What are the benefits of a company outing outside the city?

A company retreat outside the city offers more space, fewer distractions, and a refreshing environment that helps people break out of their daily work routine more quickly. For teams that truly want to build connections, venues outside the familiar office environment have been shown to yield better results than generic meeting rooms in the city. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about company retreats outside the city, from costs to convincing management.

What makes a location outside the city better for team building?

A location outside the city physically removes people from their usual work environment, allowing them to mentally shift into a different mindset more quickly. This combination of new stimuli, open space, and distance from the daily grind lowers the barrier to speaking honestly, thinking creatively, and interacting with one another in a way that goes beyond a screen or conference table.

In a city office or standard meeting venue, people unconsciously remain stuck in their professional roles. The familiar surroundings elicit familiar behavior. Outside the city, especially in a natural setting like a beach location, that automatically disappears. People walk differently, talk differently, and are more open to new ideas. That’s no coincidence, but a direct response to the environment.

In addition, outdoor venues often offer more opportunities for active programs, informal moments, and a mix of work and relaxation. That’s what makes the difference between a day that feels like a chore and a day that actually benefits the team.

How does an outdoor venue help foster greater team cohesion?

An outdoor setting fosters connection by creating shared experiences outside the usual hierarchy and division of roles. When colleagues try something new together, eat together, or spend time outdoors together, conversations and moments arise that simply don’t happen in the office.

Team bonding goes beyond just a pleasant atmosphere. It’s about trust, understanding, and the sense that you’re all moving in the same direction. You don’t build that kind of connection in a meeting, but you do on a day when you share an experience together. An activity like power kiting or beach games puts everyone on the same level, regardless of job title or seniority. The manager trying to keep a kite in the air for the first time stands right next to their junior colleague in exactly the same situation.

Afterward, during a group lunch or drinks with a view of the sea, the barrier to having a real conversation is much lower. That’s the power of a well-chosen outdoor venue: the activities and the surroundings work together to achieve something that a team-building session based on a PowerPoint presentation could never accomplish.

What kinds of activities are suitable for a company outing outside the city?

For a company outing outside the city, activities that make the most of the surroundings, get people moving, and encourage teamwork without feeling like a mandatory team-building event are ideal. Consider water sports, beach games, cooking workshops, or a combination of active and culinary activities.

The right activity depends on the group size, the team’s fitness level, and the goal of the day. A team-building day focused on strategic discussions requires a different approach than a staff party or a kick-off event. Still, there are activities that work well for a wide range of groups:

Active beach activities such as power kiting or beach games to boost energy and teamwork
Kitesurfing lessons for teams looking to learn something new in a safe environment
A group lunch or dinner featuring a diverse culinary selection as a casual social gathering
Full-day packages combining meetings, activities, and a social gathering

The key is variety. A day that balances content and experience keeps people engaged and focused. Venues that offer everything under one roof—such as meeting spaces, dining, and activities all in the same location—prevent logistics from taking over the day.

What is the average cost of a company outing outside the city?

The cost of a company outing outside the city varies widely, but averages between 50 and 150 euros per person for a full-day program that includes the venue, catering, and activities. The final price depends on the group size, the activities chosen, and the level of catering.

For corporate event planners, the price per person is the most practical unit of measurement, as it is easy to communicate internally and obtain approval for. A transparent package with a fixed price per person makes it easier to gain internal support, especially if the budget must be approved by the finance department.

Factors that influence the price include:

Group size: Larger groups often benefit from economies of scale
Season and day of the week: weekdays are usually cheaper
Activities: Guided activities cost more than free beach time
Catering: A simple lunch costs less than a full-course dinner
AV and meeting facilities: professional equipment and technical support may incur additional costs

Always request a quote that includes a clear breakdown by item. This way, you can clearly show your team exactly where the budget is going.

When is a beach location the right choice for a company outing?

A beach location is the perfect choice when your team needs fresh air, space, and an environment that energizes rather than drains them. It’s ideal for team-building events, end-of-season gatherings, kick-offs, and retreats where the atmosphere is just as important as the content.

A company outing at the beach works best when the group needs a real mental reset. Teams that work indoors all year round respond positively to an environment that offers space, light, and physical activity. That makes a beach location ideal for periods following an intensive project or for kicking off a new year.

Moreover, a beach location is versatile enough to accommodate a wide range of objectives. Whether it’s a serious strategy session with the management team or an informal staff party for the entire organization, the combination of professional facilities and a unique setting makes it suitable for both. Venues such as BLOW at the Zandmotor, located directly on the coast south of Scheveningen, can accommodate groups ranging from 15 to 750 people, offering sufficient flexibility for virtually any company size.

