The past few weeks have been, to put it lightly, chaotic. Between demanding jobs, family issues, and refereeing the endless arguments over who stole the last cookie, my husband and I have felt stretched to the absolute limit. Even though we managed to have a family holiday over the summer yes, that was a delightful blend of sunburns, early mornings, and “Are we there yet?” chants, we realised something crucial: we desperately needed a break. Just the two of us.
But here’s the kicker: we are parents to three energetic, adorable, yet completely exhausting children, both with demanding jobs, and December is looming. Finding time for even a weekend away feels like trying to spot a unicorn while juggling flaming torches. But after a lot of mental gymnastics and a few heated debates about whose turn it was to pick up the kids from football practice, we finally settled on a plan: a long weekend getaway end of November. Thursday to Sunday. Just enough time to recharge our batteries and still return home to loving (and slightly chaotic) children.
The Genius of Having My Sister in Charge
Before any parents start judging, let me clarify yes, our children will stay at home with my sister while we sneak away for a few days. And no, we’re not evil; it’s actually a win-win. The kids stay in their familiar environment, avoiding unnecessary stress, and we get a much-needed break.
My sister a superhero armed with snacks, patience, and an encyclopaedic knowledge of children’s TV shows will handle the chaos while we escape into blissful semi-adulthood.
Knowing the kids are safe makes the getaway feel infinitely more relaxing. We can enjoy ourselves without the nagging guilt of “Did we forget to pack something for little Anna?”
Choosing the Destination: Less Stress, More Fun
Choosing where to go was an adventure in itself. Our criteria were simple somewhere relaxing, not too far from home, kid-free, and ideally sunny because, honestly, November is depressing enough. Iceland was briefly considered, but the thought of freezing our toes off while attempting a “romantic stroll” didn’t scream relaxation.
Instead, we aimed for somewhere with a mix of comfort and convenience. With only three days away, travelling long hours would defeat the purpose. After some research, we narrowed it down to destinations reachable by short flights ‘Tenerife’. And, of course, we spent hours scrolling through On the Beach, LastMinute.com, and Trip.com to find options that fit our budget.
4-Star vs. 5-Star Dilemmas
We quickly realised that November, prices rise faster than my blood pressure trying to assemble IKEA furniture without instructions. Most 5-star hotels were prohibitively expensive, so we focused on 4-star properties instead.
One hotel that stood out was Hotel Las Águilas Tenerife, highly rated and offering great value:
Hotel Las Águilas Tenerife (Review)
✨ Rating: 4.0 (1,562 reviews)
🏆 Travellers’ Choice Award
#11 of 76 hotels in Puerto de la Cruz
Scores by category:
- Location: 3.9
- Rooms: 4.2
- Value: 4.0
- Cleanliness: 4.3
- Service: 4.2
- Sleep Quality: 4.1
This 4-star hotel sits at the top of a mountain, surrounded by 10,000 sqm of gardens with spectacular views over Puerto de la Cruz and the Orotava Valley. Suites include a separate bedroom and living room, a bathroom with Jacuzzi or shower, and spacious balconies overlooking either the sea or Mount Teide. Additional features include air conditioning, satellite TV, large beds, a refrigerator, and optional kitchenette access.
With three pools (including an adults-only option), entertainment for both adults and kids, free WiFi, tennis courts, and multilingual staff, it strikes a great balance between comfort and affordability. Definitely one for the shortlist.
Booking Flights and Hotel
We booked both the hotel and flights through LastMinute.com, which made the whole planning process much easier. LastMinute.com offered great deals, simplified our itinerary, and allowed us to handle everything in one place from flights to accommodations saving time and stress.
Packing for a Mini Escape
Packing for two adults without children should, in theory, be simple. In reality, it’s astounding how much you think you need for three days. But these strategies helped us:
• Pack light, but smart
• Choose one outfit for a fancy night out
• Bring essential travel gadgets (portable chargers, neck pillows, etc.)
• Accept that something will be forgotten and that’s okay
Travel Insurance & Transportation
Even for a short getaway, travel insurance is essential. It provides peace of mind in case of delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
Transportation we used
Welcome Pickups
Transportation we used
If you’re looking for a reliable and stress-free airport transfer service for your holiday, Welcome Pickups is one of the best options to recommend. They consistently receive excellent feedback for punctuality, professionalism, and overall comfort. Travellers appreciate knowing exactly who will pick them up, with driver details and contact information shared in advance, which removes the uncertainty that often comes with arriving in a new destination. Their cars are typically clean, spacious, and well-maintained, and drivers are known for being friendly, helpful, and able to assist with luggage, child seats, and local tips.
Another major advantage is their fixed-price model — no surprises, no haggling, and no worrying about surge pricing. The service is especially useful for families, couples, and first-time visitors to Tenerife who want a smooth start and end to their holiday. Welcome Pickups also monitors flight delays, so your driver adjusts timing automatically, making late arrivals far less stressful.
While no service is perfect, Welcome Pickups offers one of the most consistently dependable and comfortable transfer experiences. For holidaymakers wanting convenience, clear communication, and peace of mind, it’s a service that stands out — and it’s one we confidently recommend for Tenerife travellers.
Planning Activities: Quality Over Quantity
This mini-break is all about slowing down. We’re not trying to cram in every tourist attraction. Instead, we’re planning for long walks, good food, ocean views, and maybe even an afternoon nap.
If the weather turns bad? Netflix, snacks, and a cosy hotel room. That still counts as self-care.
Tips for Other Busy Parents Planning a Long Weekend
- Plan Early, But with Flexibility: December prices fluctuate, so browse multiple platforms.
- Get Travel Insurance: Protect your trip, even if it’s short.
- Arrange Reliable Childcare: Someone trusted — like a sister with superhero patience.
- Prioritise Rest: Leave space in your itinerary.
- Keep Humour Alive: Laugh through the chaos, the planning stress, and the unexpected moments.
The Psychological Benefits of a Short Escape
Even a three-day break can feel transformative. It allows you to mentally recharge, gain perspective, and restore your energy. By Sunday afternoon, you’re refreshed and ready to tackle family life and work demands again.
A little distance from the usual routine makes you appreciate home even more.
Hotel Highlights: Hotel Las Águilas Tenerife
- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (1,562 reviews)
- Travellers’ Choice Award
- #11 of 76 hotels in Puerto de la Cruz
- Location: 3.9 | Rooms: 4.2 | Value: 4.0 | Cleanliness: 4.3 | Service: 4.2 | Sleep Quality: 4.1
- Amenities: 3 pools, tennis courts, billiards, kids club, bar/lounge, free parking, free WiFi
- Room Features: Air conditioning, safe, balcony, hair dryer, whirlpool bath, kitchenette option
- Languages Spoken: English, French, Spanish, German
- Room Types: Ocean view, suites, family rooms, non-smoking rooms
If you’re thinking about a stress-free long weekend, we highly recommend checking out Hotel Las Águilas Tenerife. Booking both your flights and hotel through LastMinute.com made the trip seamless for us — and it could save you time, money, and hassle too.
