Travel warning for hens and stags

Spain is a popular destination for hen and stag parties

Britons who travel abroad for stag and hen parties need to drink less and think more, the government has urged.

Foreign Office research suggested some 24% of revellers face problems abroad.

Money, credit cards and tickets being lost or stolen, revellers being arrested, falling ill or getting injured, were the most common problems.

The department issued new travel advice for Britons at such parties, urging them to get insured, know their alcohol limit and read up on their destination.

The advice also stated revellers should not rely on just one person to make all the arrangement, should make sure their passports are valid, and familiarise themselves with local laws and customs.

Simple preparations

Steve Jewitt-Fleet, of the Foreign Office, said most stag and hen parties were problem-free.

"However, by their very nature, with guests out to let their hair down, they are at high risk of getting into problems.

STAG DOS AND DONTS Don't rely on one person to make all the arrangements Know your alcohol limit Read up on your destination Know the local laws and customs Arrange medical and travel insurance before travelling Make sure your passport is valid Keep the contact details of the nearest British Consulate with you

"Many of these situations can be avoided if every individual in the group makes a few simple preparations before they travel."

The research suggested 70% of young people go abroad for their stag and hen parties.

But while they are more likely to get into trouble than other holidaymakers, they are less likely to prepare properly for their trip.

Some 65% remember to pack sun cream and 38% make sure they have contraception.

But only 31% take a photocopy of their passports and 57% rely on one person to make all of the travel arrangements and research the destination.

As a result, many are unaware of the local geography, laws and customs or where to turn if things go wrong, the Foreign Office said.