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The complete guide for incentive trips for employees

What is an incentive trip, what are the benefits of incentive travel for employees, they’re motivated by the opportunity to travel, a chance for rest and improved work-life balance, opportunities to bond with their teams, increased job satisfaction, what are the benefits of incentive travel for organizations, it boosts motivation and productivity, productivity leads to increased sales and profits, employees are likely to stay longer at your company, top-quality candidates are attracted to travel perks, how do you structure an effective incentive travel program, decide on which type of incentive travel program you want to create, sales incentive reward programs, performance-based incentive programs, recognition incentive programs, use an online corporate travel company to help manage your trips, decide how you’ll evaluate the success of incentive trips, ask employees to provide feedback, analyze performance metrics, assess employee engagement, how do you communicate and promote the incentive travel program to employees, make a big initial announcement, create a video about the incentive trip, personalized communication, wrapping up: final tips for implementing successful incentive trip programs.

• Clearly define your trip objectives and align them with your business goals.
• Tailor the incentive trip program to match your business and its needs.
• Use an online travel company to help you plan successful, customized, hassle-free experiences.
• Communicate the program details to generate excitement and participation.
• Regularly evaluate and adjust the program based on feedback and results.

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15 Corporate Incentive Travel Program Tips for 2024

You found our list of the best corporate incentive travel program tips !

Corporate incentive travel programs are initiatives that offer all-expenses paid trips and experiences in exchange for extraordinary performance. For example, a trip to Thailand or Mexico. These programs aim to motivate employees and raise morale, loyalty, and productivity.

Travel incentive programs are one example of employee incentives and employee engagement ideas , and can be a popular employment benefit .

This article includes:

• incentive travel examples
• incentive trips for employees
• group travel incentive programs
• corporate incentives besides travel

Here is the list!

Incentive travel examples

When it comes to destinations and trip experiences, possibilities are endless. Here are a few examples of incentive travel programs to give you inspiration:

• A stay in the British countryside complete with castle tours
• A food tour through Italy or France, or through your home city
• Museum crawl through New York City
• Hotel and tickets to a Broadway or West End show
• A Seine River expedition through Germany
• Weeklong country-hopping tour
• Hiking excursion in the mountains
• Wildlife interaction at a sanctuary
• Wine country visits
• Behind the scenes tour of a nearby brewery
• Weekend stay at a local bed and breakfast
• Tropical beach escape
• Historical tour of a prominent city
• Hot air balloon rides
• Passes and accommodation to a cultural festival
• Company cruises
• Glamping or camping
• Team building retreats

The items on this list provide a solid baseline for program structures, but there are many possibilities for irresistible trips that will drive employees to perform at their best.

Corporate incentive travel program tips

From soliciting suggestions from staff to leveraging social media, here are the steps for creating an effective corporate incentive travel program.

1. Ask your staff for ideas

A travel program is only an incentive if your staff wants to take the trips you choose. Instead of outright guessing, or stealthily scanning your staff’s Instagram vacation posts, ask your staff for destination and activity ideas.

First, gather plausible options for countries, cities, accommodations, excursions, and activities. Then, distribute a survey, and use the feedback to inform your selections. Consider including a write-in option on your questionnaire so employees can point you towards any useful travel resources or discount programs.

2. Determine the goal of your program

The point of an incentive program is to achieve a particular result or encourage a certain behavior. Thus, when designing your incentive trips for employees, it is important to outline the goal.

Corporate incentive travel program objectives may include:

• Specific sales targets
• Increased client satisfaction scores
• Decrease in paperwork errors
• Shorter customer wait times
• Quicker production turnaround time

The goal of the program may include multiple aims, and targets may vary by position or department.

Trips are a significant investment, and organizations expect a worthwhile return on such a weighty investment. By outlining clear goals when introducing the program, you justify the expenditure and link the reward to a clear result.

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3. Provide clear guidelines to staff

Higher management are not the only parties that benefit from having accurate expectations for the program. When announcing the initiative, provide clear guidelines to the staff so employees understand how to earn the rewards. For best results, communicate the necessary targets, performance period timeline, methods of measurement, and ultimate prizes.

You may also want to mention:

• The level of date flexibility for trips. Can attendees choose from multiple months or weekends, or will there only be one date for the trip? If the latter, then disclose the date upfront.
• Whether or not family members and guests can join the trips.
• Included amenities vs add-on options.
• Accommodations the company can make for staff with special circumstances.

Misunderstanding requirements could lead to staff missing out on the opportunity, causing disappointment. Employees want to feel that managers are upfront and honest, and clear communication fosters trust.

4. Consult a travel expert

Corporate travel programs require a great deal of planning and logistics management. Coordinating such a program alone can feel overwhelming, but travel and events companies that specialize in running incentive programs can simplify the process.

Here are some recommended travel incentive companies:

• American Express Meetings & Events
• Creative Group Inc.
• First Incentive Travel
• Peak Performance Meetings & Incentives
• Bishop McCann
• Bi Worldwide
• Fox World Travel
• Maritz Global Events
• George P. Johnson Experience Marketing
• World Travel Inc

Even if you decide not to hire a third-party vendor to manage incentive trips, consider consulting a travel agent or other professional who has experience planning and executing group trips. If nothing else, then read HR blogs for advice. You do not need to reinvent the wheel; you can rely on the guidance of professionals who have seen success with incentives to shape your program.

5. Research multiple vendors

While destination management companies often advertise packages that remove the hassle from corporate travel planning, these all-inclusive offerings are not always the best options for your needs. Working with multiple event providers may be a more cost-effective solution that results in better experiences for your employees.

Consider branching out and enlisting different companies for transportation, accommodations, catering, and experiences such as museum tours or adventure sports outings. At minimum, research and compare multiple destination management companies to ensure you find the best deal and optimal level of service.

6. Negotiate exclusives

Most travel incentive companies work with organizations to create tailored, customized plans. When designing trips, securing exclusive amenities and activities can make the experience even more attractive. For instance, booking an illustrious restaurant for a private party with a special menu, or receiving an after-hours, behind-the-scenes tour of a historical site with an expert. Planning experiences that attendees cannot replicate during personal visits makes the experience feel more unique, which compels employees to work harder to secure their spots on the trip.

7. Use organizational resources

While a travel incentive trip differs from a business trip, branches in other geographical regions can be a great help to your planning process. Offices in other states or countries might be able to make an introduction to a contact such as a travel coordinator, local guide, restaurateur, or hospitality professional that can help you coordinate your trip. You might even take advantage of special corporate discounts or offerings thanks to your relationship with the sister site.

Even if your organization does not have locations worldwide, you may employ a teammate who has previously worked, traveled, or lived in your destination and can offer recommendations. Tapping into your company’s internal resources improves the journey.

8. Stick to a budget

Travel programs are rarely low-cost perks. Expenses like transportation, accommodation, meals, and entertainment add up quickly, even if your group remains local. While increases in worker output and performance often justify the price of the program, it is still important to stick to a budget to ensure a balanced return on investment.

Researching beforehand helps avoid overspending. Before you commit to a destination or travel package, ensure you understand the total cost, including any additional expenditures such as insurance, service fees, non-included meals, transportation between venues, and tips for service staff.

