August 11, 2013 / in Employee Motivation If you are a manager for a business, and you are in charge of employees, you might notice, at times, that company morale wanes. Even worse, you might encounter and increasingly unmotivated team with little to no motivation to improve their working habits and productivity. Smart companies who are experiencing this unfortunate indifference of employees toward their jobs will be hard at work to find a solution to the lethargic output. One successful way to boost morale and productivity would be to incorporate incentive travel trips. Incentive travel trips will improve employee productivity. An all expense paid trip is a morale boosting incentive that offers something special for employees to look forward to as long as they meet or achieve certain requirements or a quota at their job. A paid vacation is also an effective solution that is a win-win for both sides, as employees earn a marvelous and one of a kind reward, and business owners acquire newly motivates employees who will help boost production. Feedback from companies that have already instilled this type of incentive prove how miraculously effective this solution has been for improving work ethic and overall revenue. If you still need more convincing, then you should speak to a member of a professional and successful incentive travel organization such as Incentive Travel Solutions. Because we have been an absolute success in this industry for many years, and we are ready and willing to provide any information you need to decide whether this type of incentive is right for your company. We firmly believe that after speaking with one of our representatives, you will be convinced that incentive travel trips will improve employee productivity at your place of business, and you will be ready to allow ITS to book the vacation of a lifetime for those who meet your standards. Incentive Travel Solutions will handle all of the details of the booking, so all you have to do is make sure you pack your toothbrush and make sure you do not miss your flight that will land you in a magnificent place full of memory making moments.

August 15, 2013 / in Incentive Travel Articles As unbelievable as it might sound, business executives are finding that monetary bonuses just are not motivating employees the way it used to. Some believe that it may have to do with quota or goals being too far fetched to attain, while others believe that employees simply make peace with not fulfilling what is seen as merely an extension to a salary with which they have become comfortable, and never expected to receive additional funds in the first place. However, more businesses are finding success by rewarding employees with incentive travel. The success found with offering incentive travel likely has to do with the providing of a fresh alternative, combined with the notion that more people are favoring vacations over other types of rewards, but either do not have the funds or the time to take a long vacation that requires immense traveling. Whatever the reason, businesses are finding success with incentive travel solutions across the board, which is why it is quickly gaining popularity. If rewarding employees with incentive travel is proving, with the overwhelming statistics from other companies, that productivity is increasing and corporate morale is dramatically improving, is it not time for your business to give it a try? You should contact a company seasoned in providing incentive travel options to businesses, such as Incentive Travel Solutions. At ITS, we take pride in our consistent success record with our consistently hassle-free booking, as well as our overwhelming approval record with the destination choices we offer. All businesses live and die with employee output. Business owners are smart, and are rarely naïve and ignorant when it comes to inconsistencies in employee production. Reverse the negative trend by rewarding employees with incentive travel options. Contact ITS right away, and one of our seasoned professionals will explain, in detail, how our operation works, and how your company will drastically benefit from our wonderful incentive travel options.

August 19, 2013 / in Featured Destinations Are you ready for “operation Koh Samui?” If you recall the popular and hilarious movie, Meet the Parents , you will remember the scene where Ben Stiller’s character “Greg” was under the impression he was blowing the cover of Robert De Niro’s character, (“Jack”) Jack’s operation. Turns out, “operation Koh Samui” was code for the beautiful, tropical destination in Thailand where Jack was paying for his youngest daughter and groom-to-be to go for their honeymoon. Although Koh Samui, Thailand was a known spot for a tropical vacation, soon after the movie it became quite a popular travel destination for tourists. Due to the island’s exorbitant increase in popularity, a travel incentives program not offering this beautiful destination as one of its prized packages would be nonsensical; this is why our company offers Koh Samui, Thailand as one of our tropical locales. Most people have either read or heard about how great Thailand can be for a vacation spot. Now, imagine one of the most beautiful and scenic islands known in the world, and having that island located just east of the lovely country. Welcome to Koh Samui, where the beaches are absolutely gorgeous, with soft sand and crystal clear waters prevailing on any part of the island you visit. On this island, people can enjoy any type of ocean excursion imaginable, including boating, skiing, kayaking, canoeing, wind surfing, parasailing, jet skiing, or simply dipping in the water. Many of the larger resorts are considered world class, and if you are into a more subtle getaway, their bungalows and cottages are simple, yet exquisite. If you decide to embark on land excursions, one will find awesome Buddhist Temples, pretty water falls, and lovely walks through the tropical forests. Many people in the United States absolutely love and crave Thai food. How about trying the real thing? In Koh Samui, Thailand, you will find nothing but the best and most authentic Thai food you could ever hope to taste. After dinner, you could check out the world-renowned Thai Boxing bouts for a bit of sports entertainment. Whatever your pleasure, this wonderful island in the Pacific is amazing, and no other tropical locations can replicate the experience you will have in the Far East culture. A travel incentives program offering Koh Samui as one of its destinations to a company should invigorate any employee who appreciates the beauty, luxury, and peace that comes with an excursion to a tropical island in the Far East. Koh Samui, Thailand, is arguable the most remarkable tropical destination in the world. Once you go, we would be astonished if you disagreed.

