In today’s competitive work environment, keeping top talent motivated and engaged is more important than ever. While traditional rewards like bonuses, gift cards, or merchandise have their place, they often fall short in delivering the long-term impact companies hope for.
Enter TRAVELINK’s Gift of Travel — a high-value, deeply personal, and emotionally resonant reward that transforms recognition into something unforgettable.
1. Experiences Create Emotional Connections
Cash bonuses often disappear into bills. Gift cards get spent and forgotten. But travel? It becomes a story employees tell for years. Studies show that experiential rewards build stronger emotional connections between employees and employers, helping recipients associate their achievement with something truly memorable. A beach in Hawaii, a European river cruise, or a dream family trip, all have the power to inspire loyalty in ways tangible goods simply can’t.
2. Anticipation Amplifies Value
One of the secret superpowers of travel rewards is the joy of anticipation. Unlike cash or merchandise, a planned trip builds excitement for weeks or months before departure. This anticipation acts as a powerful motivator and mood booster, reinforcing the employee’s positive feelings about their accomplishment and the company who made it possible.
3. Travel Appeals Across Demographics
From Gen Z to Boomers, travel is a universally valued reward. Employees may differ in their tastes, but the beauty of TRAVELINK’s Gift of Travel program is its flexibility. Recipients can use their certificate toward cruises, guided tours, custom vacations, flights, hotel stays, and more. That personalization ensures the reward is both meaningful and motivating for every individual.
4. Better ROI Than Cash or Merchandise
Research by incentive industry experts shows that non-cash rewards are 2–3 times more effective at boosting performance than cash. Travel rewards, in particular, deliver exceptional return on investment by enhancing employee satisfaction, retention, and engagement, key drivers of company success. Simply put: employees remember and value travel far more than a check.
5. Travel Enhances Well-being and Reduces Burnout
Offering a travel reward isn't just about recognition, it's an investment in your employees’ well-being. Time away recharges energy, sparks creativity, and contributes to better mental health. That’s a win-win for both the employee and the business.
TRAVELINK’s Gift of Travel program makes rewarding employees with travel easy, elegant, and effective. Here’s what sets it apart:
Custom-branded gift certificates starting at $500, complete with packaging and destination brochures.
No expiration dates, and full access to TRAVELINK’s premier travel planning services powered by our Virtuoso, Marriott International Stars & Luminous, and Couture by Langham program memberships.
Dedicated travel advisors to help each recipient plan the perfect trip.
Seamless fulfillment - you place the order, and we'll handle the rest.
Whether you’re recognizing a milestone, rewarding a top performer, or building a culture of appreciation, this turnkey program simplifies travel-based incentives for HR teams and leadership alike.
Incentives that inspire are incentives that work. TRAVELINK’s Gift of Travel doesn’t just reward, it reaffirms your company’s commitment to its people. It says, “You’ve earned this,” in a way that a cash bonus never could.
Ready to elevate your rewards program? Contact Kimberly Pulido, Gift of Travel Program Manager, at 888‑261‑5521 or visit evp.travelink.com/got-sales to get started. Or, if you're ready to buy online, you can click the banner below to get started.