Remember that if employees show interest in pricey experiences that the company cannot cover, then you can compensate by scheduling free time and allowing attendees to purchase optional activities.

Here is a list of ways to spend your budget at year-end .

9. Be liberal with options

Your group is a diverse bunch with a wide range of interests. One employee’s dream trip might not be another’s. To guarantee that all travelers enjoy the experience, arrange an array of activities that suit many tastes. For example, plan a bar crawl one evening and an open mic the next. Or, give attendees the choice between wine tasting, rock climbing, or touring a museum.

When planning activities, keep in mind:

• Physical ability
• Level of socialization
• Dietary needs
• Non-alcoholic options for non-drinkers
• Price, if members pay out of pocket
• Cultural sensitivity and inclusivity

Keep these considerations in mind not only when planning activities, but also when booking trip details. For instance, steer clear of destinations with recent human rights violations or recent racial tensions in favor of diverse and inclusive locations where all guests feel welcome.

10. Focus on the experience more than the destination

While the ability to travel to a foreign country or a lively city is a major draw, the location is not as important as your team’s overall happiness. Instead of fixating on the destination, focus on the experience. You do not need to pick a flashy locale to garner interest in the program. Attendees can have fun in a neighboring town or an off-the-beaten-path destination if you plan meaningful and engaging activities.

When choosing a venue for your trip, explore unconventional options and open yourself to interesting possibilities. Aim to connect your staff meaningfully with the local culture and with each other. Keep an eye out for experiences unique to your host city, and aim to be travelers rather than simply tourists. In essence, unlock the full potential of each city, neighborhood, or business instead of relying on the allure of the destination to do the heavy lifting.

11. Offer resources and assistance

Assuming that every trip member is an experienced traveler is a mistake. Travel programs generate interest among a wide range of attendees, from globetrotters to folks who have yet to step foot in an airport. Because there may be a discrepancy in the travel knowledge within your group, offering resources and assistance is helpful. Even if your package includes transportation, members may need to book plane tickets individually, in which case you should designate a helper to answer questions and resolve issues.

Consider also providing:

• Passport and visa application assistance
• Packing tips
• Applicable CDC advisories and vaccine information
• A guide to cultural norms in your destination country
• Travel medical and insurance resources
• Currency exchange services
• Safety recommendations and emergency contact information

You can equip the group with helpful literature, hold informational sessions, and create online forums where attendees can ask and answer questions, too.

12. Use trips as an opportunity to expand employees’ worldviews

While the trip acts first as an incentive and reward, the vacation can serve as an educational tool, too. By incorporating cultural experiences, you expand teammates’ worldviews, teach empathy, and develop soft skills that enhance employees’ abilities to interact with clients and colleagues.

To capitalize on the effects of the trip, select a destination that pushes staff out of their comfort zone and introduces new viewpoints and experiences. To achieve this end, the destination does not have to be a foreign country. Every country is culturally diverse, and workers benefit from visiting a new region, or even connecting with a distinct subculture close to home. The trip can be an opportunity not only for employees to relax and have fun, but also to grow.

13. Maximize team bonding

Being in an unfamiliar place together can bring a group closer together. Shared experiences are the root of team building, and group trips establish common ground and memories that form a foundation for continuing relationships. Group travel incentive programs can not only save companies time and money, but also supercharge group development. One of the best approaches to travel programs is to maximize team bonding potential by planning group excursions and team building activities and scheduling time for group reflection.

By dedicating Slack channels, social media groups, team chats, pre and post trip sessions, and shared online photo albums to the trip group, you can further fuel interactions between members.

Here is a list of team building ideas to try.

14. Leverage employee testimonials and social media

Organizations devote significant resources to travel programs. One way to optimize return on investment is to leverage employee testimonials and social media as a way to market company culture and motivate colleagues to strive for future travel incentives.

A few suggestions:

• Distribute a survey at the end of the trip. Make the survey completion a scheduled activity, or incentivize feedback by holding a prize drawing in tandem.
• Ask employees to submit photos and captions to the marketing team for the company social media page
• Coordinate a social media takeover campaign where trip attendees schedule content for company social media channels
• Encourage attendees to tag posts on personal accounts with the company handle and a specific hashtag.
• Dedicate blog posts to the experience
• Compile a highlights reel of the trip by editing together video clips
• Allow participants to speak about the trip on a company podcast
• Invite attendees to speak at information sessions for future trips

Most folks appreciate having a platform to share their stories and experiences. This user-generated content has many uses both internally and externally, such as in recruitment materials, marketing projects, and employee engagement campaigns .

15. Offer alternatives to travel

Although travel is an enticing incentive, it is not a universal motivator for all employees. Familial obligations, health complications, fear of flying, or a distaste for travel are examples of conditions that might prevent staff from reaping the rewards of the program. To better suit the needs of your entire organization, offer alternatives to trips, such as material bonuses or more localized experiences. Examples might include a chartered day at a nearby winery, tickets to the hometown sports team game, or extra paid time off. Read the next section for more suggestions on non-travel incentive rewards.

Other corporate incentives besides travel

Travel is not viable to every employee’s circumstances. For a more universally appealing incentive program, consider offering alternatives to travel. The following list offers a few suggestions.

Bonuses are the most common employee incentive. Monetary rewards give employees more autonomy over their winnings, since staff has the discretion to use the extra cash as they see fit. Not to mention, a financial award sends the message that the organization shares extra profits with staff, thus compelling employees to generate more revenue for the company.

When introducing financial incentives, it is important to explain a clear bonus structure so that the staff has a solid understanding of expectations and performance metrics.

2. Extra paid time off

Instead of scheduling a trip for employees, you could offer extra paid time off so that employees can travel when, where, and with whom they prefer. Through this method, your staff may opt for a staycation instead, choosing to use the extra time to catch up on errands, develop side hustles, spend time with family members, or relax at home. This approach signals that the company values employees’ personal time and appreciates work life balance. Plus, offering extra time awards employees more freedom to customize their prize.

3. Concerts

Concerts are close-to-home adventures. Music and nightlife enthusiasts love the chance to attend live performances. Access to sold-out or exclusive events, good seats or entry into VIP areas, and other perks like complimentary food or merchandise sweeten the deal. Partnering with a corporate-facing event company or local concert venue can help you net discounts and special offers for your employees.

4. Sporting events

Tickets or company box seats at a sporting event are an enticing prize for sports fans, salespeople, and anyone who relishes the energy of a live game. Best of all, since seasons consist of many games, you can divide the performance period into multiple benchmarks, and employ ticket giveaways as an ongoing motivator. Also, sports inspire attitudes of camaraderie and teamwork which you can channel into your workplace.

5. Technology

New gadgets and upgrades hit the technology market daily. Keeping all gadgets updated can be a challenge, so technology rewards are tempting incentives.

A few suggestions for technology incentives:

• smartphones
• video game systems
• action cameras
• smartwatches and fitness trackers
• wireless earbuds
• 3-D printers

Consider offering technology upgrades for personal use, work use, or a mix of both. For example, promise to buy high-tech printers for the winning department.

