A: For more than four decades, Associated Food Stores has treated its member retailers to unforgettable incentive trips every 12 to 18 months. These experiences sit at the heart of the AFS cooperative—honoring loyalty to our Exclusive Brands and creating cherished memories that bring the entire AFS family closer together.

A: The trips are offered every 12 to 18 months, giving member retailers regular opportunities to participate.

A: Trip points are earned by AFS members through the purchase of AFS’ Exclusive Brand products.

A: Yes. It is the individual members’ choice on how to use the trip points earned. Some choose to use them for the AFS trip, while others choose to cash out their points.

A: 1 trip point = $1

A: Trip point balances are available on the Owners’ page in StoreLink under Exclusive Trip Points. Contact Denise Ward (ddward@afstores.com) or Candy Echols (caechols@afstores.com) at AFS if you have any questions.

A: A per-person deposit will be charged to your weekly statement account. After the trip has concluded, the remaining balance will be deducted from your points. Any remaining balance due will be charged to your weekly statement account.

Yes. When an AFS trip is announced, there will be a trip registration specific to that destination. During registration, you will have the option to select “Pay via Check” or “Pay via Credit Card,” and our travel partners will send you trip invoices to pay prior to departure.

A: The trips serve four key purposes:

• Deepening Ties To Each Other When we break up the normal script of our daily work routine and make the commitment to creating and sharing amazing experiences together, these moments become remembered disproportionately. Sharing these moments strengthens relationships—whether through the shared experience(s), sharing personal time together, and even getting through the challenges of traveling together.

• Improved Communication The trips give retailers the unique opportunity to travel alongside AFS Executives and department heads, allowing them to personally meet and connect with the actual people behind the phone calls and emails. These meaningful face-to-face interactions build stronger personal relationships that foster significantly better, more open, and more effective communication long after the trip ends.

• Enhanced Collaboration The trips create valuable opportunities for informal conversations with fellow retailers, fostering deeper personal connections that are often difficult to achieve in day-to-day business — especially with our membership spread across eleven states. They also provide an excellent chance to collaborate, share what’s working in your stores, and learn how other retailers are successfully addressing today’s challenges.

• Increased Loyalty and Trust Many retailers show their appreciation for employees and staff through these travel experiences. Travel can build stronger personal bonds and increase team member loyalty and retention.

A: Yes. Many retailers show their appreciation for employees and staff through these travel experiences. Travel can build stronger personal bonds and increase team member loyalty and retention. The trips also create lasting family memories while rewarding long-time staff members who pour their hearts into the store every single day.

A: Every trip will vary depending on the destination and itinerary. However, each trip will include a dedicated trip manager from our travel partner, Destinations, along with AFS support to help ensure everything runs smoothly throughout the experience. Each trip website and registration will clearly indicate per person pricing and what is included.

A: Yes. Our travel partners will offer optional excursions (many of which are exclusive to AFS travelers) that can be added to your trip. These excursions may be paid for using points or by direct payment via check or credit card. Group activities will also be incorporated throughout the trip itinerary, though schedules may vary by destination.

A: AFS retailers, their friends and family, AFS executives and staff, and professional trip managers all attend these trips.

A: Each trip will have its own cancellation policies, timelines, and applicable fees. You will review and agree to these terms during the registration process prior to confirming your trip.

A: Trip-specific communications (mostly email)  will be sent out prior to departure, including confirmations, excursion options, destination details, hotel or cruise information, travel updates, and other important trip information.

A: It depends on the trip and the number of participants traveling from the same area. Destinations often arranges group flights from major gateways when 10 or more members are flying from the same airport. This allows us to take advantage of airline group fares. Salt Lake City, Bozman, and Billings are traditional gateways where we typically book group flights.

A: Yes. Many members choose to book their own flights, especially when they want to use frequent flyer miles, credit card points, or have specific travel preferences and schedules.

A: It depends on how the flights are booked. If flights are arranged through Destinations’ Air Desk or by Jessica Nelson, airfare can be covered by your trip points. However, if you book your own flights or use another travel agency, airfare is not covered by points.

A: We carefully choose hotels and destinations that strike the right balance of comfort, quality, and value. Locations are selected for their proximity to great excursions, local restaurants, and activities. Every hotel and excursion is thoroughly vetted to ensure it meets high safety standards, follows travel industry best practices, and is fully insured for group travel. Our goal is to deliver a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience for every AFS member.

A: Every AFS trip includes special welcome and farewell events designed to bring the group together and create lasting memories. Welcome events often feature a festive dinner with local touches to help everyone settle in and get to know one another. Farewell events typically include a celebratory dinner with music or toasts, giving the group a meaningful way to reflect on the trip and say goodbye. These gatherings are a highlight for many members and help foster the strong sense of community that makes AFS trips so special.

A: Yes. A dedicated trip manager from Destinations, Inc. travels with the group and is on-site throughout the entire trip. This experienced planner (currently Jessica Nelson) handles day-to-day logistics, answers questions, and ensures everything runs smoothly so members can focus on enjoying the experience. While traveling, we will utilize temporary help from locals in the destination to supplement staffing needs.  AFS support is also available to help with any needs that arise.