Goa - feedback please

Bob_the_Saver

HOVIS_McHAGGIS wrote: »

Any help with advice on Mosquito repellent ?

Odomos, buy it there 70p a tube.
http://www.dabur.com/en/media/logo/New%20Folder/Odomos-tube-&-carton.jpg

Electric plug in liquid things buy them there 90p for the plug in bit and a months bottle. (Replacement liquids 1p per day ish)
http://oneclick.com.mv/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Good-Knight-Machine.jpg

Mosquito coils about 40p per box, must admit I buy them in Malaysia now
because they're cheaper! (£4-5 in Europe!!!)
http://www.sumitomo-chem.co.uk/Portals/0/images/img_mos_coin.gif


Available basically everywhere in India.
Mosquitos more of a problem after the monsoon, for Goa that would be before Xmas rather than after, that's not to say they are not about.

budgetflyer

Buy a small bottle of Jungle Formula b4 you go, to cover you until you can get to a local shop. Then, buy the Odomos and plug ins as Bob says.

GOA is a Malaria zone, , but despite that,a lot of tourists don't bother, they are crazy imo, I strongly recommend you get Malaria tablets and make sure all your jags are up to date also.

Bob_the_Saver

budgetflyer wrote: »

Buy a small bottle of Jungle Formula b4 you go, to cover you until you can get to a local shop. Then, buy the Odomos and plug ins as Bob says.

GOA is a Malaria zone, , but despite that,a lot of tourists don't bother, they are crazy imo, I strongly recommend you get Malaria tablets and make sure all your jags are up to date also.

I agree

Malaria tablets for 6 months however would need to be discussed with your doctor, not usually recommended.

And I always make sure my Jag is up to date

aloktaunk

Hey friend !!
Youa re really gonna enjoy your goa trip. Your consideration pointers are good and imporatant.
1-Car hire : Yes its greta to hire a car or may be hire two wheelers which may give you the liberty to explore the wild roads !!
2- Places to see/avoid : Few of the most talked beaches such as Baga beach, Kolungud beach are must see. You amy also love seeing the fort.
3- Travel insurance : Please do get one. It cant be ignored. i generally trust over HDFC ergo for the same.

Best company/travel agent to book with : You may travel on your own, it may give you more liberty and freedom.
Enjoy !!

poipleshadow

Goa is either 'love it/hate it' experience but generally if you just forget about all the health and safety mumbo jumbo that people drill into you in the UK it is a lot of fun and has pretty much gorgeous weather for 5-6 months of the year. (Oct to March)

Christmas is the busiest time (especially in the North (Calangute, Baga, Candolim etc), if you like that sort of thing then it's good, if you don't then I'd head down south for a few days to get away from the madness.

Where abouts will you be staying?

places to see :

Do travel around, buses are a great way to see the sites, the buses are VERY cheap and noramally just travel to and from the main local towns so you can't normally go very wrong if you jump on the wrong bus. Mapusa market is interesting and bustling, Old Goa for the churches and things (if it's your sort of thing), Anjuna Market (Wednesdays) are interesting but will be VERY busy, it's open air so can get hot. Saturday Night markets are nicer as it's cool ikn the evenings, although it can be a bit hit and miss if they're on or not, although I am sure they will be over Christmas.

If it's your first trip to Goa then I would advice not to rent a car, the traffic does take a bit of getting used to and there will be frequent traffic jams with a car, bikes are much better at slicing through the traffic, but again I would avoid for your first trip to Goa, unless you're here for a month or more.

Travel Insurance I haven't got a clue about, although don't bring too many valuables, you don't need them. A visa bank card is normally good enough to get any money out of the cash machines, UK charges will obviously apply and SOME Indian banks charge although many don't (HDFC Do charge, AXIS and ICICI don't (last time I checked)). Good things to bring are a camera/camera phone as I am sure you'll get back to the UK saying "You won't believe what I saw in Goa Show handy photo you took"

Retirement is fine as long as you adhere to their visa requirements, generally speaking you will get a six month visa (which currently costs nearly £100 i think), accommodation is a decent price, but do search around as there are little gems out there at half the price!! Food and living costs are really good, a good meal and drinks cost just a few quid.

Best Travel Agent etc, normally I just search for weeks and wait till a price pops up that can't be beaten. I haven't booked a holiday for a while, although I heard there are some good deals around at the moment. Remember Christmas is their peak season and prices will reflect in this. If you can do other dates then try end of Nov, beginging of Dec as I would expect it to be a good deal cheaper.

Hints and Tips : Sit back and absorb with a glass of honey bee/coke or a nice cold beer!