The province can be found in the northwestern portion of Costa Rica along the Pacific Ocean coast. Nicaragua, Alajuela Province, and Puntarenas Province can be found bordering the region. Of all Costa Rican provinces, Guanacaste has the lightest population count making it an ideal location for a fun filled beach vacation. The territory was annexed to Costa Rica between 1824 and 1825 as a decision of local inhabitants. Today Guanacaste is recognized as the capital of this particular province but has since been renamed to Liberia.

Guanacaste Geography and Climate

Guanacaste Province includes various amounts of natural scenery including an eastern set of foliage covered volcanoes, the ocean, mountains, rivers, and rolling flatlands. Rivers flowing from the mountains create a deposit rich plain that empties into swampy wetlands in the area. Some portions of this destination are heavily forested while others have modernized atmospheres such as the capital city. November through April offers minimal rainfall with consistent heat whereas May to October supplies daily showers along with more moderate temperature spans. Guanacaste is one of the warmer provinces due to the region resting at a higher elevation.

Guanacaste Local Economy

This particular Costa Rican province has a heritage based upon cattle ranching due to land conditions restricting other types of agricultural economic ventures. The land is ridden by patches of rain forest, trees, and pastures of coarse grass which works better for beef than any other type of animal produced product. Cattle ranching activities have started to decline in the area partly due to natural changes as well as declining beef demands. Sugar cane, cotton, rice, and tourism are other prominent economical products within the territory.

Guanacaste Area Activities

Boredom is not an option at this unique beach oriented getaway destination because it offers plenty of activities to meet the varying interests of any group. Tours are provided to those visitors who want to experience the city from a local perspective. Surfing is a very popular activity since the beaches provide some of the best opportunities in regards to the sport. Lessons, shops, tours, and rentals are all part of the Guanacaste surfing experience. The Nosara Wildlife Rescue, a facility created to rescue animals for rehabilitation, provides vast information on local wildlife. Hiking, swinging bridges, zip line traveling, fishing, and horseback riding can add increased adventure to when visiting this destination. Visitors may lounge on the beach, receive massages, or enjoy several cultural dishes as well. Whatever the interests, Guanacaste has something to match each individuals idea of a good time with the perks of an incredible setting.

An Overview of Florence History

Florence history begins long before it became an important focal point of the Renaissance period. Historians have dated the regions founding to approximately 59 B.C. with its start being as a Roman settlement location used to house retired soldiers. It suffered numerous attacks over the Dark Ages time period but grew enough in the twelfth century to become a city state. Over the next two centuries both the Guelph’s and Ghibellines fought to rule the territory. Florence rose as an important European location between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries when the Medici family attracted contemporary artists and architects to perform work in the city. Florence, Italy is definitely a sight to see for historical or artistic oriented visitors. Of course, these are not the only high points of this stunningly beautiful Tuscan location.

Visual Attractions in Florence

Florence is a top notch destination often referred to as the “cradle of the Renaissance.” The city offers an abundance of monuments, churches, museums, and nationally recognized landmarks. A very significant landmark known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore or Duomo holds a dome originally built by Filippo Brunelleschi. The famous structure consists of a Gothic architectural style with polychrome marble panels decorating the facing of the building. It is Italy’s largest church with the included dome being the most massive brick based design ever built. Visitors can find medieval walls throughout the cities centre that have remained in existence since the fourteenth century. Piazza Della Signoria, the Fountain of Neptune, and Palazzo Vecchio serve as additional architectural and artistic drawing points of Florence.

What to Do in Florence

Florence is a culture filled as well as architectural dream location which offers various experiences year round. While some activities are seasonal, a vast majority of the destination can be explored at all times of the year. The Piazzale Michelangelo allows visitors to see a one of kind view of the area from above. Visitors can also make their way to the top of the Duomo for a different view of the skyline. Boboli Gardens offers its own set of adventures for those who enjoy walking amidst plant life. Wine tasting is a common area activity which can be partaken in during any time of the year. Tuscan oriented foods, some of the best wine in the world, famous artistic creations, and much more may be found in Florence, Italy. Visitors may walk through this enchanted location without having much difficulty finding amazing scenery and plenty to do.

President and Founder of Incentive Travel Solutions, Kevin Devanney, was interviewed by Corporate & Incentive Travel Magazine for their January 2012 edition.  (article below)

By Karen Brost

The impressive view from the Mandarin Oriental, Prague, a former monastery,includes the historic Prague Castle.

When planning meetings and incentive programs in Europe, it sure helps to know the territory. “About 90 percent of what we do is in Europe,” says Kevin Devanney, president and founder of Incentive Travel Solutions in Charlotte, NC, “so we’re pretty familiar with the market.”

