Organizing your first lads’ holiday or trip abroad is a true rite of passage in a man’s life.
The feeling of cracking open a drink at an ungodly hour with your closest friends is a triumphant and poignant moment at any time, and once all pressure is alleviated upon check-in, it’s time to unwind.
As the clocks go forward across Europe, the weather gets better, and nights get longer, many will be preparing for their holidays and stag do’s, with immense pressure circulating in group chats as to where to stay, what to do, how much money to bring, and of course, where to buy a pint.
Travelling can be a daunting experience for those unprepared.
However, there are plenty of places accommodating a range of budgets and experiences, and in this list, we break down the best places to head for every type of trip.
From boozy weekends to the more sophisticated end of the spectrum, read on as we examine the best destinations for a stag do or a lad’s holiday this year.
Budapest – Hungary
Kicking things off with the king of the stag weekend, the city of Budapest.
Known for having some of the cheapest beers in the world, the low cost doesn’t mean the Pearl of the Danube skimps out on quality.
Flights and hotels are perfect for both short- and long-term stays, with Ryanair starting at £41.
In terms of activities, the city is blessed with stunning architecture as you rent the beer bikes and glide down the streets.
Alongside various sports bars for the Premier League and bar crawls, there are the famous public baths, compensating for the lack of a beach.
Despite being a mainland city, the hub of Budapest’s nightlife remains in a conventional strip, with P2 and Halo Bar amongst the most popular nightclubs.
Zante – Greek Islands
The island of Zakynthos has become one of the top destinations for younger people to visit on holiday thanks to its conveniently located strip in Laganas.
Everything is accessible within a mile walk, finishing off at the beach which is a great place to watch the sun rise in the early hours of the morning.
Zante has a great range of day activities, with cheap excursions including boat and quad bike rentals and waterparks.
A great suggestion is to pick up a wristband that gets your group access to a range of events such as pool parties, boat parties, and a stop-off at the caves for a rave.
Those looking at stag trips or part of an old crowd can head for Zante town, with better quality restaurants and sports bars, alongside Porto Limnionas Beach and its clear ocean.
Las Vegas – USA
A trip tailored towards an older crowd, Las Vegas is a perfect trip for both short stays and a week trip, depending on how lucky your group is feeling.
Indeed, Sin City is not for the faint-hearted, with even the top UK live casinos paling in comparison to the likes of Caesars Palace, the MGM Grand, and the Bellagio to name just a few.
All hotels provide that luxury experience, and while the legal age to visit is 21, it is perfect for those who want a more mature trip away to enjoy the United States.
The beautiful weather and access to round-the-clock entertainment mean there’s plenty to do aside from gambling, with Vegas putting on daily shows, bar crawls, limo journeys, and buffets – basically everything you see is larger than life.
With excursions to Los Angeles and the Grand Canyon also on the cards, we’d advise you to save up as much as possible and book a trip to remember if you’re looking at visiting Vegas, with flights and accommodation in their thousands if not organized properly.
However, once you arrive you have to let the good times roll!
Ayia Napa – Cyprus
Those groups wanting to venture a bit further into Europe should visit Ayia Napa in Cyprus, one of the most iconic locations for a trip away.
A slightly longer flight of 5 hours is well worth doing, and packages can be as cheap as £400 for a week’s stay, with plenty of entertainment on board this summer.
Due to how spread out parts of Ayia Napa are, it’s best to rent a quad bike in order to see as much of Cyprus as possible.
There are lots of British people around and you can keep your trusty English power plugs, as well as a few pound coins if needed!
There are lots of small towns that join up alongside Napa, with cliff diving and a huge waterpark two things to get on the itinerary.
The evenings are just as busy, with a large square filled with late bars, nightclubs, and fast-food places, although it’s best to stick together as a group as the clubs can sometimes be two or three streets away and it is hard to keep up with where everyone is.
Final Words
Overall, there are plenty of options for booking a lad’s trip.
Whether you want to stay closer to home or explore the further corners of the globe, it’s best to plan ahead and get as many people together as possible to book a trip that will last as a memory for years to come.