6. Parking spots

Parking can be a surprisingly effective employee motivator, especially if you work in a city with scarce or expensive parking options. Even if the office building houses a company garage, employees may eye a desirable spot. Winning a prized parking spot or a complimentary pass checks one box off of the proverbial to-do list and makes the morning commute less hectic. If parking is not part of your employee benefits package, then consider offering the amenity as a prize.

7. Fitness classes

Fitness is important, but not always inexpensive. While many companies offer wellness credits, gym memberships, or exercise classes as perks, bonus fitness services can make attractive prizes.

Here are some ideas for fitness incentives:

• Home gym equipment
• Subscription to online Yoga classes or Peloton
• Personal trainers
• Workout wardrobes
• Fitness trackers and smart devices
• Unusual exercise classes like parkour or circus aerobics

Even if your company provides regular exercise options, an upgraded fitness experience can serve as extra motivation.

8. Charity donations

Monetary gain is not a universal motivator, and at times philanthropy can drive efforts more effectively than cash rewards. One alternative to material prizes is to donate an agreed amount to a charity of the awardee’s choice.

Pro tip: Allow employees to suggest charities that fall within prescribed guidelines instead of picking from a limited list to ensure that workers can raise money for a cause they are passionate about.

9. Task management services

While you may not be able to give your employees extra hours in the day, gifting task services is the next best option. Hiring professional errand-runners frees up time in your employees schedules for relaxation, self-care, and self-improvement.

Suggestions for task services:

• Grocery deliveries
• Laundry and dry cleaning services
• Cooks or professional meal preppers
• Cleaners or organizing consultants
• Childcare services

Consider gifting credit towards multiple-service providers like TaskRabbit and Thumbtack so awardees can choose the most useful options.

10. Meals with executives

Lunch or dinner with a member of the C-suite serves the dual function of providing a complimentary meal along with quality time with higher management. For best results, offer one-on-one meetings or small group experiences so that every awardee has ample opportunity to interact with the executive. Similar bonding opportunities include golf games, tennis matches, hikes, creative classes, winery or brewery trips, or video game showdowns.

11. Massages and self-care

Some workers might not treat themselves to massages, spa-days, and other self-love splurges, but will indulge if gifted an activity. Pampering experiences inspire employees to achieve a goal while emphasizing the importance of self-care.

Here are some examples of self-care incentives:

• Manicures and pedicures
• Salon appointments
• Meditation session
• Career consulting or meeting with a life coach

These prizes send the message that companies care about employee wellbeing as well as performance.

12. Extraordinary events

Though some folks use the term incentive events interchangeably with incentive trips, at-home events can offer the excitement of travel minus the forms, transportation costs, or downtime at the airport. Extraordinary events give employees opportunities to socialize, participate in new experiences, and make memories with colleagues.

Some examples of event incentives include:

• Improv or standup comedy shows and workshops
• Cooking classes with renowned chefs
• Laser tag tournaments
• Winery or brewery tours
• Cocktail party at the CEO’s house
• Amusement park trips
• Early access to a new venue
• Special sales or product trials

Limiting the number of spots at these events and awarding entry only to high-achieving employees makes the occasion feel more special and motivates staff to strive towards a goal.

Final Thoughts

Travel is one of the most common bullet points on bucket lists, which means that trips serve as a powerful motivator. By affording employees opportunities to travel, you expand their world views and supercharge their relationships with teammates, all while rewarding extraordinary efforts and results and assigning great value to your workers’ contributions.

Next, check out this list of employee wellness program ideas and this list of incentives to return to the office .

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FAQ: Corporate incentive travel programs

Here are answers to the most common questions about corporate incentive travel programs.

What are corporate incentive travel programs?

Corporate incentive travel programs are motivational campaigns that reward top-performing employees with trips or special experiences. The aim of these programs is to increase staff loyalty, morale, and productivity. Incentive programs typically target specific goals such as fulfilling sales quotas, meeting product development deadlines, or raising customer satisfaction scores.

What are some good corporate incentive travel program tips?

Some good corporate incentive travel program tips include:

• Ask your staff for ideas
• Determine the goal of your program
• Provide clear guidelines to staff
• Consult a travel expert
• Research multiple vendors
• Negotiate exclusives
• Use organizational resources
• Stick to a budget
• Be liberal with options
• Focus on the experience more than the destination
• Offer resources and assistance
• Use trips as an opportunity to expand employees’ worldviews
• Maximize team bonding
• Leverage employee testimonials and social media
• Offer alternatives to travel

Though travel programs require extensive planning and organization, following the proper steps can ensure that your program pays off by raising employee output and morale.

What are good companies to use for corporate incentive travel programs?

There are many providers who offer and arrange trips and engaging events for corporate incentive programs.

Here are some recommended companies to use for corporate incentive travel programs:

When selecting a partner organization, research multiple providers and choose an option that fits your company’s budget, company culture, and particular needs.

Do corporate incentive travel programs work?

Travel programs can be powerful motivators. Employer-sponsored trips are an attractive reward, especially when the experiences include exclusives such as exclusive tours, private accommodations, and company parties. Travel programs are an especially compelling incentive for sales teams, though the perk can motivate a vast variety of positions and departments.

Though travel is a hefty investment for organizations, the corresponding rise in productivity is significant. Plus, funding trips signals that employers value their workers efforts and personal growth.

What makes incentive travel programs effective?

Clear goals and benchmarks, measurable metrics, smart internal marketing, meaningful experiences, and attractive awards are all factors that make incentive travel programs effective. The best determinant of the operation’s success is the level of foresight, consideration, and communication that goes into the planning and execution of the program.

Besides travel, what can employers offer in incentive programs?

Some non-travel incentive program rewards include:

• Extra paid time off
• Sporting events
• Parking spots
• Fitness classes
• Charity donations
• Home services
• Meal with an executive
• Massages and self-care
• Extraordinary events

Not every team member is able to travel, yet providing alternate rewards allows dedicated employees to reap the rewards of their efforts.

What is the difference between a corporate incentive program and an employee benefits program?

Organizations offer employee benefits across the board to all workers, although benefits packages might vary depending on position and band level, and individual candidates may be able to negotiate a more attractive package. While benefits programs are ongoing, built-in rewards, incentive programs are auxiliary, often limited-time offers. Corporate incentive programs exist to motivate employees to hit specific targets within a particular time frame.

Author: Angela Robinson

Marketing Coordinator at teambuilding.com. Team building content expert. Angela has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and worked as a community manager with Yelp to plan events for businesses.

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Incentive Travel Made Easy

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At Inspirato for Business, we offer a customizable incentive travel program tailored to your company’s specific needs. Give your employees an Inspirato vacation of their choosing or a luxury Inspirato membership, or plan your next corporate event in one of our stunning homes.

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Let your employees choose an Inspirato luxury trip from a list of thousands.

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Do incentive travel programs work?

Incentive travel programs have been shown to increase employee productivity up to 44% , as well as improve employee retention and engagement, according to a recent survey from the Incentive Research Foundation.

