Goa - feedback please

Pollycat

Mr_Wang wrote: »

I wonder how many people fly to Delhi and stay in just Delhi....;)

No idea - but I bet there aren't many UK companies selling packages to Delhi but there are quite a few that do packages to Goa - and I bet that, as a first-timer, that is what the OP has booked.

Of course, if he comes back and says he's only booked the flight he may wish to consider your suggestion, despite the recommendations for Goa that he's already had.

But if he has booked a package - and over the Xmas period which is very expendive - he'd have a lot to lose if he takes up your suggestion of Kerala.

natbags

We too are going to Goa at Xmas, and have been many times before at Xmas - its fabulous and an amazing experience we are a young family so no getting drunk, smoking weed etc... My only advice is to travel around (with a driver!) see the amazing places and form an opinion - its each to their own Which part are you travelling to?

Obviously_the_best

HOVIS_McHAGGIS wrote: »

1- Car hire
2- Places to see/avoid
3- Travel insurance
4- Possibility of retirement to a sunny/affordable country
5- Best company/travel agent to book with
6- Hints & tips from veteran Goa visitors

1. Get a taxi, driving in India is absolutely hopeless, and taxi drivers are incredibly cheap. Don't be afraid to haggle before you get in though, some can overcharge given a chance.
2. https://www.oinc.com
3. Don't retire to India at any cost. Canaries much better, less hassle.
4. Find hotel on Trivago. Book with the cheapest on Trivago or direct with the hotel, whatever is cheaper. Flights through https://www.skyscanner.net , use the whole month feature to see a graph of the cheapest days to fly. Book a transfer with https://www.suntransfers.com , it'll stop you getting ripped off by a taxi driver when you're tired and just got off of a plane.
5. Avoid touristy shops, they'll rip you off. Avoid getting into a taxi without haggling, they'll rip you off. Don't buy from a market or shop (unless reputable chain), they'll rip you off. Oh, and watch out for pick pockets. Basically all the usual precautions when going to India.

budgetflyer

Yes mr Wang, magnificent beaches is what I went in search of in Kerala. I just didn't find them in Kovalam. It is so built up, it even has a promenade. Our quickest routing from Goa to Trivandrum was 4 hours. A stop for passengers in Bangalore and change flight in Chennai. Kingfisher.

compare

Lighthouse beach Kovalam





and

Benaulim beach Goa

Pollycat

Obviously_the_best wrote: »

Get a taxi, driving in India is absolutely hopeless, and taxi drivers are incredibly cheap. Don't be afraid to haggle before you get in though, some can overcharge given a chance.

Taxis are cheaper than in the UK and for a full day out are good value but there are lots of threads on the Tripadvisor Goa forum about 'rip-off' taxi drivers, especially in the Baga/Calangute/Candolim strip.
We always use public transport to other resorts or towns.

Obviously_the_best wrote: »

www.oinc.com

Not sure how the above company compare but there are a number of companies - depending on your age/requirements - on this forum under 'Insurance'.

Obviously_the_best wrote: »

1. Find hotel on Trivago. Book with the cheapest on Trivago or direct with the hotel, whatever is cheaper. Flights through www.skyscanner.net , use the whole month feature to see a graph of the cheapest days to fly. Book a transfer with www.suntransfers.com , it'll stop you getting ripped off by a taxi driver when you're tired and just got off of a plane.

Do Suntransfers operate from Dabolim airport? It's not on the drop-down list.
There is a pre-paid taxi stand outside the airport where you pay there, get a chit and are assigned a driver.

Obviously_the_best wrote: »

1. Avoid touristy shops, they'll rip you off. Avoid getting into a taxi without haggling, they'll rip you off. Don't buy from a market or shop (unless reputable chain), they'll rip you off. Oh, and watch out for pick pockets. Basically all the usual precautions when going to India.

I've bought some really good, unique silver pieces in markets & shops in Goa and couldn't have bought anything similar here at double the price.

Likewise with gold.

I've not seen many chain stores in Goa.

Pick-pocketing may be an issue in markets (take the same care as you would anywhere) but the real problem, especially in BCC strip, is bag-snatching by thieves on scooters. Also discussed at length on TA.

Just noticed that although the OP says:

HOVIS_McHAGGIS wrote: »

We're off to Goa this Xmas.

he's asking for advice on who to book with so maybe he hasn't actually booked yet.

Christmas & New Year is always very busy in Goa so it's probably a good idea to get a move on before all the good flights and hotels get picked over.

gayleanne

To be quite truthful i would wait until the 7th of January prices then are half.

budgetflyer

To be truthful. I would love that too, but if you are involved with schools or many construction jobs, holidays are fixed and that is when everyone has to be back at work.

Bob_the_Saver

budgetflyer wrote: »

Y Our quickest routing from Goa to Trivandrum was 4 hours. A stop for passengers in Bangalore and change flight in Chennai. Kingfisher.

Sadly Kingfisher are long gone but Air India fly via Chennai I think.

HOVIS_McHAGGIS

To everyone who has posted a reply - especially Mr Bob the Saver. I am extremely grateful for anything that has been posted - a BIG "Thank You" to all involved.

HOVIS_McHAGGIS

Any help with advice on Mosquito repellent ?