Devanney explains how the current financial situation in Europe is impacting meetings and incentives. “The dollar has strengthened in 2011 just slightly, and it’s helped a little bit with business to Europe,” he says. “That’s certainly a positive for us and for Europeans in the incentive travel business. I think Europeans like a strong euro, however it really helps them when the dollar strengthens because they certainly see an uptick in business. The hotels and DMCs all survive primarily off the U.S. business.

“Spain, Italy, England and France are the big four incentive destinations in Europe,” he continues. “Meetings-wise, you can throw Germany into the mix, because there’s so much commerce and business taking place there. If you’re including meetings, Germany raises the bar a little bit. We do a little more in Germany for that fact.”

Spain

Devanney says that Barcelona was a popular destination for a lot of American companies in 2011. He explains why: “No 1, they have great restaurants over there. The influence of Gaudi on the city of Barcelona (also) has a big impact. You see that through the entire city.” Antoni Gaudi was a celebrated Spanish architect in the late 1800s and early 1900s whose innovative designs continue to capture the interest and imagination of visitors to the city today.

A few of Gaudi’s most famous works can be found near the 98-room Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, which opened in late 2009. The hotel is located on the city’s prestigious Passeig deGràcia in an area filled with fashionable boutiques and restaurants.

One of the Barcelona hotels Devanney likes is El Palace, a 125-room luxury property set in the heart of the city. “It’s a five-star property that has some meeting space and is in a fantastic location. It was recently renovated, and it’s a great location for incentives,” he says. The building was constructed in 1919 at the height of the city’s cultural renaissance, and the hotel continues to reflect an air of Old World elegance.

Enthusiastic attendees arrive at the Barcelona airport on a recent incentive trip arranged by Incentive Travel Solutions.

 England

“London is very strong right now,” Devanney comments, citing Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee upcoming in June as well as the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. “In 2012 we’ve got some interest from our clients for all of those reasons,” he says. “It’s not necessarily for the Jubilee or for the Olympics, but because the city will be really decked out and highly decorated through the year in anticipation (of these events). It’s really a great location.

“They’re doing a lot of building,” he continues, “but some of the old hotels like the Grosvenor House and Claridge’s are still fantastic hotels. There’s a brand new InterContinental and Four Seasons. All of the hotels along Hyde Park have recently renovated, like the Hilton and the Sheraton. That location is great for both meetings and incentives.”

The 420-room Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel, has been hosting royalty, celebrities and business leaders since 1929. “It has a 19th century ice rink that was incorporated into the hotel,” Devanny says. The ice rink was converted into what is now known as the Great Room, billed by Marriott as the “largest hotel banqueting space in Europe” with nearly 20,000 sf of space. In total, the hotel offers more than 60,000 sf of meeting space including 31 meeting rooms.

Claridge’s, which has a heritage dating back to the 1850s, is one of London’s most iconic hotels. Of its 203 guest rooms, 67 are suites. Half of the hotel’s accommodations are decorated in an art deco style, and the rest are Victorian. As proof of just how chic this historic hotel is, it features a series of rooms and suites designed by Diane Von Furstenberg.

The Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane opened in early 2011. Located in the heart of the city’s prestigious Mayfair area, it features 147 guest rooms, 46 suites, and more than 8,500 sf of meeting space, including the Heritage Travel Group based in Angels Camp, CA. His company is currently in the process of planning several European sales incentive trips, one of which will be held in St. Moritz. “Sometimes people play down Switzerland as being too predictable, and they’re usually mistaken,” he says. “This is going to be a fun mix of the summertime in the Alps and the heritage of the Olympic Games there.” One of the group’s stops will be to see the historic bobsled tracks that have been used for Olympic events.

Tichenor noted that Switzerland also has a heritage of group travel. “It began with Thomas Cook taking groups to St. Moritz,” mountain range in the Swiss Alps, is being developed into a year-round destination. The expansion project calls for the construction of six four- to five-star hotels, including The Chedi Andermatt, a 50-room, five-star property expected to open in time for the 2013 winter season.

Kevin Devanney President & Founder of Incentive Travel Solutions, Charlotte, NC

“For companies that really want to raise the bar and continue to raise the bar for their top performers, they understand that Europe is a destination that is worth the increasing cost.”

Europe Is a Top Choice

The German Convention Bureau reports that Europe is the most important foreign destination for U.S. planners, and that approximately 50 percent of all foreign events staged by U.S. planners take place in Europe.

For Devanney’s company, the percentage is much higher. “We will probably have about 90 percent of our incentive business going to Europe this year,” he notes. “I think it’s great. I think the dollar has strengthened and at the same time, people are recognizing that it’s not fluctuating that much. It’s just something that we live with now. For companies that really want to raise the bar and continue to raise the bar for their top performers, they understand that Europe is a destination that is worth the increasing cost to keep their top performers motivated and coming back for next year.”

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 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.