August 27, 2013 / in Featured Destinations Some people, when planning a vacation, want to vacate themselves from the world, from the noise, from people, and especially from other tourists. To some, trendy and popular vacation destinations just do not quite cut it. Some people wish to feel secluded, as if there is a tiny little charming and beautiful place in the world that no one knows about, and when they go to that place, it feels like it is solely theirs. If the previously mentioned aspects describe your sentiments toward what a vacation should be, then traveling to La Digue in the Seychelles, one of the islands found in this republic, should be your top priority when planning your next adventure travel. However, if you are lucky enough to work for a company that offers an employee travel incentive program, perhaps you can get a travel company such as ours to book it for you, paid for by your company. As previously mentioned, La Digue is a small island and part of the Republic of Seychelles. The island is only inhabited by two thousand people, most of whom live in the western villages. Just to get to La Digue, one has to fly and then take two separate ferry rides, so believe us when we say this place is secluded and for those who truly wish to get away from it all. However, on the island, one can enjoy fishing, sailing, boating, snorkeling, diving, trekking, and, of course, what people most notably come here for—relaxing on the beach. For those who work in a stressful environment, a vacation that offers more rest and relaxation than it does crazy adventures might just be what the doctor ordered. The walks and trails can offer a bit of exercise and adventure, as well as incredible scenery and a chance to see animals that cannot be found in any other place in the world. If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the rare Paradise Flycatcher, which is a critically endangered species of bird. Other unique animals uncommon in other places in the world, but can be found in La Digue include giant tortoises, the coconut crab, fruit bats, and sheath-tailed bats, among others. Why go somewhere everyone knows about, where you will feel like just another tourist crowded at the area during its popular season. Instead, travel to an island most people do not know about, and simply show them the pictures you took of the beautiful beaches with white, soft sand and crystal clear ocean water, along with the photos of wondrous tropical plants and uncanny species of animals endemic to La Digue. If you get the opportunity to use the wonderful benefit of an employee travel incentive program to go to this tiny, quiet, and beautiful island, then be sure to take complete advantage, as you will not find another tropical island offering this kind of relaxation, coupled with unique experiences waiting to be had.

August 30, 2013 / in Incentive Trip It can be argued that the most stressful type of job in any industry is sales. Salespeople often do not have a set pay; they often do not work for a salary, only strict commission. This means that sales representatives are only paid if they are successful. That is only part of the stress, as sales representatives have to travel often, must solicit business, make cold calls, perform public speaking (which is often rated as one of the most feared scenarios voted on by people), and work much longer hours. What was just described above is not an intermittent schedule; it is the norm for a sales representative’s workweek. As you might have guessed, it is easy for a sales representative to feel or become “burnt out,” and sometimes, the performance of a company’s sales representatives, or sales team might slump, especially if figures and quota numbers are down. Though business executives try to compensate with high dollar commission incentives, this is often times not enough. Sometimes, salespeople just need a vacation or want to get away. An incentive trip will improve sales team performance. The statement above is quickly proven as a general fact, as more sales reps are lauding all expense paid vacation getaways so they can rest, relax, recuperate, recharge, let off some steam, and have fun. An incentive trip provides an outlet for pure, unadulterated, and uninterrupted stress relief. More tests and analyses are showing that the performance of both individual sales reps and sales teams surge after returning from an incentive trip. Also, those same tests prove that sales representatives and sales teams maintain a consistent level of success for longer period, not only after returning from an incentive trip, but also when compared to receiving a monetary bonus. Incentive Travel Solutions is a company that can arrange a perfect incentive trip for your salespeople. Our destinations are unique and exotic, and are guaranteed to satisfy to satisfy even the most fussy and unsettled of sales reps at your business. We promise that securing an incentive trip through our company will improve sales team performance.

