Are you in charge of organizing a retreat for your US-based team? While there are plenty of options within the United States, have you considered the benefits of hosting your retreat abroad in Europe? Aside from being much more affordable than the US, Europe offers a unique and unforgettable backdrop for your retreat. This includes stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural experiences.
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What is a company retreat?

A company retreat is an organized event or trip designed to bring employees or team members together. The goal of a company retreat is to foster team-building, boost morale, or increase productivity within the organization. You can hold corporate retreats locally or abroad. Today we are discussing corporate retreats that are held overseas.

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Why Europe is the perfect choice for your next retreat?

1. Cost-effective 💰

Although on the surface, hosting a retreat in Europe may seem like an expensive endeavor, the converse is true. Based on our research, the cost of hosting a corporate event in Europe is around 30% less than in the US. Many European destinations offer affordable accommodation, transportation, activities and dining options.

DHH from 37 Signals says that Europe can be half of the costs.

This is especially true when compared to popular retreat locations within the United States. It is important to note that not all European countries are created equal. If you want to save money whilst immersing your team in European culture, consider Portugal, Spain or Greece. Avoid London or Paris - as these cities are not cost-effective.

If you’re still really stuck on where to go - check out our blog post about the 20 best retreat destinations in Europe! 
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2. International experience 🇪🇺

If you’re looking for a great way to help your team develop a sense of global awareness, consider planning a retreat in Europe. With so many different cultures and cuisines to experience, Europe is the perfect destination to broaden your team’s horizons.

Your staff will have the chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and delicious food of Italy, or the beautiful beaches of Greece. By booking a retreat in Europe, you can offer your team an enriching and unforgettable international experience that they won’t forget!
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3. Accessibility 🛬

Another significant advantage of hosting a company retreat in Europe is its accessibility. Most European cities offer direct flights from all over the world, which is especially useful if your team members are located all over the world.

Europe also boasts an excellent rail network which offers an affordable and efficient way to get around. Thus, enabling your team to explore multiple cities or countries during the retreat.

The plethora of international flights, combined with Europe’s fabulous rail network, makes travel relatively hassle-free. If you are a little stuck on the best European destination for your team, check out our Location Finder. Simply, input the locations of your team members and let the location finder do the rest! 
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4. Strong dollar 💪

First, let us explain what we mean by ‘strong dollar’. When the dollar appreciates against other currencies in the foreign exchange market, it is said to be strong. A stronger U.S. dollar makes it possible to purchase more foreign currencies than before.

With a strong dollar, you can take advantage of favorable exchange rates. This also means lower costs for accommodations, food, and activities. For example, luxurious villas, castles, and chateaus that may have seemed out of reach can now be considered. This can enhance the overall retreat experience. Additionally, the favorable exchange rate can make transportation within Europe more cost-effective. 

The strong dollar is a significant factor to consider when organizing a retreat in Europe. Driving costs down allows for a more luxurious and comprehensive retreat experience. This is a benefit for retreat organizers and attendees. In essence, the strong dollar makes Europe a more accessible and cost-effective destination for Americans. Thus, making it a great destination for your corporate retreat.
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5. Less restrictive Visa Policy 👐

Under the Schengen Agreement, citizens of countries such as the USA, Canada and Japan are exempt from obtaining visas for short-stays in Europe, or more specifically the Schengen Area. This allows your employees to visit for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa.

These less restrictive visa policies make it easier and more affordable for you to visit. This can lead to a higher turnout for your retreat since strict visa requirements can discourage some employees from attending due to the extra costs and effort involved. With fewer restrictions, more team members may be able to come along. This will lead to better engagement, collaboration and team-building.
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6. Dinner costs 🥘

Another great thing about Europe is that you can host a gala dinner party for the same price as a regular dinner in the US. In general, Europe has lower living expenses than the US. This translates into significantly lower prices for goods, services, labor, and consumables like food and drink.

This enables you to devote more resources to planning a memorable event for your guests. Furthermore, you can host a gala dinner that is more elegant and spectacular than in the US thanks to the variety of unique venues, like chateaus and ballrooms. In Europe, you can host a memorable dinner party without going over budget!
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Concluding thoughts

In conclusion, if you are looking to host a retreat or an event, Europe is perfect! Its rich history and diverse cultures will provide your team with a unique and immersive retreat experience.

This will promote creativity and productivity amongst your team members whilst bringing them closer together. Overall, you should pick Europe as your destination of choice if you’re looking to provide a memorable and enriching retreat.

If you’re still not sure if Europe or the USA is the best for your retreat, get in touch with us today.
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