Here at Active, we specialise in travel, and we’re constantly on the lookout for unusual places to send incentive travel groups or prize winners. Exploring new countries is a great way to broaden your horizons and experience new cultures, as well as getting to see some of the best-kept travel secrets.
It’s a big world out there and we’ve searched all four corners to bring you a list that is sure to fuel your wanderlust for places you may never have considered before.
Top 10 unique incentive travel destinations
| Antarctica | ||
| We had to start with a big one, somewhere that may seem like the strangest of places to visit! But it’s on most seasoned travellers’ bucket lists for a good reason. It’s as close as you can get to visiting a whole new world. And the best part is, it’s so off the beaten track that only a small group can boast of their adventures there. One of the key reasons to visit is for the wildlife and a must is a trip along the peninsula to discover penguins, leopard seals and even wild orcas. But that’s not the only unique thing about Antarctica. There’s also the vast snow-capped landscape which resembles something out of this world. | ||
| Oman | ||
| Neighbour to the tourist hotspot of Dubai, Oman has often been the forgotten sibling of the Middle East. But that’s all due to change with tourism on the rise thanks to an influx of money being pushed into its hotels and beaches. Oman is up and coming, but still unknown enough that it’s not been overtaken by crowds and commercial ideas. It’s a hidden gem on the Persian Gulf, with beautiful wadis, scenic orange deserts and ornate mosques. | ||
| Greenland | ||
| An icy yet colourful wonderland, Greenland has been overlooked in part due to the soaring popularity of Iceland. It’s unimaginable to think that around 80% of it is covered by a huge ice cap, which provides incredible backdrops anywhere you travel. Unfortunately, there are very few roads around, but there are plenty of exciting alternative ways to see the glaciers and icebergs – like a husky dog sled or even a helicopter ride. Experience mountain landscapes, seek out wild polar bears and (hopefully) witness the magnificent Northern Lights. | ||
| Tonga | ||
| Made up of 171 islands in the South Pacific Ocean, Tonga is a hidden paradise. A hotspot for snorkelling, kayaking and diving, Tonga attracts thousands of visitors a year but remains as authentic as ever. Tonga doesn’t boast over the top flashy resorts, but what it does offer is a home-away-from-home, with boutique-style hotels housing on average 20 rooms. A couple of must-do activities include island hopping and swimming with humpback whales. Tonga has to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. | ||
| Albania | ||
| Relatively new to the European travel scene, Albania provides an authentic look into a lesser-known part of this world. It’s still somewhat untouched by tourists, but give it a few years and we predict this will be the new Croatia. One of the most breath-taking spots here is the Bay of Grama, a private beach almost encased by vertical cliffs and surrounded by rich archaeological, historical and cultural life. Albania is also hiding The National Park of ‘Blue Eye’, a UNESCO World Heritage site with an unusual underwater spring boasting clear blue waters. | ||
| Nepal | ||
| Nepal is possibly more travelled than the others on this list, but it’s still an unusual holiday destination for less seasoned adventurers. Expect dazzling Himalayan views, tropical jungles home to some of the world’s most endangered animals and temples rich with golden touches. One experience we recommend while here is visiting the local Tibetan communities inside Pokhara Valley, where you can learn more about their Buddhist lifestyle and even take part in a traditional Nepalese craft session. | ||
| Ghana | ||
| When you think of travelling to this part of the world, Ghana isn’t top of most people’s list. But what you’ll find here is gorgeous golden beaches, rich culture and energetic cities. Take a cooking class within one of the villages, or explore Black Star Square and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. For those still wanting to go on a safari, there’s the Mole National Park which offers a chance to ‘tree hide’ for a whole night in the hopes of seeing elephants, monkeys and even leopards in their natural habitat. | ||
| Faroe Islands | ||
| This cluster of islands is Europe’s ultimate off-the-beaten-track destination. Primarily inhabited by puffins (there’s even a whole island dedicated to them), it’s a haven for wildlife lovers and those who are looking for more of an ‘outdoorsy’ trip. Two must-see locations here are the island of Tindhólmur and the Gásadalur waterfall, as well as taking a boat tour around the caves Álvagjógv and Klæmintsgjógv. Spend a long weekend here exploring fjords and stay in a traditional multi-coloured cottage to experience a destination with a difference. | ||
| Guatemala | ||
| With its well-known neighbour Mexico bringing in millions of tourists per year, Guatemala is often overlooked. But what we’re missing out on is ancient Mayan ruins in Tikal, the lavish canyons of Río Dulce and some of the world’s most magnificent scenery. There’s nothing better to do in Guatemala than letting out your inner adrenaline junkie by zip-lining, rafting and even paragliding through the incredibly dense and beautiful jungles. We’re struggling to understand why this country appears on the ‘less travelled’ list, as it’s all the beauty and fun of its bordering country without the influx of tourists! | ||
| Macau | ||
| A fusion of East and West, Macau is a small Chinese territory about 30km in size. Best known for its casinos and extravagant nightlife, although it’s often forgotten about thanks to its size. But it’s not all glitz and glamour as there’s also a more traditional side to Macau. With the ornate UNESCO World Heritage listed A-Ma Temple and the statue of Kum Iam, Goddess of Mercy, along with the Ruins of the Church of St Paul, Monte Fort and Senado Square. What we’re trying to say is that there’s much more than meets the eye to this former Portuguese colony. | ||
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