September 3, 2013 / in Featured Destinations When most people think of Egypt, they probably think of an enduring and formidable civilization known for creating the most incredible monuments, temples, and other constructions during a period when the tools and mechanisms one would think necessary to erect such impressions were nonexistent. If you have ever held the desire to visit Egypt to see such monumental constructions, then we have a suggestion concerning the best city at which to stay on your vacation. Not only will the city of Luxor, Egypt accommodate your desire to visit these uncanny monuments and temples, there is an abundance of other features that make visiting this wonderful city an absolute must. Due to the numerous monuments, temples, and colossal structures in or near the city, the city of Luxor has been dubbed the “world’s greatest open air museum.” Another popular draw to Luxor, Egypt is its close proximity to the Nile River—the world’s longest river. Many people enjoy taking ferry rides and sailing tours in the Nile River, as well as embarking on hot air balloon rides over the river, which also provides a breathtaking view of the city, as well as the ancient landmarks. Regarding indoor treats, there are several terrific museums throughout Luxor that provide incredible and rare artifacts and collections, along with abundant information regarding one of the most impressionable and mystical civilizations the world has ever known. Outside the city of Luxor one will find, what may appear to be endless desert terrain and mountainous landscape. If you are in the mood for an adventure, why not book a safari and experience what life must have been like for a civilization that was able to thrive despite what might seem like near impossible conditions. As one might expect, the resorts in Luxor are lavish and extravagant, and staying in one of the city’s resorts will make you feel as if you are one of descendants of the famous Egyptian Pharaohs. You might be thinking to yourself that booking a trip such as the one described here would be financially impossible. However, through corporate travel incentive programs, a destination vacation to marvelous cities such as Luxor, Egypt is more realistic than you think. Many companies are now offering employee incentive programs that include an expenses paid trip to a unique city anywhere in the world for employees who have earned such a trip justified by their excellent work. If you are lucky enough to work for a company offering corporate travel incentives, be sure to take advantage so you do not miss the adventure of a lifetime!

September 7, 2013 / in Featured Destinations Both Canadians and Americans would probably argue back and forth over which country offers the better view and accommodations when visiting or viewing Niagara Falls. What is not in dispute is how truly lovely the falls are to visit and see in-person. While a scenic view from either side is likely wonderful for its own reasons, taking in Niagara Fall from Canada is especially unique and worthwhile. From Canada, not only will the sightseer get and up close and personal view of the remarkable waterfalls (Niagara is the collective name for the three waterfalls that border the United States and Canada), they will also get the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Queen Victoria Park. The park features beautiful gardens, raised platforms with spectacular views of the falls, and underground walkways that actually lead you underneath the waterfalls, providing the illusion of being inside the waterfalls. If you want a truly magnificent, spectacular view of Niagara from Canada, take an elevator up to the observation deck of Canada’s Skylon Tower, which is the highest viewpoint of the falls and offers a view of the U.S./Canadian border and distant views of Toronto and New York City. Another fantastic feature exclusive to the Canadian side of Niagara is the Whirlpool Aero Car that actually takes passengers over the distinctive Niagara Whirlpool. Since you might not be spending your entire day looking at Niagara’s magnificence, luckily, there is plenty to do and enjoy. The dining in Canada is nothing short of exquisite, and if you happen to be in a gambling mood, there are two casinos in proximity of the falls, one of which can be found in a luxurious resort. Though putting together a trip to Niagara Falls, Canada, would not be the most difficult to arrange, why not wrangle an all-expenses paid trip through your company’s employee incentive program? Today, more companies are using employee motivation programs to galvanize their workers to want to reach heightened goals, and in return they receive a travel destination package through a corporate travel incentive company such as ours. Though monetary incentives are always valued, especially during a period of economic downturn, one cannot truly put a price on a relaxing vacation that provides excitement and adventure, as well as some downtime and refreshment. Our corporate travel company offers an awesome and enjoyable package to Niagara Falls, Canada.

