A stag party (or bachelor party in the US) is traditionally the last ‘night of freedom’ for a groom before he gets married. Traditionally it is organised by the best man who invites the groom’s friends for a night out. In recent years such parties have grown to include whole weekends away, often encompassing trips to foreign countries. Hen weekends, the female equivalent, have also become popular. So how do you organise stag weekends abroad and make sure that everybody has fun (and that the groom comes home in one piece for the wedding!)
Destination
Traditionally stag parties involve a night on the town. For this reason a city with a vibrant club and bar scene is a good choice. Popular overseas destinations for UK based parties include Prague, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dublin, Budapest and Riga. As well as the colourful nightlife, such cities also provide for plenty of more relaxing activities and excursions within the city during the day. Whilst a visit to a museum may not be at the top of the agenda for a stag weekend, a cultural tour of the city on an open-top bus will help nurse hangovers. Bigger cities also contain attractions such as water parks, go-karting and other activities which are ideal for a big group of friends to have fun together.
Getting There
Most of the major cities in Europe can be reached by low cost airlines from the UK in just a few hours. If you’re going on a short break then travel time is important. Cities in Eastern Europe are well served by budget carriers and have the advantage of being cheaper once you get there.
Where To Stay
A central location is extremely important. Nobody will want to endure a long taxi or bus ride for an evening out (especially the return journey). Since it is unlikely that you will be spending much time in the hotel, extra facilities such as a gym or top class restaurant will be less important – although an internet connection may be useful to enable you to share pictures with those left at home. Be aware that some hotels are reluctant to allow bookings from large male-only groups.
Safety
Particularly when alcohol is involved, people often forget the dangers of being in unfamiliar surrounds where cultural differences and a language barrier can make life difficult. Ensure that everybody has travel insurance, not just for theft, lost baggage or unforeseen cancellations, but also in case of an accident abroad. Whilst healthcare in many European countries is free to UK citizens with the right paperwork, repatriation in case of illness or injury is not and can be expensive.
Ensure that everybody has the hotel address and phone number and contact details of other people in the party. That way if they get lost they won’t be left stranded and wandering the streets.
If all this sounds daunting, there are companies that will organise a stag or hen weekend away. However, with some planning, preparation and a copy of the appropriate city guide, a DIY stag weekend abroad can be more fun and rewarding if organised yourself.
