Incentive travel programmes will prioritise bucket-list and luxury experiences post-Covid, according to the 2020 Incentive Travel Industry Index, published by SITE and the Incentive Research Foundation.

So, with the help of our inVOYAGE community, we decided to round up a few bucket-list experiences that would be perfect for a unique incentive activity once travel restrictions start to ease (we’d also quite like to try them out ourselves!)…

Ice Breaker Cruise

There are few people who have had the opportunity to go out on an Icebreaker tour – a truly memorable and unique experience. Swedish agency NW Production can offer a two-to-three-hour icebreaker cruise in the frozen water of Bothnian Sea in Swedish and Finnish Lapland

During the cruise you will witness the massive ice breaking power of the vessel and have a guided tour all the way down to the engine rooms up to Captain’s bridge.

Guests can relax in the cosy saloon, enjoying warm juice, or go for walk on the frozen sea ice. The icebreaker makes a pool free of ice and every visitor can take a swim in the dark icy water, in flotation survival suit. The captain will present Cruise and Swim Certificates to everyone as a memorable gift.

Kruger Shalati

DMC Green Route Africa Experience recommends experiencing the iconic Kruger National Park while suspended over the Sabie River with a stay at the Kruger Shalati. Permanently stationed on the historically-rich Selati Bridge, Kruger Shalati offers the most unique luxury accommodation in a re-envisioned train, which pays homage to the guests who explored the park nearly 100 years ago.

The train accommodation offers 31 rooms, consisting of 24 carriage rooms and seven bridge house rooms (to be completed in 2022), each of which is designed to ensure breath-taking views and comfort. Aligned with the floor level of the train lies a deck with a pool, offering guests the unique experience of taking a dip while watching crocodiles, hippos and elephants just metres below. Two complimentary game drives (morning and evening) are offered to guests daily.

Glacial experiences with Argentina Travel Partners

Head to Calafate in stunning Patagonia, the perfect base from which to see the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier and the Glaciers National Park according to Argentina Travel Partners DMC. For those who want to experience a greater sense of perspective, don’t miss the chance to stride out on the ice itself. With crampons fixed firmly to your boots and a team of expert guides, climb up on the glacier from the banks on the other side of the Brazo Rico and enjoy the extraordinary experience of walking up and down steep icy rises which are millions of years old, peering into the deep crevices and holes whose depths glow blue and green.

Or paddle along the northern face of the Perito Moreno Glacier, amongst the floating icebergs, observing the incredible shapes and colours of these ice monsters just an arm’s length away, an experience which ATP says brings home the smallness of man before the power of nature. There will be the chance to stop and take pictures of this incredible sight, whilst the guides provide information on this fascinating creation of nature.

The Makgadikgadi Salt Pan Sleep Out

Brand new for 2021, safari operator Desert & Delta recently launched a once in a lifetime experience: The Makgadikgadi Salt Pan Sleep Out. This extraordinary, experiential sleep out, under the stars on the vast Salt Pan is a truly amazing encounter. The Makgadikgadi Salt Pan is the one of the world’s largest salt flats – a place so remote that both sound and light pollution is non-existent.

Around an open fire, a delicious bush menu will be traditionally prepared and cooked under the stars. With nothing more than a bed between you and this vast expanse, there is no better place to find a deep sense of inner peace and tranquillity. Excursions occur from July to October, when the dry season transforms the flats into a shimmering landscape of pristine white salt. With endless horizons and an enormous night sky, guests will be astounded by this stunning starry spectacle.

Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a stunning area of other worldly rock formations, subterranean churches and underground dwellings, the scale of which is over-whelming. This land of fairy chimneys, beautiful horses and adventure is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts – take your pick from quad biking, horse riding, mountain biking or hiking and stay in one of the unique cave hotels.

Hot air ballooning is an absolute must, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, according to DMC ODS Turkey. Observe the sunrise as you float over the magical lunar-like landscapes, followed by breakfast in your own private valley. Then round off the day enjoying local wine (it’s surprisingly quaffable) as the sun sets over the Red Valley turning the rock formations all shades of oranges and pinks. Göreme outdoor museum then offers a stunning, illuminated backdrop for an extraordinary gala dinner.

Dance with a touch of class in Milan

Imagine the possibility to dance in the historical home of Maestro Giuseppe Verdi? Partnering with Danza il Tuo Viaggio, Grand Hotel et de Milan enables just that. The luxury property has built a package that offers guests and groups the opportunity to enjoy a unique and classical dance experience in the First Hotel opened in Milano back in 1863.

Enjoy a stay dedicated to Dance Barre and Body Flow, surrounded by the glamour and allure of the most historical hotel in Milan. Coached by a professional teacher selected for you by Danza Il tuo Viaggio, feeling like a ballerina as you dance in the Milanese property that was home to prestigious artists.

In addition to daily dance classes in the hotel’s beautiful Giuseppe Verdi Suite Danza il tuo viaggio will take guests on an amazing journey to the origins of Classic Ballet with a private visit to La Scala Opera House.