Our most popular employee travel incentive, Reward Trips, are a way to show gratitude to your top-performing colleagues. We’ll create a custom website for your company, allowing your employees to choose from a list of thousands of Reward Trips to our luxury vacation homes and partner resorts in 75+ iconic destinations around the world. Each incentive trip includes personalized service from start to finish as our team takes care of all the details. All incentive trips are priced at a flat rate, providing easy budget and incentive travel management for you.

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Their choice of luxury accommodations—such as incredible luxury vacation homes and five-star hotels and resorts—in 75+ destinations, from Los Cabos to Nantucket. ‍

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Personalized service from our team of in-house travel experts, including pre-trip planning, daily housekeeping, and on-site concierges.

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Inspirato® is a luxury hospitality company that provides luxury vacations and experiences, and includes a private travel subscription that requires payment of applicable fees, including nightly rates and other applicable fees. Travel is subject to acceptance of the applicable Inspirato terms and conditions and other eligibility requirements. Travel with Inspirato may include taxes, if applicable, such as for sales and use, transient and/or hotel occupancy, room, excise, value added and/or other related taxes. The amount payable to the applicable taxing authority may vary based on the jurisdiction in which the residence is located. Some jurisdictions may also require payment of local taxes and fees which are not included in the cost of travel with Inspirato and will be the individual’s responsibility for paying. Availability is limited during peak or holiday travel dates and may vary by trip list, accommodation, dates, applicable membership or subscription, or travel option selected. See website (Incentive Travel Made Easy | Inspirato For Business ) for complete details. The operator of Inspirato® is Best of 52, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, a subsidiary of Inspirato LLC. Operator’s address, email address and telephone number are 1544 Wazee Street, Denver, Colorado 80202, [email protected], (303) 586-7771. Best of 52, LLC is registered with the Delaware Seller of Travel License No. 2022700082; State of Florida as a Seller of Travel - Registration No. ST38403; Washington Seller of Travel Registration No. UBI 603086598; Virginia Seller of Travel; California Seller of Travel Registration No. CST 2107465-50 (registration as a seller of travel in California does not constitute approval by the State of California and Operator is not a participant in the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund). Pursuant to Haw. Rev. Stat. § 468L-1 et. seq., operator maintains a Hawaii travel agency trust account named "Best of 52, LLC Client Trust Account" at First Hawaiian Bank, 215 Papalaua Street, Lahaina, Hawaii 96761. Operator and its authorized agents, representatives, vendors, successors or assigns may perform Operator’s obligations and exercise its rights hereunder. ©Copyright 2023 Best of 52, LLC. All rights reserved.

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Travel Incentives Part 1: How To Use Them In Your Business Strategy

July 26, 2023

How can you incorporate travel incentives as a part of your business strategy? In order to determine that, we’ll need to know what success should look like.

In our introduction to travel incentives blog What are Travel Incentives and Why are They Good for Business ?, we covered what travel incentives are, and why they’re gaining back popularity.

In this 3-Part Series, we’ll dive deeper into how they can be used in your business strategy, the top industries that find success with them, and how to build your travel incentive program for business success and growth.

What does success look like for a travel incentive program?

Many incentive programs share a common goal of using rewards to motivate, engage, and build connections, ultimately helping to achieve business objectives. Travel rewards are no different; they can serve as a sales incentive to boost the profitability of your business or as a way to enrich your relationships with key partners and clients. 

The IRF’s Anatomy of a Successful Incentive Travel Program report , which studied how using travel incentives to motivate employees affected a certain company, concluded that:

Travel rewards had a significant positive impact on individual motivation, performance, employee retention, company culture, and profitability.

These are the factors the study identified as traits that made the travel incentive program successful:

• Criteria for earning rewards had clear ties to business goals.
• Communication about the program and progress toward goals was open and consistent.
• The program included exciting destinations, leisure activities, and more.
• Executives and managers acted as hosts, showing the company’s commitment to the program.
• The company kept precise records of reward earners’ productivity and contribution to the business

Aside from driving sales, travel rewards can give your senior management an opportunity to strengthen their relationships in a luxurious, relaxing setting. A successful travel incentive program also gives you an opportunity to build and solidify connections among clients and business partners, who will feel that your company values their support and instills a sense of loyalty. 

Your incentive travel experiences could involve group activities around their destination, such as sightseeing cultural wonders, luxury dinners, and the types of bucket-list adventures you can only find far from home. Experiencing these rare events together is one of the best ways to form powerful bonds, whether you’re with coworkers or clients. 

Therefore, not only does incentive travel boost team performance at work, but it also creates ties that enhance your company’s networking and drive internal synergy among senior management.  

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What do travel incentives look like?

Travel incentives can take various forms, ranging from small rewards to make a business trip more fun to big prizes like a vacation for an incentive recipient and their family. Your company might pay for a week’s stay at a beachside hotel in the Caribbean or give digital gift cards that help pay for flights and accommodations to encourage employees to take vacations.

Gift cards are a popular incentive for business rewards programs because you can easily personalize the gift and scale the dollar amounts, and they work just as well for travel. With gift cards from brands like Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and AirBnB, you can help employees achieve the getaway of their dreams, give senior management excursion opportunities, or reward a big deal closing with a fancy hotel voucher. 

Visa incentive cards are great rewards that allow you to give employees and clients a gift card with your company logo on the front, which they can use anywhere that accepts Visa cards. You might reward your employees' achievements by providing loaded Visa cards when they travel for corporate events, or foster client loyalty by offering to fund a short-term getaway for your largest clients. 

To recap and add a few more examples, your travel incentives could be gift cards for the following travel experiences:

• Restaurants

Overall, travel incentives are a great way to reward employees, customers, or business partners for their hard work and loyalty. Not only do they motivate people to work harder and build connections that will last, but they also make them feel valued and appreciated.

Unlock the benefits of travel incentives

Incorporating travel incentives into your business strategy is a great way to drive sales performance, strengthen relationships with key clients and partners, boost employee retention rates, create an enjoyable company culture—and ultimately achieve your desired goals.

With the right approach, clear communication, precise tracking of rewards criteria, and exciting travel experiences, you can ensure that your incentive program will be successful in helping you reach your business objectives.

In our next blog post in this 3-part series on travel incentives, we’ll cover the top industries that benefit from incentive programs. Stay tuned!

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A Guide to the Top Incentive Travel Destinations For 2 0 2 2

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.

• 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
• 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.

• 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
• 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.

• 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
• 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.

• 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
• 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!

• 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
• 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.

• 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
• 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.

• 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
• 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.

• 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.

• 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
• 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.

Mandy joined ITA Group in 2005, serving in operations before transitioning to the purchasing team as a Buyer and Supervisor. In her current role as Lead Buyer, Mandy leads the internal presale process for financial and insurance brands, conceptualizing events, building program budgets, negotiating supplier partner contracts, and maintaining client and supplier relationships. She works closely with internal sales and operations teams to bring strategic recommendations to each program. Mandy enjoys traveling, attending concerts, cheering on her beloved Iowa Hawkeyes and Kansas City Chiefs, and spending time with family and friends, especially her two sons.

