Corporate Travel Destinations

Corporate travel is always a balance between profitability and exclusivity. Simply put, profitability is the benefit derived from any activity minus the costs and opportunities lost by taking the course of action. This causes many to inherently think of affordable destinations for corporate travel, but this is where exclusivity comes into play. Exclusivity is the concept that the more unique or interesting the destination, the more the trip is generally worth in a less quantifiable manner.

For example, an incentive cruise for employees to Hawaii is probably considered to be a lot more interesting than an incentive travel promotion to Nebraska. While there is nothing inherently wrong with Nebraska, it is simply not considered to be as exclusive and/or interesting as Hawaii. The key is to strike a balance between cost effective travel options and here are a handful of destinations that are surprisingly cost effective while generally being viewed as very exclusive:

Bimini – While small, it is a very affordable locale for hosting small gatherings and meetings. Just do not plan anything during hurricane season.

Oregon – Believe it or not, Oregon is home to a wide range of climates and terrain, which makes from some very interesting and affordable locales.

Sedona – Gorgeous sunsets, excellent hiking, top-notch spas and world-class golfing make this relaxed venue a great spot for meetings and corporate events.

Monaco. The very name conjures up images of wealth, relaxation and prestige. If you are considering a corporate travel destination in which name cache is at all important, don't forget this all time winner in the world of luxurious travel. Surrounded on three sides by France and just a short hop from Italy, Monaco is an ideal location for an extended trip to Europe. For pure pampered luxury that sends a message of style and class, this haven of decadent exclusivity is unmatched.

Monaco is second only to Vatican City as the smallest country in the world. Originally founded in 1228, this constitutional monarchy has been ruled by the same house since 1297. The current monarch, Albert II, is the son of Princess Grace, better known to many as the American actress Grace Kelly before she married Prince Rainer III of Monaco. Considered by some a tax haven for the wealthy of other countries, the population of this tiny country is likely the richest on earth.

What does one do in Monaco? Well, beyond making absolutely certain everyone possible knows that you went there, there are a number of events and attractions that will appeal to attendees, such as the world-famous casino, which is just one of the must-see attractions that attendees can enjoy during downtime or in the evening after a long day of meetings.

If you are planning a cruise for your next corporate or incentive travel event, you may be considering whether chartering a ship would be a more appropriate option than booking reservations on a cruise line containing unaffiliated passengers. It may or may not be, depending on a number of considerations.

First of all, it is important to know your options. When chartering a cruise ship, you often can choose between group, half-ship and full-ship charter options. Full ship charters obviously allow for the greatest freedom, customization, exclusivity and prestige, while group-level charters will likely be most cost-effective.

Each of these options comes with pros and cons; however, they all offer distinct benefits for those determine that chartering a ship is their best option.

In order for chartering a ship for your next cruise event to be a good idea, you will need to have a solid headcount of attendees, a good understanding of your meeting space needs and the resources to make a significant financial commitment upfront, generally guaranteed by a letter of credit.

Once these things are in place, your next task is finding the perfect cruise ship to fit your event needs. This will need to include appropriately-sized meeting spaces, overall costs that are within your planning budget, a suitable destination and an overall quality that suits the level of service and prestige required by your cruise event.