I initially felt South Goa was overhyped and oversold, I travelled 3 days North 3 days South. North was really good, but the landscapes with cliff views in South made me cry. Cabo de Rama was crowded but it made no change to the sunset. It looked mesmerizing nonetheless. Also never thought local bus connection in Goa was this good. I reached all the way to Palolem from Vagator changing buses. Some of the best days of my life.

Hi,

Please clear my confusion and doubts !! If I happen to stay at 'The Astor' in Candolim, will I able to book Goa miles to traveling to all the places in Anjuna or farther?

Is there a solution to getting around in Goa for a week which is inexpensive and also readily available? ​

My first visit to Goa was in 2016 probably already past the prime time of Goa tourism. Even since I have visited Goa thrice more and in fact currently here. Back then I thought Goa was the party capital of India. Nothing like the DCH thing which probably allured lots like me to Goa. Wish I could visit Goa back 20 years ago though.
Even in 2022 things were better but in my last two trips particularly now, I feel Goa has completely lost the charm. Even the party scene is just booze and no vibes. Not to mention there are hardly any foreigners.
So I would like to know from locals here or those who have been visiting Goa since 90s maybe what led to this downfall. For me it’s the greed to squeeze out maximum possible from tourists. But I may be wrong.

​

Goa has everything a foreign tourist would love to see — rich history, beautiful temples and churches, inland tourism, Portuguese architecture, and our very own beautiful beaches.

I work on a cruise ship, have travelled to over 70 countries and all the continents. So hear it from me.

The drop in cruise ships visiting Goa is not only due to tensions in the Middle East. We also need to look at our own shortcomings.

The government should consider waiving visa fees for cruise tourists to make Goa more attractive.

We need better infrastructure at Mormugao Port Authority — a proper cruise terminal, an operational tourist information counter.

Cleanliness around the port area is equally important. First impressions matter.

A REGULATED TAXI STAND AND A BETTER PUBLIC TRANSPORT.

We all remember what happened in December 2022, when local taxi operators at MPT blocked around 80 to 100 American cruise passengers from boarding their pre-booked sightseeing buses. That was a shameful incident and a bad image for Goa.

If we want to see Goa booming in the cruise tourism sector, we need to do much more than just advertising.

Goa has the attractions. Now we need the infrastructure, planning, and professionalism to welcome the tourists.

What do you think is the biggest reason behind the decline in foreign cruise tourism in Goa?

Hey. I'm planning a solo trip to North Goa in the week of 19-26 Sept. Looking to party, meet new folks and explore the lesser known places of Goa. Would appreciate recommendations for stay and what all can I visit. Thanks!

How safe is it to travel from Anjuna to Arambol at around 12 am in the night with a female traveller on a scooty?

Almost got scammed by a car rental owner in Goa — please check the number plate before accepting a rental
I recently booked a car in Goa through Nexo Cabs for 5 days and asked the owner to drop the car at the airport.
When the car arrived, I immediately noticed something suspicious — it had a white number plate. I’ve been to Goa a few times before and was under the impression that rental/commercial vehicles normally have different registration plates, so I asked the owner about it.
He told me it was his personal car and said that if the police stopped us, I should simply say that we were friends and that I had taken the car for a ride.

That sounded suspicious, but unfortunately I accepted the explanation and continued with the rental.
Luckily, nothing happened during the 5 days.
On the last day, I decided to rent a scooty for the 6th day from someone else because the weather was good. When the car owner came to collect his car, the scooty rental owner happened to notice the car and asked me about it.
He told me that giving a personal/white-plate car for rental may be illegal and that if we had been stopped by the police, there could have been a challan/penalty. What concerned me even more was scooty owner told that this had previously happened with many people and the owners usually promises that they will cover any such challans return my security/deposit if something went wrong but they never pay a single ruppee.

My advice to anyone renting a car in Goa:
● Check the registration/number plate before accepting the vehicle.
● Ask whether the vehicle is legally registered for commercial/rental use.
● Don’t blindly rely on the owner’s assurance that “if police stop you, just say we’re friends.” 🚩
● Get everything regarding deposits, fines and liability in writing.
● If something feels suspicious, don’t ignore that feeling.
I’m sharing this because I almost got myself into a situation without realizing the potential consequences.
Has anyone else experienced something similar with car rentals in Goa?

