Want a hen or stag do without spending a fortune? Head off the beaten track and you could find the perfect spot to celebrate your last days of being single without breaking the bank.
The thrifty savers at PromotionalCodes.org.uk have compiled some of the best budget destinations for stags and hens who want one final celebration with friends before settling down with their future husband or wife.
The list includes top cities and resorts soon to be spouses flock to looking for the perfect send-off, as well as cheaper but equally spectacular alternatives.
Some of the cheaper recommendations include partying in sunny Croatia, skiing in Bulgaria, and shopping in Lisbon.
Many of the locations are ideal alterative holidays for stags looking to drink, party and gamble, whilst others provide plenty of shopping, spa breaks and beaches to keep the hens happy.
Darren Williams of PromotionalCodes.org.uk said: “The stag and hen party has been an essential part of getting married for brides and grooms for decades.
“Recently more men and women have ventured abroad looking to enjoy being single one last time, and the cost of these holidays can quickly begin to skyrocket.
“You don’t have to spend big abroad to get a truly memorable stag or hen do, and you’ll find that if you shop around you can get some great deals.
“There are suggestions here for every kind of party that you could want, whether you’re looking to party in the sun or shop at reasonably priced stores.
“Everybody wants their stag and hen do to be memorable, but just because you want to see out single life in style doesn’t mean you should break the bank.”
Here are Promotionalcodes.org.uk’s best stag and hen dos, and their cheaper alternatives:
- Ibiza
Ibiza remains the ultimate party destination in Europe and even though prices continue to rise groups of men and women still flock to the white isle every year.
An average ticket to a club can cost roughly €50-€70, whist extortionate drinks prices inside range can range from about €12-€18.
Alternative: Croatia
Croatia is filled with beautiful sunny coasts that are perfect for partying, not to mention its currently one of Europe’s best festival spots.
You can get a good exchange rate for Croatian Kuna compared to the Euro, making Croatia a perfect cheap drinking spot. Coastal towns like Dubrovnik are also perfect for hens looking for relaxation in the sun.
- Las Vegas
The ultimate stag do location, the cities’ motto of ‘what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas’ alone makes this the pinnacle of stag do weekends for some men.
However the costs of flights, hotels and the inevitable gambling losses soon add up to a pretty pricey stag weekend.
Alternative: Monaco
Monaco offers all the glitz and glamour of Vegas but without the cost of a long haul flight.
Flights to Nice near Monaco are a fraction of the price of a trip to Nevada, and if you book early you can find a pretty reasonably priced apartment on rental sites.
There are many swanky casinos that allow you to gamble without having to re-mortgage your house, but make sure you dress smartly when attending.
- Barcelona
Barcelona is the perfect shopping trip for hen do’s looking to pick up cutting edge fashion and designer outfits, but unfortunately the costs of shopping, drinks and food in the city are some of the most expensive in Europe.
Alternative: Lisbon
Lisbon has become know for being one of the cheapest capital cities in western Europe, and like Barcelona offers a great mix of shops and beaches.
- Tuscany
Tuscany rightly has a reputation as one of Europe’s premier spa break destinations thanks to its picturesque countryside, historical cities and countless spa resorts, but this reputation means a hen party there isn’t the cheapest.
Alternative: Budapest
If you are shrewd when booking flights to Budapest the cost can be relatively low, and once you arrive there you’ll find it to be the perfect budget hen spa break thanks to the cheap cost of living.
Budapest is famed for its thermal baths and springs, which can found all across the capital offering reasonably priced spa and massage experiences.
- Dublin
Dublin is the perfect lads trip away for a stag do thanks to its cheap flights and great nightlife, but the cost of drinks and renting apartments isn’t always the best option when on a budget.
Alternative: Bratislava
Bratislava is quickly becoming a major European destination for stag do’s, thanks in no small part to the insanely cheap price of beer out there and a thriving party scene.
Flights over the summer may cost slightly more than a quick trip to Dublin, but you’ll make the money back on the cost of living in no time.
- Serre Chevalier – France
Serre Chevalier is one of a number of popular ski resorts in the French Alps that people have travelled to in search of a something extra from a pre-wedding party.
Alternative: Bansko – Bulgaria
Ski resorts like Bankso in Bulgaria have become skiing hot spots thanks to a combination of good slopes, cheap food and drink and affordable ski passes, making it a fantastic value for money weekend away for stag and hen dos.
ENDS
For me one of the best (and affordable) destinations for a stag party is Warsaw in Poland. It is really a nice city, not crazy expensive but modern and diverse. There are many great attractions and clubs, so there would be no problem with the organization. I have been there few months ago for my friend’s stag weekend and it was fantastic. We went to a really nice exclusive club called New Orleans and had a great manly party. Beautiful dancers, great whisky and exclusive atmosphere – sound like a great stag party for me!