Common travel challenges in Tenerife — and how to avoid them
Travelling to Tenerife with an elderly parent or relative is usually a fantastic experience — but like any trip, things don’t always go exactly to plan.
The difference is that small issues can feel much bigger when you’re away from home. The good news is that most of these situations are predictable — and avoidable.
Long and tiring travel days
The journey itself is often the most demanding part of the trip.
- ✈️ Early flights and long airport waits
- 🚶 Unexpected walking distances
- 🚗 Transfers that take longer than expected
How to avoid it: Plan for a slower pace and understand how airport assistance works when travelling to Tenerife so there are no surprises.
Accommodation that isn’t as accessible as expected
Photos don’t always tell the full story.
- 🏨 Hidden steps or steep access routes
- 🚿 Bathrooms that aren’t easy to use
- 🛗 Lack of lifts in smaller buildings
How to avoid it: Research carefully and check details — especially if mobility is a concern. It also helps to understand which areas of Tenerife are easiest to navigate before booking.
Doing too much, too quickly
It’s easy to try and make the most of every day — but this can quickly become exhausting.
- 📍 Too many activities planned
- 🌡 Heat combined with long days out
- 😴 Not enough rest time
How to avoid it: Keep plans simple and build in flexibility. A more relaxed approach often leads to a better experience.
Mobility challenges in unfamiliar places
Even accessible areas can feel different in practice.
- ⛰ Slopes and uneven surfaces
- 🚶 Longer walking distances than expected
- 🧭 Unfamiliar layouts
How to avoid it: Understanding common mobility mistakes travellers make can prevent many of these issues.
Not having help when you need it
Sometimes everything is fine — until suddenly it isn’t.
- ⚠️ Unexpected fatigue or illness
- 🧭 Getting disoriented
- 🤝 Needing an extra pair of hands
How to avoid it: Even if you don’t expect to need support, knowing it’s available can change how relaxed the trip feels. You can explore flexible support options in Tenerife before you travel.
A smoother, more relaxed trip
Most travel issues aren’t serious — they’re just inconvenient. With a bit of planning, they can usually be avoided entirely.
You can also read our complete Tenerife travel guide for older visitors for a full overview of planning your trip.
For official travel advice and general visitor information, the UK government’s guidance can also be useful:
UK travel advice for Spain.
If you’d like to talk through your plans, you can get in touch here.