Gone are the days when bachelor and bachelorette parties were simple get-togethers with friends, alcohol and perhaps an entertainer of the opposite sex. Nowadays, those on the brink of a lifetime of commitment are seeking ways to fully enjoy their last few days of singledom by spending quality time with their closest friends. Or in reality, it’s just an excuse to go wild and have fun together. This explains why stag and hen parties have extended from single night events to overnight stays, weekends or even weeklong trips abroad.

If you’re planning on getting hitched soon, here’s a list of some of the top European destinations to consider.

For him and his

Amsterdam

Apart from the obvious activities that entice most stags to go to Amsterdam – like the infamous coffee shops, beer tasting and brewery tours, museums and crazy nightlife – Amsterdam actually does offer a lot of other fun activities ideal for stag weekends. Take a limo ride or better yet a beer bike tour. The latter sounds like you can burn off calories while you’re actually consuming them, but in reality, you’re just sitting on a massive 17-person bicycle being chauffeured around the city while drinking litres of beer.

If you do feel the need to exercise on your stag do, try out bubble football – this involves playing football while your upper body and head are encased in an inflated plastic zorb.

Riga

Popularly praised as Europe’s best stag party destination, Riga has all the ingredients of a successful trip. Hundreds of plush bars and nightclubs around the city sound exciting enough. But adrenaline junkies are in for a real treat as Riga offers a fun-filled stag do of a lifetime. If you’re there in the winter months, try out the snow sports offerings such as skiing, snowboarding, bobsleighing or just mucking about on a snowmobile. If you plan to go at any other time of year, enjoy lazy rafting down the river, bungee jumping, quad biking, offroad touring or canoeing.

Riga has really gone out of its way to accommodate the needs of the stags and has started a scheme where you can hire people to arrest the groom-to-be and his entourage and even take them to a prison for interrogation and an overnight scary stay. Talk about a stag do to remember.

For her and hers

Sailing Croatia

As islanders, most of us love the sea. If you’re one of the many who do, then charter a yacht in Croatia and spend a fantastic week with your friends on board a luxury boat, soaking up the sun with a cold beer or a glass of wine.

If you want to spice it up, consider taking part in Yacht Week, a week of sailing around Croatia that includes stops in various ports and remote islands along the way and exclusive parties in a variety of locations. Several other yachts will be touring the same route and teaming up for one big party at night, so it’s the perfect mix of relaxation among friends and wild partying with strangers.

Barcelona

Sunshine, shopping and dark and handsome Spanish hombres. Need I say more? Barcelona actually boasts a myriad of fun outdoor activities.

Sunshine, shopping and dark and handsome Spanish hombres. Need I say more?

Enjoy a day on a yacht or tour the wonders of this beautiful city in Go Cars, which are open top, three-wheeled, storytelling cars that take you around the city while explaining the history, culture and heritage of each location visited.

Then head to a spa for some serious pampering before enjoying lots of delicious seafood and paella, washed down with fresh sangria while overlooking Barcelona’s stunning beaches. Take a private limo ride before dancing the night away at one of the many glamorous nightclubs in town or on a pumping boat party. Do make sure you plan an evening to watch Spain’s signature flamenco shows or take your very own salsa or flamenco lesson.

For him and her

Ibiza

If you want to party hard, then Ibiza is your destination. You can find yourself living it up in lavish clubs like Pacha and Ushuaia, partying on the more low-key but equally fun boat parties, dancing the heat off in bikinis on Bora Bora beach or just bouncing to the beat by the hotel pool.

The best part is that no matter how sloshed you get or outrageously dressed up in vulgar costumes, there’s no need to be embarrassed because Ibiza has seen it all before. However, be sure to plan a hangover-free day to enjoy the beautiful countryside on foot or horseback, the exciting hippy markets and the stunningly beautiful nearby island of Formentera.

Prague

Teeming with exquisite charm, mesmerising history and plenty of bars and clubs, Prague has attracted bachelors and bachelorettes for many years. Apart from stunning architecture and interesting museums, Prague is packed with fun activities for both guys and girls. Paintballing, military tank drives, go-karting, shooting, pole dancing classes, mud-wrestling and bobsleighing are just a few. Depending on your budget, you can also take it up a notch with private boat tours along the river and spa days for groups.