Goa - feedback please

2

Comments

  • Pollycat
    Pollycat Posts: 35,672 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Savvy Shopper!
    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
    natbags Posts: 285 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture
    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?
  • 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
    budgetflyer Posts: 5,949 Forumite
    edited 4 May 2013 at 8:02AM
    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

    great-view-from-ship.jpg

    20%20India%20-%20Kovalam%20Lighthouse%20Beach%20-%20Kerala.JPG

    and

    Benaulim beach Goa

    benaulim-apartment-indian-rentals-benaulim-beach-492147.jpg

    5647263156_5524549b30.jpg
  • Pollycat
    Pollycat Posts: 35,672 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Savvy Shopper!
    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.

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



    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.


    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:
    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
    gayleanne Posts: 330 Forumite
    To be quite truthful i would wait until the 7th of January prices then are half.
  • budgetflyer
    budgetflyer Posts: 5,949 Forumite
    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
    Bob_the_Saver Posts: 5,610 Forumite
    edited 5 May 2013 at 9:52AM
    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.
  • 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.
  • Any help with advice on Mosquito repellent ?
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