New research from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office reveals that over one million Britons are planning to travel abroad for stag and hen parties this year but around 169,000 will not have travel insurance and risk coming home out of pocket if they have an accident, get arrested or lose their possessions.

Waking upside down and naked inside a bin; being arrested in Poland for wearing a mankini and being chained to a police car are just some of the situations Brits have found themselves in while celebrating a stag or hen party abroad.

Other incidents cited by those surveyed included being thrown into a canal in Amsterdam and losing a passport; vomiting blood due to excess alcohol; being run over; falling off a hotel balcony and ending up in intensive care for four weeks. 

Phil Lord from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “Stag and hen dos are all about having a great time but the celebrations can come to an abrupt end if things go wrong.

“Cultural differences mean some people will take offence to risqué fancy dress costumes and rowdy behaviour – so to avoid a hostile reception from the locals or even spending the weekend in jail, make sure you research your destination, and know your limits.”

Partners of the Foreign Office Know Before You Go campaign are seeing a strong demand for holding stag and hen parties abroad.

Although Riga is the current favourite stag destination for 2011, Spain remains popular for both stag and hen parties, with hens tending to prefer the warmer temperatures of Barcelona, Puerto Banus and Marbella. 

Maria Leng, Consular official in Spain, said: “Consular staff in Spain regularly handle cases involving arrests, hospitalisation and lost and stolen passports. Have fun, but remember – a combination of sun & alcohol doesn’t always mix.”