The Ultimate Guide to Overseas Team-Building Retreats

Every day, 1.3 million business trips are taken in the US, so Americans do get around quite a lot. But business trips aren’t usually very fun, and they’re typically domestic as well.

Whether you’re flying out for a meeting or staying in the office to crunch some numbers, work life can become routine. And people tend to stay in their own departments, not mingling with others.

Fortunately, you can break up the monotony and get to know one another in one fell swoop. Overseas team-building retreats are just what the doctor ordered, so read on to get your ultimate guide on this subject.

Why Is an Overseas Retreat Beneficial?

As we’ve just said, an overseas retreat can definitely take you away from a mundane routine. Being in a fresh environment can foster new perspectives and creativity.

But what else?

It Strengthens Team Bonds

Just traveling together can accelerate relationship-building, as it places employees in situations they wouldn’t typically be in. This also helps them work on communication and trust.

You’ll Get Cultural Immersion

The US is already a huge melting pot, but ultimately, everyone’s still American. Traveling outside of the country and being exposed to different cultures is a whole different experience, and it can lead to new ideas, broader thinking, and better problem-solving.

You’ll Have Increased Focus on Goals

Slogging through each workday doesn’t really encourage you to focus on what’s important. Plus, there are everyday distractions in the office. When you’re away from these things, employees can fully concentrate on team-building exercises and company objectives.

It Rewards Employees

Over 10% of employees don’t feel valued at all by their organization, and a whopping 46.4% feel only somewhat valued. When you don’t recognize and reward workers, this can cause them to disengage and even leave the company.

To prevent this from happening, overseas company events can be used as a motivational tool or as a reward for high performance. This can boost both employee morale and retention.

What Makes an Overseas Retreat Different From a Domestic One?

Maybe you’re convinced of the benefits you can get from a work retreat. But why should you splurge for an international event when you can have a domestic one instead?

Unique Experiences

When you go overseas, you’ll have access to exotic and unique business retreat locations. This comes with fun and special cultural activities and exercises that are unavailable locally.

Logistics and Planning Complexity

Truthfully, there are many more additional layers of planning involved due to flights, visas, and international regulations. However, we at Grupo Events can help you manage all the little details with our tailored off-site event solutions.

Longer Duration

Since employees have to travel farther, overseas retreats tend to be longer. This allows for more comprehensive programs.

Increased Perceived Value

When you break it down, it’s much more impressive to book an international company event rather than a domestic one. Your workers will feel more valued and appreciated because of it.

Plus – they often are less expensive than you think. The cost of hotels and services in Mexico compared to the US means that even if the flights are an added cost, the hotel and resources needed once you’re on the retreat may come in under budget to balance the expense.

How to Plan an Overseas Retreat

Planning any sort of company event is challenging, and one with international travel can make things more complicated. To make sure you’ve covered your bases, do the following (in addition to being mindful about your budget):

• Decide how long you’re going
• Factor in the travel time
• Balance work and play
• Have local experiences
• Factor in flexibility

For a more comprehensive look at planning an overseas staff retreat, read our guide. We’ve included a sample 4-day agenda for inspiration too.

Ideal Retreat Locations

Are you now excited about globetrotting with your workforce? Then you might be wondering where the best retreat locations are. Here are some fan favorites.

Europe

This continent offers Mediterranean charm and history. To narrow things down further, consider the countries of Spain, Italy, and Greece, as these have rich cultural experiences and diverse team-building options.

For a more budget-friendly option, consider countries in Eastern Europe, like Croatia, Slovenia, or Hungary. Not only will you get beautiful scenery and cultural richness, but more importantly, you’ll find lots of affordable accommodations.

Asia

If you’re after unique opportunities for mindfulness and personal growth, then jet on over to Asia. Many businesses enjoy retreats in Bali, Thailand, and Japan, as you can get an Eastern perspective on spirituality while taking in the breathtaking views and doing cultural exploration.

Vietnam is also a popular choice due to is affordability and variety of landscapes. Companies with lower budgets can certainly still have amazing experiences in this Asian country without overspending on their budgets.

South America

South America is a continent filled with adventure and natural beauty. Plus, it’s closer to the US, making it great on the bank. Countries to consider here include Costa Rica, Brazil, and Peru, which all have vibrant cultures.

South America is also an outstanding option if you’d like more challenging physical activities. There are numerous outdoor adventures that can put your teams to the ultimate test.

Mexico

You can’t get closer to home than Mexico, and this country offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. From the cultural richness of Oaxaca to the pristine beaches of the Riviera Maya, you can’t beat Mexico’s stunning diversity. This means that your employees can enjoy activities like:

• Snorkeling
• Swimming
• Exploring ancient Mayan ruins
• Cooking classes
• Nature hikes

If you’re unsure of where to go, then we highly recommend Cancun. This city has stunning beaches, unique cultural activities, and world-class resorts. Plus, it’s easily accessible with direct flights from many countries, including the US.

The best part is that Mexico has competitive pricing when compared to European and Asian retreats. After all, it’s tough to top an international team-building retreat by the sea that comes with high-quality services and low costs.

Let Us Handle Your Overseas Team-Building Retreats

Overseas team-building retreats can be enriching experiences that everyone remembers forever. This is especially true if you decide to host yours in Mexico.

In this country, there are many tourist favorites and hidden gems waiting for your company to discover. And if you use a reputable event planning business like Grupo Events, you’ll be in good hands, as we’ll carefully consider your desires and hand-select activities that will be fun for everyone.
Contact us now if you want to have an international company retreat. Our excellent team will create a custom experience that’s tailored to your every need.