One of the best parts of working in the prize and incentive industry is getting to experience destinations first hand.
FAM (familiarisation) trips are about far more than sightseeing. They give us the opportunity to explore hotels, experiences, restaurants and destinations in detail, helping us build the knowledge needed to create unforgettable incentive trips and prize experiences for winners and clients alike.
This year, our team has been lucky enough to experience some incredible destinations across Europe and beyond. From glamorous Monaco to the natural beauty of Sweden and the unique landscapes of Cappadocia, here are some of our standout highlights from 2026.
Monaco: Luxury, Lifestyle and World Class Hospitality
With views of the Casino Square from Monte Carlo’s Hotel de Paris – as well as evening cocktails at The Fairmont Monte Carlo and a stunning dinner at The Maybourne Riviera – our Senior Account Executive Annabel is now our resident expert on Monaco’s most exclusive venues!
In Monaco, travelling in style is as important as the final destination. From Blade helicopter airport transfers to a private vintage car tour along the French Riviera, this is an incentive destination where every moment can be elevated into something unforgettable.
Other highlights of Annabel’s trip included an exclusive fragrance masterclass at the Fragonard Perfumery (complete with a bottle of bespoke scent to take home!), an awe-inspiring whale and dolphin conservation cruise in the Pelagos Sanctuary, and a Champagne tasting in the world’s largest wine cellar at Hotel Hermitage.
Combining five-star luxury with bucket-list experiences and opportunities for CSR initiatives, this action-packed itinerary proves that Monaco really is a destination with something for everyone.
In Annabel’s words: “A truly exclusive, glamorous and high-end destination, which feels surprisingly special and authentic – rather than flashy and overdone. Experiences are varied and reflect the authentic character of the destinations as well as well as the all important wow-factor that is so crucial for successful incentives.”
Sweden: Arctic Adventures in Stockholm & Kiruna
Project Manager Siobhan had the opportunity to discover Sweden with a FAM trip hosted by Next Travel Nordic. From a stay at Stockholm’s waterfront Elite Marina Tower to exploring the historic streets of the Old Town, Siobhan is now our go to person when it comes to Scandinavia’s most diverse incentive destinations.
In Swedish Lapland, adventure takes centre stage. From snowmobile safaris in search of the Northern Lights to dog sledding through frozen wilderness and Arctic spa rituals featuring icy lake plunges, the destination is packed with the kind of bucket-list experiences that make incentive trips truly unforgettable.
Other highlights of Siobhan’s trip included meeting a local reindeer herder, learning about Sámi traditions and enjoying lunch at an authentic Sámi restaurant, offering a unique insight into one of Scandinavia’s most fascinating cultures.
No visit to Swedish Lapland would be complete without experiencing the world-famous ICEHOTEL. From exploring its remarkable ice carved suites and enjoying drinks in the Ice Bar to taking part in a private ice sculpting workshop, the visit showcased one of Europe’s most unique accommodation and event venues. Guests even had the opportunity to stay overnight in the iconic hotel itself!
Getting to experience the vibrant city, authentic cultural encounters, Arctic adventures and truly memorable accommodation, we can say first hand that Sweden delivers an incentive programme packed with wow-factor whilst remaining incredibly accessible for small groups.
Siobhan had nothing but great things to say on this destination: “It was an incredible incentive destination for small groups – flying into Stockholm for the night then onto Kiruna where we had amazing food and stayed in a gorgeous cosy hotel in the town centre. We did a ten step ritual that included cold plunging in the frozen lake, northern light chasing, dog sledding – amazing!”
Türkiye: Where History Meets Bucket List Experiences
Account Manager Emily had the opportunity to experience two of Türkiye’s most exciting destinations, Istanbul and Cappadocia. From a stay at the luxurious Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul to visiting iconic venues such as Esma Sultan Mansion and Çiragan Palace Kempinski, we can count on Emily to give us all the best gems when it comes to Türkiye!
From a private Bosphorus cruise to exclusive rooftop access above the Grand Bazaar, famously featured in James Bond’s Skyfall, Emily experienced some of Istanbul’s most iconic and unforgettable attractions.
Other highlights of Emily’s trip included exploring the magnificent Hagia Sophia, discovering the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, and experiencing the vibrant energy of the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and most iconic marketplaces in the world.
The journey continued to Cappadocia, where the group stayed at Refined Caves of Cappadocia. Highlights included a sunrise hot air balloon flight, a farm-to-table lunch at King’s Eco Valley, and horse riding through the dramatic landscapes that have made Cappadocia one of Türkiye’s most recognisable destinations.
Blending iconic landmarks, luxury hospitality and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Türkiye delivers the perfect balance of cultural discovery and unforgettable reward travel. When speaking to Emily about the trip afterwards she said: “Horse riding through Cappadocia was a top ten experience for me personally, I loved it and it was a great way to actually see the beautiful views!”
Why FAM Trips Matter
While it’s always a privilege to visit incredible destinations, the real value of FAM trips comes afterwards.
Experiencing destinations first hand allows us to recommend venues with confidence, understand the guest journey in detail and identify those hidden gems that don’t always appear in brochures.
Whether we’re designing an incentive programme, planning a VIP reward experience or sourcing a prize package, every trip helps us build a deeper understanding of what turns a good trip into an unforgettable one.
And if this year’s trips have taught us anything, it’s that memorable travel experiences come in many forms, from the glamour of Monaco and the tranquillity of Sweden to the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia.
We can’t wait to see where the next adventure takes us.
