Being a best man is an honour but traditionally requires quite a bit of preparation in the run up to the big day. It’s not just about providing your pal with support and advice, but also about writing a speech, lending a helping hand in wedding planning and throwing the all-important stag do. Thankfully, nowadays the tourist industry has responded to this cry for assistance. You can now turn to agencies specialised in stag and hen party ideas to help you arrange the best guys’ getaway you’ll remember for years ahead.
The busiest best men can opt for a fully pre-organised package deal that is likely to see your group assigned a special guide and given a detailed agenda for the weekend. Alternatively, you can use the agency as a consultant and plan a programme together or just take their suggestions on-board and do all the organising yourself. Some of Europe’s hottest stag night destinations and their unique experience offers are:
Krakow, Poland
Krakow has the reputation of being the most student-friendly city in Poland so you can imagine what this entails. The stunning cobbled streets of the city’s old town are lined with pubs and clubs serving up a mix of potent drinks and quality tunes. Locals are big on the nightlife and keen on partying till dawn so you won’t run out of clubbing options.
If you’re an outdoorsy bunch, you’ll be happy to hear Krakow is close to some of Poland’s most beautiful nature where you can go white water rafting or paintballing.
Riga, Latvia
Latvia’s gorgeous capital city is served by an array of cheap airlines so has never been more accessible. With prices lower than in many European capitals, Riga’s an affordable destination. Local nightlife in the city centre caters towards the growing amount of foreign visitors with bars and clubs offering regular happy hours and deals. Beware as drink measures are twice that of the UK! Head to the old town for some of the best bars. Clubs are scattered throughout the city.
Just some of the outdoor activities you could be offered as part of your package are bobsleighing, AK47 shooting and golf.
Ibiza, Spain
Spain’s party capital is as hot as ever. For a weekend full of sun, sea, sand and partying from dusk till dawn, there’s no doubt this is your best bet.
To combat your hangover, you can choose from activities including island boat tours, jeep safaris and go karting.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam is a classic choice for stag dos because it offers so much potential for a great weekend. If you stay in a city hotel Amsterdam, you’ll have everything on your doorstep from bars, clubs and coffee shops to canal boat tours, bike tours and quirky museums. Most city centre nightlife hotspots cater towards visitors so expect a great international vibe and special offers. Be sure to include a visit to the famous Heineken Experience to see how the golden liquid is brewed.
Wherever you go, groups of stags are seen as easy targets by chancing thieves. Stay safe by not carrying an excessive amount of cash, sticking together and not provoking dangerous situations. Be wary of “dodgy-looking” bars and clubs as well.
