10 Travel Tips For First Time Visitors to Goa

A dream destination for many, Goa has a certain charm that allures one and all. Be it honeymooners, be it party revellers, be it families or be it solo travellers- everybody is smitten by Goa’s ethereal beauty. You yourself are here because a vacation in Goa is now your dream and since you would be visiting the state for the first time ever, you are in search of travel tips! Without further ado, here are 10 Goa travel tips for you:

1. Don't limit yourself to popular beaches:

With a massive coastline, there are plenty of beaches in Goa. Don’t just stick to the popular beaches like Calangute, Baga and Vagator. Explore the secluded ones as well. We recommend visiting Butterfly beach or the Kakolem beach or the Velsao beach. If you plan on spending an eternity on the beautiful Goa beaches, it is a good idea to invest in a high SPF sun screen.

Precautionary warning: In Goa, nudity on the beaches is forbidden and is a punishable offense.

2. Create a packing checklist:

Bathing suites/ beachwear, hats, goggles, flip-flops, plenty of summery clothes and an abundance of swag! Don’t pack a lot of bling and jewellery. And do pack a set or two of formal clothes in case you decide to visit top-class restaurants and lounges. If you intend on visiting the temples and churches of Goa, it is recommended that you carry some traditional or conservative clothing. Check out what not to wear in Goa to avoid embarrasement.

3.Travel off-season:

The peak tourist season in Goa is between October and January. This is when the beaches get extremely crowded, the hotel rooms cost a bomb and there are queues outside restaurants! If you really want to enjoy the serenity of the state, we suggest you travel off season. Afterall, your first time should be a memorable one!

4. Feel adrenalin pumping:

Goa is not just about the beaches and the parties. If you are an adventurous person, do check out the adrenalin pumping things to do in Goa. From dirt road bike riding to quad biking to parasailing, jet skiing and windsurfing, a visit to the state will leave you thrilled. You can also opt for kayaking, scuba diving and canyoning. 

5. Try Goan cuisine:

Goan cuisine is a rich amalgamation of traditional Konkani ingredients and Portuguese cooking styles and recipes. While in the state, do try out the various sinfully delicious dishes such as Chicken Cafreal, Goan Prawn Curry and Crab Xec Xec. Finish your meal with the tasty Bebinca as dessert.

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6. Don’t be fooled!

Be warned that you will be quoted ridiculously expensive prices everywhere you go, especially if you are a foreign national! Right from taxi drivers demanding more money than actually payable to shopkeepers selling a 10 bucks item for 100 bucks, you might be taken for a ride. And yet, due to currency conversion, the rates might seem cheap to you. But please don’t be fooled.

7. Keep yourself hydrated:

The Goan heat can sap your enthusiasm and energy. Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day by sipping on water, coconut water, nimbu paani (lemon water) and fruit juices.

8. Listen to the experts:

While exploring the beaches in Goa, please always listen to the lifeguards. Don’t ignore their warnings and break the rules. Although the waves on some beaches might look calm and inviting, they could be hiding under them a sudden depression or a strong current. This is a travel tip you can't afford to ignore.

9. Don't get 'spirited'!

A popular drink in Goa, Feni, is a spirit made from either cashew nuts or coconuts. You might wish to sample this local liqueur while on your trip but beware; it is a very potent drink and can get you high real quick!

10. Say no to drugs:

Being the party capital of India, you can very easily get drugs in Goa. But note that the official website of Goa tourism states that, ''possession and trade of drugs (hard or soft) is totally illegal in Goa. If caught in possession, 10 years rigorous imprisonment in jail and Rs. 10,000 in fine is your gift from the Goa Police. There is no bail for any drug offence, or any time off for good behaviour; you serve every day of the given sentence.”

As a saying goes, the tans will fade but the memories will last forever. All set to make your first ever trip to Goa a memorable one? Do let us know how your experience was.  

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