A perfect ‘sten’

A joint stag and hen abroad can be an exciting and unique way to celebrate with both the groom and bride-to-be along with their friends. It can also help stop a pre-wedding party from slipping into stereotypes.

With many people now getting married abroad, a joint stag or hen do ahead of the wedding can be a nice way to get to know each other before the wedding celebration.

Before getting to this stage, it’s important for both parties to agree they are happy with this - Wise’s research revealed that nearly a fifth (16%) of Brits think it’s a good idea for men and women to have a joint stag or hen event (a ‘sten’) instead of having to do them separately.

Talk to your spouse and make sure they are happy with this - otherwise there could be some awkward conversations later on..

Once this is agreed, there are some steps to take before finding the perfect abroad ‘sten’ destination.

1. Choosing the destination

• Choosing the best place for a joint stag and hen do depends on what the group wants to experience, whether it’s cultural exploration, vibrant nightlife, or relaxing on beautiful beaches.
• Choose a destination that appeals to both groups and is easily accessible for everyone. Popular options include Barcelona, Lisbon, Rome, Amsterdam.
• With such a big group of people, it’s also important to make sure that it’s in budget for everyone. Have open and honest conversations from the start.

2. Planning the trip

• Set the date: This part can be tricky and people typically start to get difficult. Choose a date well in advance to ensure maximum availability.
• Guest list: Decide who will be invited with the relevant best man / woman / person. This part can get awkward, particularly if certain family members are being excluded (“do you want your mum with us?!”).
• There’s going to be a lot of people -, don’t let the Whatsapp group go out of control. Consider splitting the group into stag and hen parties to avoid notification overload. Make sure you pin important messages to the chat so you don’t get the classic person messaging two days before take off asking for all the essential info!

3. Accommodation

• Group booking: Decide whether you want to stay altogether or split the groups in two two. It might be worth looking for accommodations that can host large groups, such as villas, large apartments, or boutique hotels.
• Proximity: Choose a central location close to major attractions and nightlife to minimise transportation costs and time.

4. Activities

• This is the part of a joint stag or hen that might be trickiest. It’s worth thinking about splitting up for group activities and then coming together for evening events.

Get some culture in: We know that in 2024, people are looking for more cultured activities to do for their stag / hen. So make sure to choose activities that allow you to experience the local culture and cuisine and aren’t just centred around getting drunk.
Bride/Groom’s Interests: Consider what the bride or groom enjoys doing. Tailor activities to their preferences, whether it’s adventure sports, cultural experiences, or relaxation.
Group Dynamics: Take into account the group’s interests and ages. Ensure activities are suitable for everyone attending.
Affordability: Choose activities that fit within the budget of the group.

Sample itinerary for a joint stag & hen in Lisbon:

Lisbon is the perfect spot for a joint stag and hen as it offers the perfect combination of culture, good food and drink options for big groups and the opportunity to spend a day at the beach!

Here’s a sample itinerary that balances activities and relaxation for a big group ti ensure a memorable celebration:

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome

Morning: Arrival in Lisbon: Arrive at Lisbon Portela Airport.

Transfer to Accommodation: Check-in at your chosen accommodation. Lisbon offers an array of Air BnBs or hotels. Bairro Alto is known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, restaurants, and Fado houses. During the day, it's a bohemian neighborhood with narrow streets and colorful buildings. This area can be quite loud, so if you fancy something a bit quieter head to Chiado- an elegant and lively neighborhood known for its upscale shopping, theaters, and charming cafes. It's a great area for shopping, dining, and experiencing Lisbon's cultural scene. Two great hotel options are Pestana Palace Lisbon Hotel & National Monument and Hotel Avenida Palace.

Afternoon: Welcome Lunch: Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant. A great option for lunch is Lost In Esplanada Bar - a unique restaurant with a rooftop terrace offering stunning views of Lisbon.

Explore Alfama District: Take a stroll through the historic Alfama district, known for its narrow streets and Fado music.

Evening: Dinner at Time Out Market: Sample various local dishes at the Time Out Market where you can find the best of Lisbon under one roof: the best chefs, restaurants, cultural events and cooking workshops!

Night Out in Bairro Alto: Experience Lisbon’s nightlife in the Bairro Alto district, known for its lively bars and clubs.

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Morning: Guided City Tour: Explore Lisbon’s landmarks such as Belem Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and Monument to the Discoveries.

Afternoon:Lunch in Belem: Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch in Belem at Darwin's Café. Located in the beautiful Champalimaud Foundation, offering a modern and creative menu with international influences with outdoor seating with views of the river.

Visit the Belem Cultural Center: Explore the contemporary art exhibitions.

Evening:Fado Dinner Show: Enjoy dinner at Clube de Fado - one of the most renowned Fado houses in Lisbon, located in the heart of Alfama. It offers an intimate atmosphere with authentic Fado performances and a traditional Portuguese menu.

Day 3: Adventure and Relaxation

Morning: Sintra Day Trip: Visit the fairytale town of Sintra, explore Pena Palace, and enjoy the beautiful scenery

Afternoon: Relax at Cascais Beach: Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach in Cascais.

Evening: Sunset Boat Tour: Enjoy a private boat tour with Lisbon Sunset Cruise on the Tagus River. This 2-hour cruise offers stunning views of Lisbon's skyline and landmarks at sunset. You'll pass by Belém Tower, Christ the King statue, and the 25th of April Bridge.

Day 4: Fun and Free Time

Morning: Free Time: Explore local shops and markets in the centre of town for souvenirs.

Afternoon: Cooking Class: Take a cooking class at Lisbon Cooking Academy. Classes cover a variety of Portuguese dishes, and you'll learn about local ingredients and cooking techniques.

Evening: Farewell Dinner: Have a farewell dinner at Belcanto - a two-Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative Portuguese cuisine by chef José Avillez. It provides a refined dining experience in an elegant setting.

And don't forget to pack your Wise cards to spend like a local in 40+ currencies!

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