Planning Your Trip
Make sure you have the necessary travel documents. You’ll need an up-to-date passport to enter and leave Goa, along with a valid Indian visa. You’ll also want to have your driver’s license (particularly if you plan on renting a car or motorbike) and bank card. It’s smart to make copies of your travel documents before leaving. Keep some at home and bring a couple with you just in case. Because it’s so humid in Goa, wrapping your travel papers in plastic wrap or sealing them in a plastic bag will prevent them from getting damp or ruined.
Visit during the months of November to January. This is peak tourist season in Goa because of the weather and cultural events. Just keep in mind that prices will be higher at this time. Avoid visiting in monsoon season (June to September) or in May and October when humidity and heat are most intense. Budget travelers should go during the months of February to April to enjoy nice weather without the expensive prices.
Fly into Dabolim Airport. There are charter flights from Europe to Dabolim. You can also catch a connecting flight from a major city in India (Mumbai or New Delhi both offer flights). Dabolim is only 18 miles (29 km) south of Goa’s capital, Panjim. You can take a taxi or bus there from the airport. Avoid price haggling by getting your taxi at the prepaid taxi counter.
Pack properly based on the weather and your itinerary. Check the forecast before you leave and bring appropriate clothing and footwear. You’ll want to have bug repellent, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants to avoid getting bitten.
Convert your money into rupees. Currently, 1 American dollar is equal to about 68 rupees. You can convert your money at an exchange booth at any international airport. You can also get a traveller’s cheque to take with you or use your bank card to withdraw rupees from an ATM. Not every place in Goa will accept credit cards. Those that do (mostly hotels and higher-end stores) typically take MasterCard or Visa. Keep some U.S. dollars with you in case of emergency.
Staying in Goa
Choose your accommodations well in advance. There are plenty of places to stay in Goa from upscale hotels and resorts to historic heritage homes. Whichever you decide on, reserve your room ahead of time as Goa is quickly becoming a hot tourist destination and places can get booked quickly. If you prefer an off-the-beaten-path experience, you can backpack in the countryside or rent a beach shack.
Get around Goa via motorbike. While you can rent a car or take a bus, one of the most popular - and most fun - ways to see Goa is by motorbike. If you don’t have the required international two-wheeler driver’s license, there are drivers who will taxi you around on the back of a bike.
Read up on local etiquette. Knowing what’s acceptable (and what’s not) in Goa can help make your trip less stressful. Tipping, for example, isn’t accepted so don’t try to slip your taxi driver a few bills. And if you’re negotiating prices at the market, be fair. Know that simply walking away is not insulting to the vendors either. Unlike most of the country, it’s okay to meat - even beef - in Goa. Remove your shoes and go barefoot in any holy buildings or shrines. If you aren’t sure how to act in a situation, watch what the locals are doing and follow suit.
Choosing Your Activities
Relax on one of the many beaches. Goa has 65 miles (105 km) of coastline so there are plenty of places to swim, ride a banana boat, surf, or parasail. The busiest beaches - Calangute, Vagator, and Anjuna - are located on the north end. For a quieter spot, head to Canacona in South Goa. Henna tattoo artists often stroll the beaches. These are temporary and a fun treat for tourists to participate in local culture.
Eat authentic Goan cuisine. If you love Indian food, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the options in Goa’s numerous villages and cities. Experiment with flavorful dishes like pork vindaloo or chicken cafreal. One of Goa’s most popular foods is fish thali, a piece of fried fish served with two types of curry, rice, and a pickle. You can’t go wrong with any of the fresh seafood caught off the coast of Goa, either. You’ll find everything from tuna to mussels to prawns to sushi on most restaurant menus. Always request bottled mineral water as some of the tap water may not be safe for drinking.
Explore local villages. Stroll through bustling open-air markets full of handmade crafts, street food, live music, and fresh produce. Colorful clothing or Tibetan jewelry make great souvenirs. One of the most famous markets in the state is the Anjuna Flea Market, held every Wednesday. Some of the best spices are grown on spice plantations in Goa so pick up a packet or two while you shop.
Experience the vibrant nightlife. Goa is renowned for its party scene. Head to the beach after dark and you’ll find plenty of drinks, dancing, and rave-style DJ beats. If you’re looking for the hottest nightclubs, you’ll want to hit up Tito's Road (a strip of dance clubs) in Baja Beach or one of the rooftop raves in Anjuna Beach.
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