An Incentive Travel Solutions favorite; A collection of seven unique islands which are “100% European,” the Canary Islands are positioned off the coast of Spain. Traveling to the Canary Islands is easy and very affordable from many European cities. Visiting multiple islands during a singular trip is a popular choice. A brief description of the seven islands is included below.
El Hierro
Most well known for its spectacular diving environment, El Hierro has some of the most transparent waters in the world. Divers from all over the world come to El Hierro each year to photograph one of best ocean scenes in the world. Located in a small corner of the Atlantic Ocean, this island is a truly magnificent island awaiting discovery. The smallest of the Canary Islands, El Hierro has traditionally been over looked by tourists travelling to the area, which suits those who love to travel here just fine, as they would like to see this trend continue.
La Gomera
One word can be used to describe the island of La Gomera: Nature. Rich and bountiful nature encompasses the majority of land and is home to a variety of species that are elsewhere extinct. Those who love hiking will be in paradise here due to the vast array of spectacular landscapes ranging from impressive mountains, green valley’s covered with palm trees, and serene streams. The beaches consist of black sand enveloped by crystal blue waters which only enhances the notion that nature can be found at its purest state on the island.
Gran Canaria
Often described as a “mini continent,” Gran Canaria has much to offer in the way of exciting city life and quieter vacationing options on the Western half of the island which has been deemed a Biosphere Reserve. The capitol, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has a variety of shopping, dining and night club options. Concert halls as well as a large outdoor concert venue can be found to entertain the music buffs travelling to the Canaries. The countryside offers peace and quiet with contrasting landscapes of black volcanic rock formations and an abundance of green vegetation.
Lanzarote
Also a Biosphere Reserve, Lanzarote is home to a National Park, 12 natural protected areas and a Marine Reserve. The highlight of the island, though, is its volcanic landscapes. Seemingly impossible formations feed the senses and are especially delightful to both sound and sight. It is a special treat to witness how a volcanic land influences the inhabitation of native peoples and the brilliant enveloping silence of the island.
La Palma
Unsurprisingly, La Palma’s nicknamed “La isla bonita,” or the pretty island. Upon embarking on the island it is clear as to why. Covered in lush green with many underlying colors from flora and extraordinary lava flows, the complementary colors are exotic to say the least. Having one of the most remarkable skies in the world, it is home to some of the best astrophysics observatories in the Northern Hemisphere.
Fuerteventura
Miles and miles of white sand beaches line the coast of Fuerteventura, surrounded by beautiful aqua blue ocean waters. Wave and wind surfing are extremely popular here, as the winds are strong and warm. Discover Sacred Mountain, which is considered by the native people as a place of magical significance.
Tenerife
An unforgettable stay awaits those who venture to this unique island. Offering everything from theme parks, museums, cultural events, two World Heritage Sites, a National Park, and 42 natural protected areas, there are exciting activities for everyone.
Sydney, Australia: An Incentive Travel Solutions Featured Destination
/in Featured DestinationsThe Opera House in Sydney, Australia
Sydney, Australia is a tourist location known for vast culture, romance, culinary delights, stunning beach scenery, and unique adventures. This one of a kind destination can be found on the south-coast of the continent by the Tasman Sea. Sydney, also referred to as the Harbour City, is one of the largest as well as oldest Australian cities in existence. The location promises some of the most beautiful sights in the world in addition to a deep history, culture, food, nature, and fashion. Visitors come to enjoy the sandy beaches provided by miles of ocean coastline. Attractions such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge may be admired by individuals vacationing in this region of the Australian continent. Natural surroundings supply the perfect atmosphere for needed fun and relaxation individuals seek when taking a vacation.
Area Climate
October through April is the best time to visit Sydney with the summers delivering a warm climate. Winters in the area are mild as well due to the cities close ocean proximity. Extreme temperatures may be experienced throughout the year at locations further inland. January is the warmest part of the year with average temperatures being approximately eighty-six degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures remain mild and hardly ever reach below forty degrees. The provided climate offers a warm environment during most times of the year with a natural sun-kissed appeal. The city has a relaxed atmosphere that is more in tune with nature than what might be found when visiting other travel destinations.
Local Districts
The Rocks is a diverse area consisting of the first colonial village and the Harbour Bridge. Visitors wanting to have the chance of viewing vast entertainment should consider seeing Darling Harbour. Residing near the Central Business District, this area includes restaurants, aquariums, museums, and boardwalks easily accessible by foot. City South includes sites such as Central Station in a market atmosphere with little café’s and shops. Those who love a busy nightlife or a trip to the coffee shop in the morning can achieve both in the City East district of Sydney. The western portion houses fish markets, a casino, and numerous other places to explore. Each offers a unique experience that keeps visitors entertained throughout the duration of their trip.
