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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

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Original poster

Anyone been to Tenerife recently?

39 replies

KitKat1985 · 02/01/2022 13:40

We booked a few months ago to go to Tenerife with the kids in Feb half term. Due to covid, every family holiday abroad we've had planned for the past 2 years has ended up being cancelled, so we've been very dubious whether we're going to make it to Tenerife or not. However as far as we know everything is still going ahead at the moment so am going to start cautiously planning.

Has anyone that's been recently been able to tell me how much is open in terms of restaurants and shops? We're staying in Playa de las Americas if that's any help? Also in terms of things to do, I've had a quick look and it appears Siam Park and Loro parque seem to be open with limited numbers.

Also in terms of the dreaded covid tests, am I right in thinking it's only me and DH that have to do a lateral flow before the return flight (as both our kids are under 12)? Do we have to buy a lateral flow test to take with us or do we get one when we are out there?

OP posts:

rookiemere · 02/01/2022 16:16

We went for October half term, so things may have changed slightly.
Most restaurants were open, we tended to book in advance because there was 6 of us, so I'm not sure how busy they were compared to normal.
Siam Park was open and seemed pretty busy. You had to wear a mask everywhere except on the rides - where of course it got wet - so I'd recommend bringing a fitted fabric one. Worth pre-booking so you get in. NB if you return within 14 days it's half price to get back in so worth doing early in the week.

I'd check gov.uk for up to date entry requirements. When we went only DS had to do a PCR as he wasn't double vaccinated. It needs to be carried out within 72 hours of arrival so choose your company carefully to ensure there is enough time for results. For coming back the requirements have changed since we went and may well change again before you go.

Original poster

KitKat1985 · 02/01/2022 21:39

Thank you @rookiemere that's helpful. xx

OP posts:

Original poster

KitKat1985 · 02/01/2022 21:40

Is your DS over or under 12 by the way? x

OP posts:

rookiemere · 02/01/2022 21:42

He's 15, not sure about the under 12 rules.

tricksyt · 02/01/2022 21:54

We went in November and both Loro and Siam were open and fine.

Though at Siam there were lots of security about telling you to keep masks on in the queues, which we were fine with.

We don't have kids so can't comment on the testing, but everything was fine with restaurants and bars. Masks unless you're sitting at your table etc, and tables were more distanced. Masks indoors at the hotel unless at a table or on a lounger. 1 family group in the hot tubs at a time.

I felt safer there than in London tbh, in Tenerife they're far more hot on masks and social distancing.

tricksyt · 02/01/2022 21:56

Oh, and prebook Siam Park in advance, we went on a Tuesday and it was super busy. The entry line for us with prebooked tickets was about 35 mins, and the line to buy tickets was twice as long.

Book in advance anything that you can, including a couple of restaurants if you want to go to popular ones.

We went to a couple of great restaurants and because tables were spaced out more they were turning people away at the door.

TippledPink · 02/01/2022 22:07

I may be wrong, but I thought Spain now say you can only travel there if you have had both vaccines, even children. Have your children had both yet? Not sure if this is just mainland Spain or the islands as well.

StonedRoses · 03/01/2022 09:47

Not quite Tenerife but just come back from Lanzarote. All pretty much open and normal. Anyone over 12 must be doubled vaccinated at present. Need to fill in a Spanish health form and download your vaccine pass pre-departure.
Once out there we did all the things we usually would. All shops, restaurants and bars open. Mask wearing compulsory for over 6. No exceptions and you will be challenged!
Coming home those over 12 need a pre-departure LFT. Worth sorting that before you go as supplies on the island were patchy. I’m told there’s a place at the airport - but that’s cutting it fine. Then all over 5s need a day 2 PCR on arrival home. You need the booking reference for your UK PLF so need to sort beforehand

Fingers crossed and enjoy

Original poster

KitKat1985 · 04/01/2022 08:21

Thank you all that's helpful advice.

I saw in the papers that the LFT test prior to return to the UK may be scrapped in the next week or two so I'm crossing my fingers!

@StonedRoses re: the mask rules, my 7 year old DD has autism. Do you think they will still make her wear a mask?

@TippledPink I think the double vaccinated rule only applies to over 12's (mine are both under).

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Clymene · 04/01/2022 08:24

@KitKat1985

Thank you all that's helpful advice.

I saw in the papers that the LFT test prior to return to the UK may be scrapped in the next week or two so I'm crossing my fingers!

@StonedRoses re: the mask rules, my 7 year old DD has autism. Do you think they will still make her wear a mask?

