An anniversary is a good time to reflect on what you have achieved together. But how do you ensure that it doesn't just remain a cake in the canteen or an afternoon of sailing? For ShipItSmarter, it was clear: their 25th anniversary called for something special. A trip that people wouldn't soon forget. It became an anniversary trip to the Azores, and with it an experience that yielded more than just a few fond memories.
Are you also considering an anniversary trip abroad? We share our insights and pitfalls below.
Why an anniversary trip works: experiencing something new together
For this client, it was important that the trip would connect their own people even more deeply. Not just to celebrate the anniversary, but also to bring international colleagues together, quite literally. The Portuguese Azores were a perfect choice: adventurous, surprising, and far from the everyday. Not a standard beach destination, but precisely a place where you go into nature together, share new experiences, and get to know each other in a different way.
From spotting dolphins to a jeep tour along volcanic craters: the programme was full of unforgettable moments. Even when the weather didn't cooperate, as in this case. It rained almost all week. No whales were seen on the ‘whale safari’, but hundreds of dolphins were. No view into the crater, but conversations you wouldn't easily have in the office.
It is precisely in times of adversity that you see the strength of good preparation.
Naturally, no trip goes entirely without a hitch. Just before departure, we finalised some last details with the ShipItSmarter team. And during the trip itself, there was an additional 17-hour delay, meaning everyone had to stay an extra night. It's in moments like these that you notice the added value of a professional partner. Within an hour, we arranged a new hotel, a restaurant, and kept the atmosphere relaxed in the meantime.
Because if the foundation is right: the preparation, the programme, the guidance, then a setback only makes the memory stronger. The client therefore gave a big thumbs-up afterwards: “Always one step ahead of the schedule, making it seem effortless. Reacting quickly and adequately to unexpected changes.”
The anniversary trip for ShipItSmarter was one that perfectly demonstrated what the brand stands for: forward-thinking, connecting, and pushing boundaries together.
STRETCH: the secret behind long-lasting effect
At goMICE, we believe an anniversary trip is more than a one-off highlight. With our STRETCH method, we ensure the effect begins weeks in advance and is still palpable long afterwards. For this trip, we used teasers and surprises to spark anticipation. On-site, we provided tailor-made live experiences. And afterwards, the reliving begins.
So the investment isn't just in the aircraft and the activities, but in the entire surrounding journey. That's where the real value lies.
What made this anniversary trip so special?
- An original destination (the Azores) that invites adventure
- A programme that suits different types of participants
- Unforgettable moments, also thanks to the unexpected
- Quick solutions for unexpected turns
- A STRETCH approach that ensures lasting engagement
And perhaps most importantly: an atmosphere where everyone felt seen and appreciated. Exactly as you'd want for an anniversary.
Are you considering organising an anniversary trip abroad?
Let's brainstorm together about what suits your business and people. Whether you already know where you want to go or are still unsure about how, we're happy to help you think it through.