In a world where companies compete fiercely for top talent, traditional rewards like year-end bonuses or gift cards feel familiar but often don’t deliver lasting impact. If you really want to elevate employee motivation, retention, and engagement, travel as an employee reward stands out as one of the most powerful tools available. But it isn’t just about offering a trip; it’s about understanding why travel works from a psychological perspective and how emerging travel trends for 2026 can make your incentive program even more meaningful.