Tenerife forum

[Zeusy]

Hi All,

Firstly, let me say I’m new to these forums and have read a lot of threads and noticed quiet a lot of people who have contacts and local knowledge of Tenerife.

I could do with any help, assistance or advice anyone may offer and all would be appreciated.

Basically, I am currently trying to plan my family’s vacation next year and after my wife and kids browsing some holiday broachers, they have all agreed on Tenerife. They especially like Playa De Las Americas.

2 Adults
4 Children 17,15,13,6

Now, I unfortunately have never been able to afford to take my kids abroad on holiday before and am determined to achieve it next year and have already started saving. So, value for money is critical and 1st priority...

I know I could go to a holiday agent and let them put together a package for me, but I also know that’s more expensive. So, I’m looking to do this myself booking accommodation and flights etc.

The 2nd priority is that there is access to children’s groups or clubs to keep them occupied during the daytime. If a villa is cheaper for accommodation, can I pay for the kids to join the clubs in the hotels?

The 3rd priority is that its is close to the beech, within walking distance and shops/restaurants around.

I have never been to Tenerife so advice on amenities and sights to go to would be appreciated.

The vacation would be in the month of July next year. Would it be best to book now or wait until closer to the vacation date before booking?

What is the cheapest time to book flights now or closer to the time and with what airline?

Does anyone know of a villa or apartment available for 2 weeks in July next year and is good value?

I know this is a lot of questions, but I’m serious about doing this and have been searching the net for tips.

Thanks

[jenny]

Hi Zeusy and welcome to our forum

I don't know if it would be cheaper to book flights and accommodation separately rather than a package deal. Perhaps someone else on here will be able to help there.

If you have decided on Las Americas then, unless you get accommodation in Torviscas Alto or San Eugenio Alto (as opposed to Torviscas and San Eugenio without Alto, anywhere will be close to beach and amenities. Do a search on Google for Las Americas map and you will see names of many areas, hotels etc to give you a better idea.

There are many sights to see - Aquapark in Las Americas is a water park with dolphin show; Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz, in the north is a zoo; Teide the volcano is a must see - to name jsut a few. Others, I'm sure will add to this list.

[strippersrus]

previous experience has show me that it is probably better to book a package deal.....saying that if you manage to find accomadation cheap then book flights ASAP.....we booked flights in January for this sunday for my sister with BA for 3 weeks for 154 pound. ......The same exact flights are now being sold for 654 pound each.

There are lots of things to do here in tenerife so you wont get bored easy.

Kids clubs in hotels run for different ages. If you are staying in a hotel that has one but booked it yourself, this is not normally a problem as you can just pay the extra money. But this can be quite expensive. If you book a packeage deal early then you normally get the kids clubs free and you may be able to get your 6 year old for free. Plus agents normally do things like ....low deposit now then pay the rest of deposit in 12 then the outstanding balance 12 weeks before you leave.

I found this was the best was to do it as it made sure that i saved.. I used to get a certain amoungt togethere and then go in and pay it as I got it.

Also included in the prices are things like transfers to and from the airport...which can work out to be 25€ each way each taxi..as you will need 2 taxis both ways...that is 100€ which is about £70.

When you add all these things up it can get really expensive to do it on your own. You may be able to get a really good deal now that includes meals...although to eat out here is cheap.
I know that you said you think it works out more expensive to book a package....think about what you want from your stay and how much these things add up to..

Either way you will enjoy your stay here for sure. We love it and couldn't really think of a better place to live.

Welcome to the forum and happy posting.

Mary
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Stripps

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[jenny]

Wow Mary, another very helpful answer - what would we do without you on here? I knew you'd know more about this sort of thing than many of us - I've only been on one package holiday but I did think it would probably work out cheaper. I think your post should be nominated for the champagne, but, as you can't have both prizes, I think I can guess which you'd choose

[rob]

Hi Zeusy and welcome to our forum. You may find that a lot of package holidays, flights, villas won't have next years prices fixed yet. They usually do them at the end of the year for the next year.
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[sunny]

Hi Zeusy, welcome from me too.

Think Stripps and Rob are right would be better to book a package job as lots of things are included. Whereas if you book a villa you would have to try and find all this stuff out for yourself. Plus package jobbies also offer all the excursions,pick from complex etc, maybe a bit more pricey but how much time do you want to spend sussing it all out. Hope you have a great time

Cheers
Sunny

[wandering.hilo]

We just booked a pakcage deal to playa de las americas on this http://www.travelsupermarket.com/cheap-package-holidays/packageholidaysstep1.aspx for november cost £230 each for 14 mights SC not bad we booked flights and hotel separate last year but i still find a package is less hassle specially as it ususally includes airport transfers

[sunny]

Hi wandering hilo and a big hello. Looks like you have managed to get a good deal. Think this was what we were trying to say, that package holiday works a lot more cheaper and save a lot of the work. If you book the excursions through the holiday rep/agent they can sometimes be a bit more pricey than booking independently but does save a lot of hassle. Sure you will have a great time

[xLisax]

Personally, i would say that it would be cheaper to buy a package deal as you get your flights, accomodation and transfers all in the price. If you want to chance it, book around a month before you go as it could be a bit cheaper, but if im honest.. it wouldnt be that much cheaper. Also, you say you are going for 2 weeks.. The longer you go the cheaper the holiday is, so you wont be paying over the top prices anyway! As you are looking to go in July, the prices will be a little more exspensive as the good deals usually happen in August as its the 'end of summer sale' (for the Uk!!) But i would say it would cost around £280 - £360 per person depending on the Date you are going and the rating of the hotel!! (Also the company you are looking to go with!) I hope ive been a bit imformative and not repeated what anybody else said above!!

[besaytari]

Hi

If you are coming to Tenerife with 4 children you may find a good deal with the travel agents for an "all included" deal, with all your meals, snacks and drinks included in the price, plenty of activities during the day and shows at night for all the family. Alternatively Coral Hotels in Tenerife have good sized apartments at quite reasonable prices, some of their apartment holidays offer entertainment for the kids and shows as well.

I hope you find a good deal!

Besatayri

[Earnshawc]

I´ve always found it cheaper to book my accommodation and flights separately and I also don´t mind paying for a taxi from the airport, if it meeans I don´t have to sit on a packed coach for over an hour dropping people off.

Some good sites for holidays are:
www.fiestasun.co.uk
www.holidaysintenerife.com
www.alpharooms.com.

These sites cut out most of the commission that high street travel agents add on.
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[rob]