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Customized Rewards Travel Voucher Program

Energize Your Organization with Employee Incentive & Rewards Travel Programs

Revitalize your company with distinctive recognition, retention, and customer loyalty reward initiatives offered by Peak Performance. A personalized rewards program can elevate overall company performance, inspire your workforce, and foster enduring customer relationships.

Numerous studies underscore the advantages of employee recognition and incentive schemes. For instance, one study revealed that a $2,500 investment per employee in incentives led to a 20% increase in company sales. Can you afford not to acknowledge your employees for their unwavering dedication?

Take your employee incentive program to the next level with our Customized Rewards Travel Voucher Program:

Customized Rewards Travel Voucher Program: Our Incentive Travel Vouchers are versatile and ideal for recognizing employees and clients in various ways, including Retention and Recognition, Sales Incentives, Year of Service Awards, and Client Retention.

Our seasoned planners adeptly strike a harmonious balance between your budget, benchmarks, and objectives, ensuring the fulfillment of both your company's and your employees' aspirations.

We employ a proactive and distinctive planning approach, resulting in an impactful incentive program that not only motivates and inspires your employees but also enhances overall performance and morale within your organization.

With Peak Performance's rewards travel program, your employees and customers can savor the freedom to tailor their travel incentives, returning from truly unique and memorable experiences. Opting for a rewards-based incentive program offers your employees the flexibility to choose incentives that truly reflect the value of their hard work.

Our reward programs are hassle-free and devoid of cumbersome processes. By partnering with Peak Performance, your company enjoys the following advantages:

• Budget and Goal Alignment: No minimum purchase requirements.
• Complete Flexibility: No constraints on dates or destinations.
• Expert Planning Partners: Meticulous handling of every detail.
• Generous Payment Terms: Nothing due until 30 days after booking.

Whatever your corporate objectives may be, Peak Performance's experts will craft a tailored program that suits your needs. Whether you aim to foster customer loyalty, enhance workplace well-being, or bolster safety and productivity, we invite you to explore how your company can enrich the lives of your employees and clients through a personalized incentive program from Peak Performance. Schedule a complimentary consultation today with a Peak Performance Rewards Planner by clicking on the “Start Planning” button in the sidebar.

Let’s Get Started

Planning a group trip we can help., case studies, testimonials.

Sandler Training

"I've been working with Bruce and his team on two projects and they've been great to work with. Bruce has helped us set up a referral/incentive program for us to roll out with our clients and strategic partners. Bruce was great to work with. He's set up a 7 tier program that allows for flexibility and he's also helped us to market the program."

Kevin O'Keefe

Vice president world wide sales, maginatics, inc..

"Beverly arranged and managed the early Envivio Sales incentive trips for us. Each of our events was an outstanding and motivating experience Our Sales team appreciated the attention to detail and to fun. Qualifying for the "trip" was a motivating factor behind many end of year sales pushes. I will use Beverly again in the future."

Mickey Poorman

Laird technologies.

"Peak Performance’s attention to detail and personal service made me feel like I had a true corporate meeting planning partner that I could rely on throughout the planning process right up until I was on site. I look forward to doing more meetings with them."

Marco Lopez

C& j energy services, inc.

"I have used your services two years in a row and you all have made my vacation a great one. You have the most helpful and considerate employees. Always very friendly, respectful and willing to make my travel experience a good one. Thank you and keep up the great job."

Our Incentive Travel Vouchers are great for many different ways to recognize your employees and clients, including:

• Sales Channel Incentives: Drive results and keep the team motivated.
• Customer Loyalty: Build customer loyalty by rewarding them.
• Employee Recognition: Reinforce behaviors and recognize your employees.
• Workplace Wellness: Incentivize employees for leading a healthy, active life.
• Safety Initiatives: Prevent incidents and improve production.

You pick the $ amount, there are no minimums, 30 day billing, and sample brochure/flyers provided are just a few of the benefits of this program.

Peak offers a scalable individual travel incentive

• The Individual experiential travel packages boast 3 sensational collections, the Experiential Collection, the Sports Collection and the Travel Collection for your recipients to choose from. These collections feature access to over 1,000 individual sports and experiential options worldwide, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience for everyone.
• All individual experiential travel packages are provided at a predetermined fixed price point. This enables corporations to budget and accurately forecast the return on investment associated with their incentive program.
• Individual experiential travel packages at price points ranging from $200 and up, so it ensures a memorable travel experience on any budget.
• Individual experiential travel packages are fully customizable allowing the recipient to add extra nights, guests or activities to help create the experience of their dreams.
• A Microsite can be created for your awards program.   Click here  to view a sample

Contact us today for a Catalog of Awards

sandler  training

“I’ve been working with Bruce and his team on two projects and they’ve been great to work with. Bruce has helped us set up a referral/incentive program for us to roll out with our clients and strategic partners. Bruce was great to work with. He’s set up a 7 tier program that allows for flexibility and he’s also helped us to market the program.”

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What Is Incentive Travel? Definition & Benefits

It’s no secret that offering an incentive to employees is a key factor in boosting performance, sales, and engagement.

So with that in mind, we answer the question, “What is incentive travel?” with a definition and the top benefits of offering an incentive trip program.

What Is Incentive Travel?

Incentive travel is a specific trip or tour offered to top-performing employees as a way to motivate them to make more sales, gain more customers, and/or improve overall performance. By offering an incentive trip, companies are able to drive their business goals and recognize top performers.

An incentive trip can be taken as a group or an individual vacation for the employee and their families.

Benefits of Offering an Incentive Trip

Offering an incentive trip has plenty of benefits, so we’ve outlined the top reasons why your company should start an incentive trip program today.

1. Company growth and increased sales

To reiterate, people like rewards. Employees respond to incentives and, in return, target sales are more likely to be met and there could be an increase in business growth. By giving employees a goal to strive for, it promotes productivity gains that could potentially be seen across the board.

The increase in sales and productivity driven by the workforce will far outweigh the cost of offering an incentive trip. Additionally, by making employees feel valued, this will also likely increase sales and overall performance.

2. Stronger relationships and increased loyalty

Not only will employees be incentivized to sell more or boost their overall performance, but companies that offer incentive travel are also able to build stronger relationships with their employees.

Everyone wants to be rewarded for their hard work and employees recognize when companies offer those rewards. Offering an incentive trip will not go unnoticed.

Additionally, employees may be more likely to stay with a company that offers these rewards. Company loyalty is extremely important in long-term employee retention and incentive travel can help with that.

3. Extra professional development time

During an incentive trip, many companies opt to use some of the time to promote additional professional development through workshops and seminars.

Certainly, one of the most important parts of an incentive trip is to allow employees to relax and reap the benefits of their hard work, but by setting aside a couple of hours for professional development, employers are given the opportunity to blend leisure and learning.

4. Family time leads to a better support network

Many companies offer incentive trips for employees and their families. By allowing their families to join, companies are also promoting a healthy family support system.

Travel creates long-lasting memories and hard-working employees deserve to take some time out with their families to enjoy these memories together. This will hopefully promote high productivity for years to come.

5. Company bonding

Some companies treat incentive travel as more of a retreat for their employees to get to know each other, network, and team build. Whether you are getting the entire team together or a select few of the top sellers, this is an excellent opportunity to allow for some intercompany bonding.

