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Incentive Travel Featured Destination: South Island – New Zealand Region

Though it might seem like it is worlds away concerning its distance from the United States, New Zealand has become more popular with destination travelers and adventurers who wish to travel the globe. However, when one begins traveling a trip to New Zealand, the monetary aspects of making such a dream vacation work most likely becomes overwhelming. For many, traveling to “the land down under” is not financially feasible. Fortunately, many companies, due to the popularity and employee preference of having a corporate travel incentive program in place rather than accepting a money bonus make traveling to such a faraway land a reality. Employee motivation programs, more likely known as employee incentive programs have grown so popular recently because it takes the groundwork and financial responsibility of coordinating a meticulous trip as it would be to plan a trip to New Zealand. In addition, finding the right time to take off from work, as well as getting enough vacation time can prove difficult, but having your company pay for the entire trip (which often includes spouse and perhaps children) makes it easier.

Therefore, if you are the lucky recipient of an all-expense paid vacation through an employee incentive program, and “down under” is your desired choice, then you must visit the South Island of New Zealand. Though the North Island is more populated and features more city dweller appeal, the South Island is by far the more scenic and adventurous, and it is the larger of the two islands. When we say you can do, quite literally, anything you want outdoors on the South Island, we mean it. The island consists of mountains, lakes, rivers, beaches, vineyards, trails, and even Hobbits (well, their homes, at least).  The climate on the South Island is temperate; matching the season you wish to embark on your trip, with only certain areas of the island hitting extreme highs or lows.

Getting back to what one can enjoy on the island, here is a list: skiing, surfing, nature hikes, camping, boating, fishing, any beach activity you can imagine, kayaking, rock climbing, sky diving, wine tasting in vineyards, visiting nature and wild life preserves, walking and/or hiking trails—the list goes on. It would be easier for you to visit South Island, and either explain or make a list of what you could not do while on your sojourn (though we imagine that list would be blank).

South Island, New Zealand is an outdoor adventurer’s dream come true. Take advantage of your company’s corporate travel incentive program, and make your way to the most adventurous place in the world. Do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Vancouver, Canada: An Incentive Travel Featured Destination

Vancouver, located in the western portion of Canada, is a large metropolitan area that delivers abundant sightseeing opportunities. This beautiful metropolis resides in the middle of the mountains and the ocean. It is not only a wondrous place to visit, but has also been said to be one of the best residential cities. Everything lying to the west of Ontario Street is referred to as the Westside. All parts of the metropolis residing on the east are part of the Eastside and those portions lying to the North make up the City Centre. Stanley Park, located in the West End of town, is a popular beach hangout with one of a kind dining. Visitors have the option of seeing Chinatown located in the more urban and cultural portion of Vancouver. False Creek, consisting of modern neighborhoods, offers stunning views and spectator sports events. The area provides varying scenery consisting of hills and flatlands with mountainous surroundings. Visitors coming to this location during the summer can expect moderate temperatures with plenty of sun. Snow fall occurs approximately eleven days throughout the winter with minimal amounts remaining on the ground.

Spend a Little Time Outdoors

A variety of tours are available to aid visitors in becoming familiar with this stunning metropolitan region. Tourists have the option to take part in a scheduled bus or walking tour to learn about Vancouver’s popular attractions. Outdoor events are prevalent among locals and it is not uncommon to see individuals walking, jogging, or biking through the area. Speedboat, rollerblade, and bike rentals are available in the downtown portion of the city. The beaches are another great choice for those who want to spend the day relaxing in the sun or playing in the sand. Hills found on the North Shore away from the metropolitan area of Vancouver provide a perfect skiing or snowboarding location. Hockey is an important sport in the winter months due to the Canucks season starting in October.  Soccer, roller derby, and baseball are additional past times in this region of Canada.

Abundant Opportunities for Fun

While the city is notorious for outdoor fun, it also supplies an array of alternative types of activities to visitors. Those wanting to have a more relaxing or cultural vacation have the opportunity to visit a theatre, see a concert, or attend one of many available festivals. The downtown area contains both an opera house and symphony venue that offer individuals the chance to catch a live performance. Those traveling in June can experience the yearly Dragon Boat Festival located in the False Creek part of town. Each neighborhood has its own line up of festivals with the most prominent including the HSB Celebration of Light and the International Film Festival. Travelers desiring to shop till they drop should spend some time on Robson Street exploring local boutiques. Pacific Centre is another great shopping location offering over one-hundred fifty boutique choices. Gastown, an older neighborhood of the city, contains numerous historical buildings among other attractions. The city is a must see for anyone wanting a relaxing atmosphere and plenty of possibilities for fun, new experiences.