Waking upside down and naked inside a bin and being chained to a police car are just some of the situations Britons have found themselves in while on stag or hen parties abroad, it has been revealed.
One partygoer ended up being thrown into a canal in Amsterdam while another fell off a hotel balcony and spent weeks in hospital, the Foreign Office (FO) said.
It added that around one million Britons are planning to travel abroad for pre-wedding parties in 2011 but some 169,000 would not have travel insurance.
Top destination this year is Riga in Latvia while Barcelona and Marbella in southern Spain are other popular spots.
Phil Lord, from the FO, 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 risque 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."
Maria Leng, a 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 and alcohol doesn't always mix."
