Lagoon’. A geothermal hot spring located in the north of Iceland, which remains undiscovered by many.
- Discover the Northern Lights.Iceland is a great place to see the northern lights. Unlike many other destinations, the lights can also be spotted here during the day.
- Animal- and environment-friendly whale watching tour.By electric boat, you can go whale watching in a responsible way at various locations in Iceland. The boat makes hardly any noise and stays at an appropriate distance, so the whales are not disturbed in their natural habitat.
Tropical paradise Costa Rica!
Costa Rica might not be the first country that comes to mind when planning a group trip with your colleagues or business associates. But trust us, this Central American gem has everything you need for a sensational group trip and is definitely what you might call out-of-the-box! From lush rainforests, exotic animals and impressive volcanoes to stunning beaches, hot springs and diverse ecosystems. Still not convinced? What do you think of these group activities?
- ZipliningCosta Rica is famous for its spectacular ziplines, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the jungle as you whizz from platform to platform. Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush!
- Whitewater rafting Take on the challenge with your group and brave the wild rivers of Costa Rica on an exciting white-water rafting trip. Paddle through rapids, manoeuvre through rocky gorges and let the stunning natural surroundings surprise you.
- Volcano hike: Explore Costa Rica's impressive volcanic landscapes on a hike to an active volcano. Be amazed by bubbling mud pools, hissing steam vents and the scenery.
- Wildlife spottingGo on an adventure in one of the jungles and spot the huge diversity of wildlife. From monkeys and sloths to toucans and colourful birds as you walk through the lush jungle.
- SurfingFor adventurous groups, surfing is a must in Costa Rica. With its extensive coastline and perfect waves, Costa Rica is a paradise for surfers of all levels!
Curious about this tropical destination for your group or incentive trip full of adventure, nature and excitement? Ask us about the possibilities for your organisation!
Eastern charm in Oman
Experience authentic oriental charm with a modern twist and Western comfort in Oman! This fascinating country is steeped in history, culture and breathtaking landscapes. From the vast desert, turquoise water in wadis and colourful souks (markets), to majestic mountain ranges, impressive mosques and an incredibly welcoming population.
Taste Oman during:
- A dessert camp experience: Spend a night under the twinkling starry sky of the Omani desert. Enjoy traditional Arabic cuisine by the campfire, listen to live local music and experience a magical night.
- A Dhow Cruise in the Musandam FjordsCruise through the fjords of Musandam on a traditional dhow, a wooden Arabian sailing boat. Admire the cliffs, crystal-clear water and go snorkelling in the tranquil bays.
- A wadi walkExplore Oman's picturesque wadis (river valleys) during a walking tour with your colleagues. Trek through clear streams, climb over rocks and enjoy the vegetation and hidden waterfalls.
- A visit to traditional villagesVisit traditional Omani villages and get acquainted with local culture and traditions. Meet friendly residents, learn more about crafts such as carpet making and pottery, and taste traditional dishes during a shared meal.
- A sand dune bashing experienceGo on an adventurous desert safari and experience exhilarating dune bashing. Hop into a 4×4 vehicle and tear across the high dunes, while enjoying the thrill and excitement of this adrenaline-pumping activity.
In short, Oman offers everything you need for an unforgettable group holiday in 2024. From cultural discoveries to breathtaking nature and exciting adventures, this country has it all.
Bilbao & La Rioja: a tasteful adventure through art and wine!
Explore Bilbao, a vibrant city bursting with history, culture and modern architecture. Let yourself be enchanted by the iconic Guggenheim Museum, where works of art by Dalí, Warhol and Picasso shine. Wander through the narrow streets of Casco Viejo, sample local pintxos and wines, and discover unique spots with the guidance of local guides. Or take a boat trip to the unique ‘underwater cellar’, where you can experience the only certified underwater wine cellar in the world.
Then swap the city for La Rioja, a true wine paradise just an hour's drive from Bilbao. Discover the vast vineyards, modern and old wineries, and picturesque villages amidst the beautiful landscape. Enjoy exclusive wine tastings, lunch among the vines, and explore charming villages such as Laguardia and Logroño, the capital of La Rioja.
Island hopping in the Azores: hidden gem!
The Azores also fit the bill for sustainable travel destinationsThe Azores are known for preserving their rich biodiversity and geodiversity and for using energy sources to reduce their impact on the planet. On these nine volcanic islands, tradition and modernity go hand in hand, you will find unique natural landscapes, and you will set foot on a destination with a Sustainable Tourism Destination certificate.
A number of sustainable group activities in the Azores?
- Stand-up paddleboarding from São Miguel island. There is no more environmentally friendly and healthier way to discover the beautiful coastlines of the Azores! A tranquil activity suitable for everyone, which can be booked with a local guide if desired.
- Relax in thermal baths on the island of São Miguel.This Azorean island is known for its many water sources heated by the bubbling activity of one of the most active volcanoes in the Azores. Time to relax!
- Spot dolphins & whales from Pico Island.With around 28 cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), the Azorean island of Pico is one of the best places to spot these marine mammals. Eco-conscious boat excursions are organised from Pico by companies holding a sustainable whale watching licence. For every participant, a donation is made to All for Nature, an organisation that has invested more than 1 million in nature conservation.
Curious about this hidden gem for your group or incentive trip? Discover how we can make your group trip to this sustainable gem a reality!
Unique blend of stunning nature, modern cities and sprawling vineyards in South Africa
South Africa already secured a lovely spot last year in the top 10 incentive travel destinations for 2023, but deserves a place again this year! Famous for years for its winelands and culinary scene. Alongside the culinary aspect of this destination, South Africa offers magnificent nature, culture, group activities and accommodation for an unforgettable travel itinerary. From a visit to the top of the iconic Table Mountain and surfing in the bay of the Western Cape, to safaris and meeting waddling penguins.
Last year, Lotte, Diewertje, Amy and Dian travelled with 170 people to South Africa for a 5-day sales incentive trip. We are madly enthusiastic about this destination and will take you Join in on this blog with the adventurous travel programme!
Make the experience even more unique and intense!
At goMICE, our goal is to take your group or incentive trip to the next level. The impact of a trip can be increased in many ways. If desired, we can also assist with the complete communication process surrounding the LIVE moment:
- How can we involve and inform participants for longer and more effectively?
- How can we ensure that the objectives are met?
- How can we make the experience EVEN more complete?
To this end, we create a bespoke concept with a detailed communication plan that we flawlessly execute across all facets prior to, during and after the group trip. For this, we deploy our goMICE Stretching Method This way, your organisation or message will remain top of mind with your target audience for longer, and we'll ensure even greater impact!
Are you also halfway out of the country after reading this blog? And can you not wait to surprise, reward or motivate your colleagues or business associates with an incredible group or incentive trip to one of the out-of-the-box destinations for 2024? Then plan a Free sparring session with one of our enthusiastic professionals! We'd love to discuss the possibilities and destinations that match your wishes and organisation!