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Talk to me about Tenerife...

7 replies

AlisonWonderbra · 20/01/2024 21:53

Last year, my good friends came into some money and have very generously booked for us all to go to Tenerife with them in early April. That's a whole story in itself.

We're going all inclusive at a hotel in Costa Adeje. I have only left the country once as an adult (I'm pushing 40, for reference) and have never stayed in a hotel abroad, let alone one with an all inclusive set up. I don't have a clue what to expect!

Our son is 4 and is autistic. He's very bright but also very excitable and isn't great at sitting still. There is a kids club at the hotel, but I'm guessing that wouldn't be suitable for someone who is a little unruly?

What is the weather like in early April? I've read it's around 20 degrees. I don't think the pools are heated, so will it even be warm enough to swim or sun bathe? I'm grateful to be going, but I just want to manage my expectations.

Do I need travel insurance if it wasn't us that booked and paid? Our friends (the ones who paid) are travelling with us too. What about health stuff? I'm aware that an E111 is a thing of the distant past, but is there anything else I need to do?

What do I do about a car seat? Our son is still rear facing at present, but is likely to be moving to a high back booster soon. Could we take one with us? We'll be travelling on a motorway to get to the airport in this country, so obviously I'll use one there, but what about in Tenerife? We will be travelling between the airport and hotel by coach, and there's a daily free bus that runs between the hotel and local town. Also, on one of the days we may hire a car to see other parts of the Island. I guess a portable seat like a bubble bum or Trunki wouldn't be suitable? So, if I take a car seat on the plane, is it counted as luggage?

I apologise for the rambling post. I'm very excited but I'm also very much a planner so I need to know what to expect!

OP posts:
ApolloandDaphne · 20/01/2024 22:43

You will enjoy Tenerife. It's very British friendly. It will be warmer than 20 in April. We were there over new year and it was over 20 then but cooler in the evening. You will definitely be able to sunbathe and swim.

You need your own travel insurance. Shop around and you should get it fairly cheap if you have no health needs. Also apply for a GHIC card to take with you.

I wouldn't take a car seat for a 4yo. I don't think you would be able to strap it in to the coaches. It's not far at all from the airport to Adeje.

Above all have fun!

AlisonWonderbra · 21/01/2024 19:25

Thank you for your reply 😊

OP posts:
cheezncrackers · 21/01/2024 19:33

If you rent a car you can also rent a car seat from them - it saves you taking one with you. And I wouldn't take a bubble bum. We had one when our kids were little and it wasn't safe. It slid about in the car and honestly if we'd had an accident I think it would've slid right out from under our DC and probably put them in more danger than having nothing at all.

As the PP says, Tenerife is very British friendly. Everyone speaks English. There are millions of Brits who go there every year and most of them stay in the area around Adeje. It's a very easy place to spend time in as a Brit. And if you're staying at an AI resort you'll be there most of the time.

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AlisonWonderbra · 22/01/2024 22:41

I didn't realise car seat rentals were a thing, thank you!

Although I haven't been abroad in a very long time, we do well with holidays in this country. We have a tourer caravan which we use on average once a month between April and October, with at least one seaside holiday. The main difference with tenerife will be that we're pretty much guaranteed good weather!

OP posts:
AlisonWonderbra · 24/01/2024 22:56

What do I do about money? I'll be charged to use my debit card abroad, I imagine. Do I bring cash? Should I exchange in the UK or over in Tenerife?

OP posts:
Sausagis · 24/01/2024 23:21

Almost everywhere takes cash or card. I take 100 ish euros cash plus a Revolut card (pre paid card, can change to euros on the card). You can change money over there if you'd rather.

OhamIreally · 25/01/2024 09:36

Halifax do a Clarity credit card which is great for travel as it gives a good exchange rate and no fees. I have one and use it for everything whilst I'm abroad then pay it off as soon as I get back.
My daughter had a Trunki backpack as a car seat which we used a lot. I remember hiring a car seat in Portugal which was filthy and cost 60 euros a week.

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