Tenerife is one of Brits’ preferred holiday destinations, especially when hunting for some winter sun, and one reporter has claimed to have figured out the best time to book the cheapest flights to the hotspot
Let’s face it, the winter in the UK can be pretty bleak – short days, cold temperatures, and lots of rain. It’s no wonder that so many Brits are desperate to head off abroad for a break in the sunshine, and Tenerife in the Canary Islands is one of UK holidaymakers’ favourite destinations for good reason.
Getting an average of 22 degrees Celsius throughout the winter, the weather is a huge draw for Brits, and the hotspot is known to be a little cheaper than some of its counterparts, like Ibiza – which also enjoys warmer weather in the winter, but will set you back significantly more.
There is something for everyone in Tenerife, with exciting and varied nightlife, incredible restaurants, iconic black-sand beaches, and, of course, an unforgettable volcanic, mountainous landscape. Tenerife is also home to the “world’s best waterpark” as well as pretty reasonable options for families operating on a budget.
If you’re keen to head to the stunning and lively island over the next few months but are still keeping a keen eye on your bank balance, then you’re likely hoping to find the cheapest flights possible to the popular tourist spot.
Senior Travel Reporter at The Express – Esther Marshall – has claimed to have managed to figure out just how to do that, by testing different options of when to book, to see if it made any major differences to the prices on offer. The writer tried planning out last-minute journeys to the Canary Islands, and some further in advance all to answer whether the best deals can be found on the spur of the moment, or if you have to plan ahead to stick to your budget for a winter holiday.
Esther tried finding last-minute prices for December, January, and February – all popular times to visit Tenerife – and searched for flights a year in advance too – and one month was by far the cheapest: December. She found that there were flights available for just £50 in December through Ryanair, a serious bargain, but she warned that depending on whether you were willing to pack light or not would make a big difference to the overall cost.
“Baggage prices tend to vary depending on the popularity of the route so tourists could pay anything from £15 to upwards of £60 to take a cabin bag. If you can fly with limited luggage, however, the flight price is a bargain,” she explained.
Flights in January and February were more costly, with return flights setting you back £67 in January and £70 in February, without added luggage. The travel expert also pointed out that while you might well be able to snap up a last-minute deal on flights it definitely comes with a risk when it comes to accommodation, which may be booked up further in advance, leaving you with less choice of where to stay. Overall, the best deals for each component of your holiday are likely found if you book further in advance.
“It’s definitely possible to find a last-minute holiday bargain but tourists will usually have to be flexible on destination and travel date,” Esther explains, “If you see a cheap price for the destination you’d like to visit, it’s best to snap it up as flight prices tend to rise, particularly during popular times like summer.”
If it is possible for you to book your holidays outside of the busiest seasons, you’re bound to get cheaper prices, particularly if it’s feasible for you to travel outside of the school holidays, when prices often increase.
Do you have a story to tell? Email: emma.mackenzie@reachplc.com