This could also lead to higher sales or company growth because employees are able to get to know each other better on a much different level than they normally would in the office.

This is especially beneficial for companies spread out across the country or those that mainly work remotely. There’s nothing like an in-person connection and an incentive trip does just that. And it’s a lot of fun for everyone!

At the end of the day, offering incentive trips for employees is a win-win for everyone. Employees are encouraged to grow their productivity while they are also shown that their company values them and rewards them for their hard work. The company benefits from this hard work by hopefully seeing growth in the bottom line.

As a travel agency specializing in incentive travel, contact us and let us help you plan an incentive trip to motivate your employees and bring your company to a whole new level!

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ETTSI Incentive Premiums

America's leading provider of travel certificates , sales incentives and travel club premiums..

ETTSI Incentive Premiums helps you get there by generating that sales initiative in a completely new and refreshing way. With Industry leading incentive programs in travel certificates and merchandise; ETTSI prides itself on its fundamental and in-depth understanding of the needs of their clients and they excel at converting that wealth of knowledge into strategically and tactically designed sales incentive solutions that work!

Some of our Exciting Promo Series Travel Certificates

Fly free america.

Fly Free America offers two round-trip airline tickets to one of over 3,300 destinations throughout The Continental USA, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Vacation of Lifetime

Vacation of a Lifetime offers two adults 3 days and 2 night's hotel accommodations at dozens of destinations throughout North America.

Passage of Fun

Passage to Fun offers two adults a 4-day, 3-night luxury cruise to the Bahamas, Caribbean or Mexico. Departing from Port Canaveral, Miami or Los Angeles.

Request a Customized Quote

Whatever the budget, objective or market, ETTSI Incentive Premiums can design an exciting and effective promotion for you!

Right now, for a limited time you can receive a customized quote complete with case studies of other businesses in your industry who have successfully used our travel certificates and merchandise sales Incentives to grow their business and we will include a complimentary $2000 Travel Cash tri-fold just for taking a closer look.

Click HERE to submit your quote request.

Please spend some time reviewing our products and then give us a call for more specific information and pricing. Call 800-272-4707 or email us at the link below.

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Incentive Information for Agents & Distributors

The travel incentive advantage....

In today's highly competitive marketplace, it can be challenging to make a sale. Customers are shopping for the best bargain and ask for more than what they pay for products. All companies need cost-effective and powerful marketing tools that appeal to all their customers. 

Vacation and Cruise travel incentives are among the most powerful methods of attracting business, retaining profitable clients, increasing profits, and enhancing product awareness. Businesses that use vacation incentives in their marketing have seen dramatic increases in their sales.

Please refer to your Introductory kit for detailed information about promoting travel incentive products to businesses. Please take a moment to review our current incentive products below.

•   Cruise Incentives
•   Hotel & Resort Package Incentives

What is a Passport to Travel Vouchers?

Passport to Travel Vouchers is designed as incentives/promotions for any business. The vouchers offer a variety of travel programs, including a two-night hotel stay, seven-night condo stay, three to seven-night cruises on major cruise lines, and roundtrip airfare programs. One also offers a two-night stay.

Who are your Potential Customers?

Virtually any business that wants to promote sales such as banks, real estate agents, mortgage companies, spas, car dealers, apartment leasing companies, and telemarketing firms. The vouchers can also be used for fundraising programs for schools, churches, or any organization.

How Much Can You Earn?

You earn 100% of mark up above net price per voucher. Mark up can range between 20% - 60% per voucher, depending on the number sold and the markup. Agents can earn $500 to $2,000 per sale. The startup kit is designed to allow you to test the program.

To order the startup kit or additional information, contact our Network Support Department at (800) 940-8801 or complete our request form .

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Giveaway Free Vacation Reward Vouchers

Explode your leads & sales - giveaway free vacations, free vacation travel rewards, guaranteed more leads, sales & profits.

You can generate more referrals & repeat sales with these beautiful, full color certificates.  Great incentives, door-busters, fund raisers, employee rewards, club events, contests, premiums, thank-you’s, drawings, prizes, traffic boosters, lead generators, good will, party favors ( bribes!)  I’m sure you can think of even more uses.

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High perceived value travel incentive is perfect for your business. Offer these exciting travel premiums: Use these for yourself, friends, prospects or customers.

"Our call center provides leads for both Hyla and Rainbow Vacuum Sales. Nothing keeps a prospect on the phone better than a free vacation to hear about a great vacuum cleaner. Our leads have increased 30% since using your vacations." – Jeff Feldman, B2C Solutions

Compare 'giveaway vacations' and 'marketing boost vacations'.

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Refer Other Businesses And Earn Commissions Invite other business owners to join our program and earn a 40% commission – plus get one of our complimentary 3-night vacations to Las Vegas.

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Join the 5000+ business owners who are enthusiastically giving away free incentive vacation certificates..., restaurant & entertainment vouchers.

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Ideas For Using Free Vacation Incentives

How to Generate Leads With Free Vacation Incentives

Are you looking for a way to generate leads without spending a lot of money? If so, you may want to consider offering free vacation incentives. By offering potential customers...

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Giving away products and services to customers is a great way to generate business. Whether it’s a promotional giveaway bag, customized company mug, or a coupon for a free...

Tips For Promotional Products Marketing

Using promotional products like free vacation certificates to promote your brand will generate more leads and ultimately increase sales. Here are some tips for choosing the right products to give out...

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Moscow Vacation Packages

Moscow vacations are always a great idea when it comes to traveling in Russia. Plan your trip to Moscow with a leading tour operator for Russia and enjoy the ease and pleasure that comes from it. You will stay at the centrally-located hotels, enjoy guided tours to Moscow's best sights with charming local guides, and, most importantly, feel relaxed and immersed in the Russian culture at all times. Wondering what the ideal way to see the best of Moscow is? Well, with a private tour to Moscow, of course! We will listen to your travel preferences and prepare a custom Moscow itinerary just for you. Let's start talking about your upcoming vacation to the gorgeous capital city of Russia.

Moscow Tour Highlights

Explore the capital of the largest country in the world, Russia.

Learn about the most visited sights in Moscow that are worth adding to your Russian itinerary. Create a fantastic tour to Moscow with a destination, choosing your wished activities.

• Moscow walking tour
• The Red Square
• St Basil's Cathedral
• Moscow Subway ride
• Tretyakov Gallery
• The Red Square in Moscow
• The Bolshoi Theater
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Moscow's Kremlin exploration
• 'Seven Sisters' Skyscrapers

Tips for Moscow Travel

Take a look at the good-to-know tips before visiting Moscow and have a fantastic time in the capital.

What to pack

Make sure to check the weather prognosis before your trip and pack accordingly.

When to travel

Moscow is beautiful all around the year. Choose traveling time according to preferred activities.

We suggest to always have some cash with you. You will need Rubles (RUB) for Russia.

How much to tip

Tipping is not required in Russia, but it's considered good etiquette, tip 10%-15% of your bill.

The average summer temperature is approx 18°C (64°F), and winter is around -6°C (22°F).