How do you convince management to organize a company outing outside the city?

You can convince management to approve an out-of-town company retreat by clearly demonstrating its business benefits: improved collaboration, greater engagement, and a venue that is professional enough for the executive team yet inspiring enough for the staff. Include a clear budget and a transparent quote with your proposal.

Management always looks at return on investment. The question isn’t whether it’s enjoyable, but what it yields. Therefore, frame the proposal in terms that resonate internally:

Team cohesion as an investment: better interpersonal relationships lead to better collaboration and less miscommunication
Employee engagement: A well-organized team-building event contributes to job satisfaction and retention
A professional image: a venue with meeting facilities, audiovisual equipment, and catering shows that the organization is serious
Transparent budget: a fixed price per person makes approval easier

The most common internal objections are the location, the cost, and whether it’s “serious enough.” A beach location may sound too informal to some managers, but that perception disappears as soon as you show them what the venue has to offer: professional meeting spaces, modern audiovisual equipment, a private kitchen, and an experienced events team. Include a comprehensive proposal that stands on its own—one that’s convincing even without your verbal explanation.

Finally: involve the team early in the process. Support from the ground up makes it easier for management to say yes. If colleagues are enthusiastic about the plans, you’re already halfway there in terms of internal buy-in. Want to find out right away what the possibilities are? Contact us for a no-obligation discussion about the options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far from the city does a location need to be to really achieve that "out-of-town" effect?

There is no set rule regarding distance, but experience shows that a location at least 30 to 45 minutes’ drive from the office is enough to create a sense of mental distance. It’s not about how many miles you travel, but about the feeling of “getting away.” A coastal location or a spot surrounded by nature achieves that effect more quickly than a location in a different city but in a similar setting.

What if some members of the team aren't very athletic or adventurous—would an active outdoor outing still work?

Absolutely, as long as you choose activities with different skill levels and participation never feels mandatory. Good outdoor venues always offer a mix of active and relaxing elements, so that no one feels left out. A team member cheering on an activity from the sidelines contributes just as much to the group dynamic as someone participating fully. Communicate what the day will entail in advance, so that people come with the right expectations.

How far in advance do you need to book a venue outside the city?

For popular times of year such as spring, early summer, and fall, it’s a good idea to book at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance, especially for larger groups. Venues with limited capacity or unique amenities fill up quickly, especially on Fridays and around holidays. For a smaller group or a weekday during a quieter season, booking 3 to 4 weeks in advance is often feasible, but booking sooner is always better to avoid disappointment.

What are the most common mistakes people make when organizing a company outing outside the city?

The most common mistake is an overly packed schedule, which leaves no room for the informal moments that actually foster the most connection. Other pitfalls include underestimating travel time, failing to account for varying energy levels within the team, and forgetting to communicate practical details—such as parking availability or vegetarian options—in a timely manner. A good venue with an experienced events team can help you avoid these mistakes by contributing ideas to the program.

Can a company outing outside the city also be combined with a productive workday or strategy session?

Yes, and that’s precisely one of the strongest arguments for an off-site location. A well-equipped meeting room with professional AV facilities allows for a morning of strategic discussions, followed by an afternoon of team-building activities, and a group dinner to round out the day. That combination of substance and experience makes the day both more productive and more memorable than a typical retreat at a standard conference hotel. Just make sure to structure the day with clear transitions between “work” mode and “experience” mode.

How do you measure whether an out-of-town company outing actually paid off?

A short anonymous survey immediately after the day and a follow-up four to six weeks later provide the most insight. Ask specifically about changes in collaboration, communication, and job satisfaction—not just how much fun the day was. For teams that work with OKRs or quarterly goals, it’s also valuable to check whether the outcomes of the day—such as agreements made or new insights—have actually been turned into action. That also makes it easier to justify the ROI of the outing internally.

Are there any grants or tax benefits associated with a company outing outside the city?

In the Netherlands, staff outings are tax-deductible as business expenses under certain conditions, but rules apply under the Work-Related Expenses Scheme (WKR). Costs for staff activities generally fall within the WKR’s discretionary allowance, provided the outing is open to all staff or serves a demonstrable business purpose. Always consult your own financial or tax advisor regarding your organization’s specific situation, as the exact treatment may depend on the nature of the activities and the amount of the costs.

0/5 (0 Reviews)