Tips for First Time Travel to GOA

If you have been to Goa for several times, this post is not for you. You may read our other posts.  If visiting Goa as tourist for the first time, these tips are for you,

1.  Sunscreen

Don't forget to carry sunscreen. In case you do forget though, there are several pharmacies and shops where you can purchase one. Apply one before heading to beaches or pool in summers especially. Else be ready for a long lasting sun-tan.

2.  Shades/Cap

Do you have your shades and a hat or cap? No? Never fear- Pick up a pair of sunglasses in jazzy colors from one of the little roadside stalls. They are stylish, cheap and Trendy.

3.  Comfortable Footwear

Carry clothes and footwear that are appropriate to both the climate and the activities you have planned. Goan roads and footpaths are not always smooth. 

4.  Swimwear

Do Carry a Swimsuit, you wet it everywhere there too.

5.  No/Less Gold

Limit the amount of gold you carry and wear to the bare minimum. 

6.  No Drugs

Say NO to DRUGS. Cops and the Government is very strict. Don’t get into the mess.

5.  Cards

Don't carry huge wads of cash. A debit or credit card would definitely be a safer bet. 

6.  Be hydrated

Keep yourself hydrated with water, nimbu paani and other juices. Even if you are in a coastal town or village, the heat can sap your energy. 

7.  Local Drinks

If you do wish to sample the local varieties of liquor- feni and urrak- remember to limit the amount you drink. These two may taste smooth, but make no mistake- they are potent. 

8.  Lifeguard is for your safety

Always listen to the lifeguard. The calm waves might look inviting, but they could hide a current or a sudden depression. 

9.  Dietary constraints

In case you have dietary constraints, check with your waiter about the ingredients in whatever you want to order. 

10.  Book Train wisely

If you are going by train, catch a train that stops at Thivim if you are staying in North goa and Margao if you are staying in south Goa. This will save time plus travel cost majorly.

11.  Offline Maps

Google maps work perfect in goa, download an offline map without fail. You could get a map from your hotel too.

12.  Drink in Limit on Roads

Booze is cheap, try to drink in your limit, or cross it to a better limit till you can handle yourself.

13. Be Polite

Goan are gentle and polite people. Don’t get into unnecessary quarrel, not everybody is the same.

14.  Check your Bike

While you hire a bike or car. Check it before hiring. Click pictures of major dents and faults. It will help you avoiding arguments when you go back.

15.  Gas Stations

Petrol is cheap at the petrol pump. Try to fill it from a petrol pump rather than buying it from street vendor.

16.  Photo id

Make sure you take back your photo id from the Rent-a-Bike vendor.

The last point I want to mention in Bold, we go to Goa for its beauty – Keep Goa Clean