Choosing the right destination for your incentive travel program can feel like both the most exciting and most overwhelming part of the planning process. With so many incredible options across the globe—from tropical beaches to historic cities—the possibilities are endless. But not every destination is the right fit for every program. A smart choice balances inspiration with intention, aligning with your goals, your audience, and your budget.
That’s why we’ve created curated destination roundups featuring our favorite North America and Caribbean spots and top international picks for 2025. This guide will help you think through the key factors to consider—so when you browse those lists, you’ll know exactly what to look for.
Start With Your Goals
Before choosing a destination, take a step back and revisit the bigger picture. What is your incentive program meant to achieve? Is it about recharging a team after a demanding year, inspiring loyalty in top performers, or celebrating a sales milestone? Different goals lend themselves to different types of destinations—and when you align the setting with your purpose, the results are more impactful.
- Want to reward and recharge? A luxury beach resort may be perfect.
- Looking to energize a high-performing sales team? A city with cultural buzz and dynamic energy might be better.
- Hoping to connect cross-functional teams? Look for immersive, shared experiences.
Bucom Tip: If you’re not sure what your group needs most, we recommend a quick poll of potential qualifiers—it helps shape everything from the destination to the pacing of the program.
Know Your Audience
Even the most stunning destination can fall flat if it doesn’t match the interests and comfort levels of your audience. Think about who your attendees are—not just in terms of role or title, but as people. Are they seasoned travelers or passport novices? Do they love adventure, crave relaxation, or want a mix of both? The more you understand their preferences, the better the destination will land.
- Age range and travel experience
- Cultural familiarity and language comfort
- Preferred trip pacing—relaxation vs. high activity
- Family accommodations or accessibility needs
Bucom Tip: We often design optional excursions for different personality types, so one group can be ziplining while another enjoys a spa day—all within the same itinerary.
Consider Timing and Seasonality
You may fall in love with a location only to realize it’s in peak hurricane season when you plan to travel. Timing and seasonality are critical to making sure your incentive program feels seamless, safe, and enjoyable for all attendees. These factors also affect your bottom line and your ability to secure the best venues and experiences.
- Weather patterns, natural events, and climate comfort
- High vs. shoulder vs. low seasons
- Local events or holidays that impact availability
- Advanced lead times for contracting in popular regions
Bucom Tip: We help clients think ahead, flagging seasonal patterns that might not be obvious and identifying destinations that offer big value at off-peak times.
Budget Smartly
It’s not just about what you spend, but how wisely you spend it. A destination that seems budget-friendly on the surface may rack up unexpected costs in airfare or transfers. Conversely, some high-end locations offer exceptional value due to exchange rates, inclusivity, or local supplier relationships. Your destination should help you maximize every dollar—not just meet a number.
- Airfare costs (domestic and international)
- F&B minimums and resort fees
- Ground transportation and activity pricing
- Group size and scalability
- Exchange rates and tipping norms
Bucom Tip: We specialize in finding creative ways to stretch your budget—often recommending elevated destinations that provide more value than you’d expect.
Think in Experiences
Attendees may not remember the thread count—but they will remember the sunset sail, the off-the-grid hike, or the private dinner on a rooftop terrace. Experiences are what elevate an incentive trip into a story worth retelling. The destination you choose should support a variety of unique, unforgettable moments that tie back to your brand and purpose.
- Signature excursions and off-site adventures
- Culturally immersive or locally inspired elements
- Distinct venues for celebration dinners or kickoffs
- Free time in walkable, vibrant areas
Bucom Tip: We build programs that blend wow-worthy moments with flexibility—so your attendees feel rewarded, not over-scheduled.
Keep Logistics in Mind
It’s easy to get caught up in aesthetics—but logistics are what make a trip actually work. A dream destination that’s hard to reach, difficult to navigate, or prone to visa delays can quickly become a challenge for planners and attendees alike. The best destination is one that feels easy from the moment your attendees receive the invitation to the moment they land back home.
- Direct flight availability and total travel time
- Airport proximity and transfer options
- Visa and vaccine requirements
- Safety and healthcare access
- Ease of group movement and schedule control
Bucom Tip: From sourcing visa requirements to coordinating international flights and transfers, we make sure your attendees arrive relaxed and ready.
Need Inspiration?
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite destinations based on real client programs, emerging trends, and what we know delivers a wow-worthy experience:
- 🌴 Our Favorite Incentive Travel Destinations in North America & the Caribbean
- ✈️ Our Favorite International Destinations for Incentive Travel
Use these curated roundups to start exploring. Then, let us help you match the right place to your purpose.
Let’s Find the Right Fit
At Bucom, we believe the right destination does more than check a box—it should drive real impact. We’re here to help you evaluate your options, weigh your priorities, and design an experience that feels effortless, intentional, and unforgettable.
Through our incentive travel planning services, we help you evaluate your options, weigh your priorities, and design an experience that feels effortless, intentional, and unforgettable.
