From the Professionals... Hen Do Destinations

Each month we delve deeper into subjects to find out more and bring you useful snippets, advice and information from our trusted Whitewed Professionals! This month we've asked Gloucestershire based travel consultant Gary Holmes of Not Just Travel to shed some light on locations suitable for the hen do - Gary will share his golden nuggets of information on locations both home and abroad suitable for offering every bride-to-be the perfect place for creating memories with their nearest and dearest.

The hen do marks the start of your wedding, a chance for you (the bride-to-be) to have some time dedicated solely to celebrating the end of your story as a 'Miss' and the start of your new chapter in your life as a happily married 'Mrs'. It should be filled with friends, family, fun and laughter - but where should you go?

Traditionally your hen do organising is handed over to your bridesmaids or maid of honour to organise, but you're likely to have an idea in your head of how, where or who you imagine sharing your closing chapter with. It's a good idea to give your hen do some serious thought so you can guide your bride tribe to plan a memorable hen do that covers all of the most important aspect of your wishes - after all, you may not be planning it, but it is your weekend!

Before you can start your search though, there are a few key points you should consider which will help you focus your planning....

• Your hens - Firstly decide who you want in your bride tribe; this will have a huge impact on all of the following factors
• Budget - Set your budget. Not everyone can afford a week in Vegas, so budget accordingly to your guests you want to be there
• Travel - Will travel be difficult for anyone? Consider any pregnant hens or elders especially
• Season - Work out when you hope to get away, this will impact your destination as you'll have weather, nightlife, high seasons and other factors to contend with
• Passports - If you're hoping to go abroad, make sure everyone has a valid passport or can afford to purchase one
• Activities - How active do you want to be? Fancy swinging through the trees in a tree top trail, relaxing in an indoor spa, sunning it up on a beach or hitting the casinos of the Strip; Decide what you're hoping to do so the destination can be matched accordingly
• Time Frame - Does it allow everyone enough time to save, book holiday from work and organise childcare if required?

When you've answered the above, you'll start to get a feel for the perfect destination and theming for you and your hens. If you're still totally confused, don't panic as that's exactly what Gary of Not Just Travel is there to do! As a highly experienced travel consultant, all you have to do is let Not Just Travel know roughly what you're hoping for and they will do the rest - taking away any stress and time wasting from you. They will use their extensive experience and access to exclusive offers to suggest the ideal hen do destinations just for you - Simple!

We asked Not Just Travel to share some of his wide-spread knowledge of locations throughout the UK and further afield that may spark an interest for brides-to-be and their hen parties currently planning the ultimate girls weekend (or longer if you're super lucky!)

Gary says...

Nothing beats getting spoilt and pampered, and a spa weekend either in the UK or a retreat abroad can be the perfect way to relax a weekend away. I'd recommend the following resorts abroad...

The Body Camp, Ibiza - Offering a holistic retreat in luxurious Balearic surrounding

The Palace Merano Espace Henrti Chenot, South Tyrol Italy - You'll find them using the Henri Chenot's Biontology system, an anti ageing and detox plan based on Western Chines and Ayurvedic medicine here

Andronis Concept Wellness Resort, Santorini - With the most astonishing view of the Islands

Six Sences Portugal - Which has become the hot bed of wellness activity in recent years

VivaMayr Resort Altaussee Austria - A renowned favourite of the fashion crowd

If you're looking for a bit more fun, nightlife, music and bars then maybe a spa weekend isn't the right type of hen do for you. Why not consider one of the following destinations for a weekend break in Europe. These settings are sure to set the pre-wedding tans glowing! The following are testimonials of previous clients... sound like you're kind of break?!

Marbella - "Smoother than Mark Wrights chest, this gorgeous luxury resort really does have it all, great beach bars, top DJ's plus plenty of cheeky cocktails..!"

Algarve - "Fantastic tans, amazing activities and night life, sun kissed hen memories"

Magaluf - "Pre wedding tans, hen party cocktails, legendary night life fantastic prices"

Benidorm - "Without doubt one of the greatest party destinations in Europe, your Benidorm hen party will enjoy amazing weather great tunes and fabulous laughs"

Valencia - "This stunning beach location is a shoppers paradise, Oozing style and charm you'll find amazing beaches wonderful food and superb nightlife"

You don't need to escape overseas to have fun or find somewhere new. If abroad isn't the right choice for you, then don't be disheartened as the UK has some superb hen do locations spanning the country. What's worthwhile considering is making sure the location is somewhere you haven't visited before, as this will make it all the more exciting. Here are some of the top UK destinations for creating those hen do memories...

Newquay - From beach side apartments to lakeside retreats get sun kissed and fabulous at one of the UK's best party destinations

Brighton - We really do like to be beside the seaside and when it comes to party destinations, Brighton rocks!

Torquay - Create your own unforgettable beach party and mix up your own tequila cocktail of pre wedding giggles

Bournemouth - Sun sand sea and sensational hen memories. Exclusive beach houses, glamorous glamping, crazy activities and fantastic nightlife

Still confused as all of the destinations sound perfect? There is no right or wrong; just consider your hens and most importantly consider what you (or your bride-to-be if you're a bridesmaid reading this) want. Is it most important to you that every single friend can attend, or are you desperate to get abroad for a weekend whether everyone can make it or not? Why not make contact with Not Just Travel and let them assist you in the search for the perfect break?

If you are a bride reading this blog and love what you see, be sure to send the link to your organising hens with a subject of 'hint-hint' and let them know what's sparking your excitement! They can then head straight to the Directory Page of Not Just Travel by clicking here to see just how his experience and expertise can be shared with you!

*Main image - The Body Camp Ibiza

*First image - Six Sense, Portugal

*Second image - Marbella