4 fantastic hen weekend trips to Europe

Planning your best friend's hen night? If you're stuck for inspiration, here are a few international ideas for hens who aren't afraid to spread their wings.

1. Pop star hen weekend in Cork

If the charming locals and beautiful scenery aren't enough of an enticement to visit this beautiful corner of Ireland, try tempting the girls with the promise of a day spent living the decadent pop-diva lifestyle. Choose your favourite dancefloor anthems or hairbrush solos and lay down the track with the professionals in a top recording studio! Once you've given the Sugababes a run for their money, head back to your 4 star hotel and enjoy a day's pampering with a facial or massage, jacuzzi, spa baths and solarium. Top off this two-day trip with a delicious meal and Q-jump entry to the top nightclubs in town, and the hens will feel like they're top of the charts!

2. Paintball Bonanza in Bratislava

Slovakia's low prices and high standards of service are a great incentive to take the party to the banks of the Danube river - and this package is no exception. A day spent rampaging through a specially designed woodland course, shooting your nearest and dearest with semiautomatic weapons, is brilliant fun and can be quite cathartic! All the safety equipment and paintballs are included, along with meals and a range of accommodation options for this 2 day stay.

3. Pampering hen weekends in Barcelona

This cultural capital was founded by Hannibal's father, and was later turned into a fortress by Roman soldiers as the empire expanded. Luckily for you, the Romans knew a thing or two about Spa baths, solariums, saunas and how to live a decadent life. Now a thousand years later you and your friends can turn up and enjoy their legacy for a luxury hen weekend of pampering bliss at one of Barcelona's top rated salons. There will be plenty of opportunities to sample the delicious local cuisine and squeeze in a shopping trip or visit to the Picasso museum before you leave.

4. Ski France hen weekend - "Isola 2000"

For lovers of outdoor sports, the beautiful ski resort of Isola 2000 is a very popular option.  It's unique in being one of the first purpose-built ski resorts in the Southern Alps, and has 120km of lift served runs. Boasting a good snow record and facilities, it's normally open from December through to the end of April.

For skiing novices who don't want to spend both days on the slopes, there are plenty of adventuresome après ski options like tobogganing, snowmobiles, sleigh rides and ice driving. Swimming pool, whirlpool and saunas can be found in the old village 20 minutes from the resort. Or just enjoy the view from the top of the highest run (2610 metres up) where it is possible to see the Mediterranean sea on a clear day! The modern chalets have a panoramic view over the slopes and the Chastillon valley, and are linked to the resort by a free funicular railway. Whether you choose to spend the weekend blazing down the slopes or propping up the bars, this is an affordable weekend that the hen party will never forget!