Leaving the Canaries for Work or Study Abroad? Here’s how to build the cheapest route
For many young people in the Canary Islands, setting their sights on new horizons, whether for a job abroad or a university degree, is both exciting and daunting. Whether you're trading the beach breeze for London’s busy streets or heading east toward booming hubs like Dubai or Singapore, one major hurdle often stands in the way: finding a flight plan that doesn’t break the bank.
A smart trick that’s gaining popularity is building your journey step by step, rather than booking everything through a single airline. For instance, a Dubai to London flight is a key connector for many study-abroad or expat journeys, and combining it with a budget Canary Islands–London ticket often beats major airline packages.
Let’s break down how to craft a cheaper route from the Canaries to your new life abroad.
WHY BREAK UP YOUR JOURNEY?
Booking a single international ticket from the Canaries to, say, Australia or Malaysia can be expensive and inflexible. Airlines often bundle connections into one long itinerary, which may include unnecessary layovers or inflated prices.
On the other hand, modular travel booking, each leg separately, offers:
• Lower prices by mixing budget and full-service carriers.
• Flexible dates and stopovers.
• More choices in departure and arrival times.
For those heading to the UK, UAE, or Asia, building your route through major hubs like London or Dubai can unlock significant savings.
Step 1: Canary Islands to London – Your European Launchpad
Most budget long-haul itineraries start in London, and luckily, flights from the Canaries to London are abundant. Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air, and British Airways operate regular flights from Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote to several airports in London, including Gatwick, Stansted, and Heathrow.
Tips:
• Book well in advance, ideally three months or more.
• Be open to flexible days; mid-week departures are usually cheaper.
• Compare airport options; Stansted often has lower-cost flights than Luton.
Estimated cost: €40 to €120, depending on timing and baggage selection
Step 2: London to the UAE – A Gateway to Asia and Beyond
Dubai is a hub for many students heading to universities in Asia or professionals seeking opportunities in the Gulf job market. Several low-cost options connect London with the UAE at an affordable rate.
Wizz Air flies directly to Abu Dhabi (AUH), while carriers like Pegasus offer one-stop flights to Dubai (DXB) via Istanbul. Full-service carriers, such as Emirates or British Airways, also offer direct flights at higher prices but with better luggage allowances.
It's essential to note that Abu Dhabi is approximately a 75-minute bus ride from Dubai, so be sure to factor in this transfer time and cost when planning your layover.
Why stop in the UAE?
• No visa is required for short layovers for EU citizens holding a valid passport.
• It is a strategic transit point between Europe and Asia.
• Prices are typically lower than direct Europe–Asia routes.
Estimated cost: £150 to £250 for a one-way budget flight if booked early.
Step 3: Dubai to Your Final Destination
If you’re continuing east to destinations such as:
• India or Pakistan: Air India Express, IndiGo, and FlyDubai have regular budget routes.
• The Philippines: Cebu Pacific offers direct budget flights from Dubai. For other destinations, such as Singapore or Thailand, direct low-cost options from Dubai can be scarce. Always check airline route maps, as you may need to connect through another city to reach your destination. Verify the availability of each route before booking.
• Oceania: Look for deals to Perth or Melbourne via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.
Estimated cost to Asia: €150 to €300, depending on timing and destination
Example Itinerary Breakdown: Canary Islands to Manila
Let’s say María, a graduate from Las Palmas, is heading to the Philippines for a nursing job:
• Gran Canaria to London Stansted – Ryanair (€70).
• London Gatwick to Abu Dhabi – Wizz Air (€170) (Note: This itinerary requires a transfer across London between Stansted and Gatwick airports).
• Dubai to Manila – Cebu Pacific (€220).
Total potential cost: From €460.
This total represents a best-case scenario, likely found by booking months in advance during a sale and travelling with only hand luggage. A more typical budget for this self-built route might be closer to €600–€750, which still offers significant savings compared to a bundled ticket that could easily cost over €800.
Important Things to Watch Out For
• Layover Duration: Always give yourself plenty of time, at least 6 to 10 hours, between separate bookings in case of delays.
• Baggage Policies: Budget airlines often charge extra for luggage. Make sure to factor this in when comparing prices.
• Visas and Entry Requirements: Dubai generally allows EU passport holders visa-free short stays, however, always double-check the requirements for any country you transit through.
• Insurance: Because you’re building your route, standard airline protection may not apply between legs. Invest in comprehensive travel insurance that covers missed connections and cancellations.
Think Beyond the Ticket
Your journey abroad doesn’t have to start with a draining bill. With a bit of planning and a smart breakdown of your flight route, you can save hundreds of euros. Open a map, research each leg, and start piecing together your global adventure from the comfort of your own home.
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