Travel Advice

Jetting off for an epic stag weekend is every man’s rite of passage. Whilst it’s not uncommon for stags to come back a little broken from multiple nights on the sauce, we want you to return safe and unharmed in every other way.

Our best advice to you is to check in with GOV.UK’s Foreign Travel Advice page, which is updated frequently and contains useful information on safety, security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

We’re also big fans of their Travel Aware campaign which reminds groups of friends to stick together, look out for each other, and prioritise safety. We don’t want any calls to our emergency phone about hospital visits or police station incidents…so take heed of their top tips below, which may sound obvious, but can easily get forgotten when the ale begins to flow:

• Mates that party together, should leave together
• Keep your friends close, and your drinks closer
• Keep your hotel address on you
• Share your location if you get separated
• Agree a meeting point in case of emergency

Here’s some additional hints and tips from us, to ensure that your trip is memorable for all the right reasons…

Before travelling

• Make sure you sort travel insurance for your trip dates, and take time to ensure it covers any activities you may be doing whilst abroad, such as extreme sports or water shenanigans
• If you're travelling to Europe, consider what health cover you might need as things have changed considerably since the pre-Brexit glory days
• Make sure you know the emergency services number for the country you’re in, save it to your phone and share with your group
• Find out where the UK embassy is - sounds a bit OTT but trust us, we’ve heard many a tale over the years that could have been de-escalated by a bit of pre-trip preparation
• Ensure you have the correct visas and/or passes for the country you’re visiting and check that your passport is still in date. For certain countries, your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date you travel, but don’t take our word for it - check the current and correct entry requirements before you go
• Photocopy your passport and take this with you as well as the original, and/or take a photo of it to keep stored on your phone
• Inform a trusted family member or friend about where you will be staying and for how long, and give them a copy of your travel details, passport and insurance policy
• If you plan to drive abroad, take an up-to-date photo licence card and be aware of the driving laws in the country you plan to visit
• Take some back up cash instead if relying purely on cards and digital payment methods - old school perhaps, but very handy to have in an emergency
• Inform your bank that you’ll be travelling so they don’t cancel your card once you start racking up the rounds!
• Remember to buy bolt-ons or contact your phone server about using your mobile abroad cheaply - and don’t forget your charger!
• Check customs before travelling, as certain things may not be permitted to enter or leave certain countries
• Do a bit of research to gain an understanding of legislative and cultural expectations in the country you are visiting

During your travels

• Don’t leave valuables on display, even in your hotel / apartment / hostel. Keep them locked away in a safe or take a padlocked suitcase or bag with you
• Respect local law, traditions and customs, as this is the best way to get the locals on your side and avoid any unwanted drama
• Be respectful when taking photos and videos
• Write down some important phrases in the language (think “how would I get help in an emergency”) and store these on your phone
• If you need to take regular medication, make sure you carry it with you at all times, along with any alert cards or vital information about less common conditions
• If you have any doubts about whether the tap water is safe to drink, stick to bottled rather than taking any chances
• Keep a close eye on your drinks and those of your mates - spiking incidents are uncommon but can be catastrophic
• Look out for each other, always