Some of the most popular souvenirs from Moscow are caviar, Krasnaya Moska perfume.

Best Moscow Sights

One of the highest points in Moscow and one of its most breathtaking places - the Sparrow Hills.

See the 344-feet Cathedral of Christ the Savior - the tallest Orthodox church in the world.

Enjoy masterpieces of Russian opera and ballet in Moscow's legendary Bolshoi Theater.

Being the most recognizable symbol of Russia in the world, Red Square is an absolute must see when in Moscow. 

The famous GUM is a large department store in the Kitai-gorod part of Moscow facing Red Square.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is Moscow’s most famous artistic work of architecture set in the romantic Red Square.

History and luxury is revealed inside the Kremlin as the Armoury Chamber displays treasures like Faberge Eggs.

The symbol of Moscow and entire Russia, the Kremlin is often described as the 8th Wonder of the World.

Moscow Metro is like a whole underground city that holds the world's largest collection of Stalinist Art.

I am very satisfied.

I have been using the Firebirds (Travel All Russia) services for a while. I am very satisfied.

WOW. From the choice of hotels to...

WOW. From the choice of hotels, an itinerary that ran to plan, the amazing Guides and drivers, and of course the stunning cities of Moscow and St Petersburg. No long queues for entry to museums, churches, and palaces.  I would gladly recommend using Firebird Tours (Travel All Russia) to anyone.

THANK YOU for making this happen for me !!!

I must say from the day I started to book my tip till the day I got home I had one GREAT trip and experience I always felt safe and cared for help was seconds away not that I needed any I will defiantly highly recommend your company to any traveler to Russia WELL DONE to the Whole team THANK YOU for making this happen for me !!!

We enjoyed the whole trip a lot

Overall we enjoyed the whole trip a lot. Moscow is beautiful and clean. Thank you very much for your patience and excellent organization of this tour. Everything ran very smoothly and according to schedule. The guides met us on time at hotels or at our train carriage on arrival. They all spoke good English, had a good local knowledge and were very kind and helpful.

The tour lived up to all expectations

I’m most pleased with Travel All Russia in arranging our ‘Volga Dream’ Russia tour, I would recommend using your services again as every aspect of our tour went off without a hitch. The communication between our tour representative was excellent as we required additional days on both ends of our tour. The visa process and the logistics were flawlessly implemented.

We had a great time in Moscow!

Everything was perfect and we are very satisfied with services and accommodations.

Loved my time in Russia

The trip was great. Especially want to mention the guides I had on the extra days were exceptional. Both guides and drivers worked out well. Thanks again for all your help and attention. Loved my time in Russia, and still haven’t stopped talking about it.

Exploring Magnificent Russian Capitals, June 2017

Just want to say that our guide in St Petersburg was really outstanding. You really felt like someone was looking after you. Very observant - knowledgeable. We really enjoyed time spent with her.

Exploring Vibrant Moscow, June 2017

The experience was great!!! We had an excellent guide. The hotel was fabulous.

Thank you for your help !!! was an unforgettable trip.

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Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in  my post about finding cheap flights  that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

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Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

But wait; there’s more!

The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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Travel | Travel Troubleshooter: My trip to Iraq was…

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Travel | the latest | pecker says he wanted to keep tabloid’s agreement with trump ‘as quiet as possible’, travel | travel troubleshooter: my trip to iraq was canceled, so why can’t i get my $7,590 back.

DEAR TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER: I paid $7,590 for a Modern Mesopotamia tour to Iraq through MIR Corporation for last fall. I also purchased insurance from AIG Travel Guard at a cost of $766, which offered 100% coverage for trip interruptions or cancellations. Just 14 days before the trip was supposed to start, I received a letter from MIR Corporation that they were canceling the trip because the United States government raised the security risks. They offered a voucher, which was only good for a trip to Iraq in the next two years — if there was any travel allowed to Iraq. I believe it is a worthless voucher.

I filed a claim with AIG Travel Guard, but it denied my claim. I also disputed the charge on my credit card, but my credit card company sided with MIR Corporation. I’m very frustrated by this and hope that you might be able to help me recover this money.

— Diane Gottlieb, Chicago

ANSWER: It doesn’t seem fair for a tour operator to cancel a trip and not offer a refund. But the terms of your tour say otherwise. They allow MIR Corporation to keep your money and issue a voucher for a future tour, which is exactly what they did.

Let’s break this one down. MIR Corporation specializes in tours of “under-explored destinations” (those are its words) like Mongolia, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan. The paper trail between you and the company shows that it warned you of the risks of traveling to Iraq and urged you to buy travel insurance. It also clearly disclosed its terms, which were that it offers an expiring voucher when it cancels a tour.

A representative explained the reason why MIR Corporation has this policy. The tour operator had already paid its vendors and could not get a refund. But the arrangements between a tour operator and its vendors are none of your concern. The only thing that matters is the agreement you have with the tour operator.

MIR Corporation did the right thing by recommending travel insurance. But the policy you bought through AIG Travel Guard, which MIR Corporation helped facilitate, did not cover a cancellation by the tour operator. You could have bought a “cancel for any reason” policy, although it was considerably more expensive. This would have given you a refund between 50% and 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs.

Your case is a reminder to always read the contract when you sign up for a tour, or any other travel product for that matter. It’s also a reminder to read the fine print in your travel insurance. Your policy did not offer “100% coverage” for a cancellation, as you stated. Rather, it was a policy with a named exclusion that did not include a cancellation for security concerns.

But there were special circumstances. MIR Corporation’s voucher had to be used within two years and was only valid for its Iraq tours. At the time you contacted me, it didn’t look like there would be tours to Iraq for a while, so there was a good chance that your voucher would expire before you could use it. Also, you are 78 years old, and you suggested that you might not feel up to a tour of Iraq within the next two years.

You reached out to my advocacy team for help, and I contacted MIR Corporation on your behalf. The company agreed to offer a credit to any of its destinations for two years, and you accepted its offer.

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at [email protected] or get help by contacting him at elliottadvocacy.org/help/ . (c) 2024 Christopher Elliott Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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Trump's hush money trial resumes as ex-National Enquirer boss testifies

Tennessee’s statewide school voucher bill dead, but not forgotten.

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That's a no for me. Audience members make the feelings clear about Gov. Bill Lee 's school voucher plan. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Tennessee’s top lawmakers unfurled the banner on an “education freedom scholarship” for statewide private school vouchers in a highly anticipated event last November. 

Vouchers had long been a legislative dream of Gov. Bill Lee, who first introduced a similar bill in 2019. But what made the November event different was the four most powerful members of the state House and Senate backed the concept of statewide vouchers, a change for Republican House Speaker Cameron Sexton of Crossville and Republican Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson. 

Lee admitted Monday his statewide voucher dream is over for the year but promised to keep working to pass the program in 2025. The Franklin Republican, in his second term, noted he is “extremely disappointed” for families who won’t be able to take advantage of public funds to enroll in private schools.

“ I think we couldn’t find the path forward in this session. A lot of times it takes a couple of sessions to get something done,” Lee said during a short press conference at Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin. 

