British people overwhelmingly holiday in Europe whenever they get the chance, primarily drawn to new experiences. There are many special places to visit, but there's nothing quite like Tenerife, with its vibrant nightlife, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals. It enjoys warm weather all year round due to its proximity to Ecuador. Travelling abroad means breaking free of your comfort zone as it exposes you to new and unfamiliar adventures. Throw being an introvert into the mix, and those experiences become more fascinating and challenging. If you're planning to spend your next trip eating fish and chips, you're missing out on a lot.

Instead of heading to a touristy area, stay away from the guidebook when travelling to Tenerife. Be up close and personal with your destination and actively engage in the local lifestyle. Getting most of your visit to Tenerife means acknowledging both ignorance and vulnerability – and that you need some help. The next time you take your travel abroad, get off the beaten track and utilise all available time living like a local. 

Come In January or February for The Carnival

From festivals and concerts to food fairs and exhibitions, there's always something happening in Tenerife. The carnival in Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, is the second-best celebration worldwide, but it has evolved with time to become the spectacle it's today. The rhythm, colour, luxury, flamboyance, and panorama make the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife the most "Brazilian" of Spanish carnivals. Book your accommodation near the capital, particularly if you travel by car. You can take a direct from London to Tenerife; the most popular travel provider that serves this trip is Ryanair. If you're departing from Heathrow, Heathrow airport parking is available to pre-book up to one year in advance. 

Going local requires you to sell your soul to the carnival gods. Many people dress up in amazing carnival costumes in the most varied themes, but you can wear whatever you want, so don't worry if you arrive unprepared. The central theme for the 2024 carnival will focus on the world of television. Even if each place has its own program, the ultimate parties and events occur in the cities. For example, Puerto de la Cruz throws a big, worthwhile party every year. A Queen is selected for the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife from several age groups. Crowning the Queen is the most popular event that's broadcast on TV.

Find Out the Best Local Way to Travel

You can enjoy a less stressful journey by ditching mass-tourist transit. Taxis or cars offer more independence and convenience, but public transportation offers far greater benefits. Buses, subways, trains, and other public vehicles make life easier for everyone. The Canary Islands is a fragile ecosystem, threatened by various factors, such as human pressure, excessive urbanisation, and the loss of soil and water erosion, to name a few. With a little bit of planning, you can reduce your carbon footprint. There are buses to almost every corner of Tenerife, so you'll encounter dozens of bright green guaguas. You can use the Titsa Ten+Movil app to make travelling more economical.
 

Book A Restaurant That's Impossible to Get in To

If you make informed choices, you can have a fine trip within a reasonable budget. It's easy to focus on the major expenses, such as airport parking. Unlike plane tickets, which vary wildly in price, airport parking is obstinately expensive. If you're flying out of Manchester, seek offsite Manchester airport parking to have peace of mind. Back on topic, you need a realistic budget for eating to constrain your costs down the road. Eating out at a restaurant is a costly activity, but you can spoil yourself for the hard work you've done this year. Go right ahead and book a reservation at one of Tenerife's most expensive restaurants.

Chances are you'll never get a table at El Rincón de Juan Carlos in Caleta, but that shouldn't stop you from trying. You can indulge in an authentic gourmet experience at the place run by the Padrón brothers (Juan Carlos and Jonathan), tucked away in central Los Gigantes. It may have tables booked for weeks in advance. At El Rincón de Juan Carlos, the focus is on traditional Canary Island recipes, such as toasted chicken coca with smoked eel and teriyaki mayonnaise and dried raspberry. The restaurant overlooks the Atlantic, not to mention that it has several Pili lamps that simulate clouds.
 

Dress However You Like, But Put in The Effort to Observe 

When it comes to your attire, anything goes on this sun-drenched island. Nevertheless, make sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, and other forms of sun protection because UVB rays cause sunburn, skin ageing, and even cancer. People generally wear T-shirts, shorts, and camisoles, but you can pack a smarter outfit for fancier places. Some of Tenerife's shores, dotted with sandy beaches, are reserved for nude sunbathing and skinny dipping, but it's respectful to cover a little when you're away from the sand. You should dress modestly when visiting religious buildings like chapels or churches rather than seek to garner attention.
 

Experience Ethical and Eco-Friendly Whale-Watching 

You can enjoy Tenerife's marine life by going on a whale-watching tour; you can even listen to the underwater residents on a hydrophone. With its one-of-a-kind population of pilot whales, all within a special area of conservation, Tenerife is a thriving whale-watching destination. The geographical area stems from the village of Las Galletas to that of Buenavista. Before you go whale watching, do your homework to understand how to be a responsible wildlife tourist. What you see on Instagram isn't the whole story, so become aware of the reality of life for the animals you meet.
 

Wrapping It Up

You'll have the best experience in Tenerife when you ditch your tourist hat and immerse yourself in the local way of life. As much as iconic sites are great to see, you should interact with the locals and seek off the beaten path gems.