Jump in Eastern European stag numbers

You'd expect tougher economic times to be hitting all aspects of the economy, but not the classic Eastern European weekend away, apparently.

British people on stag and hen weekends are still choosing Budapest (pictured), Bratislava, Riga, Warsaw and Krakow as their favoured destination - and in numbers.

Stag Republic, a UK-based stag organiser of stays away in these parts is reporting bookings higher this year than at the same time in 2007.

According to its managing director Josey Walker "People may be making cutbacks because of the credit crunch, but they are saving up for their weekends away."

The average group size of stag or hen parties heading abroad has dropped, and more basic hotels are being booked as well. But people are looking for more activity-based trips away, such as quad biking and pistol shooting. That beats whiling away the hours hassling the local talent, at least.

Sophisticated guests opt for independent hotels >>

Budget hotels show resilience to credit crunch >>