The governor acknowledged differences between his bills and separate versions proposed by the House and Senate couldn’t be worked out, “and there wasn’t enough time” to reach an agreement.

Three versions of the school voucher plan were moving through the Capitol, one from each chamber and a third from Lee. All started with offering 20,000 scholarships worth $7,200 for parents to send their kids to private school, costing around $145 million.

From there, the plans varied widely as lawmakers in both chambers put forward drastically different bills. The House wanted public school sweeteners such as less student testing, boosts to teacher insurance and extra school building funds to pass it, while the Senate couldn’t stomach those incentives, particularly on the testing side. Senators also sought transfers from district to district, a sticking point for House members. 

Lee tried to bring lawmakers at the beginning to reach a compromise, but he couldn’t break the impasse, as lawmakers hurled towards the final days of the 2024 legislative session. 

The voucher legislation became increasingly doomed as the session went on, as both sides of the political aisle squeezed lawmakers on the issue. Teachers and school boards vocally opposed vouchers, as did the anti-establishment wing of the Republican Party, which includes groups such as Tennessee Stands and the Constitutional Republicans. 

Money and vague threats from groups outside Tennessee were among the only things propping up the legislation. 

During the 2022 Republican primaries, Americans for Prosperity, Tennessee Federation for Children, TennesseeCan and Tennesseans for Student Success flexed their political muscle, winning dozens of races and,  in one instance , ousting a pro-public school Republican and backing a relatively unknown lawmaker who raised only a few thousand dollars. 

The attack ads strategy reminded any lawmaker who opposed vouchers that they could be the next target.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton, third from left, with Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Gov. Bill Lee and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, voted against school vouchers in 2019 but now supports them. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Setbacks all around

The bill’s defeat is a setback for Lee, an already lame duck with ever-diminishing power over Tennessee’s General Assembly, but also one for Johnson and Sexton, who each hold higher political ambitions. 

Both men tried to ride the shifting political and financial winds tied to vouchers. The education reform groups have become a potent political operation in Tennessee, likely to influence the 2026 gubernatorial primary, a position long rumored to interest Sexton. 

For Johnson, the bill’s defeat puts him in a tough predicament for a potential 2026 re-election campaign. The majority leader — who many thought would have become the Senate Speaker by now — narrowly escaped a primary to his right in 2022, winning by less than 800 votes over Gary Humble, the founder of Tennessee Stands. Humble has publicly opposed school vouchers because of the potential negative impacts on homeschoolers and private school students around testing. 

The Franklin Republican, who represents the state’s top school district, could also face a challenge from the center for changing his mind from 2019 when he opposed vouchers in Williamson County, saying the district didn’t need them.

Go big or go home?

Three years after the state Supreme Court decided that Lee’s 2019 voucher plan could proceed, the program moved slowly but steadily ahead. 

Enrollment increased year-over-year, and lawmakers added a third county to the program in 2023. The plan seemed to be to expand school vouchers county by county, making them available to more people every year. 

Then, in early November, Republican Rep. Mark White of Memphis announced he would introduce a bill for statewide vouchers. 

Three weeks later, Lee decided to fully embrace White’s legislation and ditch the slow approach, holding his “educational freedom scholarship” event, proposing to offer them to every student in two years.

This means the bill’s defeat sets two potential paths for the future of vouchers: Go back to last year’s plan and slowly expand or unseat a bunch of incumbent Republicans in state elections later this year and try again in 2025, and hope pro-voucher groups can win enough races in 2024 to deliver a different matchup in the legislature. 

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The post Tennessee’s statewide school voucher bill dead, but not forgotten appeared first on Tennessee Lookout .

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Commentary | Commentary: The case for expanding housing…

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Commentary | Commentary: The case for expanding housing vouchers

Florida’s housing affordability crisis casts long shadows over the dreams of countless Floridians. As we grapple with soaring prices and the evaporation of the homeownership dream for the average citizen, it’s evident that addressing this crisis requires more than piecemeal solutions or incremental adjustments. We need a paradigm shift, an innovative approach akin to starting with a blank sheet of paper.

Florida’s housing market is strained to its limits, with median home prices skyrocketing from under $300,000 in 2015 to over $450,000 by 2022. Meanwhile, median household income has fallen from $66,856 in 2019 to $59,734 in 2021. This disconnect between income and housing costs has rendered homeownership an elusive dream for many, particularly affecting young adults under 35 and disproportionately impacting Black and Hispanic communities.

Central to this crisis is Florida’s zoning framework, characterized by its restrictive nature, which significantly hampers the housing market’s ability to adjust to residents’ evolving demands. This framework, entrenched by the Growth Management Act of 1985 and slightly modified by the Community Planning Act of 2011, fosters a rigid system that stifles housing diversity and escalates costs.

Building on comprehensive research conducted by the DeVoe L. Moore Center at Florida State University, the Florida Policy Project suggests a transformative approach to tackling Florida’s housing crisis, proposing several actionable strategies:

• Upzoning: This can encourage the development of more housing units within cities, addressing the demand for affordable options.
•  Light-Touch Density: Encouraging the development of duplexes, triplexes and other multi-family units can significantly increase the housing supply.
•  Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs):  Legalizing ADUs can efficiently utilize existing lots, offering affordable housing without disrupting neighborhood character.
•  Reducing Minimum Lot Sizes: This strategy can create more housing units per acre, alleviating the housing shortage.
•  Adopting Form-Based Codes: Focusing on neighborhood character rather than rigid land-use restrictions allows for organic growth and evolution in housing development.

Incorporating these strategies requires a collective will to embrace change and challenge the status quo, envisioning a future where affordable housing is accessible to all Floridians.

However, to fully address the crisis, we must also consider the impact of housing vouchers, a critical tool for many low-income, working families in securing affordable housing. Recent research commissioned by the Florida Policy Project, including findings from the FSU DeVoe L. Moore Center, underscores the efficacy of vouchers in bridging the gap between the cost of housing and what these families can afford. Yet, the allocation and utilization of vouchers are often hampered by bureaucratic red tape and insufficient funding, limiting their potential impact.

To truly transform Florida’s approach to housing, it is imperative to not only reform zoning and encourage development but also to enhance the voucher system. Recommendations include:  streamlining government funding, modifying the application process, and fostering partnerships between state agencies, local governments and private landlords to expand the availability of voucher-eligible housing. By doing so, we can make a more immediate and tangible impact on the lives of those struggling with housing affordability today.

The Florida Policy Project calls upon policymakers, community leaders and all stakeholders to come together and craft a new blueprint for Florida’s future — one that recognizes the critical role of housing in ensuring economic prosperity and social mobility. By starting with a blank sheet of paper and incorporating both long-term strategies and immediate supports like housing vouchers, we have the opportunity to rewrite the narrative of Florida’s housing crisis into one of resilience, innovation and collective action. Together, we can build not just more houses, but a more inclusive and equitable future for Florida.

Jeff Brandes served in the Florida Legislature from 2010 to 2022. After leaving office, he founded the Florida Policy Project , a nonpartisan organization that researches best practices and better outcomes in housing affordability, property insurance, criminal justice and transportation. He lives in St. Petersburg.

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