Top Attractions
The Sydney Harbor Bridge in an iconic visitor attraction spanning from The Rocks district to the northern portion of the city where individuals are allowed to cycle or walk across the bridge. Olympic Park, once the location for the 2000 games, has since become a park with many sporting facilities. The Sydney Opera House is a highly famous structure in the city centre offering amazing musical shows to visitors. Plant lovers can visit the Royal Botanic Gardens to see over seven-thousand species of herbal life. Visitors may also grab a bite to eat while enjoying Sydney Tower, one of the largest structures in the city. Historical sites, museums, galleries, wildlife, and a natural harbor deliver a vast array of experiences. It is a location of wonder and culture everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime.
Prague, Czech Republic: An Incentive Travel Solutions Featured Destination
/in Featured DestinationsPrague Castle
Previously occupied by Roman Emperors, Prague Castle is now the residing office area for Czech Republic government officials. As home to the Czech Crown Jewels, this structure remains as one of the largest existing castles throughout the world. This historical structure spans a length of approximately five-hundred seventy meters with a width of one-hundred thirty meters. The St Vitus Cathedral, Romanesque Basilica of St. George, defense towers, museums, and summer festivals complete the castle experience.
Old Town Square
Old Town Square displays the medieval settlement atmosphere once common to the Prague region. It is an older portion of the city actually separated from outside areas by a semi-circular moat that connects to the Vltava at both sides. Streets now cover the moat area which was dismantled during the fourteenth century by Charles IV after the founding of New Town. Multiple fascinations exist within this very popular tourist attraction portion of Prague including the ever so famous Charles Bridge.
Lennon Wall
Named after the famous musician John Lennon, the sight holds its own sentimental value to any fan of the Beetles. It was originally built as a simple wall in Prague but was soon transformed into a graffiti tribute to the musician in the 1980’s with various pictures and lyrics being added to its once empty canvas. New graffiti is continuously added making it a changing work of art. This historical trademark has now become a symbol of youth representing the idea of peace through individual artwork.
Modern Attractions
Shopping, dining, nightlife, and entertainment are just as much a part of the atmosphere supplied by this destination. The Czech Republic region supplies a memorable shopping experience visitors will have difficulty finding anywhere else. Street artists, jewelry, mementos, crystal glass, and numerous store fronts complete the shopping experience. After a day of shopping, visitors can take time out for a magical performance at one of many theatres existing through this historical city. Restaurants supply exceptional menus full of seasoned pork, cabbage dishes, dumplings, and rich sauces. Prague offers an abundance of things to do to anyone desiring a breathtaking destination with an immense cultural background.
Incentive Travel: It Works for Budgets Big or Small
/in Incentive Travel ArticlesFor years business owners have enticed employees with the prospect of incentive trip invitations based upon their level of commitment and performance within the company. Recent studies have found that the use of such programs has indeed boosted the overall success of companies, including, of course, an increase in revenue.
Employees who work hard are normally doing so as a result of some sort of incentive. When the incentive is a trip to a wonderful destination, employees will perform outstandingly well in order to win that trip. As an incentive trip stands to award employees for their hard work, the recognition employees receive by merely winning the trip is an incentive in itself. Also, many companies hold award ceremonies in order to personally recognize their achievements. The result of such a ceremony will likely continue to lure employees into giving their best so that they can be recognized by their superiors more often. The feeling of accomplishment will last long after the trip is over and will encourage employees to continue in their efforts to win the next available trip as will pictures and memories. Life enrichment is also exceedingly valuable to participants. Travel offers cultural experiences which broadens horizons and introduces the customs of other people and places.
Group incentive travel, the primary method most offered by employers, can educate, build team spirit, improve morale, and increase the productivity of top performers. Another important aspect an incentive trip offers is providing quality time for management and winners to network and become better acquainted with one another. Employees often love to spend time one on one with their employers; a truly personal experience which creates relationships outside of the workplace. This often motivates employees to work hard in the workplace in order to “look good” to the employer, just as students tend to do in school.
Corporate budgets for incentive travel can be big or small and there are plenty of destinations to accommodate both. Many companies start out by allocating a small amount to their initial trip, often choosing a domestic destination, in order to see the benefits of an offer. Travel awards have indefinable value to workers that can drastically surpass their actual cost. Travel in itself is valued higher than its actual cost which is a plus in and of its self. If and when the benefits become apparent and are rewarding, and revenue is increased, budgets often increase as well. More desirable destinations are chosen with a variety of activity options offered which further entice employees. Programs should always be rewarding, and never exhausting. Even to budgets.