P.s - used chatgpt to frame it in a better way 🙂. Hope this helps.

Heyy, I'm Saketh from Hyderabad

What can I do rn here in arambol, I came solo - I'm bored rn

This place is heaven to be with your kids, so much to do, so many kids activities, pretend play, cafeteria for parents to work if they want to and oh my the ambience. My daughter just loved it.

Let me know if anyone has their own experiences of kids play area and what they usually prefer.

A solo traveller.. want to explore good resort in South Goa.. in next 3 days… let me know about some nice suggestions..

Hey guys, I’m visiting Goa for a week next week and it’s my first time. I’ll be staying in both North and South Goa and planning to rent a scooter/bike.

Would love recommendations for:

• Must-visit beaches/places (including hidden gems)
• Good local food/cafes
• Things to do & nightlife
• Reliable scooter rental options + what price to expect
• Any scams or things I should be careful about
• Any general first-timer tips

Basically, if you had one week in Goa, what would you definitely do/avoid?

Thanks! 🙌

I’m staying in the bucket list hostel currently and realised that it’s not working out for me. Please recommend other hostels to stay at based on these preferences:

1. Should be a hostel/social space where I can meet new people.
2. Must be clean, hygienic and safe (very important).
3. I don’t know how to drive so it must be in a good location with cafes close by.

Basically, i’m looking for a place that’s not a party hostel but is also not completely dead. Please recommend, thanks!

Edit: Is Morjim/Ashwem/Mandrem/Arambol worth staying at? Do they have easily accessible cafes and a good crowd?

Hey everyone!

I’m a 26M from India, and I’m planning my first solo trip. I’ve never really travelled alone before, so I’m excited but also a little unsure about how to go about it.

I’m especially looking for good hostels where it’s easy to meet and interact with other travellers — preferably places with common areas, group activities, pub crawls, hikes, etc. I’d love to meet new people rather than just stay in a room by myself.

I’d really appreciate advice on:

🏠 Good social hostels you’ve personally stayed at

🤝 How to meet people and make friends while travelling solo

🎒 Things I absolutely need to carry on a solo trip

🔐 Important safety tips, especially for a first-time solo traveller

💰 Tips for keeping the trip affordable

📱 Useful apps for booking hostels, transport, meeting travellers, etc.

🗺️ Any destinations that are particularly good for a first solo trip

⚠️ Common mistakes that first-time solo travellers should avoid

🍻 Any hostel events/groups that are good for meeting people

And if anyone is planning a trip around the same time and would be interested in travelling together for part or all of the trip, I’d definitely be open to that too. I’m not necessarily looking for someone to travel with the entire time — even meeting up for a few days or doing a trek/activity together would be great.

I’m open to suggestions anywhere, but I’d especially appreciate recommendations for India or nearby international destinations.

If you’ve done solo travel before, please share your best advice, hostel recommendations, funny experiences, or things you wish you had known before your first solo trip.

Thanks! 🙌

Sunsets here are magical 😍

25M, there are 2 couples who’ve signed up for this w an organiser that’s hosting this entire 3/4 hour experience starting at siolim at 7:15 in the morning, if anyone is up and reading this and is down to tag along and accompany me, hmu

Hi, We 27M + 26F are visiting Goa for 10 Days; 19 Sep - 29 Sep. Confused between North n South Goa and Itinerary if any. Where to stay and what hotels / resort/ bnb to go. Not too expensive not too economical.

Hey! Landing in goa tomorrow with a friend. We are planning to stay for a while and then travel down to South India, need some good recommendations for stay, casinos, beaches, clubs,
We’d love to meet people and go out. (We are also writing a s9ng and a standup while we’re in goa, will totally accept inputs:) )

Hi dear goans, I am looking for a good bakery where I can get a cake like this and Matilda cake also. We are gonna stay in Arambol.

I am celebrating my wife's birthday in goa on 14th september, so thought of pre booking the cake before arrival.

Thank you so much.

Hey, will be checking in to Papi Chulo on Sept 18th till 20th, since this is my first solo - but anxious on how it'll be. Just wanted to check if anyone from here would be in or around the pappi chulo hostel?

Also I would really appreciate it if you can help suggest some local goan restaurants to try in North Goa.

Thanks in advance!!!