The Ultimate Guide to an Overseas Hen Do

Cocktails by the pool, group sightseeing, and a 3 am karaoke sesh under the warm, wide sky. What’s not to love about an overseas hen party?

But, attending an overseas hen party is a different kettle of fish from planning an overseas hen party. It’s essentially planning a holiday for up to 10 (or more!) people, each with their own budgets, preferences, and annual leave limits. Throw in the pressure of making it memorable for the bride, and suddenly that dreamy trip can start to feel like a military operation—in heels.

That’s where this guide comes in. Read on for a step-by-step guide to planning the perfect hen abroad. We’ll look at popular locations, fun themes, and even include some all-important logistics that are often overlooked. Ready? Let’s go, girls!

What is an overseas hen do?

An overseas hen do, or an abroad hen party, is a hen party that happens abroad. It’s as simple as that! Roll a holiday with your girls and your pre-nuptial celebrations into one unforgettable trip, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate send-off into married life. Whether it’s a long weekend or a 10-day all-inclusive trip, it’s all about soaking in the experiences together.

Be sure to balance sightseeing with fun, bonding activities. Think a morning by the pool followed by a walk to see the sights, or a party bus around the city’s nightlife hotspots followed by a cocktail-making class to keep the celebrations flowing.

Popular overseas hen do locations

Looking for the most popular destinations to host an overseas hen? Read on for our rundown of the hottest spots where good vibes, cocktails, and memories are guaranteed.

France

Paris and Bordeaux are the perfect destinations for hens who want a touch of sophistication with their celebrations. In Paris, you can sip champagne on a rooftop with the Eiffel Tower twinkling in the background, browse chic boutiques, and dance until dawn in stylish nightclubs. Bordeaux, on the other hand, is a dream for wine lovers with vineyard tours, sun-soaked terraces, and long, lazy lunches. 

Whatever your vibe, France has something that fits the bill. Plus, you can lean into the cutest theme—”She’s Saying Oui!”

Greece

Live your Mamma Mia dream with a girly trip to Greece. Whether it’s the ultra-trendy Mykonos, a party weekend in Ayia Napa, or a chilled escape to Santorini, you’ll be spoilt with sunshine, turquoise seas, and plates piled high with feta and olives. Spend your days hopping between beach bars, taking boat trips to hidden coves, and dancing under the stars with the Aegean breeze in your hair.

Bonus points if you all show up in floaty white dresses or sparkly blue flares. 

Spain

A staple of vibey hen weekends since time immemorial, destinations like Barcelona, Ibiza, and Marbella promise sun, sangria, and serious party energy. In Barcelona, you can mix beach days with rooftop tapas, cocktail-fuelled nights, and a spot of Gaudí sightseeing. Ibiza is all about world-class DJs, beach clubs, and sunrise dance floors, while Marbella delivers luxury pool parties, chic beach bars, and a dash of glamour.

Think matching swimsuits, endless jugs of sangria, and more golden-hour selfies than your camera roll can handle. You’re in for a treat, girls!

Italy

If you’re looking for something slower-paced, consider Italy. Great wine, great coffee, and great vibes, this is the perfect spot for foodies and culture lovers alike. Whether it’s a dreamy weekend on the Amalfi Coast, complete with boat rides and Aperol Spritz, or a Tuscan vineyard with rustic villa stays, Italy serves romance and relaxation in equal measure. Spend your days wandering cobbled streets, tasting fresh pasta, and toasting under the stars with local wine. 

Croatia

A hidden gem in the overseas hen game, Croatia is known for its views, crystal-clear waters, and unparalleled island-hopping adventures. Whether you base yourself in Dubrovnik’s old town with its dramatic city walls, head to Hvar for beach clubs and cocktails, or explore Split’s buzzing waterfront, you’ll find the perfect mix of relaxation and nightlife.

Oh, and did we mention—it’s one of the most cost-effective places on this list! That means more budget left over for bottomless brunches, spa days, and maybe even a cheeky upgrade to that sea-view suite.

Ireland

Don’t disregard quirky little Ireland. If you want cosy vibes, rolling green landscapes, and some of the best pubs you’ve ever set foot in, this is your spot. Dublin offers a lively mix of cocktail bars, live music, and historic charm, while Galway brings bohemian streets, friendly people, and nights that end with everyone singing arm-in-arm. If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, consider Ireland for your overseas hen do. 

Step-by-step guide to planning an overseas hen do

Ready to start planning an overseas hen do? Check out our step-by-step guide to planning the perfect trip. 

Step 1: Create the group chat

First things first—you need to make a group chat with your girls (and any honorary guys) to organise dates. Give a selection of 4-5 potential weekends, and let invitees vote for what works best. Use polls or emojis to make it fun, and keep all the planning chatter in one place so you’re not sifting through a million different messages.

Once the dates are locked in, you can start dreaming up the destination.

Step 2: Agree the budget

Money can be a touchy subject, but talking about the budget before you plan the destination saves a lot of awkwardness later. Be upfront about estimated costs for travel, accommodation, and activities so everyone knows what they’re signing up for. Try to find a happy middle ground that everyone is comfortable with. Make sure the bride is on board, too. No one wants their hen do to cause drama before it’s even begun!

Remember—the more notice you give, the more time people have to save. Not everyone can afford a boujee weekend in the South of France with just two months’ notice. But, give them a year to save, and suddenly it’s a lot more doable. Equally, early planning often means cheaper flights, better accommodation options, and more availability for the activities you really want. 

Step 3: Narrow down the options

Once you’ve got the budget and a rough week or weekend, it’s time to plan the location. The bride may have given you a pretty strong steer, or maybe they’re totally open to ideas. Either way, throw a shortlist of destinations into the chat—think a mix of budget-friendly, beachy, and boujee—and see what sparks excitement.