September 11, 2013 / in Featured Destinations 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.

September 19, 2013 / in Featured Destinations There are places in this world that feature such natural marvels, the creation of which cannot be explained. These natural phenomena have been dubbed wonders, of which there are seven natural wonders. These are places that offer a rare and truly life-changing experience; a scenic wonder and aesthetic marvel that cannot be rivaled by anything else similar to its kind. Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is one such natural marvel and one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Based on certain dimensions, Victoria Falls is considered the largest waterfall in the world. Finding a way to plan a trip centered on experiencing this great waterfall would certainly be an adventure you will never forget. Right now, you might be thinking how wonderful it would be to see the Victoria Falls, but realistically, the logistics of a trip to Zimbabwe and financing the trip might not be in your favor. However, if you are fortunate enough to work for a company that offers employee motivation programs in the form of an employee incentive travel program, a vacation to Zimbabwe to see the falls may not be that farfetched. Though monetary bonuses at the end of a year for reaching a quota, or simply for a job well done is pleasing and appealing, more workers are lobbying for and choosing corporate travel incentives over the dollar. Because of the daily grind of a workweek that is repeated fifty-two times each year, hard workers are valuing an expenses paid trip to an incredible destination location over extra money to recuperate, relax and reboot. While visiting the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, you should partake in the numerous safari excursions offered, some of which include trekking on elephant! You can also enjoy white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, even house boating, to name merely a few of the countless tours and adventures on which you can partake. Naturally, you can stay in one of the fabulous resorts and get in a few rounds of golf, or if you wish to experience more of the outdoors, you can choose to camp or stay in one of the cottages or live-in tiki huts. Clearly, you can expect an incredible vacation that will not only involve viewing one of the Seven Wonders of the World, but countless other fun and exciting activities. Work hard to ensure you earn your company’s employee incentive travel program so you do not miss the opportunity to travel to a locale as breathtaking as Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

September 23, 2013 / in Featured Destinations Though many people associate the summer as a time for vacation travel, more people are using their time off during the colder seasons to enjoy the now immensely popular skiing and snowboarding destinations. For those who love for the mountains and the right kind of snowfall that makes for opportune skiing, they have heard that there is no region better for ski conditions and beautiful trails and scenery than the Swiss Alps. The drawback—because of how incredible and exotic the Swiss Alps, and the ski resorts within the region are, the cost not only to get there, but to stay in a resort or lodge and pay for skiing is wildly expensive. Therefore, places in the Swiss Alps, including the resorts in Zermatt, Switzerland have become thought of as elitists, as only people of extreme wealth can truly afford to enjoy all it has to offer due to the cost of a trip. For those who have been fortunate to vacation and ski in Zermatt, Switzerland, many will say one would be hard pressed to find a better place in the world to ski—not only because of the town and the resorts, but also because of the beautiful mountainous terrain and the excellent “powder” (what ski aficionados call the snowfall during the ski seasons). If you were to research the city of Zermatt online, it would only take you a few minutes to realize the beauty of the town, as well as the numerous winter and summer activities that can be enjoyed. The architecture is unmistakably of European influence, and the sparse population gives Zermatt a feel of a quaint, yet beautiful little town—making for the perfect getaway. For those who work for a company that offers employee incentive programs, a dream vacation to a place like Zermatt can easily become a reality. Corporate travel incentive programs give hard working employees the opportunity of a lifetime—to go on an all-expense paid vacation to a place in the world they might not be able to afford on their own. If you have constraints about when you can take time off and are worried you might miss the ski season, Zermatt is located in a high altitude region, meaning one can enjoy skiing year-round. This is one of several reasons why the city has become a mecca for avid skiers—the ability to ski or snowboard anytime of the year. A vacation to a place such as Zermatt is what makes employee motivation programs so successful. After a week or two of spending time flying down slopes and enjoying other athletic or leisurely activities enhances hard workers, which means they come back refreshed, energized, and ready to resume their duties. In addition, they stay motivated to make sure they never miss the wonderful opportunity to embark on an incredible vacation destination in the future.

