ICMA members have expressed an interest in social travel events, and the association has responded with the ICMA Travel Connections program. This new member benefit will provide travel opportunities for groups of members and their families, beginning with a trip to Scotland in July 2013.

A focus group was held at the 2012 annual conference last October to gather member input about creating a travel program benefit. Participants indicated a preference for events that were social in nature, rather than being designed solely as professional development opportunities. Focus group participants also noted that international travel created the opportunity to meet with other local government professionals around the world.

Now ICMA members can enjoy the opportunity to share travel, tours, and meals with each other at premium destinations. The inaugural ICMA Travel Connections trip will carry members to Scotland from Sunday, July 21, 2013, through Monday, July 29, 2013 ($250 deposits per person are due no later than April 1, 2013). An optional Travel Protection Plan is available.

The nine-day Scottish getaway package comes complete with first class hotels for eight nights and includes 14 meals. Members will enjoy all that Scotland has to offer, from the Loch Ness Cruise to the Edinburgh Castle. Take a tour of Glasgow and Edinburgh, and the ferry to the Isle of Skye. Snack on tea and scones at Falls of Feugh, or sip whiskey during a tour of the Speyside distillery.

Many other Scottish highlights await members, but reservations are due no later than April 1, 2013. Learn more at www.icma.org/travel, or contact Sallie Ann Burnett at sburnett@icma.org or 864-541-8678.