@TippledPink I think the double vaccinated rule only applies to over 12's (mine are both under).

Yes, they make everyone wear masks. No exceptions, no exemptions.

I have an autistic teenager and they have to wear one at school all day now.

Original poster

KitKat1985 · 04/01/2022 12:09

@Clymene Okay thank you. We may just need to talk to her about this before we go then and get her some comfortable child sized masks.

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Clymene · 04/01/2022 12:22

[quote KitKat1985]@Clymene Okay thank you. We may just need to talk to her about this before we go then and get her some comfortable child sized masks.[/quote]
I would practice before you go. They get used to wearing them pretty fast I'm sure.

My son finds disposable masks most comfortable to wear (we only use washable here but that's not practical on holiday and when you're wearing them for long periods, it's nice to be able to change them frequently).

Hope you have a lovely holiday

BigSandyBalls2015 · 04/01/2022 17:33

The 2 day return LFTs … what’s to stop people from faking the result? Not that I would! But from what I’ve read you just upload a photo of the test onto an app?

StonedRoses · 04/01/2022 18:21

There’s nothing! Covid theatre to look like somethings being done. It’s all pointless now omicron is spread across Europe. If we’d spent Christmas in London and came back in a crowded train there’s be no tests.
But it’s a good money making opportunity for some.

BigSandyBalls2015 · 04/01/2022 18:54

Bizarre isn’t it! Looks like they’re being dropped soon anyway.

Original poster

KitKat1985 · 04/01/2022 20:42

Thank you @Clymene

I totally agree I don't see the point of the LFT's before return to the UK. I'd have a far higher chance of catching covid I suspect if we stayed in the UK, so not sure how the LFTs help anything.

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shinynewapple21 · 05/01/2022 10:09

I understand that Spain reintroduced an outdoors mask rule a few weeks back - although it's not too clear to me if this is just in crowded places . I would keep your eye out for any official rules / changes closer to the time, but also try to find out someone who is there at present as to what this looks like in practice .

We are due to go to mainland Spain in February and swapped our city based accommodation for a seaside resort where we thought it would be easier to have a mask less walk where it's quiet .

poppym12 · 05/01/2022 11:50

I'm in Tenerife now, Los Cristianos. If there's any info you need, ask away.

BigSandyBalls2015 · 05/01/2022 14:50

@poppym12 how busy is it, and how was the paperwork/form filling to get there?

Also, is it still very hot? I understand it was high 20s last week, unseasonally warm!

Annonymiss123 · 05/01/2022 15:09

@poppym12

I'm in Tenerife now, Los Cristianos. If there's any info you need, ask away

I'll be there in a few weeks. Can't wait! I've never been there before - have you any recommendations for dining? It's just 2 adults on a chill-out break.

TheSonjaMorgan · 05/01/2022 15:25

We are off to the Canaries soon, can't wait! Do you have to wear masks on the beach?

poppym12 · 05/01/2022 15:25

[quote BigSandyBalls2015]@poppym12 how busy is it, and how was the paperwork/form filling to get there?

Also, is it still very hot? I understand it was high 20s last week, unseasonally warm![/quote]
The form filling was straight forward and you get lots of prompts from your tour operator before you go.

There was a mini heatwave last week, temperatures got up to 29/30. It was supposed to end today but apart from the odd fluffy cloud I haven't noticed much change!

It must've been really warm for the time of year as usually when I'm here any time between October and March, the lovely Spanish people wear puffa jackets and scarves to walk about during the evening. Easy to spot the tourists from colder climes as we're still in summer clothes with the occasional cardigan making an appearance .

poppym12 · 05/01/2022 15:32

BigSandyBalls2015 forgot to say, beaches are busy but obviously there are a few Bank Holidays so plenty of locals enjoying the weather. I'd say my hotel has been around 50% full (difficult to say as they're staggering meal times so that most people can be seated outside if they wish). Bars and restaurants seem a bit quieter than usual at this time of year.

poppym12 · 05/01/2022 15:36

I'm afraid not. The hotel I stay at does buffet breakfast, a la carte lunch and buffet dinner so I haven't felt the need to eat out. I probably would if I didn't have a long lunch but tbh, salad and a dessert is enough for me at dinner.

gogohm · 05/01/2022 15:47

We went a few weeks ago, everything closed at midnight but otherwise couldn't see much in the way of restrictions. BUT Masks are worn all the time by all and they don't seem to have exemptions.

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