Tenerife or Rome in Feb? Never been on a beach holiday before, a bit nervous

Posted 23rd Jan 2023

Hi all,

Me and my GF are looking to go on Holiday next month in Feb. At first, I had my heart on Amsterdam however the cold weather had put me off (we are now looking to go there in April)

My next option was Rome for a few days, I looked online and the weather is around 10C.

Now, my GF has offered the option of going Tenerife. I see the weather can be 25C even in Feb. I enjoy the warm weather (I get very cold hands) but I've never ever been to a sunny beach in my life.

The reason for this, is that I used to be an obese lad, but I've lost a lot of weight but have loose skin which still makes me look fat. I've not stepped in a swimming pool since primary school, and I've never ever taken off my shirt in public. I'll be honest, I'm absolutely terrified of taking my shirt off if I go Tenerife, and this is what's pushing me to Rome, so I can avoid the beach.

My question is, will Tenerife be THAT hot that it's shirt off weather, or will I be able to comfortably walk around in a T-shirt and shorts?

19 Comments

sorted by

23rd Jan
You may think your excess skin isn't nice, but you're never going to see those people again and everybody around you has their own personal problems too. Don't let it get in the way of a decision like this.

Tenerife will be very windy and slightly cold. If it was me i'd look at maybe Egypt or something as it's still going to be quite warm and you can stil explore lots of cool stuff if you're ok getting around.
23rd Jan
A lightweight T shirt will do fine. You will see many " larger " people doing the same. Don't be afraid just go and enjoy yourself.
23rd Jan
I'm 52 and never walked around with my top off on holiday in Florida or Tenerife. If you don't want to take your top off when swimming buy a swim top.
23rd Jan
Went to Tenerife in February year before last. It was lovely and hot. Enough for wearing a Tshirt and shorts. Lots of people choose not to go bare skinned. No one is judgemental. Be comfortable and just do what is best for you. When we went, I just finished chemo, so had no hair! Wore a hat for some of the time, rest of the time I just rocked the baldness. Didn’t really care what anyone thought.
Author
24th Jan
Thank you! Where in Tenerife did you go? Would you recommend it?
24th Jan
Tenerife doesn't need to be a beach holiday- there's other stuff to do and see. I went on a cycling holiday there in Feb 2013. It's a great time to go: a real treat to escape the British winter.

Some highlights: the spectacular Masca Valley; Mt. Teide, with its volcanic scenery; La Orotava, a charming old town; and the capital, Santa Cruz.
24th Jan
If you go to Tenerife you have nothing to worry about you'll always see a bald English man around 50+ years old with a fantastic tan and a beer belly so big he can rest his beer as well as all his families drinks on top of it. Go for it mate you won't regret it. Also you shouldn't care what others think as long as you're happy. (edited)
24th Jan
Tbh a beach holiday abroad is probably the best place to have a go and take your top off.
No one really bat's an eyelid, there are wobbly bodies all over.
Yes there will be some muscle bod prancing about but tbh no one will be looking at him either, old pensioners will have their boobs out around the pool, there will be old men boobs all over no one really judges on holiday. Folks will just be enjoying themselves.
Author
24th Jan
Thanks mate, I'm still in my late 20's and I've never been on a beach holiday. let alone take my shirt off in public. I am still overweight, with some lose skin fat rolls however I'm thinking life is too short to deprive myself of experiences like this. I've always said no in the past due to my insecurity . I am still on my weight loss journey. Never been on a water park before, and I'm just going to bite the bullet and go, because you always regret the things you never did in life.
24th Jan
I hear the north can be even better weather than the south in winter too.

I prefer the north as it just looks more pretty and is more laid back. But the beaches in the north are pretty rubbish. And just about all tours and things are in the south.

North is better if you like wondering around a more Spanish old feeling town and a more laid back relax holiday.

Whatever you do enjoy yourself it's very exciting going abroad for the first time. When your ears pop on the plane just yawn.
And enjoy the speed when the pilot gives it some beans on takeoff. Wheeeeeee
23rd Jan
A lightweight, thin short sleaved shirt would also be fine, then you can undo buttons as needed.
23rd Jan
It will be about 20c not 25c, t shirt weather.
23rd Jan
Tenerife and Rome are 2 different types of holiday TBF, if it’s history your after Rome it is, beach holiday would be Tenerife, just got back from Gran Canaria and the weather was pretty good tbh albeit a bit windy.

Ah just read all your original post…lol, don’t worry about not wearing ur top or wearing it all the time, feel comfortable in your skin, don’t be hard on yourself and get on with it, wearing a top all day won’t look odd In Tenerife cause it’s pretty windy most of the time (Canary Islands are) if u insist on wearing something. (edited)
23rd Jan
You can cover up on a beach. You don't have to walk around in Speedos and no top.
24th Jan
Go for it, don't worry what others think. I've been on lots of beach holidays. As monkeysuncle said, nobody cares, lots of larger people, both men and woman. Thin people, like me, who used to feel embarrased walking in shorts/swimming shorts. But I dont give a care anymore. You'll be suprised.
Hope you do it. Feel proud of youself.
24th Jan
Go to the beach, it's the best!

What if you draw attention to other body parts, I mean look at this

Good luck and have fun!