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Would you say that a standard stag/hen do, that is (for international readers) the party we have before one of our best friends is to be married, is cultured?

Well, it is a cultural trip of sorts, in that it has tradition and celebrates something special between friends.

However, the standard image is of indulgence, heading out late into the night, drinking and carousing and who knows what else. Our tone might seem disapproving, but of course, these experiences can be great fun, and you get to decide how you’ll celebrate your last weeks of unmarried life, even if you may end up in a questionable state at five in the morning.

But if you’re in the market for a more cultured, refined, perhaps even patient stag do where you really soak in the atmosphere and understanding of your chosen destination (perhaps this is more your speed), we have some advice below:

Head To A Place With Real, Present History

If you’re thinking about a stag or hen do that’s a bit more about soaking your environment in than soaking in liquer, choosing somewhere with a rich, living history can be a fantastic move. You might even be bored with a generic party town, so imagine a place where there are ancient streets or where historical landmarks stand right alongside modern life. This gives your trip a backdrop that’s full of character and interesting things to explore, such as enjoying a beautiful stag do in Lisbon.

Thanks to that choice, you could spend your days wandering through old city centres, checking out impressive cathedrals, or trying local museums and learning something. It gives everyone something more substantial to connect with in the day which can feel more nourishing than just the usual nightlife – though remember you don’t have to stop going to the bar later either! It’s good to remember the trip at least, especially in a beautiful place like this.

Enjoy A Slightly More Refined Affair

Why not spend a little more money and enjoy more luxury? There’s no need to cheap out or be too misbehaved when you want to focus and take your time on the good stuff. So instead of a bar crawl, consider something like a gourmet food tour where you taste local delicacies and learn about their origins. Even a refined wine tour gives you an excuse to enjoy a quirk slurp but still do so in style, offering a chance to relax and chat properly.

If you’re alcohol-free, you could look into catching a local show, perhaps some live music that’s typical of the area, or a classic play. These kinds of experiences allow for great conversation and connection among friends without all the usual noise and rush, and you’ll feel happy for the memories you’ve made.

Have A Stated Goal For The Trip

This follows on from our last point, but having a clear goal for your stag or hen trip, that means more than just having a good time, can give it more structure and meaning. Now you don’t have to act like this is a school trip, but it’s nice to feel nourished by something substantial. For example, maybe the goal is to conquer a specific hiking trail if you’re all into outdoor adventures, or perhaps it’s to master a particular local craft, like pottery or cooking, during your stay. Perhaps you all love art and want to see some amazing pieces up close.

Setting a goal like this will make the holiday into a sense of achievement and shared experience you can celebrate and refer back to. This helps differentiate the trip away celebrating your friend as something memorable, as opposed to a few nights you can’t remember that well.

Go For A Little Longer

Deciding to extend your stag or hen trip for a little longer also helps you to focus on more substantive experiences, as opposed to just partying, especially if you’re aiming for a more cultured viewpoint.

That’s because a quick weekend will generally imply rushing through things, and trying to cram too much into too little time. If you add a day or two, or even go for a week, you may be able to get a good deal renting out an old cottage with friends and making the most of the time you have, such as laying on a beach, going for nature walks, fishing at the lake or river (with a permit of course), or just enjoying your camping experience.

With this advice, you’ll be certain to plan a more cultured stag and hen do going forward.

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