Jeannine Beusejour of agency withheld asks: Things are ticking along pretty well in my office sales wise but my staff don't seem to be gelling quite as much as I'd like. Currently it is civil and professional, but there's no spark and I think with a bit more office bonhomie we can become a really successful agency. I don't need 60s style free love or hug-a-thons, but I would appreciate any particular team building strategies or experiences that you could recommend?

Rachael says: This seems to be a common challenge for many business owners. Fortunately, it doesn't take much to turn the situation around.

To begin, it is helpful to remind yourself that your people want to work somewhere they are proud of and know that they are a part of something that is making a difference. Consider sharing your vision about where the business is headed and why it would be great to be part of the ride. Chances are, your team is caught in the trap of day to day tasks, quotes and bookings, with no urgency or excitement that this very booking will help achieve something worthwhile. Incentives are a great way to motivate future performance and rewards are excellent for recognising past performance.

In relation to team activities, I believe you can't go past a quick 30 minute morning booster meeting. Simply give everyone one question to answer and encourage them to share their response with the team. Carefully word the questions so that there is no choice to answer negatively and make sure each person has a different one. Try questions such as these. What are three things you love about coming to work? What are three things you admire about the people you work with? Complete the following sentence: I love selling travel because… Tell us about a client, booking or encounter where you were reminded why you love selling travel.

On the flip side (and potentially more rewarding side) you could get everyone to share their top three workplace annoyances. Give everyone an opportunity to get gripes off their chest and work together to resolve the concerns. It is amazing what a cleanser and an eye-opener this can be, usually with very minor problems causing major irritation. Best of luck with it.

Rebecca Chirpsing from agency withheld asks: I have some older clients who are visiting the UK for only the second time. They have been to France, Italy, Spain and Germany on their previous visit and are interested in seeing some other parts of the continent. They are in their late 60s so are looking for a few interesting, but none too challenging destinations. They have said budget isn't an issue, but they don't want to go on an escorted tour. What would you recommend for these clients?
 

Dan says: It's not uncommon for people making a second trip to Europe to branch out from the tried and tested Western European favourites.

Your clients do sound like they are in the age bracket that escorted touring is suited to, but since they are keen to go solo, I have a few recommendations in Eastern Europe, namely Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro. Not only are these three countries beautiful destinations in their own right, but they can be explored without undue exertion and thus suit travellers of all ages.

I'd recommend they begin in the Slovenian capital Ljubljana, a small and pretty city, before heading roughly 50km to Lake Bled (pictured), an astounding natural wonder complete with an historic mountaintop castle. From Ljubljana, it's an easy train ride to the Croatian capital Zagreb.

If they are feeling particularly vigorous, I'd suggest a side trip to the World Heritage listed Plitvice Lakes National Park, which are breathtaking. If not, then by hugging the Adriatic coast using bus services, your clients can then hop on a boat from Split, home to the immense Diocletian's Palace, and cruise to the resplendent island of Hvar. After this, a trip to the south-eastern extremity of the country will bring them to Dubrovnik, arguably Croatia's finest city. Its red roofed old quarter is deservedly one of Eastern Europe's most popular tourist destinations.

If they've still got time for some more eye-popping scenery, a bus or plane into Montenegro, to visit the astonishing Bay of Kotor, will provide a brilliant climax to any trip. Short flights from the Montenegrin capital Podgorica can take them back to major European hubs. I hope this helps.

Renee Jones of Fast Track Travel asks: I read an article recently on the changing nature of in-flight entertainment and there was a reference to geotainment. What exactly is that?

 David says: These days one of the most popular in flight entertainment features is the moving map, which shows passengers their location and how much more flight time they have left.

A number of companies – including MondoWindow (www.mondowindow.com), GeoRadio (http://georadio.aero) and Hidden Journeys (www.hiddenjourneys.co.uk), which is owned by the Royal Geographical Society in London, are now taking advantage of new developments, such as in-flight WiFi, to enhance the map by including such things as images, audio commentary and mini-documentaries on the people and places passengers fly over – so called geotainment.

GeoRadio, for instance, brings to life cultures, cities, events and landscapes using music, humour and even radio drama, while Hidden Journeys draws on an enormous collection of contemporary and historic photographs and maps, as well as content created by scientists and travel writers. Airlines are yet to embrace the concept but it looks likely to take off as ever-more sophisticated in-flight technology is introduced. Keep your eyes peeled over the next few years for developments in this area.