TRAVELEX.CO.UK: TOP TIPS FOR STAG AND HEN WEEKENDS ABROAD

Date: May 29, 2008

With the UK’s traditional wedding season about to kick off, Brits in their thousands will be heading off on hen and stag weekends over the coming weeks. However, with cash-strapped Brits tightening their belts this year and looking for a bargain, traditional Euro destinations such as Dublin and Amsterdam are now leaving fun-seeking revellers out of pocket as the Euro continues to remain strong against the pound
(€1.22:1 travelex.co.uk).

Research from currency specialists Travelex.co.uk reveals that the average cost of the last weekend of freedom within the Euro-zone is now around £400, but the best place to bag a bargain is just outside the Euro-zone in destinations such as Slovakia, Bulgaria and Croatia.  These countries still have their own currency, meaning you could save at least £200 on a weekend away in newly popular resorts such as Bratislava in comparison to Dublin. Going there rather than a destination in the Euro-zone could leave you much better off as countries with their own currencies offer better exchange rates so your money will go further than in typical Euro-zone destinations.

Travelex.co.uk has also revealed a marked increase in orders of UAE Dirham, now the fourth most popular currency at Travelex.co.uk, largely due to the popularity of Dubai. For those who want to splash out a little more, the increasing popularity of destinations such as Dubai, highlight that people are opting to travel further afield to get more bang for their buck.  Celebs such as Coleen McGloughlin are setting the trend for long-haul hens with a recent week-long holiday in sunny Miami before her upcoming nuptials on June 14th to Wayne Rooney

If you’ve already planned your stag and hen do to a Euro-zone destination there are ways you can make your money go further. One of the easiest ways is by pre-ordering your currency online which will then be ready for collection at an airport of your choice. Travelex.co.uk offers a Price Promise rate which guarantees the best rate with no commission charge or your money back – meaning you’ll have more money to enjoy your time away.

Travelex.co.uk has identified the top destinations to make your hen or stag weekend one to remember without leaving you bankrupt before the day itself:

TRAVELEX.CO.UK TOP DESTINATIONS FOR STAG AND HEN WEEKENDS:

Cheap destinations outside the Euro-zone:

• Bratislava – Slovakia:

With beer as cheap as chips, stags are flocking in their thousands to the Slovakian capital which benefits from being just outside the Euro-zone and still has its own currency, the Koruna, meaning you certainly get a lot for your money

Costs (based on a 2 x night stay):
Pint: 50p per pint. (£10 over weekend)
Accommodation: £60 for 2 x nights
Flights: £60 return
Activity: Paint balling £37
Meal: £30 for 2 x meals
TOTAL: £197    

• Krakow – Poland:

Krakow has become a firm favourite with stag dos with organised trips from sites such as www.lastnightoffreedom offering packages of clubbing and 4 x 4 driving for as little as £139 for 2 x nights accommodation thrown in. As with Bratislava, Krakow benefits from still having its own currency, the Zloty, meaning that your money will go further in Poland

Costs (based on a 2 x night stay):
Pint: 80p per pint (£16 over weekend)
Accommodation & activity included: £139
Meal: £40 for 2 x meals
Flights: £89 return
TOTAL: £284

Good value long-haul:

• Dubai

Not only can you get great sun, sea and sand you can also buy cheap gold in the souks over in Dubai meaning that you can pick up a your wedding ring at a bargain price while you’re there – a perfect destination for the stag or hen alike

Costs (based on a 3 night stay):
Pint: £3 per pint (£90)
Accommodation: £360 x 3 nights
Flights: £400 return
Activity: £27.50 Sand-surfing
Meal: £100.50 (x 3 meals)
TOTAL: £978.00

• Las Vegas – USA

With the dollar still weak against the pound enjoying a pre-wedding break in Las Vegas could be a great option with the dollar still close to 2:1 (1.9:1) – you can even drink 24 hours a day in some bars and casinos in the capital of fun!

Costs (based on a 4 x night stay):
Pint: £2 per pint (£60)
Accommodation:  £240 x 3 nights
Flights £500 return
Activity: £25 - Gun range
Meal: £120 (x 3 meals)
TOTAL: £945.00

Destination in the Euro-zone:

Dublin costs(based on 2 x night stay):
Pint: £3.60 per pint. £72
Accommodation: £150 x 2 nights
Meal: £60 x 2 meals
Activity: Paint balling £38
Flights: £100 return
TOTAL: £420