Listen up lads! It’s International Men’s Day today and to celebrate, we thought we’d help you plan your lads holidays for 2014. Whether it’s a week full of sun, sea, sand and… ladies, or perhaps you’re looking for more of a cultural break? Whatever you’re looking for, we’re hoping to give you all the inspiration that you’ll need.
Ibiza, Spain
Let’s start by planning your 2014 holiday to Ibiza aka the party capital of the world. The Balearic Island of Ibiza has just closed the curtains after another jam packed year of festivals and parties. Ibiza Rocks Hotel had a huge summer, with performances from Ellie Goulding, Rizzle Kicks and Biffy Clyro, to name a few. Its residency spot was filled by the one and only Example, who performed each Friday throughout the summer, but will he return for another season next year? You and the boys can take full advantage of the outdoor clubs throughout the day including Nikki Beach and Ocean Beach Club, which are both celebrity hot spots! It’s the ideal way to get you prepared for the long night ahead!
Flight Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Where to stay: Ibiza Rocks Hotel is the place to be if you want to get up close and personal with some of the hottest acts around; room prices also include tickets to all of the hotel events.
Top tip: Head to Playa d’en Bossa and visit Ushuaïa, where you’ll get to see some of the biggest DJs on the planet. The likes of David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia and Avicii, all performed during the summer, helping it become the most successful venue in Ibiza for 2013.
Algarve, Portugal
A more active lads holiday can be had by taking a golf trip to the Algarve in 2014, the most popular golfing destination in Europe. You and your mates can battle it out on the golf course whilst topping up your colour before finishing the day off with a nice meal and a few beers. Head down to Vilamoura and discover some of the finest courses in the country including the Victoria, Pinhal and the Millennium. A real favourite is the Old Course. It’s a parkland course that will test the ability of any golfer, with its intimidating layout and strategically placed hazards. To celebrate or drown your sorrows, enjoy a drink in the recently built clubhouse, the perfect spot on a summer’s evening.
Flight Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Where to stay: The Conrad Algarve is the ideal luxury option to round off your holiday in style. It’s in the perfect location for golf and has fantastic spa facilities to help get rid of your aches and pains.
Top tip: Try and vary the courses you play. There are very good deals out there to help keep the costs down, look to play in the mornings to keep out the heat, a buggy is definitely advisable.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The capital of The Netherlands, Amsterdam, will certainly give you a lads holiday to remember. During the day, take the group to the Heineken Museum and learn all there is to know about beer, you might be lucky enough to get a cheeky taste too. Along with this, you can take a stroll along the Red Light District (try not to stare lads), hire a bicycle and explore the whole city, or take a trip along Amsterdam’s well-known canals. In the evenings, this versatile city really comes to life and the streets will soon be bursting at the seams with people. Start the night off in one of the famous coffee shops, where you can sample the local specialities before hitting the clubs and busting some shapes on the dance floor.
Flight Time: 1 hour
Where to stay: Stay at the A-Train Hotel, a fine 3* hotel which is in an ideal location. It’s very close to the train station as well as a whole host of exciting attractions.
Top tip: Before you travel, it could be a good idea to have a look at the I amsterdam City Card, that allows you free access to museums across the city. This also includes a free canal cruise, the perfect way to see the sites.
If you’ve been on a lads holiday recently and have any stories you’d like to share with us, we would love to hear them! Tell us on our Facebook page.