Remember to factor in travel times, flight availability, and how much spending money each option will realistically require. The top end of the budget doesn’t need to be a target, and people will usually appreciate it if you can save them a penny or two. 

Step 4: Plan the logistics

Next up, how are you getting there? Some bride tribes will all want to travel together. But if you’re geographically dispersed, it makes sense for everyone to make their own way there. You don’t usually get a group discount on transport, so focus on finding the best individual deals and then syncing arrival times so no one’s hanging around the airport for hours.

Once travel’s sorted, lock in the accommodation—whether that’s a big villa, a cute boutique hotel, or a handful of apartments. Double-check it has enough beds, bathrooms, and communal space for all your planned antics. Oh, and don’t forget to sort airport transfers in advance. Nothing kills hen-do vibes faster than a chaotic taxi scramble.

Step 5: Plan the activities

Next up, what are the activities? Try to have a good blend of free activities like sightseeing and beach days with paid excursions or activities like wine tastings, boat trips, or spa sessions. This keeps costs manageable while still giving the trip that “special occasion” feel.

Make sure you’ve got at least one big, memorable activity the whole group can enjoy together. Think a sunset cruise, a special dinner, or something unusual like a private group dancing class. Hit up TikTok and Pinterest for the best inspiration, and don’t be afraid to keep a few things a surprise for the bride. No bride likes to know every detail in advance! 

Step 6: Pick your theme

The next step is to decide on a theme. Leaning into the vibes of wherever you’re visiting is an easy fix for theme inspo. For example:

• France: She’s Saying Oui, [Name] In Paris, Veuve Before Vows
• Spain: Sangria Squad, Last Splash, Euro Summer
• Greece: Mamma Mia, Mykonos Mermaids, Last Toast on the Coast
• Ireland: One Last Rodeo, Shamrocks & Champers, Pints Before Vows

Once you’ve nailed the theme, you can start planning drinks, outfits, and activities around it. 

Step 7: Buy the extras 

Once you’ve nailed your theme, you can get to buying all the extras. Consider whether you want:

• Matching outfits. If you’re all travelling together, it can be fun to wear matching outfits for the airport or your first night out. Think slogan tees, colour-coordinated dresses, or even themed swimsuits for pool days.
• Decorations. Don’t think you need to break the bank to have a professional execution—there are tons of DIY tutorials on YouTube if you fancy a balloon arch or a flower wall. Banners, balloons, table confetti, and personalised bunting can transform a hotel room or villa. 
• Party bags. A fun little extra for those attending. Fill them with mini prosecco bottles, sunglasses, cake, snacks, or hangover kits for a thoughtful touch.
• Props. Flower crowns, sashes, temporary tattoos, or giant inflatables can take the photo ops to the next level.

Just try not to go overboard. Pick a few well-chosen extras that tie the theme together and make the trip feel special without filling half a suitcase with feather boas and glitter you’ll never use again. 

Step 8: Enjoy!

The last step is to enjoy! You’ve worked hard, and now it’s time to reap the rewards. 

Planning a hen do abroad is no easy feat, but once you’re sipping cocktails poolside and laughing over in-jokes, every group chat poll and budget spreadsheet will feel worth it. So relax, be present, and let the good vibes roll.

Things to consider with an overseas hen do

Don’t forget to consider these important factors when planning an overseas hen.

Not everyone will come

No matter how affordable or appealing you make it, some people just won’t come to an overseas hen, and that’s ok. They may have family commitments, a fear of flying, or any other reason that makes it tricky. Try not to take it personally. It’s better to have a smaller, committed group than a big group where half the people feel stressed or out of their depth.

Consider having a smaller, local hen do in addition to the abroad one, so that everyone can celebrate the bride, regardless of their circumstances. 

Travel insurance and admin

Make sure everyone’s passports are in date, and encourage everyone to book individual travel insurance for peace of mind. You never know when a cancelled flight, lost suitcase, or unexpected trip to the pharmacy might crop up, and it’s much easier to handle when you’re covered. 

If visas are required, give the group plenty of notice so there’s no last-minute panic.

Luggage limits

Encouraging people to take just carry-on luggage can make the whole trip so much cheaper. However, there are so many extras involved with a hen do that this may be difficult. 

If you’re planning on bringing decorations, props, or coordinated outfits, think ahead about how to divide them up so no one person ends up lugging a suitcase full of feather boas. You could assign certain items to certain people, ship non-perishable bits to your accommodation in advance, or opt for flat-pack or inflatable versions to save space.

Also, remind everyone to check their airline’s specific baggage rules. Some airlines can be fussier than others, and no one wants a last-minute gate-side repack while security queues watch on.

FAQs 

How much is reasonable to pay for an overseas hen do?

The cost really will depend on the length of the holiday and the location. Based on our research, most overseas hens fall somewhere between £300 and £800 per person, including flights, accommodation, and a few activities. 

City breaks and off-season trips can come in on the lower end, while longer, peak-season getaways with luxury extras can push you towards the top.

What are the best hen party locations?

The best place for you is wherever you think you’ll have the best time. Paris, Barcelona, Dublin, and Mykonos are all popular and Instagram-worthy options, offering a great mix of local experiences and nightlife. 

Plan the perfect overseas hen do

Ready for one last hurrah? An overseas hen do is your chance to combine travel, laughter, and once-in-a-lifetime memories with your closest friends before the big day. Whether you opt for a sun-soaked city break or a classy vineyard getaway, what matters is that you’re there, with your girls, celebrating you! 

So, whether you go all-out with matching outfits and themed nights or keep it low-key with wine, good food, and gorgeous views, the key is to make it personal. Plan ahead, keep communication open, and embrace the unexpected. On, and don’t forget the prosecco!

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Happy Planning!