Canary Islands, Spain: An Incentive Travel Solutions Featured Destination
/in Featured DestinationsEl Hierro
Most well known for its spectacular diving environment, El Hierro has some of the most transparent waters in the world. Divers from all over the world come to El Hierro each year to photograph one of best ocean scenes in the world. Located in a small corner of the Atlantic Ocean, this island is a truly magnificent island awaiting discovery. The smallest of the Canary Islands, El Hierro has traditionally been over looked by tourists travelling to the area, which suits those who love to travel here just fine, as they would like to see this trend continue.
La Gomera
One word can be used to describe the island of La Gomera: Nature. Rich and bountiful nature encompasses the majority of land and is home to a variety of species that are elsewhere extinct. Those who love hiking will be in paradise here due to the vast array of spectacular landscapes ranging from impressive mountains, green valley’s covered with palm trees, and serene streams. The beaches consist of black sand enveloped by crystal blue waters which only enhances the notion that nature can be found at its purest state on the island.
Gran Canaria
Often described as a “mini continent,” Gran Canaria has much to offer in the way of exciting city life and quieter vacationing options on the Western half of the island which has been deemed a Biosphere Reserve. The capitol, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has a variety of shopping, dining and night club options. Concert halls as well as a large outdoor concert venue can be found to entertain the music buffs travelling to the Canaries. The countryside offers peace and quiet with contrasting landscapes of black volcanic rock formations and an abundance of green vegetation.
Lanzarote
Also a Biosphere Reserve, Lanzarote is home to a National Park, 12 natural protected areas and a Marine Reserve. The highlight of the island, though, is its volcanic landscapes. Seemingly impossible formations feed the senses and are especially delightful to both sound and sight. It is a special treat to witness how a volcanic land influences the inhabitation of native peoples and the brilliant enveloping silence of the island.
La Palma
Unsurprisingly, La Palma’s nicknamed “La isla bonita,” or the pretty island. Upon embarking on the island it is clear as to why. Covered in lush green with many underlying colors from flora and extraordinary lava flows, the complementary colors are exotic to say the least. Having one of the most remarkable skies in the world, it is home to some of the best astrophysics observatories in the Northern Hemisphere.
Fuerteventura
Miles and miles of white sand beaches line the coast of Fuerteventura, surrounded by beautiful aqua blue ocean waters. Wave and wind surfing are extremely popular here, as the winds are strong and warm. Discover Sacred Mountain, which is considered by the native people as a place of magical significance.
Tenerife
An unforgettable stay awaits those who venture to this unique island. Offering everything from theme parks, museums, cultural events, two World Heritage Sites, a National Park, and 42 natural protected areas, there are exciting activities for everyone.
The Incentive Travel Company You Should Be Looking For
/in Incentive Travel Articles, Incentive Travel CompaniesFinding an incentive travel company that will satisfy all of your needs, and more, is fundamental to the success of your incentive travel program. A good incentive travel company should take all of the worry and planning out of creating an incentive travel program for your business. Search for an incentive partner who will take the time to understand your company’s goals and expectations, thus tailoring a unique program to fit your requests. A clear comprehension of the dynamics of your employees, their age range, and their travel preferences is important for an incentive travel company to seek out. Companies who inquire about that sort of information provide the indication that they are truly interested in creating an incentive program exclusively designed for your company. After consulting with a top-rate company of this sort, they will design a program proposal for your approval. All travel details such as hotel accommodations, airline tickets, entertainment choices, and meals are arranged by your travel partner and only have to be approved by you before being implemented. They will do their best to make your program truly special, while staying within the proposed budget and are able to do so because of their industry connections and knowledge. Experienced incentive companies have the ability and contacts to negotiate the best possible rate on airfare, lodging, and entertainment.
Experience. One of the most important qualities of an excellent incentive travel company. It is highly important to choose a company that has a substantial amount of incentive travel experience. Those in the industry know that each and every program is different. Experience in both planning and executing multiple trips is virtually the only way to become a pro in the industry. This provides for the opportunity to create lasting relationships with hotel and airline suppliers. Also, knowing and working with suppliers over a length time ensures the best quality of service and participation. It is also helpful to look for a travel partner who specializes solely in incentive travel, therefore spending all of their time working in that specific trade.
As you can see, it is very important to choose the right Incentive Travel Company to partner with. Our company specializes in incentive travel and more than covers all of the above mentioned criteria of a successful incentive travel company. We take the time to plan each and every trip with precision and accuracy, making us a superior incentive travel partner.