Corporate Travel Destinations

Corporate travel might be an expense that comes with certain tax benefits, but that is no excuse to by financially irresponsible. Corporate travel should be done on a budget, but that does not mean that there is no way to have an amazing incentive travel experience. Here are some ideas to make travel fun and interesting on a budget:

• Consider using alternative modes of transportation – When it comes to transportation, many people overlook trains, boats, and other common forms of transportation that can be both cost effective and help build a unique travel experience.
• Stay at unique venues – Some venues far from cities have plenty of local cultural flavor at amazing prices. It might entail a small taxi fee or a shuttle bus ride, but hotels on the outskirts of a destination generally have a lot to offer.
• Eat locally – Local foods are generally healthier than fast food, and they come in many tiers. Local flavor can be found at cheaper venues as well as some of the more expensive restaurants. It is not necessarily important for each and every night to feature a fun evening at an expensive restaurant.
• Souvenirs – Trinkets are almost always overpriced. Remember this when shopping and plan ahead in order to get the best possible prices.

By the time your clients’ meeting participants sit themselves down on a plane, they have already been screened, asked questions and gotten suspicious looks by airport personnel (as all travelers do). They may have been rushed through a process designed to make them feel more secure, and maybe even had their belongings sifted through and shoved back into their bags willy nilly. At the gate they may have experienced more hold-ups, the flight might have been late, or may have experienced other delays and stresses. This is not your doing and not your problem, but you may be able to mitigate the effects.

Although participants will likely not associate those experiences with you, the meeting planner, they will remember you if you have provided a little comfort for them. To make the travel experience better for your clients’ members, consider making up travel packs to be delivered before the flight. Depending on the length of flight, include items that target a traveler’s basic needs–relaxation, rest, staying occupied, and a little energy. Here is a list of things to pick and choose from: Continue reading »