A Guide to the Top Incentive Travel Destinations For 2022

Incentive travel remains a top motivator, and many reward earners are eager for a new adventure (or just a change of scenery).

For some top performers, an upcoming incentive trip could be their first time traveling since the pandemic began—a trip they’ve been dreaming about for ages. Our experts are excited as ever to craft once-in-a-lifetime experiences to make travel dreams a reality, as well as help travelers navigate evolving safety guidelines.

Related: There are a lot of reasons to be excited about incentive travel in 2022. See our top 5. 

Your top performers deserve the very best, a destination that will motivate them to keep putting in all that hard work. A destination that is memorable, distinctive, and perhaps not-so-traditional.

Whether it’s tropics or bustling cities, these are the 10 most attractive destinations our buyers are booking right now for incentive travel. Any of the 10 experiences will make your hard-working trip qualifiers feel appreciated and re-energized.

Classic European Sites

Madrid, Spain

Art, cuisine, nightlife, architecture—the capital city of Madrid has it all, along with a rich history to impress.

Highlights:

• Tour the Paseo del Arte museums, including the world-famous Prado, with works by the Impressionists and Pablo Picasso
• Wander the Parque del Retiro, an expansive urban park
• Listen to street musicians at Plaza Mayor, the grand central square

Hotel recommendation:

• Stay at Four Seasons Madrid, a brand-new property in the heart of the city. Walk to key attractions then return to a restful, modern retreat.

Dublin, Ireland

A small capital city with big personality, participants love Dublin for its friendly people, rich cultural heritage and happening nightlife scene.

Highlights:

• Enjoy the lively Temple Bar area with its many pubs and live music
• Tour the Guinness Storehouse brewery for the history of the iconic beverage
• Visit Trinity College, the oldest college in Ireland and alma mater of many literary greats, including Jonathon Swift and Oscar Wilde

Hotel recommendation:

• The Westbury, located in the center of town, is a destination itself because of its gorgeous central stairway and private art gallery.

Loch Lomond, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland 

Seek out the “bonnie banks” of Loch Lomond, an inland lake made famous by the Scottish folk song of the same name, and take in the beauty of the surrounding Lowlands and Highlands.

Highlights:

• Explore Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, which became Scotland’s first national park in 2002
• Journey through Dumbarton Castle in the ancient capital of Scotland
• Spend a day at the Loch Lomond Shores shopping district, which includes outdoor activities, boat trips and an aquarium

Hotel recommendation:

• Built in 1700 and renovated in 2020, the castle-like Cameron House is one of the most sought-after hotels in Scotland.

Sunny Tropic Locales

San José del Cabo, Mexico 

San José del Cabo offers a more relaxed atmosphere than its better-known counterpoint Cabo San Lucas. Enjoy shopping, an enchanting plaza and dining experiences, all with plenty of sunshine and miles of beaches.

Highlights:

• Amble through the Art District for unique shopping and live music opportunities
• Scuba-dive the coral reefs of Cabo Pulmo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery

Hotel recommendation:

• Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve opened in 2021 and boasts ocean views and indoor/outdoor living spaces in each guest room.

Nassau, Bahamas

For a tropical experience with a healthy dose of urban energy, check out Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. Originally home to pirates and hustlers, the streets are always bustling.

Highlights:

• Witness the pirate history of the Bahamas with the wax recreations at the Pirates of Nassau Museum
• Delve into the past at Fort Charlotte, a British-colonial fort constructed in the late 18th century
• Walk through the natural wonderland of Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre

Hotel recommendation:

• For large group travel, stay at the accommodating Grand Hyatt Baha Mar (it has 1,800 rooms on property!). Be sure to take advantage of its new Baha Bay water park, which opened July 2021.

Palm Beach, Aruba 

One of the most popular islands in the Caribbean, Aruba is known for its white, sandy beaches and all-inclusive resorts. Don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path here!

Highlights:

• Stroll through the cozy capital, Oranjestad, for shopping and restaurants
• Observe magnificent waves beat against the rocky coast at Conchi “Natural Pool”
• Climb the landmark California Lighthouse for 360° views of the island

Hotel recommendation:

• The Ritz-Carlton Aruba includes its own casino and is currently refurbishing all its suites.

Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Costa Rica has incredible biological diversity. Discover all the beauty of its unspoiled beaches, fast-flowing rivers and national parks in Guanacaste.

Highlights:

• Engage in outdoor adventures such as zip-lining and rock climbing
• Take a day trip to iconic Arenal Volcano for horseback riding and hiking
• Investigate local fauna by partaking in activities like bird watching

Hotel recommendation:

• The Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo underwent renovations in 2021 for an extra luxurious feel. Guests staying in Peninsula Papagayo can sign up for exclusive small group eco-activities.

U.S.-Based Adventures

Big Sky, Montana

For fresh air and wide-open skies year-round, escape to the natural splendor of the mountains of Montana. Outdoor enthusiasts praise Big Sky for its variety of activities.

Highlights:

• Ski the famous slopes at Big Sky Resort
• Hike Yellowstone National Park, one of the most popular national parks in the U.S.
• Learn fly-fishing at some of the best rivers for the sport in the world

Hotel recommendation:

• For a combination of lodge living and modern comfort, book rooms at Montage Big Sky.

Nashville, Tennessee

While best known for its country music, Nashville is a destination spot for its revived downtown, festivals, shows and nightlife.

Highlights:

• Sample the best of downtown Nashville in the Lower Broadway District, an area popular for live music, honky-tonks, restaurants and shops
• Attend concerts at the Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry
• Go behind the scenes of country music at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Hotel recommendations:

• The soon-to-open Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown will be adjacent to the Music City Center convention center. The hotel promises a rooftop pool with bar and easy access to downtown attractions.

Hanalei Bay, Princeville, Hawaii

Hanalei Bay, a picturesque setting on Kauai, the Garden Island, offers several pristine beaches for surfing, paddleboarding, swimming or simply relaxing.

Highlights:

• Play golf on courses designed to wrap around the spectacular coastline at Makai Golf Course
• Study nesting seabirds and marine mammals at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
• Shop for authentic carved wood souvenirs from local artisans in Hanalei Town

Hotel recommendation:

• 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, formerly the St. Regis Princeville is undergoing a full renovation that will infuse it with authentic details such as native greenery and reclaimed materials. It will be accepting group business beginning in October 2022.