October 6, 2013 / in Incentive Trip Providing incentive trips for employees is definitely a win-win for both parties involved. For the employee, a vacation trip is the ultimate reward for a job well done, whether that means hitting his or her quota or making a serious advancement for the business. An all expenses paid vacation to a unique and exotic destination (possibly international like Thailand) is a reward that cannot be beat, which includes a monetary bonus. For the employer, it is the satisfaction of knowing two key elements to maintaining a successful business: First, a serious accomplishment has been obtained, which is why the employee has been generously rewarded, with a vacation destination that will not break the bank. Second, the employee, who obviously provides achievement for the company as a whole, feels valued, is happy, and will continue to sustain the level of success he or she provides the company. After discerning the information given above, to say incentive trips for employees deliver big rewards is an understatement. Many who are reading this post can likely recall a time where they went above and beyond the call of duty for their company – working extra hours, taking their work home, even working on the weekends – to ensure a huge accomplish from which the company seriously benefited, and never received thanks or gratitude for a job well done. Often times, employees will perform extra work because of the wonderful feeling of achievement, without considering if they will get something in return. However, that does not mean they would not like some show of gratitude or a simple thank you. Next time, that employee might not take the extra step or go the extra mile for the company, especially if the last time he or she did so there was no recognition whatsoever. Incentive trips deliver big rewards that largely benefit the employer as well as the employees!

November 8, 2013 / in Incentive Trip Unfortunately, one of the most overlooked, undervalued, and ignored ingredients to maintaining a successful workplace is an employer taking measures to assure employees that their hard work is not going unnoticed, and to ensure employees maintain a significant level of happiness and satisfaction on the workplace. It would be a good wager to bet that most of you reading this can relate to having more negative feelings toward your current and / or former employer than positive. This notion is sometimes hard to comprehend, as one would rightfully assume that an employer, or highly ranked business executive would know how to lead and motivate people, otherwise how did that person obtain his or her current position? A company is only as successful as the employees working to maintain its level of operation and functionality. If the morale and motivation of employees begins to sag, the company will falter. This described possible scenario is exactly why business owners and employers need to consider incentive trips to motivate employees. Incentive trips have proven to boost morale and employee motivation, from the experience of an all expenses paid vacation destination to a unique and exotic locale that is unlike any other. For the employee, it is a chance to relax, unwind, and experience fun, excitement, and adventure that cannot be found from the doldrums of home life or the enjoyable, yet mundane and repetitive, long weekend getaways only a couple of hours away. Most employees who have been questioned whether they prefer an incentive trip to a bonus check have often answered that an incentive trip would be more valued. If this is indeed the case, as an employer or business owner, is the level of motivation your employees have not reason enough to consider incentive trips to boost employee motivation? The other aspect to consider is the long term value in the event of trips. Employees will create memories that will be shared & discussed around the office for years to come. The “company trip” will become a legend around the office, not just because of the unique location, but because of the fun events, activities & memories that are created. It will encourage and inspire workers to reach their goals so they don’t miss out on the fun, it can create that team building atmosphere that all successful businesses have and the best part is that this can be accomplished with little to no risk to a marketing budget. If employees are meeting their goals as qualified for the trip, then your business is experiencing increase sales enabling your company to be able to pay for the trip. The math is simple. Getting started is easy. Incentive Travel Solutions can help you make the best decisions and give you the best price for a successful incentive travel trip. We implore company decision makers to consider incentive trips to motivate employees, as it has proven to increase the drive and motivation of employees. Contact a professional at Incentive Travel Solutions today to learn more about the locations and packages we offer to businesses. The beach is waiting.