You'll find The Canaries very reasonable in prices compared to UK. They are tax free and duty free (cigarettes are very cheap �12 for 200). Eating out is very reasonable - I would'nt bother with half or full board at all. We have been going to Tenerife for 23 years and love it esp. Puerto de la Cruz in the North - we always go self catering -our choice. Booze is very cheap esp in the S-Markets - Bottle of Scotch �5. Don't be afraid to try the brands with the daft names - eg Highland Laddie !!. Wine - you can get a lovely bottle for less than �2, beer - Budwieser is 80c a tin in the S-Market - local\own brands even cheaper. Casual clothing, shoes, electrical goods, watches etc are all very cheap. We retired to Spain 3 years ago and go down to the Canaries about 3 times a year. Las Americas is really for youngsters (teens ) and you can get a bit of trouble in August - you might find The Costa Adeje up the left hand coast more suitable. The north is greener and more scenic than the south - there are some great drives up in the mountains. But if you intend to stay put - don't bother with a car - there's never any where to park (in any Spanish Town.) Taxis are readily available and are very resonable. Hope this helps.