Discover the unexplored jewels of incentive travel with our guide to five underrated destinations perfect for your next event. From secluded paradises to cultural treasures, uncover unique locations that promise to inspire, delight, and leave a lasting impression on your attendees. Get ready to elevate your event planning game and explore the world’s best-kept secrets in incentive travel.
Porto, Portugal – Navigate Through a Hidden Gem
Porto, Portugal is nestled along the Douro River, a perfect blend of urban life and coastal calm. While Lisbon is Portugal’s capital and largest city, Porto offers unique views and activities for visitors looking for an authentic taste of the country.
Must Do Activity: A wine tour is a must! Sample sweet reds from the vineyards of Douro Valley, known for their robust flavor that pairs perfectly with any dessert.
5- Star Place to Stay: Café Monumental – a perfect balance between Porto’s historic roots and modern luxury.
Can’t Miss Cuisine: Bolinhos de Bacalhau – Portugal’s popular fried cod fish cakes.
Fun Fact: It is home to one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, Livraria Lello.
This historic bookstore, with its stunning neo-Gothic architecture and intricate wooden staircases, is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling when she was writing the Harry Potter series.
St. Martin – Be in Two Places at Once
Want a charming destination that offers a unique blend of European sophistication and Caribbean charm? St. Martin is the destination you’re looking for. Located in the heart of the Caribbean, this Island is a tropical paradise that beckons with its pristine beaches, azure waters, and vibrant culture.
Must Do Activity: Visiting Maho Beach, which is famous for its proximity to the Princess Juliana International Airport runway. Here, you can experience the exhilarating sensation of watching large aircrafts land and take off just a few meters above your head. It offers beautiful views, crystal-clear waters, and a lively atmosphere.
5- Star Place to Stay: La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St Martin – impeccable service, stunning surroundings, world-class dining options and a wealth of amenities.
Can’t Miss Cuisine: Accras – Caribbean-style fritters made from salted cod, herbs, and spices, deep-fried to golden perfection. They make for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Fun Fact: The island operates under a unique arrangement where travelers can freely move between the French side (Saint-Martin) and the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) without encountering any formal immigration processes. This makes it one of the few places in the world where you can seamlessly transition between two different countries within a matter of minutes, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the island’s cultural diversity.
Big Sky, Montana – Sky’s the Limit
Big Sky is located amidst the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its breathtaking landscapes, endless wilderness, and charming small-town atmosphere, Big Sky offers a quintessential Montana experience like no other.
Must Do Activity: Consider trying out some of the adventurous activities available at Lone Peak, such as ziplining, mountain biking, or even paragliding. Not a thrill seeker? Hop aboard the Lone Peak Expedition tram, an exhilarating ride that takes you up to the summit.
5- Star Place to Stay: Montage Big Sky Resort – framed by Montana’s Spanish Peaks mountain range and located 45 minutes from Yellowstone National Park.
Can’t Miss Cuisine: Bison – often referred to as “America’s original red meat.” Bison burgers, steaks, and roasts are popular menu items in Big Sky, offering a lean and flavorful alternative to beef.
Fun Fact: Big Sky, Montana, is home to the “Biggest Skiing in America.” With over 5,800 acres of skiable terrain spread across four interconnected mountains, Big Sky Resort offers one of the largest ski areas in North America, providing endless opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts to explore and enjoy.
The Kimberly, Australia – Explore the Wild Wonders
The Kimberly, Australia, is a vast and rugged region in northwestern Australia renowned for its stunning landscapes, including dramatic gorges, cascading waterfalls, ancient rock formations, and vast wilderness areas.
Must Do Activity: There’s an abundance of must-do activities for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike:
- Chase these breathtaking waterfalls, including Mitchell Falls, Bell Gorge, and King George Falls.
- Explore more than 2 billion years of Earth’s history by visiting ancient rock art sites, participating in cultural tours, and learning about the traditions and stories of the local Aboriginal communities.
- Witness the iconic Horizontal Falls and the towering cliffs of Windjana Gorge. Take a boat tour, hike along scenic trails, or simply marvel at the sheer beauty of these natural wonders.
5- Star Place to Stay: El Questro – something for everyone to complement their Kimberley experience, whether you choose a luxurious stay, a room by the river, a tented cabin nestled in the wilderness, or a night under canvas.
Can’t Miss Cuisine: Bush Tucker – native fruits like quandong and bush tomatoes or trying meats like kangaroo or emu prepared with native spices and herbs.
Fun Fact: The Kimberley’s fiery sunrises and sunsets are one of the most wondrous things to see.
Santa Fe, New Mexico – Where Tradition Meets Trailblazing
Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a city steeped in history, culture, and artistic flair. Nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe captivates visitors with its unique blend of Pueblo, Spanish, and Anglo heritage.
Must Do Activity: The Plaza is the historic heart of Santa Fe, dating back to the city’s founding in 1610. Wander through the city’s winding streets and you’ll encounter adobe buildings adorned with colorful facades, centuries-old churches, and bustling marketplaces.
5- Star Place to Stay: Montage Big Sky Resort – framed by Montana’s Spanish Peaks mountain range and located 45 minutes from Yellowstone National Park.
Can’t Miss Cuisine: Blue Corn Enchiladas – smothered in red or green chile sauce, then topped with melted cheese and served with beans and rice.
Fun Fact: Founded in 1610, Santa Fe holds the title of the oldest capital city in the United States.
Honorable mentions:
Maui, Hawaii – After the fires that devastated the island in 2023, Maui has quickly begun to rebuild and reclaim its place as a breathtaking tourist attraction. Tripping to Maui not only gives an unforgettable island experience but helps support the local economy and businesses working to rebuild.
Grand Canyon, US – This natural wonder offers outstanding views and opportunity for adventure! It’s great for smaller team building initiatives and comes with a more affordable price tag since it’s located within the continental US.
Whistler, Canada – Not everyone enjoys the coastal climate, and depending on what time of year you’re looking to host your trip, a mountainous destination has a lot to offer! Consider a stay in the mountains for your next trip for a laid-back vibe.
From Madagascar to Mongolia, the options for incentive trip travel are endless! Let us know how we can help make your next trip an unforgettable success.
