Holiday in Goa - what to do there?

Any

Getleman, I also go on Trip advisor before I go anywhere, I only cannot do much search there other then the hotel.
Incapuppy you didn't post me a link in your first post noir in the second where you only tried to ridicule me (I can do that myself as I admitted I cannot do much searching), that is why I thought you were trying to get ridd off me.
Jcorbygas - that is why I am also here. Like in Gambia, what the agent recommends you to do and where to go is usually much more expensive then what other people with more courage then 2 young girls in foreign country paid for the trips when booked with locals. I am trying to find out whether anyone this couragable can recommend some shack where to book trips for lesser money then from agent or where the meals etc are cheap.
So yes, this is moneysaving website and I am trying to save money

MrsChips

Hello

The best place for any travel Info is Trip Advisor... I've been to Goa 4 times and i always use Trip Advisor Forums to get the latest information and to post my Trip reports. Any Question you ask is normally answered very quickly and by experienced travellers.

For Visa info use the following website www.hcilondon.net

In response to your question about Indian Men, you need to be aware that Indian Women are very reserved so if Indian Men see a group of young bikini clad girls then of course they are going to stare (because they are not used to seeing so much flesh on show). Dont go Topless on the beach, it's not allowed and will only attract unwanted attention. Just be wise and remember that your in a completely different country which has different customs so your bound to stand out a bit.

In addition I think that all Inclusive in Goa is a complete waste of money, its so cheap to eat and drink and there are so many good restaurants and bars to chose from. I stuggle to spend £250 over 2 weeks and thats eating out every day and night in the best restaurants. Even in the Top restaurants a 3 course meal and drinks is only £15-£20pp. The Food is excellent if you go to the right places (Avoid the beach shacks for meals because Health & Hygeine is not high on the agenda!).

Another Tip... Dont stay in one place, travel around, hire a taxi for the day (approx £8) and visit the quieter beaches in the North (Arambol & Mandrem) and spend a few nights in the South (Palolem Beach has Beach Huts ranging from £8-£20 per night). Dont book trips with a Rep, you'll save loads by doing it yourself.

Hope this helps, Enjoy Goa... Its a fantastic place

Incapuppy

Oh for goodness sake, I was not trying to ridicule you! :rolleyes:

I suggested you look at the Trip Advisor forums, to which you replied:

Any wrote: »

I have tried, but there is nowhere near as much info as there is for for example Gambia.
Also many of the reviews are very old.

I posted what I did as I was completely baffled (hence the use of this emoticon> ) as to why you appeared to be throwing my advice back in my face. As for not posting a link, I assume that if people are able to find their way onto here then they ought to be able to navigate their way around other user-friendly websites.

Any

I know, some very internet talented people always see everything very easy when some of us are quite glad we know how the internet icon looks like:-)
Have you been to Goa? Did you like it?

Any

Thank you MrsChips,
that is the link for Visa that says they are "outsourcing" Visa now. But I've never met anyone yet who didn't go straight to consulate.
I know we are not allowed to sunbathe topless, but when you say "too much flesh on show" how much is too much? What would you recommend to wear to the town? Will long skirt do, or shall I also have long sleeved Tshirt?

daveyjp

Just get yourself over there and enjoy. There's too much info on any internet forums to take most of it in and someone who loves something will be countered by someone who says it's a waste of money!

We managed all our India trips using a Rough Guide and Lonely Planet book.

My only tip is to catch a local bus at least once to Mapusa or Panjim - costs next to nothing and you'll have enough stories to bore your friends for a year!

You will be ripped off at least once!

Amy83

Hiya, I'm off to Goa in February...as well as tripadvisor have a look at www.indiamike.com, in particular the Goa part of the site - there's enough information on there to keep you busy til you go.

http://www.indiamike.com/india/goa-f23/

As far as what to wear goes, I think you'll be fine in a long skirt and a teeshirt...just dress conservatively and you won't go wrong. Have a fantastic time :j

whu

Any

Usually in an all inclusive hotel there is more than 1 restaurant and 1 in which you will have to pay extra to eat in - so make sure you find this out when you arrive so you dont get caught out
PS long skirt and t-shirt should be fine when you are out and about

kittykat23uk

Hiya,

I don't know what your interests are but I am aware that Goa is a fantastic area for birdwatching. As for Visas, I believe that the Indian embassy has once again stopped accepting postal visa applications so you need to use one of their agents. I haven't checked recently but you might still be able to get one by going there in person. However, last time we went to India (not Goa) my friend went in person but couldn't be seen on the day so she had to make two or three trips to get the visas sorted out.

In tems of being hassled, I don't know what it is like in Goa, but I'd say you could probably expect to be bothered a bit on the beaches by hawkers. When we were in India we often attracted local people who just stood and stared at us when we were out birding- this can be a bit disconcerting, but they are just curious and don't cause any harm. The indian kids we met were sometimes ok and sometimes a pain when they were begging for money. Our guide kept chasing them away!

In terms of currency, we changed ours when we got to Delhi and just used cash all the time we were there. Not sure how prevalant the ATMs or foreign exchange is in Goa but we were in less touristy areas.

MrsChips

Yeah, long skirt and Tshirt is fine but dont worry about wearing shorter skirts, shorts and vests etc I was just pointing out that the less you wear the more attention you attract, but really its just people starring. I have seen a few incidents where local men were taking pictures on the beach of girls in bikinis!! Dont let it put you off tho, goa is Amazing!!